Today’s classroom has changed. There is less time for recess to make more time for curriculum. Students are expected to know more at a younger age. Students are expected to be able to sit still longer without breaks. All of these factors have contributed to a rising problem: children who cannot stay focused at school. Focus issues may stem from a disorder, such as ADHD or APD (Auditory Processing Disorder). Some of it may be related to the age of the child, the level of active engagement in the classroom, or a learning disability. Whatever the reason, aromatherapy, with potential to influence the limbic system, can be a complementary modality to help with the issue of mental focus.

Suggested Essential Oils

Base notes are the natural choice for cognition issues. Rich in sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenols, these oils are traditionally used as central nervous system sedatives. In Ayurvedic medicine, Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) is used to cool the mind and improve concentration. Inhaling Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) can cause a strong sedative effect according to studies done in 2008 and 2009. Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)contains cedrol, which does not require olfaction to exert its sedative effects. The combination of alpha and beta santalol in Sandalwood (Santalum album) can calm the mind. (1)

When a child’s mind tends to wander, it can be chaotic. They need something to bring them down, to support them. This is when we need to look at the role of plant parts and their respective emotional connections. The roots of a plant are its anchor and support. It gives the plant its strength and stability. Root oils can help us to feel grounded, calm, and supported. Oils derived from the wood of a tree can help one feel centered. If a tree’s trunk is leaning, it cannot grow properly. Just like if one’s mind is not centered, it can be difficult to learn properly.

Not only do these oils have chemical components that add therapeutic value to the blend, the fact that base notes last longer aromatically is a significant factor. The inability to stay focused is rarely a short-term issue. The slower evaporation rate of base notes, whether in the blend or singularly, can be beneficial to the child who needs this support for a longer period of time. Sometimes, a simple drop of Cedarwood or Vetiver on a diffuser cuff or necklace is enough to sustain a child throughout the day. Base notes have very distinct, earthy aromas, which may not appeal to children. I like to blend them with floral, middle notes to help sweeten the aroma.

Most children who have difficulty concentrating also have feelings of anxiousness. When too many things are stimulating the mind at once, it can be overwhelming and stressful. In fact, in all my years of education, I have yet to meet a child with focus issues who does not feel some anxiety. Usually it’s in direct correlation with the agitation they feel for not being able to “keep up”.

One oil I found that children are particularly drawn to is Sweet Orange (Citrus sinesis). This sweet top note is the perfect “don’t worry, be happy” oil for children. Kids especially love it blended with Frankincense (Boswellia carterii). I have seen this combination cause children to stop and slow down their thinking. Not only that, but it brings a smile to their faces.

Other good oils to try for this purpose are Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara), Lavender(Lavandula angustifolia), Mandarin (Citrus reticulata), and Vanilla CO2 extraction(Vanilla planifolia). All four are well received with children and give enough of a push to soothe any anxiousness they might be feeling.

Robert Tisserand suggested central nervous system stimulating oils such as Nutmeg (Pinus resinosa), Peppermint (Mentha x piperita), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus/radiata), and Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis), in a 2001 research project carried out by Heather Godfrey. It discussed the role of essential oils in the management of symptoms in ADHD. In the pharmaceutical world, stimulants are used to activate the neurons in the brain. The components 1,8 cineole and camphor have been known to increase cerebral blood flow and stimulate the central nervous system. Tisserand cautions that Peppermint and Rosemary should be used cautiously because of possible sensitivity traits shown by ADHD children.(2)

Jane Buckle has noted that sometimes using just calming oils, such as Lavender, can have a undesired effect on ADHD children. It can cause them to become more hyperactive and less focused. In her book, Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Healthcare, she mentions a simple study where Rosemary and Lavender were diffused during piano lessons. When Lavender itself was diffused, all of the ADHD children were more restless and inattentive. When Rosemary was diffused, 75% became MORE attentive and less restless. (3)

I have noticed this myself in my case studies and clients. While using oils like Lavender or Roman Chamomile (Chamamelum nobile) may be calming for the masses, it can have an adverse effect for those with an attention disorder. I lean towards blending both stimulating and sedative oils for those with ADHD.

Hydrosols

The topical use of hydrosols, particularly Neroli and German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), are suggested to be effective in children according to Suzanne Catty. Children are drawn more to the aroma of orange blossom, so I tend to mix the hydrosols with Neroli making up ¾ of the blend. (4)

When developing a blend for children, it’ s important to keep the following things in mind.

1. Knowledge of safety considerations and the child’s medical history is paramount, especially if you chose to include the stimulating oils .

2. Children tend to like aromas they are familiar with, so it should be aromatically pleasing. Having the child pick out the oils they resonate with can be highly beneficial not only therapeutically, but encourages ownership.

3. Choose a modality that the child will feel comfortable with. If the child is too embarrassed to use an aromastick in front of others, then choose a diffuser bracelet. When it comes to kids, the simpler it is, the more apt they will be to use it.

Yoga can help teach concentration. Have the child take a yoga class or do yoga at home. Some schools are now even incorporating yoga into the curriculum. I have found that diffusing a blend of Frankincense, Sweet Orange, Cedarwood, and Lavender while doing yoga can be calming and grounding. Have the child bring an aromastick to school with that same blend. When the child is struggling with task focus, he now has a portable, aromatic reminder of a time when he felt calm and centered.
The child could have a roll-on blend formulated in a 1% dilution. Have the child apply it to their wrists when needed. Having the child apply it himself helps him to become more conscious of his actions.
Use hydrosols as a room spray, on the child’s clothing, or spray it on the back of the child’s neck.
You could blend into a lotion or cream so the child can do a self-massage on his hands and arms when needed . Or a caregiver can give a massage on the shoulders and neck before school. The combination of a massage with essential oils is sure to relax the body and mind, especially if given by a trusted caregiver. This could be part of a routine that the child could look forward to.
Have the child bring an aromastick or roll-on to school. Some school nurses will allow students to keep essential oil blends in their offices. Be sure to inform the school staff if you choose to bring in something he needs to use and explain its function. The more you can collaborate with the school, the better.
Let him wear a diffuser bracelet or necklace to inhale throughout the day. The aroma will linger throughout the day without any effort on his part. He can even discreetly inhale it whenever he feels the need.

Children who have difficulty concentrating need more physical stimulation. When the body is active, the brain is active. These children need more physical outlets during the school day.

When I was an elementary school teacher, my classroom had stability balls and various other seating choices so children could get their wiggles out. We had frequent brain breaks where we would stop academics and all participate in a fun, physically engaging activity. Sometimes it was calming like yoga and sometimes it was just turning on a popular song and dancing around the classroom.

This helped ALL students, not just those with concentration issues. This idea is luckily becoming more mainstream in classrooms across the country. If you think your child could benefit from these techniques, ask the classroom teacher. You’d be surprised how many of them would be willing to try it!

Another recommended approach is providing the child with a higher-protein diet with limited refined carbs. This is especially important for breakfast. Protein keeps them fuller longer. When someone’s blood sugar is lower, it is harder to concentrate. This is why teachers usually give snacks to students before they take standardized tests. Please speak to your child’s physician regarding nutritional supplements and dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

With more and more children struggling with focus issues, more parents are looking for natural options to help them. Essential oils, along with behavior therapy and other supportive measures, can be the answer they are looking for.

Resources

(1) Black, Cindy. and Butje, Andrea. (2016), Aromatherapy Certification Program. Datasheets. Retrieved from: http://www.aromahead.com/online-course/aromatherapy- certification-program

(2) Godfrey, H. (2001) The Role of Essential Oils in the Treatment and Management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Int. Journal of Aromatherapy. Vol 11 no. 4

(3) Buckle, Jane (2015), Clinical Aromatherapy Essential Oils in Healthcare Third Edition. St. Louis, Missouri: Churchill Livingstone, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

(4) Catty, Suzanne (2001), Hydrosols: the Next Aromatherapy. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press.