Recently, I came across an article suggesting that certain essential oils may have an impact on certain behavioral issues that are commonly associated with ASD's. This is an excerpt from that article:
" Essential Oils and Autism
Essential oils can be effective in reducing some of the emotional and behavioral aspects of autism. Make essential oils a part of the daily routine to help keep everything balanced, calm and happy. Here are some examples:
* Peppermint essential oil is a neuro-stimulator, and helps with concentration. Use it in an aromatherapy diffuser or on cotton pads around the room.
* Neroli essential oil is known to be a very calming oil and is recommended for obsessive behaviors. Neroli is distilled from the flowers of the bitter orange tree and has a wonder full aroma. It can be added to a cream as a moisturizer, or as a perfume, but having it around will help with the obsessions.
* Roman chamomile essential oil has a calming effect and works well with hypersensitivity and aggression. It is particularly useful with in preventing tantrums and in easing transitions. Use in the bath or shower, inhale on a cotton ball or add to an aromatherapy diffuser.
* Sandalwood essential oil is another oil that can be used for obsessive and aggressive behaviors but it is also known for helping with emotional traumas. Use in an aromatherapy diffuser, bath or shower, or in a massage if tolerated. For people who are tactile defensive, add the essential oil to a cream and suggest they massage it into their own hands.
Read more at Suite101: Aromatherapy and Autism: Using Essential Oils to Reduce Symptoms of Autism http://autism-therapy.suite101.com/article.cfm/aromatherapy-and-autism#ixzz0iM4uSzoJ "
Has anyone tried this strategy and had any success with it? It seems harmless enough to try, and relatively inexpensive. I am thinking of giving it a shot and will write about any outcomes later.
