THE ROLE OF

ESSENTIAL OILS
IN THE
Heather Godfrey BSc,
E-mail:
TREATMENT AND
dawndulac@netscapeonline.co.uk
MANAGEMENT
OF ATTENTION
DEFICIT
HYPERACTIVE
DISORDER

HEATHER GODFREY

This paper reflects the results of a qualitative study recently undertaken by

the author, in which the consequences of attention deficit hyperactive
disorder (ADHD) and the validity of employing essential oils as a
complementary therapy to assist in its management were explored. The
original study involved six semi-structured interviews with the parents of
boys aged 1 l-14 years. The subjects attended Wennington Hall (EBD)
School, having been Statemented as presenting with emotional and
behavioural difficulties, in particular, ADHD: (section 168 of the Education
Act 1993 and the Education (Special Educational Needs) Regulation 1994).
A literature search was conducted and experts in the field of aromatherapy
were questioned.
Based on the results of this project, a synthesis of research, opinion
and experience has been presented here: first exploring the aetiology and
consequences of ADHD; then discussing the use of essential oils within
this context. The author concluded that essential oils could have a valid
role in the management of ADHD, and presented the results gleaned
from her research study and personal experience with the intention of
assisting fellow professional aromatherapists, parents, teachers, carers
and potential researchers. 0 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd

included a survey, involving semi- aromatherapists and essential oil

structured interviews, of six parents experts.
his paper aims to reflect the

T
with adolescent sons, aged 11-14 Providing an overview of ADHD, I
findings of a recent research years, who have been Statemented propose to synthesise research, opinion
project undertaken by the (section 168 of the Education Act and experience to give the unfamiliar
author, which explored the use of 1993 and the Education (Special reader an insightful background
essential oils as a viable complemen- Educational Needs) Regulation 1994) regarding its aetiology and conse-
tary treatment and/or management as presenting behavioural difficulties, quence. Exploration and discussion
strategy for the symptoms and co- in particular ADHD; a review of cur- regarding the use of essential oils in
morbidities of attention deficit hyper- rent literature and research findings; this context will then be pursued.
active disorder (ADHD). The project and the experiences of professional
 premature birth have been implicated. Beckley (1999) state:
ADHD is a term coined by the
Research shows that collectively, these
American Psychiatric Association The neurotrunsmitters that operate in
factors may be implicated in approxi-
(1994) (DSM-IV), and is the label most the ji-ontal area of the brain are pre-
mately 204 of reported incidences of
commonly referred to. Hyperkinetic dominantly dopamine and norepi-
ALU)HD (see for instance Barkley, 1998).
disorder is the term, with a similar n@hrine. It is the biochemical system
In spite of this, neural-imaging studies
implication, used by British Psychiatrists that is affected, this is not a di,xorder
have provided evidence that brain rlnnz-
(ICD-10) (Munden & Arcelus, 1999). vzvol-c&g any damage to the brain.
qe, which would produce ADHD-like
ADHD is usually present with other Rather the brain is intact,@ not able
symptoms, is not present in the actual
similar learning disorders, especially to work to zt’s potential.
disorder of ADHD. These studies,
those that fall under the dyslexic
though, have apparently indicated that
Research suggests that this defi-
‘umbrella’ and other behavioural dis-
some individuals with ADHD may ciency state or biochemical imbalance
orders such as Oppositional Defiant
exhibit ‘abnormalities’ in the develop- within the dopaminergic system, espe-
Disorder, Conduct Disorder and
ment of specific brain regions, particu- cially a deficit of dopamine trans-
Autism (Cooper & Bilton, 1999). Some
larly the striatal regions, the area of the porter, may also result in high levels of
traits may overlap with others, which
brain which controls behaviour and novelty seeking (see for instance Gerra
can complicate diagnosis.
movement (Pdule et al., 2000). Other et al., 2000).
ADHD is reported to affect
researchers claim to have found subtle
between 4 and 20% of school age chil-
structural ‘abnormalities’ which sug- Novelty seeking is a personality dimen-
dren, with boys tending to outnumber
gested that the brains of ADHD subjects sion defined ax a compulsive need j&
girls 3 : 1 or according to some studies
were more symmetrical compared to varied, novel and complex sensations
10: 1 (Munden & Arcelus, 1999).
those of a matched control group with the willingness to take physical
Official fi<gures vary, but this may serve
(Castellanos, 1996). So far, however, this and social risky .for the sake of such
to accentuate the complexities under-
research has nor been able to prove con- exprrience.
pinning the disorder, variations in
clu5ively that there is a general direct
parameters of measurement and the Observing behavioural traits, cognitive
correlation between such brain abnor-
diversity of professional opinion. researchers assume that there are four
malities and ADHD.
A variety of labels have been executive functions ‘down’ or impaired
The strongest evidence produced
applied to this ‘disorder’ or ‘condition’ in ALIHD (Cooper 8e Bilton, 1999).
50 far appears to be in genetic
since George Still wrote on the subject in l‘hese are:
research, which has provided evidence
the I.ancet during 1902. For example,
for a potential link between WHD lmpairmenr of working memory -
labels used have included terms like
and ‘unusual’ brain development, ev- this makes it difficult for individu-
‘minimal brain dysfunction’, ‘brain-
dented in twin studies (Faraone & al5 to retain and manipulate
injured child syndrome’, ‘hyperkinetic
Biederman, 1998). This line of information for purposes of
reaction of childhood’ and ‘hyperactive
research has identified certain gene appraisal and planning.
child syndrome’ (Barkley, 1998). A num-
differences and a strong inheritable The function of internalised
ber of posrulations relating 1o its cause
tendency in ADHD subjects, particu- speech - here the consequences
have been forwarded, and biomedical
larly affecting the dopamine D4 recep- and implications of impulses are
researchers, assuming that ADHD is an
tor, dopamine D, receptor and the weighed up and discussed inter-
abnormality or dysfunction, continue
dopamine transporter gene (Mugalia nally in most people, which allows
their exploration for possible causes in a
et al., 2000). Noradrenalin (norepi- for self-control and discipline.
bid to find a ‘cure’. Meanwhile, there
nephrine) and dopamine control However, this process appears to
remains much speculation and debate
attention and hyperactivity; low levels be inhibited or lacking in ADHD
in the absence of conclusive evidence.
may be experienced as restless bore- individuals.
A link between damage or injury to
dom. Serotonin is implicated in Motivational appraisal - this facet
the frontal lobes of the brain, as well as
depression. aggi-ession, disturbed of internal deliberation enables
damage caused by toxin exposure, and
sleep patterns, impulsivity and anxiety, decisions to be made by providing
ADHD-like behaviour or symptoms has
Low levels may induce suicidal or vio- information about emotional asso-
been postulated. Other factors such as
lent thoughts (Gallahar, 2001). ciations generated by an impulse
 and the extent to which the their thought processes or distractions IDexedrine) is increasingly the treat-
impulse is likely to produce desir- From ‘outside’, noises or images, which nent of choice (Perry 8e Kuperman,
able outcomes. may impinge upon their attention. 2000). ‘Phere is concern that medica-
4. Reconstitution or behavioural Diet has also been implicated as a ion is becoming oversubscribed and
synthesis - this function enables cause for hyperactivity and ADHD-like Inappropriately used by some physi-
the planning of new and appro- symptoms (Feingold, 2001; Murray & :ians (Miller, 1999). Others suggest
priate behaviours. Pizzorno, 1999). Feingold (2001) for :hat pharmacological intervention,
Example, found that hyperactivity was ,vith or without psychosocial interven-
Others hypothesise that, while neural- reduced in some 55% of cases when tion, is a superior course of treatment
imaging shows activity in unexpected certain foods containing artificial to psychosocial interventions or stan-
areas of the brain and less in expected colours, flavourings, preservatives and dard community care alone (Paule
areas, such as the prefrontal cortex and natural salicylates were excluded from :t al., 2000). Medication is apparently
straitum, this may not necessarily be the diet. The specific vitamin and min- dimed at reducing hyperactivity and
entirely due to deficit or abnormal eral intake, e.g. vitamins B (all) C, D, increasing concentration; however, the
function (Gallahar, 2001). They suggest E, and magnesium, iron, essential fatty side effects experienced by some of the
that ADHD individuals naturally ‘think acids, potassium and zinc were balanced recipients, such as bedwetting, loss of
differently, using parts of the brain use- and in some instances increased at the weight, slowed growth and sleep dis-
ful to eliciting spontaneous responses same time (Feingold, 2001; Sharon, turbances, can be unpleasant
in the way that helped our ancestors 1998). These measures have been (Zimmerman, 1998). This author found
remain alert to their environment and shown to significantly reduce hyperac- that among those parents surveyed
survive the threat of physical danger, tivity where ADHD-like symptoms were whose sons took methylphenidate,
and intrinsically assisted in their search present, and improve concentration. 75% expressed concern about the
for food. The frontal region of the However, this type of exclusiotiinclu- long-term consequences and side
brain is the most recent part to develop sion regime has not been shown to effect of taking medication. One par-
(relatively speaking), and accommo- ‘cure’ the underlying symptoms of ent said that she recognised that her
dates the type of abstract thought those with ‘true’ ADHD. The parents son’s medication was not a ‘cure’, and
processes engaged by modern industri- interviewed by the author confirmed questioned the ethics of her own
alisediintellectual human beings. that an exclusion diet quelled their dependency on being able to adminis-
According to Gallahar (ZOOl), the areas son’s hyperactivity to a certain degree ter his medication when she could no
of the brain that ‘ADHDers engage only. These results, though, indicate longer cope with his hyperactivity.
correspond with sensual, intuitive feel- that sensitivities and allergies to foods Another parent said that her son
ings and responses. This is not to sug- and non-food substances and an seemed to benefit from taking medica-
gest that ‘ADHDers’ are less intelligent, unbalanced diet might present a con- tion because it improved his concen-
however. In fact, many ‘ADHDers have tributory factor and/or co-related fea- tration. There appears, however, some
been found to score within the average ture of ADHD, which may aggravate or concern that medication could become
to above average IQ scales when tested exasperate the underlying symptoms. a convenient ‘chemical cash’ (Wilson,
(Gallahar, 2001). But what does all this mean for 1999).
Parallel with this line of thinking, the ADHD individual? The ADHD individual appears to
a correlation between ADHD and be spontaneous and reactive to their
creativity and sensitivity is also postu- environment and to sensory stimuli.
lated (Grammond, 1995). This hypoth- They appear to be constantly physi-
esis purports that those who exhibit ADHD is a vivid, obvious and challeng- cally active and restless, unable to
mixed brain dominance, or anomalies, ing condition for the affected individual remain seated or in one position for
may also display remarkable creative and for those in their orbit. This ‘disor- any length of time, often fidgeting or
talents, suggesting that those with der’ appears to present enormous social ‘playing’ with objects when forced to sit
ADHD may have a greater abundance difficulty in a society that is apparently still - tapping feet or fingers, playing
of spontaneous, creative thoughts, and driven (almost obsessively) by a need with pens, doodling when listening.
consequently more internal distraction for control and order, so much so that Some ADHD individuals argue that
from fleeting sensory input. Equally, medication such as methylphenidate this behaviour actually helps them to
they may have less command over (Ritalin) 01 dextramphetamine concentrate because it channels their
restless energy while they focus atten- these behavrours can become annoy- ) anxiety, frustration, even anger - held 1
I...’
tion (Hallowell, 1992). Unfortunately, ing and frustrating. ‘l‘hese traits may together by the delicate thread of their
this fidgety behaviour may be irritating also be interpreted as defiance or as individual uniqueness.
to others and may be a source of distur- oppositional, particularly as ADHD How might essential oils influence
bance, or may even be interpreted sim- individuals have difficulty sticking to the multi-faceted consequences of
ply as inattention. ADHD individuals act the usual ‘rules’, driven by their spon- ADHD?
as they think, often interrupting others, taneity and apparent inability to think
butting into conversations or blurting things through before acting.
out answers or statements. This behav- Consequently, ADHD individuals may
iour is also explained as a response to feel misunderstood and alienated, hav- Unfortunately, as a consequence of her
short-term memory inadequacy, where ing difftculty maintaining friendships, research, the author has found that the
information or questions are quickly for- and upsetting people with outspoken, use of essential oils in connection with
gotten if they are not responded to thoughtless comments (Cooper & ADHD is understudied, even though
immediately. Unfortunately, these Bilton, 1999). A sense of isolation, of there is evidence to suggest a signifi-
behaviour traits may be regarded as not fitting in, of being different, leads cant connection between mood, emo-
rude and/or anti-social. to obvious psychological challenges. tion, behaviour and neural activity
The ADHD individual often shifts Depending on the maturity or charac- (Sorensen, 2000; Herz, 1999; Degel,
from one task or object to the next ter or familial stability of the ADHD 1999; Robin, 2000). Sorensen (2001)
before one is completed. This gives the individual, this will have an impact on has investigated the hormonal activity
outward impression that they are their self-esteem and confidence, and of fitex ugnus castus, finding that iden-
chaotic, disorganised and messy, but may lead to feelings of depression and tified (and unidentified) diterpenes
often, left to their own devices, some anxiety (Cooper & Bilton, 1999). with pharmacological dopaminergic
ADHD individuals manage to multi ADHD individuals appear to be easily activity act as dopaminergic agonists,
task well and will complete tasks or frustrated and are often argumentative especially affecting the D2 receptors
assignments in their own time and and/or volatile, especially when they are (Sorensen, 2000). Genetic research
order (Hallowell, 1992). Others find denied immediate access to something (mentioned previously) has established
that staying ‘on task or completing they want, which, unfortunately, tends a link between ADHD and inheritable
projects is overruled by their inner lack to alienate them even further from dopaminergic deficiencies, particularly
of sustainable attention or in some those around them. dopamine D2 and D, and dopamine
cases, boredom. Some ADHD individu- ‘lb summarise 50 far, the ADHD receptors. Synthesising these individ-
als engage in daring or risky activities individual may have a poor sense of ual findings suggests that L&x agnus
because they have not deliberated time, with a short-term memory de& castus essential oil may be potentially
about the consequences, they ‘just do ciency that renders them forgetful, and of benefit for ADHD, and the author
it’. ADHD individuals do not seem to an inability to ‘stop and think’ which believes indicates .justification for
have a sense of time, which further makes them appear reckless. They further research in this area.
impinges on their apparent inability to may be sensitive, even over-sensitive, Tisserand (2001) recommended
be organised, often forgetting dead- to their environment. They may be to the author that essential oils of nut-
lines and important dates and arriving potentially unable to control or switch meg, lavender, rosemary, peppermint
late for appointments. This inability to off from the stimulation of sensory and eucalyptus might also be of bene-
fit in with an ordered, ‘clockwork envi- input: images, colours, sounds and fit due to their cephalic stimulating
ronment causes obvious problems. movement. They may be easily dis- activity. However, Tisserand also
Unfortunately, to the observer these tracted (or over-focused) by their inter- pointed out, due to the potential for
behavioural traits appear undisci- nal thought process, yet conversely such traits as sensitivity and epilepsy
plined and chaotic, and are not always they may act and speak spontaneously found amongst ADHD individuals,
conducive to discipline in circum- without the internal deliberation that that rosemary and peppermint oils
stances where control and uniformity is enables a person to stop or to with- might be regarded with caution, and if
necessary, one instance being in school. draw. A ‘multi-coloured bouquet’ with used, administered in low doses (Fig. 2).
For those who do not relate to the blooms of creativity, ideas, fast think- The parent of an autistic child reported
traits of ADHD, or understand that ing, fast talking, energetic enthusiasm - to the author that they massaged
such traits are often not deliberate, interspersed with sprays of depression, essential oils of eucalyptus, geranium,
1 lavender and peppermint into the concluded that: I As mentioned previously, 1
soles of his son’s feet with significant Feingold (2001) found a relationship
benefit, stating that the treatments It was very noticeable that both the between allergies, hyperactivity and
‘helped reduce the hyperactivity and oils and the relaxation improved con- chemicals in foods (55%). Johnson
increase his attention span’. This treat- centration. Students definitely stayed (2000) found in an unofficial survey
ment, however, involved a combination calmer; longel; and recovered quickly involving 65 ADHD adults that
of factors, which could have influenced from upsets. There were fewer disrup- between 30% and 70% were hypersen-
this positive outcome and are difficult tions to lesson. sitive, displaying symptoms such as
to separate, e.g. essential oils, massage skin conditions like eczema, rashes, or
(touch), reflex therapy (reflexology), The parents interviewed by the author allergies to foods or environmental
and the parent/child relationship. claimed that they used essential oils at allergies such as hay fever, claustropho-
There is an intrinsic neural con- home with some success to help ‘calm’ bia in crowds and sensitivity to noise,
nection between olfaction and cogni- their son’s behaviour and improve etc. Of further significance, Aron
tion and reflexive behaviour and relaxation, but they also agreed that (1999) suggests that hypersensitive
conditioning (Alexander, 2001). they did not diminish the underlying people (HSPs) are easily aroused and
To underpin this point, Herz et al., symptoms (Fig. 1). h’tg hl y senstttve to their environment:
(2000) used odour in connection with One parent, however, stated that
High levels of stimulation (e.g. a noisy
pleasant/unpleasant circumstances to her son actually became more hyperac-
classroom) will distress and exhaust
examine the effect of odour on mem- tive when she vaporized, ‘... the juity
HSPs sooner than others. While
ory, finding that memories elicited by ones, no matter which one it is, can set him
some will withdraw, a significant
odours are: off high if I had it on for too long’.
number of boys especially will become
Significantly, at least half of the group
hyperactive.
more emotionally potent than mem- surveyed by the author reported inci-
ories evoked by other sensory stimuli dences of allergies, skin conditions, Relating this potential of sensitivity in
and when salient emotion is experi- sleep-disturbances or sensitivities to ADHD individuals to the use of essen-
enced during odour exposure, the effec- foods (Figs 2 & 3). tial oils indicates that there is a need for
tiveness of an odour memory cue is
enhanced.

The odour cue works equally for posi- Those who used essential oils 67%

tive and negative experiences and Methods of use:

memories. Similarly and significantly, Oil Burner/diffuser 75%

Pitman (2000), in a study involving a Bath 50%

group of l l-12-year-old children with Massage 50%

ADHD and other behavioural prob- Those who found the oils effective 75%

lems, invited the children to select Those who found the oils calming 50%

three essential oils each, which were

blended in a vegetable oil for self Fig. 1 Modes of application and effectiveness of essential oils used by the parents
surveyed.
administration during class. The oils
were initially used in conjunction with
relaxation techniques. One drop was Family history of ADHD/dyslexia 50%
rubbed into the wrist when the student Allergies 50%
felt the need or the blend was some- Eczema 67%
times used at home in a bath. This Asthma 33%
method appeared to use the odour as a Epilepsy 50%
positive memory cue, while at the same Sleep disturbances 50%
time exploiting the cephalic and psy- Food additives caused behaviour 50%
cho/emotional influence and qualities to worsen
I
of the particular essential oils selected
(Sheppard-Hanger, 1995). Pitman Fig. 2 Conditions and sensitivities found in the survey group.
, I
orange flavoured crisps
Essential oils hypothetically recommended by therapists
chocolate sweets
fizzy pop coca cola
bergamot lavender
limeade coloured drinks
e-numbers tinned peas Essential oils recommended by Robert Tisserand
fish fingers shop bought cakes
bananas caramel Vitex agnus castus nutmeg
tomatoes anything processed lavender rosemary
eucalyptus peppermint
Fig. 3 Foods that aggravated behaviour
within the suruey group. Essential oils actually used by parents and therapists

eucalyptus geranium
caution when applying treatment. For lavender peppermint
example, there is a risk that the recipi- chamomile clary sage
ent may develop an allergic reaction to mandarine cedar-wood
certain essential oils or may become rose neroli
sensitised to others very quickly. ylang ylang orange
Paradoxically, however, essential oils bergamot frankincense
can also be of value for some of the sen-
sitivity conditions, such as eczema, sleep
Fig. 4 Essential oils and ADHD.
disturbances and emotional vulnerabil-
ity. The author found in her experience,
for example, that a blend of frankin-
cense, Roman chamomile or lavender, FranchommeiPenoel ‘functional group oil and applied to a bath. They may
and bergamot, using one drop of the theory’, (Grace, 1996). Having synthe- also be vaporised in a room using a
blend on a tissue and inhaling, helped sised the research available with the candle lit ‘oil burner’ or electrical dif-
to quell panic attacks and feelings of results of her own survey though, the fuser (the latter being the safest), or
anxiety in an ADHD client. The key author believes that there is a clear added to vegetable oil and applied via
appears to be moderation and respond- indication that essential oils could be massage. Essential oils are freely avail-
ing to observation. The above-men- employed for their direct chemical able for any one to purchase, either
tioned parent used other oils and influence on cephalic functioning. over the counter or through mail
avoided the ‘fruity ones’ having Essential oils have been shown to influ- order. However, it is clear that caution
regarded her son’s response to them. In ence hormonal/dopaminergic activity must be applied and it seems sensible
her own experience, the author has within the limbic system, exerting to advise that the user be certain of the
found that when using essential oils for a positive influence on memory, quality of an essential oil in terms of its
psycho/emotional conditions, small mental alertness/clarity, co-ordination, authenticity and that they acquire ther-
amounts are still very effective. Direct response time, and mood, emotion apeutic/chemical knowledge of an
inhalation of essential oils requires lim- and behaviour (Sorensen, 2001; Degel essential oil before application. This is
ited amounts (112 to one drop) to pro- et al., 1999; Tisserand, 1997; Herz & especially poignant where children (or
cure a significant response. The essen- Cupchick, 1995). Essential oils may the elderly) are concerned or where
tial oils both recommended and used by be applied as a means of relaxation there is a potential for sensitivity. In
parents and therapists surveyed are in conjunction with massage, where these circumstances using essential oils
listed in Fig. 4. self-esteem may be improved and in moderation also seems advisable.
However, in the absence of hyperactivity temporarily quelled. Or For consistent use in chronic condi-
researched evidence in relation to they may be employed as a memory cue tions, or in relaxation therapies, mini-
essential oils and ADHD, these to reinforce positive behaviours in con- mal amounts might be applied, and
references remain anecdotal and the junction with behavioural therapy the oils used varied, with periods of
therapeutic properties are merely sug- (Herz, 1999). abstinence (2-3 weeks of use followed
gestive, according to the chemical Used at home, essential oils can by a week break). For acute conditions,
composition of the essential oil, i.e. the be added to full-fat milk or vegetable where specific oils are applied for
shorter periods of time, the dose might mterviews, and Leon James, the inspi- Traits in Humans. Psycho-
I
ae temporarily higher, once tested for ration behind this project. neuroendocrinology 25: 479496.
sensitivity. Grace, U-M. (1996) Aromatherapy
ftir practitioners. The C.W. Daniel
Co. Ltd.
Alexander, M. (2001) How theories Hallowell, E.M. (1992) What’s it like to
of motivation apply to Olfactory have ADD?. http:iiwww.add.orgl
The versatility of essential oils appears
Aromatherapy. The International main/abc/hallowell.htm
ideal for the complexities presented by
Journal ofAromatherapy. 10 (3/4): 135. Herz, R. (1999) The olfactory system and
ADHD. The evidence presented here
Aron, E.N. (1999) The highly sensitive the link to memory. Monell Chemical
seems to suggest that essential oils may
person - how to survive when the world Senses. Centre: Philadelphia.
inspire significant benefit, not only for
overwhelms you. Thorsons, UK. Herz, R. and Cupchick, G.C. (1995)
the condition itself, but also for the
Barkely, R. (1998) Attention deficit hyper- The emotional distinctiveness of
accompanying co-morbidities of
active disorder. http://www.sciam. Odor-Evoked Memories. Chemical
depression, anxiety, low self-esteem
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and thank Robert Tisserand and other side ofADHD. A clearing house for Attention deficit hyperactivity
Janina Sorensen for their unhesitating positive and alternative information. dis-order. Pharmacotherapy: Virtual
kindness in supporting her research, http://borntoexplore.org Hospital: Clinical Psycho-pharma-
Wennington Hall EBD School and Gerra, G. et al. (2000) Neuroendocrine cology Seminar: http://www.vh.orgl
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