The 10 Essential Oils for Autism

Sometimes referred to as olibanum, frankincense oil is taken from the resin of the Boswellia carterri or Boswellia sacara tree that commonly grows in Somalia. It has anti-bacterial, anti-tumor and anti-viral properties that can aid in the recovery from various illnesses such as respiratory infections, indigestion, arthritis, and joint pain. Research has shown that it can also help boost the immune system.

For children with autism or ADHD, frankincense oil benefits include helping them stay focused. It is also known to help reduce stress reactions and negative emotions.

Vetiver oil is obtained through the steam distillation of the roots of the vetiver plant (Chrysopogon zizanioides), a perennial grass that is native to India. It has antiseptic and antispasmodic properties that aid in the healing of wounds and scars and provide relief from all types of inflammation.

In 2001, a study conducted by Dr. Terry Friedman revealed that vetiver essential oil benefits children with ADHD. The oil’s relaxing and calming properties are said to help children combat symptoms of ADHD and ADD symptoms such as difficulty in concentrating, being easily distracted, and impatience.

Known for its woodsy and sweet smell, sandalwood oil is derived from the mature roots of the sandalwood tree through steam distillation. The more mature the tree is, the more potent the extracted essential oil would be.

One of the major sandalwood oil benefits is that it promotes mental clarity, especially when used with a diffuser. It also has a relaxing and calming effect that can be helpful for children with autism spectrum disorders. Apart from that, sandalwood is known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and anti-viral properties.

Like sandalwood and vetiver essential oils, cedarwood oil is extracted by steam-distilling pieces of the cedar wood tree. Major components of this essential oil include alpha-cedrene, beta-cedrene, cedrol, widdrol, and thujopsene. It can be used for treating eczema, hair loss, dry scalp, and the inflammation of the joints and tissues.

Cedarwood essential oil can also help children with autism and ADHD. It has calming and relaxing properties. Its scent promotes the release of serotonin, which is then converted into melatonin in the brain. This can help children enjoy peaceful and restorative sleep.

Throughout the centuries, lavender oil has been used by different civilizations for its medicinal properties. For instance, the Egyptians used it for mummification, while the Romans used it for bathing and cooking. Perhaps the most famous usage of all is when Mary Magdalene used it to anoint Jesus.

There are many lavender oil benefits. For starters, it has antioxidants that protect your body from illnesses. It also helps heal burns and wounds, alleviates headaches, and may be useful in the treatment of diabetes. It has a calming effect on children on the autism spectrum and can help improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety and emotional stress.

Mandarin essential oil has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Known to be the sweetest and most calming of all citrus essential oils, it is very mild and contains many healing properties.

It is useful for treating acne, reducing insomnia, managing gut issues like leaky gut syndrome, and may even help with the treatment of certain types of cancer, thanks to its anti-microbial anti-tumor properties. It is particularly useful for children because many kids are fond of its sweet, citrusy scent. It can also help reduce anxiety levels.

Aside from lavender, peppermint is perhaps one of the most versatile of all essential oils in the world. It is perfect for children with autism, ADHD, and ADD because it gives a cooling sensation and has a calming effect on the body. It is also known to help improve mental focus.

Peppermint essential oil also has anti-microbial properties that help freshen bad breath and heal digestive issues. It can also help relieve headaches, clear the respiratory tract, and soothe tight and tired muscles.

Ylang ylang essential oil is derived from the flower petals of the large ylang ylang tree (Cananga odorata), which are often found in tropical countries. This essential oil is quite popular for its sweet, floral scent. In fact, it is one of the key ingredients of Chanel No. 5.

As for its benefits, ylang ylang oil has effective sedative, anti-septic, anti-spasmodic, and anti-depressant properties. It has a positive effect on human emotions and can help increase the blood flow to certain parts of the body. It can relieve inflammation and help the function of cardiovascular and digestive systems.

Bergamot essential oil is extracted from the peel of the fruit of the bergamot plant through cold compression. It is often used to reduce pain caused by headaches and muscle tension. It has anti-bacterial properties that can help heal wounds and minimize marks on the skin.

Known as an excellent mood enhancer, bergamot is considered great essential oil for autism. It helps create a feeling of joy, freshness, and energy by helping improve the circulation of blood to different parts of the body. And at the same time, bergamot oil is considered a relaxant as it has a calming effect and can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

For nearly 5,000 years, chamomile has been used to treat various ailments. Whether in tea or in oil form, this ancient and versatile medicinal herb is rich in disease-fighting antioxidants such as terpenoids and flavonoids.

Chamomile essential oil is one of the best when it comes to fighting stress and anxiety. According to a study published on Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine and Pharmacognosy Review, inhaling chamomile vapors promotes relaxation and has a calming effect on people. Chamomile oil also has strong anti-inflammatory and pain reducing abilities and can help relieve congestion, strengthen the heart, improve digestion, and even fight cancer.

When you hear the words “essential oils,” one image that might pop into your mind is going to the spa for some much-needed relaxation. Essentials oils are sometimes associated with spas because they are often used by a massage therapist or masseuse during a therapy session. But did you know essential oils can be beneficial for children on the autism spectrum and kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well? Before we discuss the best essential oils for autism and ADHD, first let’s explore what they are and what they can do for our bodies.

When you hear the words “essential oils,” one image that might pop into your mind is going to the spa for some much-needed relaxation. Essentials oils are so...