Essential Oils for Anxiety and ADHD: Natural Support to Calm, Focus & Thrive

ADHD—Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder—is often associated with children, but many adults live with it too. Whether it’s difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, fidgeting, forgetfulness, or hyperactivity, the challenges of ADHD can feel overwhelming.
Anxiety often walks hand-in-hand with ADHD, making emotional regulation even harder.
While behavioural therapy and lifestyle changes are key, more and more people are turning to essential oils for ADHD and anxiety as a gentle, natural way to soothe the nervous system and support daily focus. Certain essential oils are believed to have calming and grounding effects that may help ease some common ADHD symptoms.
How Can Essential Oils Help with ADHD?
Though research is still developing, many essential oils are known to promote calm, focus, and emotional balance. Used alongside healthy routines and professional support, they may help relieve:
Restlessness and fidgeting
Difficulty focusing or sustaining attention
Impulsiveness and overwhelm
Mood swings or emotional dysregulation
Sleep challenges
General anxiety or stress
These oils can be used in a diffuser, diluted for topical use, or added to a keyring or bamboo inhaler for on-the-go calm.
Top Essential Oils for Anxiety and ADHD
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Known for its powerful calming properties, Lavender has been used for centuries to reduce stress and promote rest. The scent can help soothe anxiety, quiet the mind, and ease emotional tension—making it a supportive oil for both children and adults with ADHD.
Best for: Relaxation, reducing anxiety, and settling an overstimulated nervous system.
Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
Uplifting yet calming, sweet orange oil helps regulate emotions in stressful moments. Studies have shown it can help reduce anxiety in high-stress environments. Its gentle citrus aroma can also uplift mood and ease frustration.
Best for: Mood regulation, anxiety, and emotional clarity.
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
This grounding, resinous oil is often used to support mindfulness and meditation. Frankincense may enhance focus, calm the mind, and reduce emotional reactivity—making it a great choice for individuals with ADHD who struggle with overstimulation.
Best for: Deep breathing, focus, and calming emotional overload.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Refreshing and awakening, peppermint oil can help with mental fatigue and hyperactivity. It’s thought to support focus and may help ease restlessness when used in a diffuser or rollerball. Always dilute well if applying topically, especially for sensitive skin.
Best for: Mental clarity, reducing restlessness, and staying alert.
Create Calm with the Breathe Calm Set
If you're looking to explore essential oils for ADHD and anxiety in a safe, effective way, our Breathe Calm Set is the perfect place to begin.
This carefully curated blend combines Lavender, Sweet Orange, and Frankincense—three oils known for their relaxing, grounding effects.
Whether used in a diffuser during homework or work hours, or inhaled via our stylish keyring diffuser on-the-go, it’s a powerful natural support tool for calm and clarity.🛒 Shop Breathe Calm here and experience plant-powered peace for yourself or your child.
💡 5 Practical Tips to Cope with ADHD as an Adult at Work
Pair your essential oils with small, consistent strategies to reduce overwhelm and boost productivity:
Get organised: Use planners, to-do lists, or digital tools to track tasks and deadlines.
Set realistic goals: Break big projects into bite-sized steps you can build on.
Take regular breaks: Move your body, get fresh air, or stretch between tasks.
Ask for help: Speak to your manager about accommodations or support.
Look after your body: Sleep, eat well, and nourish your nervous system daily.
Tips & Tricks
On the move? Add a few drops of your favourite oil to our Keyring Diffuser for support throughout the day.
Wind down well: Diffuse Lavender or our signature Rest Calm blend in the evening to help signal rest.
Need a moment of mindfulness? Try the GABA Life Podcast on Spotify – the Cloud Transformations episode is a beautiful ADHD soundscape for guided calm.
Using essential oils for ADHD and anxiety isn’t about replacing therapy or medication—it’s about building calm, holistic habits that support your wellbeing from the inside out.
Whether you’re supporting a child, yourself, or someone you love, these oils can offer grounding, emotional support, and a gentle nudge toward balance.
Sending calm and clarity on your journey,
Becky x