Essential Oils Help Treat Autism and ADD/ADHD

Researchers believe that gastrointestinal disorders may be linked to the brain dysfunctions that cause autism. Recent studies have shown that there are beneficial effects of enzyme-based therapy for Autism spectrum disorders.

In a study conducted by Dr. Timothy Buie, a pediatric gastroenterologist from Harvard/Mass General hospital, forty-six patients between the ages of 5 and 31 were selected for inclusion in a study based on a diagnosis placing them in the category of the Autism spectrum disorders, ADD and ADHD. Their diets were supplemented with a dietary enzyme formulation. The results: the enzyme formula beneficially and safely affected all thirteen of the parameters measured; improvements ranged from 50-90% depending on the parameters. The enzyme was effective at improving the symptoms such as socialization, hyperactivity, attention, eye contact, comprehension and compulsions.

For both ADD/ADHD and Autism, stimulation of the limbic region of the brain may also help treat these disorders. The aromas from therapeutic essential oils have a powerful ability to stimulate this part of the brain, since the sense of smell is tied directly to the mind’s emotional and hormonal centers. As a result, the aroma of an essential oil has the potential to exert a powerful influence on ADD/ADHD and Autism.

In a two-year case study (1999-2001), Dr. Terry Friedmann, M.D., found significant results when children that had previously been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD were administered therapeutic essential oils by inhalation.

The essential oils Vetiver, Lavender, and Cedarwood were used.

The oils were administered in this fashion: one oil was administered by inhalation three times per day for 30 days. An inhalation device was also used at night to administer a continuous inhalation of oil.

The inhalation of the oils proved to settle the children’s brain waves back into normal patterns and improved their scholastic performance and behavioral patterns.

The final results:
Lavender increased performance by 53%.
Cedarwood increased performance by 83%.
Vetiver increased performance by 100%.

This study will be published in the American Medical Association Journal.

Cedarwood Essential Oil History and Use

Cedarwood has been used for over 5,000 years by the Egyptians and the Sumerians for ritual purposes.  Other uses included embalming, a disinfectant, and other medicinal purposes.

Cedars of Lebanon is the highest in sesquiterpenes (98%) which oxygenates the brain and supports clear thinking.  The Scriptures record that Solomon built the Temple and his palace out of the Cedars of Lebanon—which may be why Solomon was the wisest man to ever live.

Spiritually, Cedar is symbolic of strength and serves as a hedge of protection.  In Song of Solomon 1:17, it speaks about the boards of Cedarwood: “The beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters of fir.”  A bride’s trousseau or “cedar chest,” which holds her treasures, protects her valuables from moths, silverfish, and other infestations.  A believer’s heart is where God’s treasure is.  Yeshua reminds believers to guard their hearts from the enemy, who wants to come in and steal their joy and peace.

For practical purposes, this oil serves well as an insect repellent.  Its scent stays in the wood for a lifetime, even after the wood has been made into furniture—and it is this same fragrance which inhibits the growth of bacteria.

Therapeutic/Medicinal Uses

Cedarwood is effective against hair loss, tuberculosis, bronchitis, arthritis, gonorrhea, urinary infections, acne, and psoriasis.^[1] It also helps in reducing the hardening of the artery wall and stimulates the pineal gland to release natural melatonin for deep sleep.^[2] Cedarwood clears the mind and eases anxiety and ADD.^[3]

The thumb and big toe are trigger points for clearing fears of the unknown and mental blocks against learning.^[4] The big toe is also a point for clearing addictions and complusive behavior.  The scent of Cedarwood helps to clear buried emotions, including pride and conceit.

Other Uses:
1. Blend Cedarwood essential oil with olive oil and apply to skin as an effective insect repellant.
2. To inhibit hair loss, rub 1-3 drops of Cedarwood into your scalp.
3. Put a drop of Cedarwood on a cotton ball and place in drawers to repel insects and keep clothes fresh.
4. To enhance your immune system and boost the natural body’s defenses, apply a drop or two of Cedarwood to the soles of the feet.
5. To help relieve symptoms of bronchitis, rub a drop or two of Cedarwood essential oil on the chest.
6. Place a drop of Cedarwood on cuts or wounds to disinfect and protect from infection. This will also promote healing.
7. To help improve symptoms of sinusitis, apply a small amount over the sinus area.
8. Apply a drop of Cedarwood to the back of the neck or near the temples to enhance deep sleep.
9. Cedarwood applied to the right thumb is great for overcoming emotional blocks to learning.

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[1] Cooksley, Valerie Gennari, R.N.  Aromatherapy.

[2] Taken from a study conducted by the America Academy of Reflexology, published in “Obstetrics and Gynecology,” Volume 82, Number 6, December 1993.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.