Herbally Radiant Blog

MNT has carried an informative article by Jon Johnson in MNT, on ADHD disorder, and how Essential Oils (EOs) can help in such, and many physical and mental disorders.We have taken extracts of the article in the context of EOs that Herbally Radiant uses in its natural formulations.

Herbally Radiant uses many kinds of Essential Oils instead of chemical ingredients. These EOs are extremely beneficial and present nature’s bounty in concentrated form. The HerballyRadiant formulations containing these EOs are, therefore, more effective, and create a lasting impact.

With attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the symptoms are chronic, so they can last for a long time. They may be severe enough to interrupt daily functioning, learning ability, social habits, and even relationships.

Essential oils are concentrated forms of compounds found in various plants. They are normally made through either cold press extraction or distillation. In cold press extraction, a large amount of plant material is pressed using great pressure, until the natural compounds are released.

Distillation involves placing plant matter in a closed container and passing steam or water through it to extract the compounds within the plants. When the excess water is removed, the concentrated compounds that remain are called essential oils. The EOs thus contain the highest possible concentration of beneficial compounds. Most effective, and commonly used, EOs are :

Lavender:  A person who is experiencing hyperactivity with ADHD may have trouble feeling relaxed enough to fall, or stay, asleep. Study of participants indicate that those who inhaled lavender essential oil had a better quality of sleep than those who did not. The use of inhaled lavender oil appeared to boost the well-being of the users over time.

Vetiver : If a person with ADHD is having difficulty staying focused, vetiver essential oil may help them to stay alert and on task. A study posted to the Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology has measured the direct effects that inhaling vetiver essential oil has on the brain. Those who inhaled vetiver essential oil showed an increase in their attention levels, and this was reflected in measurements of brain activity.

Researchers have noted that vetiver essential oil is beneficial for learning and memory processes. It has stimulating effect even at low inhaled doses, and improves alertness and task performance.

Rosemary: 1,8-cineole is one of the main compounds in rosemary oil. Studies may suggest that its use can increase cognitive performance. The fresh scent of the common cooking ingredient rosemary may help to keep the mind sharp. The study posted to Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology looked at the effects of one of the main compounds in rosemary essential oil, called 1,8-cineole, and it showed that a higher concentration of this compound in the body resulted in better performance on cognitive tests.

Other essential oils : Other Essential oils that may be useful include:

• Frankincense;  Ylang ylang;  Bergamot;  Eucalyptus;  Lemon;  Cedarwood

Many studies by the experts have proved immense beneficial effects of EOs on the mind and body. For example, hospice patients who received a hand massage using oils containing bergamot, frankincense, and lavender, for example, felt relief from symptoms of depression, although the effect on the separate components was not studied.

Bergamot is thought to have antidepressant properties, and a combination of clary sage and ylang ylang may also lift mood. The cedarwood oil has sedative effects, while some claim that both lemon and frankincense oils can improve focus.

Use of EOs:  These are highly concentrated and should therefore be used with care. The three suggested ways to use them are :

• Inhaling by adding a few drops to an aromatherapy diffuser
• Applying diluted oils topically, to be absorbed through the skin
• Putting a few drops into a full bath or a hand or foot bath

It is important to dilute essential oils with a carrieroil before putting them on the body. Examples of carrier oils include olive, coconut, and grapeseed oil.

Please remember that the high concentrations of compounds in the oils can cause reactions if applied undiluted anywhere on the body. It is also important to perform an allergy test. This test can be carried out by applying a small amount of the diluted mixture to a small area of the body, like the back of the hand. Please stop if any signs of allergy such as redness or burning sensations occur.