Fact or Fiction – Essential Oils

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Some people consider the use of essential oils to be a useful holistic care method for autistic people. A variety of essential oils have been suggested as possible remedies for the symptoms of autism.

Essential Oils and Autism:

Some people consider the use of essential oils to be a useful holistic care method for autistic people.  A variety of essential oils have been suggested as possible remedies for autism symptoms.  Parents and caregivers to autistic children sometimes claim that the essential oils listed below can potentially reduce behaviors such as anger, anxiety, attention-deficit, hyperactivity, sensory overload, sleep issues, and meltdowns.

Please note: With the use of any essential oils, there is a risk for allergic reaction. Essential oils should not be ingested, applied undiluted to the skin, or overused. Essential oils are not regulated by the FDA; therefore, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider prior to use of the following:

Vetiver

Vetiver is an essential oil used as an aromatherapy that could help treat nervousness, insomnia, and joint and muscle pain.  There is little accredited research done to prove vetiver aromatherapy as a beneficial holistic care method for autistic people; however, it has been shown to have some antimicrobial factors as well as positive effects on insomnia.

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Cedarwood

Cedarwood is essential oil that is used as an aromatherapy, but was originally used to prevent moths from eating clothing and repelling ants.  In broader society, some people think it can treat acne, has antibiotic activity, relief pain, can reduce swelling and inflammation, and could provide stress and anxiety relief. Research has suggested that cedarwood can promote better sleep and help lengthen sleeping time when used with a diffuser.  The EPA states there are no safety concerns with use, however essential oils can cause skin irritations. There is minimal accredited research supporting the benefits for autistic people; however, the benefits discovered could show beneficial results for poor sleep and anxiety.

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Frankincense

Frankincense as an aromatherapy is still being researched, but it has shown some results with regard to promoting relaxation.  The research for this essential oil is in early stages, and doctors are not ready to make wide-ranging declarations about the effectiveness of frankincense on an ongoing basis.  Many essential oils used as aromatherapies are not regulated by the FDA and could cause allergic reactions when used on the skin.  Small doses are encouraged when oils are applied to skin and/or used as aromatherapy. You should speak with your primary care physician prior to use.

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Lavender

Lavender is an essential oil that is thought to promote calming and relaxation, improve sleep, relieve pain, have antibacterial properties, and improve memory.  The research studying lavender and autistic people has mixed results regarding its effectiveness at improving sleep, although some parents support putting a few drops in bath water prior to bed.  Lavender can be inhaled or applied to the skin as a lotion.

With all essential oils, there is a risk of allergic reactions; therefore, spot testing and beginning with small amounts is encouraged. When applying lavender oil to the skin, the oil should be diluted to prevent skin irritation.

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Mandarin

Mandarin is an essential oil that is thought by some to have antispasmodic, antiseptic, digestive, nervous relaxant, and sedative properties.  It can be used with a diffuser as an aromatherapy or applied to the skin. Research on Mandarin essential oil and autism is minimal.  However, parents have claimed that it is particularly easy to use as an anti-anxiety aromatherapy and that children are fond of the scent.  There is a potential for skin irritation; therefore, essential oils should not be ingested or applied to the skin undiluted. If applied to the skin, it is important to ensure the oil is confirmed not to be phototoxic or oxidized to prevent irritation.

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Peppermint

Peppermint is an essential oil use that some people use for GI distress, sinus congestion relief, anxiety relief, decrease in sensory overload, and headaches.  Possible side effects of ingesting it include heartburn, flushing of skin, headache, mouth sores, and diarrhea.  Small dosages are recommended, as well as consultation with primary care providers prior to use.  Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to the lack of research performed about their safety during pregnancy and lactation.  Research on the benefits of peppermint essential oil and autistic people is lacking.  There are potential benefits claimed by parents praising the calming effects and cooling sensations on the body.

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Ylang ylang

Ylang ylang is an essential oil that is thought to have positive effects on emotions, alleviate anxiety, and increase blood flow to parts of the body.  As with any essential oil, it is imperative to dilute the essential oil prior to application on skin.  Ylang ylang essential oil has been linked to contact dermatitis, and it has been proven to be poisonous to dogs and cats.  Research on ylang ylang essential oils with regard to autistic people is limited, so the effects and benefits are not definite.

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Bergamot

Bergamot is an essential oil used in aromatherapy to create a feeling of joy, freshness, and energy by improving blood circulation.  Practitioners of aromatherapy believe that inhaling essential oils or absorbing them through the skin transmits signals to the limbic system (the region of the brain that regulates emotions and memories).  Some of the main uses of bergamot essential oil are acne, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, headache, insomnia, and depression.  The evidence supporting these claims are weak and only have a few positive findings in small clinical studies.  As with any essential oil, topical application can cause skin irritation and should only be performed with diluted oil.  Research with Bergamot essential oil and autistic people yield varying results; therefore, benefits of this essential oil improving anxiety and sensory overload are questionable.

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Chamomile

Chamomile is an essential oil popular for its various claims to anti-inflammatory effects, pain reducing abilities, anxiety relief, sleep improvement, congestion relief, and improvement in digestion.  There is limited accredited research on the benefits of chamomile essential oil and autistic people.  Some studies do report  that chamomile supports the GI system, improves generalized anxiety disorder, reduces depression, and aids sleep.  As such, chamomile may have some benefits to autistic people.  Consultation with your primary care provider is encouraged prior to use.

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Article by Katie Mcgraw and The Autism ToolKit

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