Got ADHD?

I've read a lot about ADHD and essential oils.  I've also read many testimonials about the effectiveness, but have not had any experience with it since I do not have ADHD.  This is what Brain Balanced Achievement Centers says about essential oils and ADHD:

Essential Oils for ADHD Children

Specific essential oils for concentration that are believed to help children with ADHD include:

• Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile): soothes and comforts
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): calms and reduces anxiety
• Mandarin (Citrus reticulata): quiets, especially when combined with lavender

Here are some other essential oils that have been used with some success:

• Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata): sedates and calms the emotions
• Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides): calms, focuses the mind
• Frankincense (Boswellia frereana): supports the immune system
• Patchouli (Pogostemom cablin): soothes the nervous system

This is what Green living ladies.com says about essential oils and Hyperactivity, Focus and Attention:

Recommendations for Hyperactivity, Focus and Attention – Balance, clary sage, cedarwood, frankincense, lavender, rosemary, peppermint, lemon, Serenity, vetiver, ylang ylang and In Tune.

In Tune – This is a blend of essential oils carefully selected for their ability to enhance focus and support healthy thought processes.  

The oils amyris, patchouli, frankincense, lime, ylang ylang, sandalwood (Hawaiian) and Roman Chamomile were selected for their ability to enhance focus and support healthy thought processes. 

The technique for applying In Tune is to roll it up the spine and rub it on the triangle on two points at the base of the neck behind the ears, then massage it in. 

For Focus - Vetiver  Oil or Frankincense Oil carried with the child during the day can help them if they find themselves losing focus or needing to calm down.  Clay necklaces with the preferred oil or applying some oil to the area of the hand between the thumb and first finger allows an easy quick technique to inhale during a busy school day.

Vetiver – For improved concentration, apply vetiver to the feet, focusing on the big toe. You can also use a necklace with a pendant that will absorb the oil that can be smelled all day.

Roman chamomile and lavender can be used for hyperactivity. Diffuse the oil or apply it on the insides of the wrists or behind the ears.

Balance, Serenity, frankincense, lavender and ylang ylang –can all be used for frustration, impatience and anger.  Apply to feet, back of the neck, behind the knees and diffuse into the air.

Study -There was a case study published in the American Medical Association Journal by Dr. Terry Friedmann M.D. that found significant results when children who had previously been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD inhaled essential oils of vetiver, lavender and cedarwood.  

The inhalation of the oils proved to settle the children’s brain waves back into normal patterns and improved their scholastic performance and behavioral patterns. The final results were:

Lavender increased performance by 53%

Cedarwood increased performance by 83%

Vetiver increased performance by 100%

Memory/Concentration: The part of the brain responsible for interpreting aromas is closely tied to the part of the brain responsible for long term memory and emotions.  Studies have demonstrated the ability of essential oil aromas such as rosemary andpeppermint to help enhance memory and alertness in human trials.  

Try inhaling rosemary, peppermint, or frankincense when studying or learning; then inhale the same aroma when you need to recall the information.  Try diffusing lavender, lemon, or rosemary oils to help aid concentration.