Calming Autism Symptoms: Discover the Power of Essential Oils
If you're the parent of a child with autism, you know that finding ways to calm and soothe them can be a challenge. Traditional medications often have harsh side effects, and sometimes they don't even work. Introducing essential oils! Essential oils have been shown to be very effective in calming and soothing autism symptoms. In this blog post, we will discuss the best essential oils for autism and how they can help your child live a more comfortable life.
The Power of Essential Oils for Autism
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating autism, but many parents have found that essential oils can be a helpful addition to their child's care plan, with many health benefits. The use of essential oils for autism dates back to ancient times. Today, there is a growing body of scientific evidence that suggests that essential oils can be beneficial for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Essential oils are thought to work by affecting the limbic system, which is the part of the brain that controls emotions. In one study, children with ASD who were given aromatherapy massage showed improved social interactions and attention behavior (1).
Essential oils for autism can be used in a variety of ways, including diffusing them into the air, applying them topically to the skin, or adding them to baths. When using essential oils, it is important to use only pure, high-quality oils and to follow safety guidelines.
There are a variety of essential oils for autism, each with its own unique benefits. Continue reading to learn more about how essential oils can be used for autism and our top 11 recommended essential oils for autism.
We hope you find your favorite essential oil to help support your child or loved one with autism from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our team. BiohackingBeat may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we fund our research). Happy shopping!
Gya Labs Calming Vetiver Essential Oil
Vetiver is one of the best essential oils for autism, as it has a range of sedative and calming qualities that are invaluable. Vetiver oil can be used to greatly reduce emotional outbursts such as anger, anxiety, and hysteria along with steadying the nervous system and mitigating negative emotions. I highly recommend diluting vetiver oil with a carrier oil before applying it to the base of the neck and spine for maximum effectiveness. This simple yet powerful action will help ease any stress or tension felt in the body and bring a person back to harmony.
Cliganic USDA Organic Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense is a wonderful tool to support feelings of peace and relaxation. Supported by both traditional therapy and modern science, this oil works as an effective sedative, decreasing overwhelmed feelings of anger, stress, and anxiety. Frankincense oil also aids in calming the nervous system of autistic children by inducing deeper breathing and centering emotional energy within, making it one of the best essential oils for autism.
Gya Labs Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil
Kids with autism can have heightened sensitivities to sensory stimuli, especially in regards to their skin. They may be more sensitive to extreme temperatures and pollution particles that can be disruptive, leading to discomfort and even pain. Fortunately, Tea Tree oil provides a natural remedy for protecting delicate skin that is prone to sensitivity. By creating a protective layer on the skin, it helps insulate it from any external disturbances while also providing soothing properties with its added natural ingredients. Tea Tree oil has been proven to help alleviate some of the skin sensitivity issues faced by many children with Autism, opening up possibilities for improved comfort throughout their day-to-day life.
Note of Caution:
Tea Tree Oil is well-known for its amazing benefits, especially to those with autism spectrum disorder. However, keep in mind that the oil does have a strong odor. For those whose children are hypersensitive to smells, other essential oils such as lavender or rosemary may be more suitable. Different aromas can help provide relief from anxiety and stress; explore the list of other options to find one that better suits your family's needs!
Gya Labs Mandarin Essential Oil
Mandarin oil, with its sweet aroma and mild to medium properties, is a powerful citrus oil with roots in mainland China and is one of the favorite essential oils of many parents for easing symptoms of autism. It has shown promise as one of the best citrus essential oils in helping to ease the symptoms of autism and ADHD. Studies suggest that inhaling mandarin oil can produce a tranquility in children who struggle with sensory processing disorders. The calming effect of the oil not only helps reduce stress levels, but also helps to relax their nervous systems. Furthermore, research has indicated that aromatherapy can help regulate emotions. This evidence, when incorporated in therapeutic treatment for children on the autism spectrum, widens the source of support for these children and expands their treatment options.
Gya Labs Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood oil can be beneficial for children with ADHD and autism due to its ability to potentially help stimulate the pineal and pituitary glands. This may lead to improved focus, better sleep patterns, and increased melatonin levels. The body clock is closely linked to melatonin levels, and maintaining this cycle can help a child avoid becoming overwhelmed or anxious. As such, using cedarwood oil in combination with other approaches may be an effective way of supporting emotional well-being for those with autism and ADHD.
Cliganic USDA Organic Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint is an essential oil that has been known by mankind since ancient times for its distinct cooling properties, and it has been found to provide a calming effect on the body and mind. In particular, its calming nature makes it perfectly suited for children who have been diagnosed with ADD, ADHD or autism. It is also noted to help improve mental focus and concentration in individuals. Furthermore, peppermint oil can be used as a natural treatment to help reduce symptoms associated with said conditions, instead of relying solely on medications, making it one of the most widely known and highly valued oils in the world today.
Gya Labs Sandalwood Essential Oil
The unique properties of sandalwood oil, derived from matured roots of the sandalwood tree through steam distillation, makes it a powerful remedy for several issues. Its pleasant, woodsy scent is associated with relaxation and mental clarity. Furthermore, the major sandalwood oil benefits are due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antiviral properties, resulting in many health implications of this oil. Studies have also shown that sandalwood oil can be beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorders as well as those suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It helps them relax and increase their concentration levels by releasing serotonin and dopamine in their brains. Additionally, sandalwood is also known for reducing high blood pressure and providing relief from unidentified inflammations that can cause general discomfort.
Gya Labs Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang-Ylang oil has been found to be helpful for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). While it may not alleviate any of the direct symptoms associated with these conditions, it offers numerous benefits that can help manage some of their accompanying issues. For example, Ylang-Ylang helps to increase blood flow throughout the body, lower blood pressure in those affected by hypertension, reducing the risks of septic infections, combat feelings of depression, and provide relief from gastrointestinal problems. It is no wonder that this remarkable substance is gaining wider acceptance as a form of therapy for living life with mental health disorders.
Gya Labs Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot oil is an extract of the bergamot fruit peel and is manufactured using the cold compression technique. It is renowned for its multiple benefits, with its antibacterial properties helping in wound healing and reducing dark marks on skin. Moreover, it is commonly seen as a natural relaxant with the ability to improve blood circulation. Its sweet fragrance can act as a stimulating agent for those with sensory seeking behaviours and provide them with sensory relief. Notably, Bergamot oil has excellent mood-enhancing properties and is considered to be one of the best essential oils for children with autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil needs no introduction, as its medicinal properties have been lauded for centuries. In fact, the plant and its essential oils have made appearances in many societies throughout history - Romans used it for cooking and bathing, and Ancient Egyptians even utilized it during mummification processes. In modern times, Lavender oil can bring great benefit to children diagnosed with either Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This ancient oil has been proven to improve sleep quality, reduce feelings of anxiety, and help combat emotional stress in children struggling with neurodevelopmental disorders. Ultimately, this natural remedy has the potential to make a considerable difference in their lives.
Gya Labs Organic German Chamomile Essential Oil
hamomile oil is an ancient medicinal herb is renowned for its disease-fighting properties, particularly in the management and relief of anxiety, stress, and muscle tension. Chamomile essential oil may also be beneficial in helping with autism and ADHD. Studies suggest that the oil extracted from these herbs can reduce hyperactivity and hypertension as well as decrease the frequency of meltdowns. However, it is important to note that more research needs to be done on chamomile oil, as findings can vary among individuals. Nonetheless, chamomile essential oil is an effective remedy available for those seeking natural treatments for mental health issues such as autism or ADHD.
FAQs
What is autism?
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication and social interaction. It usually appears during the first three years of life.
There is no single cause for autism, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some researchers believe that exposure to pesticides, smoke, and other toxins may increase the risk of autism.
Autism can vary in severity from person to person. Some people with autism are able to live relatively normal lives, while others require lifelong care and support.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are natural oils that are distilled from the leaves, flowers, bark, or other parts of plants. They have a variety of uses, from aromatherapy to skin care to cleaning products.
The benefits of essential oils come from their unique chemical composition. Each oil has a different mix of compounds that can provide different benefits. For example, some essential oils are anti-inflammatory, while others are antiseptic or antiviral.
The best way to use essential oils is to find out what they can do for you and then experiment with them. There are many resources available online and in stores that can help you get started.
What are the general benefits of essential oils?
Essential oils provide a range of benefits, including reducing stress, improving sleep, and boosting energy. Additionally, they can be used to support the immune system, improve moods, promote circulation, and maintain overall health.
What should you look for when choosing an essential oil?
Not all essential oils are created equally. It is important if you are planning to incorporate essential oils into your and your child's daily routines to consider the purity and quality of the oils that you are using.
When choosing essential oils, it is important to choose pure essential oil extracts that are organic. Some other things to look for include the country of origin, the extraction method, and the distillation method.
When choosing an essential oil, it is important to consider the oil's country of origin. Some countries have stricter regulations than others when it comes to producing essential oils. It is also important to consider the extraction method used to produce the oil. Some methods are more gentle than others. The distillation method should also be considered, as some methods produce a higher quality oil than others.
How can essential oils be used for autistic individuals?
Many parents have successfully used essential oils with their children and have reported that these substances can be absorbed into major blood vessels within 30 seconds. A recommended course for application is three times per day, but you may find that this works itself down to just once or twice if desired as you watch for results. Alternatively, should your child be sensitive to direct application of the oil, an essential oil diffuser is an excellent way for them to inhale the aroma of the oil without any negative reactions.
What are some safety tips for using essential oils in autistic individuals?
Essential oils offer numerous benefits to both adults and children, but they require a bit of caution when it comes to younger family members. If your child is especially sensitive to scents, then essential oils may not be the best choice for you. When you buy essential oils, carefully consider which scents your child finds pleasing, as some can be too intense for those with greater sensory sensitivity and cause stress reactions.
It is important to make sure you use pure essential oils and to dilute essential oils in a carrier oil such as coconut oil or vegetable oil. Carrier oils improve safety, especially when using the essential oils topically, and potentially reduce the intensity of the scent for a more pleasurable experience. A small amount of essential oil can go a long way, so start with just a few drops and increase as needed. Taking these steps will help ensure that your child can enjoy all the benefits of essential oils in a safe way.
If you're considering using a particular essential oil for your child's autism, be sure to talk to your child's doctor first. While these oils are generally safe, they can cause allergic reactions in some people.
DIY Essential Oil Blend to Ease Autism Symptoms
Essential oil blends can amplify the power of essential oils in mitigating symptoms.
Ingredients
- Blood orange oil
- Frankincense oil
- Carrier oil (e.g., fractionated coconut oil)
- 10-mL glass roller bottle
Directions
Add 2-3 drops of each essential oil to the roller bottle, and fill the remainder of the bottle with the carrier oil. Push the roller cap on, and blend the oils together by rolling the bottle in your hands. This oil blend can be applied to the neck, arms, wrists, or bottom of the feet. If you don't see benefits, you can gradually increase the number of drops of essential oils.
Final Thoughts
We hope our review has armed you with the information you need to decide what essential oil(s) may be best suited for supporting your child or loved one with autism. Tap the product links above to check prices and find the best essential oil for you. We hope you achieve success in symptom reduction, and thanks for reading!
Citations
[1] Solomons, Steve. "Using aromatherapy massage to increase shared attention behaviours in children with autistic spectrum disorders and severe learning difficulties." British Journal of Special Education 32.3 (2005): 127-137.
