Essential oils used in aromatherapy for alleviating ADHD symptoms.

Essential Oils and ADHD: What Science Says, How to Understand the Mechanisms, and How to Minimize Risk

The link between essential oils and ADHD treatment is currently poorly clinically documented. Most often, oils are studied in indirect contexts (sleep, anxiety, stress, mood, short-term cognitive performance), which can affect the functioning of individuals with ADHD, but are not equivalent to treating core ADHD symptoms.

Key findings, based on available research and safety guidelines:

Direct clinical studies in ADHD are few and small. The most frequently cited aromatherapy experiments in ADHD are small, short studies of vetiver, cedarwood, and lavender inhalation using T.O.V.A. and EEG; improvement was noted in the vetiver group and partially in the cedarwood group, but the final sample size was very small, and there were dropouts (including rash), which dramatically limits the credibility of the conclusions.

Vetiver Essential Oil (Chrysopogon zizanioides)

Cedarwood Essential Oil (Atlas Cedar - Cedrus atlantica)

The best-documented “psycho-neuro” effects of essential oils concern sleep and stress/anxiety, especially for lavender in inhalational aromatherapy (meta-analysis of studies on sleep problems) and in broader reviews of lavender (usually with significant heterogeneity and limitations).

For cognitive function/attention, studies in healthy volunteers and adolescents suggest that certain scents (e.g., rosemary) may correlate with cognitive performance parameters, and oil blends can modulate EEG indicators and reaction time in selective attention tasks. However, this is not proof of efficacy in ADHD.

Rosemary Essential Oil ct 1,8-Cineole (Rosmarinus officinalis)

The safety profile is crucial: essential oils are mixtures of highly active substances, and adverse effects in children (irritation, allergic reactions, respiratory symptoms) are real; they must not be ingested in home settings, and some essential oils/exposures are linked to seizures (e.g., eucalyptus), while the literature also describes endocrinological issues with long-term topical exposure to lavender/tea tree in personal care products (evidence: mainly case series + discussions).

ADHD treatment guidelines (e.g., NICE, NG87) do not recommend aromatherapy as a treatment for ADHD; psychological/behavioral interventions and pharmacotherapy as indicated remain the standard. Essential oils – if at all – can only be considered as a supportive intervention (e.g., sleep ritual, stress reduction) while adhering to safety protocols.

Review of Current Research on the Impact of Essential Oils on ADHD

Direct Studies in ADHD

The most frequently cited direct aromatherapy study in ADHD is a report on exposure to three essential oils: vetiver, cedarwood, and lavender in children aged 6–14 diagnosed with ADHD, with measurement of changes in real-time EEG (beta/theta ratio) and in the T.O.V.A. test.

Protocol and results (from a methodological perspective, details of "N" and participant dropout are important):

• Random assignment to three groups (6 people per essential oil at the start); inhalation 3 times a day, each time 3 deep breaths from the bottle, for 30 days.
• Sample size dropped from 34 to 30; in the treated groups, some people dropped out (including due to rash), ultimately, for example, Vetiver n≈4, Lavender n≈4, Cedarwood n≈6.
• "Significant" improvement was reported in the vetiver group (approx. 32%) and a similar magnitude of change in cedarwood, but with a very small sample and potential analysis distortions.

Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia) with a small amount of camphor in its composition - gc-ms study

Rigorous conclusion: this study is hypothesis-generating, but due to: very small final groups, risk of random errors, lack of clear data on blinding and olfactory placebo, and an opaque publication pathway – it does not constitute strong clinical evidence for the efficacy of essential oils in ADHD.

Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: Indirect Context (Sleep, Stress, Anxiety)

Because core RCTs in ADHD are rare, most data concern areas that often co-occur with ADHD and modulate functioning (sleep, stress, anxiety, arousal).

Meta-analysis of inhalational aromatherapy in sleep problems: Moon Joo Cheong et al. (2021), "A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of the clinical effects of aroma inhalation therapy on sleep problems," Medicine (Baltimore) 100(9):e24652. The authors state that in 34 studies, inhalational aromatherapy was associated with improvement in sleep problems (global effect ~0.65), and in subgroup analyses, lavender performed best; they also conclude on the need for developing specific application guidelines.

Review of lavender and the nervous system: Peir Hossein Koulivand et al. (2013), "Lavender and the Nervous System," Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (Article ID 681304). This work synthesizes preclinical and clinical data on lavender, pointing to potential calming/anxiolytic effects in various contexts, but also highlights common limitations of clinical studies (small samples, different administration methods, lack of standardization).

Methodological note: even a robust meta-analysis of sleep does not answer the question "does essential oil treat ADHD?"; however, it can support the hypothesis that improving sleep (if it occurs) can be useful as part of a therapeutic plan for some patients with ADHD.

Clinical Studies in Humans: Attention, Memory, Mood (Non-ADHD)

Rosemary and cognitive performance: Mark Moss and Lorraine Oliver (2012), "Plasma 1,8-cineole correlates with cognitive performance following exposure to rosemary essential oil aroma," Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology. After exposure to rosemary aroma in 20 healthy individuals, it was found that 1,8-cineole levels correlated with performance parameters in tasks (e.g., speed/reaction). The authors interpret this as consistent with the possibility of absorption of components and their influence on cognitive processes.

School-aged youth: O.V. Filiptsova et al. (2018), "The effect of the essential oils of lavender and rosemary on the human short-term memory," Alexandria Journal of Medicine 54(1):41–44. In a sample of 79 students (13–17 years old), diffusing rosemary and lavender essential oil was associated with differences in short-term memory; rosemary promoted number recall, while lavender – in this study – weakened this component.

Selective attention and EEG: Jieqiong Liu et al. (2019), "Behavioral and Neural Changes Induced by a Blended Essential Oil on Human Selective Attention," Behavioural Neurology (Article ID 5842132). A study on students (randomization, exposure to an essential oil blend in a room) showed shorter reaction times in the negative priming condition and changes in ERP parameters and functional connectivity. Approximately 2 drops (~0.1 ml) of the blended oil were diffused in the room, after 30 minutes of "saturating" the air.

Interpretation for ADHD: these data suggest that olfactory stimuli can modulate selective attention and arousal in healthy individuals, but generalizing the effect to ADHD requires dedicated RCTs in the clinical population (different underlying mechanisms, different medications, different sleep profiles).

Mechanisms of Action: Neurophysiology, Pharmacology, Sleep, Mood, and Concentration

The most biologically "plausible" mechanisms for essential oils can be divided into three layers:

Olfactory-Limbic Pathway and Arousal Modulation

Inhaled volatile compounds can affect olfactory perception, which is strongly intertwined with emotional and arousal systems (limbic and autonomic components of the response to scent). In the sleep meta-analysis (Cheong 2021), the authors describe a model in which aroma molecules stimulate olfactory neurons and indirectly affect neurohormonal responses, which theoretically can translate to stress/relaxation and sleep.

In the EEG study on selective attention, the authors link behavioral improvement to modulation of brain waves and functional connectivity and suggest the involvement of sympathetic arousal.

Absorption of Volatile Compounds and Potential Receptor Effects

Some studies show that at least some components of essential oils can be detected in the blood after olfactory exposure. In rosemary, 1,8-cineole was measured in serum, and its concentration correlated with cognitive performance.

For lavender, there is in vitro data indicating interactions with important neuropharmacological "hubs": Veronica López et al. (2017), "Exploring Pharmacological Mechanisms of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Essential Oil on Central Nervous System Targets," Frontiers in Pharmacology. The authors report the binding of essential oil and components to the NMDA receptor and an effect on the serotonin transporter (SERT), with no significant binding to the benzodiazepine site of the GABA_A receptor; they conclude that some anxiolytic effects may result from NMDA and SERT modulation.

These mechanisms are potentially relevant for mood/anxiety, but they do not prove a specific effect on ADHD pathophysiology (where attention networks, self-control, and behavioral regulation are crucial, among others). From a clinical practice perspective, this rather means "may affect state" and not "treats ADHD."

Sleep as a Mediator of Functioning in ADHD

The most realistic "bridging" pathway for ADHD is sleep: if an essential oil, in a specific procedure, improves sleep onset or quality, then for some individuals, this may translate into better emotional regulation and attention during the day. The meta-analysis of inhalational aromatherapy in sleep problems indicates a moderate effect and the strongest signal for lavender, but at the same time emphasizes the need for guidelines and standardization.

ADHD guidelines (e.g., NICE NG87) emphasize a comprehensive treatment plan (psychological, behavioral, educational, with pharmacotherapy as indicated), not olfactory interventions. An essential oil can at most play a supportive role in sleep hygiene/relaxation as an environmental element, not a substitute for therapy.

flowchart TD
A[Exposure to essential oil: inhalation / diffusion] --> B[Scent perception and emotional response]
A --> C[Absorption of some volatile compounds]
B --> D[Change in autonomic arousal\n(stress/relaxation)]
C --> E[Potential neuropharmacological targets\ne.g., NMDA, SERT, cholinergic system]
D --> F[Sleep / tension / mood]
E --> G[Attention and processing speed\n(in non-ADHD studies)]
F --> H[Daily functioning in ADHD\n(indirectly)]
G --> H

The model above is a synthesis of hypotheses from studies on sleep, attention, and receptor mechanisms – it is not clinical proof of efficacy in ADHD.

How to understand this model?

This is not a table, but a diagram of biological and psychophysiological dependencies. It shows two possible pathways of action for essential oils:
one related to scent perception and emotional response, the other — to the potential absorption of volatile compounds and their neurobiological interaction.

This model does not prove that essential oils cure ADHD. Rather, it is an organization of research hypotheses suggesting that the influence of scent can indirectly modulate sleep, mood, tension, and some aspects of attention.

Specific Essential Oils: Assessment of Efficacy and Safety Evidence

Below is an organization of the essential oils mentioned in the question and those for which we have at least minimal "ADHD-direct" literature.

Scale for Assessing Evidence (for core ADHD symptoms)

0 — no data / marketing only
1 — indirect data (sleep/anxiety) or non-ADHD populations (attention/memory)
2 — small studies/pilots in ADHD with high risk of bias
3 — repeatable RCTs in ADHD and/or meta-analyses of RCTs in ADHD

The ratings reflect the presence of a single, small study in ADHD for vetiver/cedarwood and the lack of robust RCTs in ADHD for the others.

Risk-Benefit Table for Essential Oils Most Frequently Considered in ADHD

Sources for the above assessments and disclaimers: vetiver/cedarwood/lavender in ADHD study; sleep meta-analysis; rosemary and cognition; frankincense study; pediatric safety guidelines.

Safety and Dosing by Age and Application Method

Important distinction: in the literature, there are different "worlds" of essential oils:

• essential oil as a medicinal/herbal product (e.g., in regulatory monographs) – usually concerns standardized indications and routes of administration other than domestic diffusion,
• essential oil used in home aromatherapy – without standardization, with high variability in quality, concentrations, and exposure methods,
• essential oil as a cosmetic ingredient – often chronic, low-dose skin exposure (here, endocrinological discussions arise).

The following safety recommendations are conservative and based on medical sources; where data is lacking – I mark it as "unspecified".

Application Methods (Safety Hierarchy)

The safest methods in practice (population-wise) are those that minimize the risk of ingestion and contact with mucous membranes:

• spot inhalation (e.g., “aromastick”) and brief scent exposures;
• topical application only after dilution in a carrier and after a patch test;
• room diffusion requiring time and ventilation control (risk for bystanders).

Ingestion of essential oils at home: not recommended (risk of toxicity without consultation with an aromatherapist who can prescribe appropriate doses and concentrations).

Dosage and Dilutions by Age Group

Practical problem: "drops" are not a standardized unit (drop size depends on the dropper and oil density). Even the regulator in the lavender monograph notes that converting mass to the number of drops depends on the product.

Below is a summary of dermal dilutions as safety ranges (not as "therapeutic doses" for ADHD). The ranges are provided by Johns Hopkins Medicine with reference to recommendations from an essential oil safety manual; additionally, I show consistency with the infographic on age dilutions.

Additional age warning: Rachel Dawkins (Johns Hopkins guide) advises not to use peppermint in children <30 months due to an increased risk of seizures.

Examples of study protocols (not clinical recommendations)

Inhalation from a bottle 3 times a day for 30 days (children 6–14 with ADHD): the protocol described in a small vetiver/cedarwood/lavender study used 3 deep breaths from the bottle per session.

Room diffusion with controlled conditions: a study on selective attention (non-ADHD population) used approximately 2 drops (~0.1 ml) of the blend and began tasks after ~30 minutes of diffusion in a room with defined environmental conditions.

Contraindications, Drug Interactions, Allergies, and Toxicity

Acute and Neurological Toxicity (including seizures)

Seizures after exposure to certain essential oils are a real clinical phenomenon. Sai Chandar Dudipala et al. (2021), "Eucalyptus Oil-Induced Seizures in Children: Case Reports and Review of the Literature," Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice, describe 3 children in whom seizures occurred within 15–25 minutes after ingesting eucalyptus oil; one developed status epilepticus, EEG/neuroimaging studies were normal, and the children recovered within 2 days.

For menthol/mint: The National Capital Poison Center emphasizes that menthol (the main component of peppermint oil) can cause irritation in small quantities and severe systemic symptoms in large quantities, listing seizures, coma, and death among severe effects; it also describes a case of unintentional infant exposure to peppermint oil and the need to assess aspiration risk.

Endocrinological Risks with Chronic Dermal Exposure (Lavender/Tea Tree)

Classic clinical report: Derek V. Henley et al. (2007), "Prepubertal Gynecomastia Linked to Lavender and Tea Tree Oils," New England Journal of Medicine 356(5):479–485. The authors describe 3 cases of prepubertal gynecomastia in boys, whose onset coincided with the use of products containing lavender and/or tea tree; in all cases, the condition reversed after discontinuation. In the laboratory section, weak estrogenic and antiandrogenic activities were demonstrated in vitro within specific concentration ranges.

Simultaneously, a systematic review of pediatric literature: Jessie Hawkins et al. (2020), "The relationship between lavender and tea tree essential oils and pediatric endocrine disorders: A systematic review of the literature," Complementary Therapies in Medicine 49:102288, states that epidemiological evidence is insufficient; the authors note that lack of evidence of harm is not evidence of safety and advocate for population studies.

In practice: if a child exhibits symptoms of premature breast development or gynecomastia, a reasonable strategy to reduce uncertain risk is to limit chronic exposures to lavender/tea tree products and consult an endocrinologist. However, data on the causal link remain disputed and are based mainly on case descriptions + in vitro studies. (I would add that the scientific debate on the influence of lavender essential oil (and tea tree oil) on hormonal balance in children is dynamic, and newer studies (after 2020) question the strong causal links suggested in earlier works).

Drug Interactions (including psychostimulants)

Data on classic "essential oil-ADHD drug" interactions are generally undetermined (lack of reliable RCTs and pharmacokinetic studies for typical inhalational exposures in ADHD patients).

What can be stated rigorously:

• Clinical institutions warn that before using essential oils in a child, potential interactions should be discussed with the treating physician, and that essential oils may "interfere with medications" (without specifying the mechanism and scale of risk).
• The regulatory monograph for lavender oil indicates "None reported" for interactions, which applies to a herbal product within specific parameters (not all blends and all routes of administration).

Practical conclusion: interactions with psychostimulants should be treated as possible, but usually undocumented, and the risk may more often stem from physiological effects (e.g., increased agitation or drowsiness) and/or side effects (e.g., respiratory irritation) rather than from firmly established inhibition/induction of metabolism under aromatic conditions. In the case of polytherapy, caution increases.

Allergies, Respiratory Tract, Skin

Allergic reactions, skin irritations, and respiratory symptoms (cough, wheezing) have been reported in children after using essential oils; a patch test is recommended, and exposure should be discontinued if symptoms occur.

Practical Recommendations for Parents and Clinicians

Overarching Principle: Essential Oils Are Not an ADHD Treatment

From the perspective of clinical ADHD standards, aromatherapy is not a first-, second-, or third-line therapy. Guidelines (e.g., NICE NG87) focus on clinical diagnosis, psychological/behavioral support, school interventions, and pharmacotherapy according to criteria – without recommending aromatherapy as an ADHD treatment.

If essential oils are considered, it is more reasonable to view them as:

• an element of sleep hygiene/relaxation (for some individuals),
• short, controlled environmental stimuli (e.g., in working with adults, without therapeutic claims),
• a tool for building a predictable ritual (which in itself can support behavioral regulation), while maintaining safety.

"Minimum" safety protocol (practical)

1. No oral use of oils at home (especially for children).
2. Buy the best described product possible (Latin name, plant part, extraction method, origin) and avoid "oils" that are synthetic fragrances.
3. Dilute before skin application; do not add undiluted oil to bathwater.
4. Patch test (24 h) before wider use on skin.
5. Avoid eye/ear/nose exposure and avoid "face" application in young children.
6. Consider age – e.g., do not use peppermint oil <30 months (seizure warnings).
7. Discontinue exposure with rash, cough, wheezing, vomiting, headache.
8. Store out of reach of children (risk of poisoning).

When to avoid (conservative list)

Avoid or require medical consultation when:

• the child has a history of seizures/convulsions or there is a family history of severe convulsive episodes, and the plan includes oils known to cause seizures after exposure (e.g., eucalyptus) – due to clinical data on seizures after ingestion.
• asthma/wheezing or severe inhalant allergy is present – the risk of provoking respiratory symptoms is real.
  

What a clinician can do (if a patient wants to use essential oils)

The most "evidence-aligned" clinical approach is to shift the conversation from "does it work for ADHD?" to:

• what indirect symptom we are trying to modify (sleep, tension, situational anxiety),
• how we monitor the effect (e.g., sleep diary, stress scales, teacher observations),
• how we minimize risk (dilutions, discontinuation with symptoms, avoidance of ingestion).

Research gaps and proposals for research projects

Current data are fragmented: we have isolated, small studies in ADHD and some works suggesting modulation of sleep/attention in non-ADHD populations. A meta-analysis of sleep explicitly calls for the development of specific guidelines and better standardization of exposure.

Below are three research projects that could realistically shift the field from "opinion" to "evidence":

Randomized, controlled trial on sleep in children with ADHD and insomnia
Project: RCT, double-blind (where possible), with scented placebo or active control (neutral scent), n≥100; intervention: lavender inhalation vs control for 4–8 weeks as an adjunct to sleep hygiene. Endpoints: actigraphy, sleep diary, ADHD scales (daytime symptoms), school functioning. Rationale: there is a meta-analytic signal of improved sleep with aromatherapy, but no data in ADHD.

RCT of vetiver/cedarwood in ADHD with strict methodological standards
Project: RCT with pre-registration, placebo control, oil standardization (chemotype, GC-MS), adherence control, blinding of evaluators; measures: Conners/ADHD-RS, T.O.V.A., EEG, skin/respiratory adverse effects. Rationale: there is a pilot suggesting an effect, but with an extremely high risk of bias; replication is necessary before efficacy can be claimed.

Population safety studies (pharmacovigilance)
Project: analysis of data from toxicology centers and emergency departments: frequency of oil poisonings, clinical picture, risk factors, product type, and route of exposure; separate module: long-term cosmetic exposure and endocrine indicators in pediatric cohorts. Rationale: there are reports of seizures after eucalyptus and endocrine reports, but good quality epidemiological data are lacking.

In Poland, a practical element of such a program could be the use of the network of toxicology information centers (contact list published by URPL) and/or data from toxicology departments described by Medycyna Praktyczna.

Read the article about cedarwood oil link

Summary

Overview of key essential oils, their active compounds, and their effects:  

The active compound in lavender is linalool, and the benefits of using this oil include its calming effect. Lavender promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety, which often exacerbates ADHD symptoms. Many studies have shown that inhaling lavender improves sleep quality.

Vetiver essential oil is primarily composed of sesquiterpenes, which support concentration and brainwave stability. This improves focus and reduces inattention. Rosemary essential oil contains 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, camphor, and borneol derivatives as its main components.

The main benefit of using rosemary in ADHD treatment is improved cognitive speed and accuracy by enhancing acetylcholine signaling – crucial for working memory and executive functions.  

Mint oils, such as spearmint or peppermint, contain menthol and menthone. These essential oils are known for brain protection, improved memory and concentration, increased alertness, and enhanced mental energy, but caution is advised for children.

Frankincense essential oil contains alpha-pinene and boswellic acid. When using frankincense, you will find that it provides a calming, grounding effect that helps regulate mood and reduce impulsivity.

Cedarwood essential oil contains cedrene and cedrol, which have been studied for their potential sedative effects, contributing to the oil's calming reputation. Similarly, the oil can improve concentration and brain function through various pathways – one might say it acts as a tonic.  

Copaiba essential oil is rich in β-caryophyllene. Many studies have proven this oil to be an excellent anxiolytic.

Citrus oils, such as lemon, grapefruit, sweet orange, bergamot, and lime, contain the active compound limonene. The benefits of using citrus essential oils are that they help improve mood, reduce stress, and increase mental clarity, which is helpful in alleviating ADHD symptoms related to mood swings.  

Scientific Sources

1. Cheong, M. J., Lee, Y. J., & Lee, S. H. (2021).
   A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of the clinical effects of aroma inhalation therapy on sleep problems.
   Medicine (Baltimore), 100(9), e24652.
2. Koulivand, P. H., Khaleghi Ghadiri, M., & Gorji, A. (2013).
   Lavender and the Nervous System.
   Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Article ID 681304.
3. Moss, M., & Oliver, L. (2012).
   Plasma 1,8-cineole correlates with cognitive performance following exposure to rosemary essential oil aroma.
   Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology.
4. Filiptsova, O. V., et al. (2018).
   The effect of the essential oils of lavender and rosemary on the human short-term memory.
   Alexandria Journal of Medicine, 54(1), 41–44.
5. Liu, J., et al. (2019).
   Behavioral and Neural Changes Induced by a Blended Essential Oil on Human Selective Attention.
   Behavioural Neurology, Article ID 5842132.
6. López, V., et al. (2017).
   Exploring Pharmacological Mechanisms of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Essential Oil on Central Nervous System Targets.
   Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8, 280.
7. Dudipala, S. C., et al. (2021).
   Eucalyptus Oil-Induced Seizures in Children: Case Reports and Review of the Literature.
   Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice.
8. Henley, D. V., et al. (2007).
   Prepubertal Gynecomastia Linked to Lavender and Tea Tree Oils.
   New England Journal of Medicine, 356(5), 479–485.
9. Hawkins, J., et al. (2020).
   The relationship between lavender and tea tree essential oils and pediatric endocrine disorders: A systematic review.
   Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 49, 102288.
10. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
    Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management (NG87).
    https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87
11. European Medicines Agency (EMA).
    Community herbal monograph on Lavandula angustifolia aetheroleum.
12. Johns Hopkins Medicine.
    Are Essential Oils Safe for Children?
13. National Capital Poison Center.
    Menthol toxicity and safety profile.

AromaPremium.eu.

Although not a solution to these problems, essential oils can be used as a supplement to aid concentration and calm, while also supporting cognitive functions. Here's a breakdown of key oils, their active compounds, and their effects:

The active compound in lavender is linalool, and the benefits of using this oil include its calming effect. Lavender promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety, which often exacerbates ADHD symptoms. Many studies have shown that inhaling lavender improves sleep quality. Vetiver essential oil is primarily composed of sesquiterpenes, which support concentration and brainwave stability. This improves focus and reduces inattention. Rosemary essential oil contains 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, camphor, and borneol derivatives as its main components. The main benefit of using rosemary in ADHD treatment is improved cognitive speed and accuracy by enhancing acetylcholine signaling – crucial for working memory and executive functions.

Mint oils, such as spearmint or peppermint, contain menthol and menthone. These essential oils are known for brain protection, improved memory and concentration, increased alertness, and enhanced mental energy. Frankincense essential oil contains alpha-pinene and boswellic acid. When using frankincense, you will find that it provides a calming, grounding effect that helps regulate mood and reduce impulsivity. Cedarwood essential oil contains cedrene and cedrol, which have been studied for their potential sedative effects, contributing to the oil's calming reputation. Similarly, the oil can improve concentration and brain function through various pathways – one might say it acts as a tonic.

Copaiba essential oil is rich in β-caryophyllene. Many studies have proven this oil to be an excellent anxiolytic. Finally, citrus oils, such as lemon, grapefruit, sweet orange, bergamot, and even lime, contain the active compound limonene. The benefits of using citrus essential oils are that they help improve mood, reduce stress, and increase mental clarity, which is helpful in alleviating ADHD symptoms related to mood swings.