If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), you know that managing this can be a challenge. They are not talked about enough, but there are many natural remedies for support! So when it comes to ADD or ADHD, you can live a life that is full, healthy, and thriving.
ADD & ADHD AT A GLANCE
* Essential oils can access parts of our brain that other therapies cannot
* Oils can help rewire negative emotions attached to focus or a sense of calm
* Supplements can provide necessary nutrients for the brain and body
* Each person is a bit unique and may respond better to a specific oil or supplement, so keep trying until you find your best fit
Before diving into the remedies, it's essential to understand what ADD and ADHD entail. These conditions can affect attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity. People with ADD may struggle more with focus and organization, while those with ADHD often exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. The good news? There are holistic approaches that can complement traditional treatments.
Essential oils are a great tool when it comes to supporting focus! Essential oils have tiny molecules that can effectively cross the blood brain barrier, they work with our brains through aromatherapy, and can help us address emotions attached to focus as well.
We can also supplement with essential oils, high-quality herbs, and specific nutrients that the brain and body need.
When you combine these habits and tools, you can create a unique support system for yourself when it comes to managing ADD and ADHD!
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR CALM AND FOCUS
Some of the best essential oils for calm and focus are those that are high in sesquiterpenes – Cedarwood, Vetiver, Frankincense, Spikenard, and Sandalwood.
Sesquiterpenes are a powerful focus tool! They help with oxygenating the pineal and pituitary glands, which are responsible for producing hormones related to sleep and stress. Sesquiterpenes also stimulate Beta Wave production in the brain, which helps with focus. When we are performing a difficult task or working on a problem, our brain increases the amount of beta waves. Sesquiterpenes stimulate and support that natural production and therefore ability to focus.
These compounds also help delete negative information in the cellular memory, making them extremely helpful tools when experiencing or processing trauma of any kind (chemical, medical, physical, emotional, relational).
Cedarwood: Often associated with grounding and stability, Cedarwood can help promote clarity and focus. It's great for calming racing thoughts and can be particularly useful during study or work sessions. Cedarwood is high in sesquiterpenes, a constituent that specifically helps to calm brain waves to a slower state. With ADD or ADHD this can take brain waves from an overactive state to one of focus and concentration.
Vetiver: Often praised for its soothing properties, Vetiver can help calm the mind and enhance focus. Many people find it beneficial during times of distraction as it is also high in sesquiterpenes. Apply this oil to the back of the neck, diffuse it, and apply it along the spine.
Frankincense: This ancient oil is known for its ability to promote mental clarity and emotional balance. A few drops in a diffuser or on the back of the neck can create a serene environment conducive to concentration.
Lavender: This calming oil is known for its soothing and relaxing properties. It can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, making it easier to focus. Diffusing lavender or applying it topically often helps to calm anxious thoughts, especially when paired with anxiety-reducing Bergamot.
Peppermint: With its invigorating scent, Peppermint can help increase alertness and energy. Diffusing it during study time or applying a diluted blend to your wrists and back of the neck can enhance focus and cognitive function.
GeneYus: KidScents GeneYus contains a blend of essential oils that work well together to promote a sense of calm and focus. Frankincense, Vetiver, Sandalwood and Cedarwood are high in sesquiterpenes and are specifically supportive of calming brain waves into focused or even meditative states. These oils combine with other oils like Northern Lights Black Spruce to create a blend that promotes a productive, calm and grounded atmosphere.
USING OILS FOR FOCUS
When creating your support tools, make sure to include at least one oil that is high in sesquiterpenes (Cedarwood, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Spikenard or GeneYus). Peppermint is crisp and altering and wonderful applied to the back of the neck for focus. Lavender helps to calm the mind and body if there is an overly active component. And both Peppermint and Lavender work even better when it is layered over one of the sesquiterpene-rich oils!
Apply chosen oil(s) to the base of the hairline/brainstem area.
Drop chosen oil(s) onto the scalp and/or apply to your hands, then run through the hair to make a ‘hair diffuser'.
* Make a Focus Roller to use during work, homework, school, meetings or anytime to help focus the mind:
* To a 10mL roller bottle add:
* 15 drops Frankincense
* 10 drops each Vetiver, Cedarwood
* 5 drops Peppermint
* Fill with a carrier of choice. Apply over the heart, back of the neck, on the wrists liberally and frequently. If needed, up the drops of oil to meet your specific needs.
* Place a drop of Vetiver, Cedarwood or Sandalwood into your palm, rub your hands together, then cup your hands over your nose and breathe deeply for a few minutes.
SUPPLEMENTS FOR ADD AND ADHD
Supplements can make a big difference when it comes to managing Add and ADHD. Focusing on nutrient dense supplements and those with brain building blocks like B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids can go a long way!
Green Omega 3s: Omega-3s are known for their benefits when it comes to brain health and cognitive function, and this can be especially helpful for those with ADD/ADHD.
Super B: A blend of B vitamins that can help support energy levels, brain function, and overall wellness, Super B provides the body with the tools it needs for emotional balance and mental clarity. B vitamins are water soluble, so they need to be replenished every day.
NingXia Nitro: NingXia Nitro is a delicious, energizing wolfberry drink infused with essential oils, botanical extracts, D-ribose, Korean ginseng, and green tea extract to support alertness and cognitive and physical fitness. It is a small tube that can be consumed on its own or mixed into NingXia Red for even more antioxidant support. This is our favorite supplement for getting rid of the brain fog and focusing.
NingXia Red: This antioxidant-rich drink can support overall wellness and energy levels. Packed with vitamins and nutrients, it's a great addition to your daily routine for sustained energy and focus. It also reduces stress and promotes healthy sleep! If there were one supplement you could start for managing ADD or ADHD, NingXia Red would be the one!
OTHER LIFESTYLE TIPS FOR ADD OR ADHD
* Eat a nutrient-dense, whole foods diet. Focus on leafy greens, grass-fed meats, and healthy fats such as coconut or avocado. Eliminate processed foods as much as possible.
* Eliminate food dyes, artificial flavors, and processed sugar. These things add fuel to the fire when it comes to ADD/ADHD. For sweeteners, use natural sugars like honey or maple syrup.
* Support detoxification. Exercise, hydration, and practices like dry brushing can help your body detox more efficiently.
* Prioritize sleep. Sleep is essential for a healthy brain, ADD or not! Prioritize healthy sleep and rest. If you are struggling, consider adding Deep Night Essence and Super Magnesium to your supplement routine.
* Manage stress. Incorporate mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation, and consider using calming essential oils like Lavender or stress-relieving blends like Peace & Calming.
- Bailey Lowe
Certified Functional Nutrition Coach
Young Living Brand Partner
(989) 245-5358
I don’t like how I feel when I start my day with carbs, aka cereal, bagels, pancakes, waffles, toast, etc… who started making breakfast a sugar carb fest?!?!
So if you agree and are trying to get more protein in first thing in the morning, but still want some pancakes this is for you! (P.S. Your hormones will love protein first thing in the morning)
Sharing one of our favorites before school breakfasts… Banana Pancakes! My kiddos love them with a little pure maple syrup on top.
Recipe:
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Banana
Optional add ins
- Tablespoon of ground flax seed
- Half tsp. Cinnamon
- tsp. If Vanilla extract
Blend in small blender. Melt a small amount of coconut oil or grass fed butter in a small frying pan; poor the blended banana and egg batter into your pan. Flip like a pancake. Add a little pure maple syrup on top of your pancake if you want a little more sweetness.
Enjoy! Tag me if you give them a try!
- Bailey Lowe
Certified Functional Nutrition Coach
(989) 245-5358
If you didn't hear, we are expecting our 3rd baby any day now!
I've been nesting and cleaning this house like crazy! But another thing that I'm doing in my 3rd trimester is helping my body prepare for labor.
Here are a few things that I have been doing in my 3rd trimester to get ready for Labor
- Drinking Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea has been shown to strengthen the Uterus wall and has even been used for other hormonal help. Studies have shown that red raspberry leaf tea can reduce complications and interventions during birth, and even help to make labor faster. Yes to all of that! am I right mamas?
Red raspberry leaf also has vitamins C, E, and A, B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, and has essential trace minerals such as zinc, iron, chromium and manganese... So amazing benefits!
- Eat Dates
Why Dates? Studies have shown that dates help prepare the Cervix for labor and can reduce needs for inductions. These studies have also shown that dates may ease labor and reduce postpartum hemorrhage.
Also dates have a lot of fiber (goodbye pregnancy constipation), iron, potassium, magnesium and antioxidants which are not only great for pregnant mama's but for anyone!
And we are told to increase Folate during pregnancy... Dates are a great way to do that!
I wrote a previous blog post all about dates and some of my favorite ways to eat them.
Check it out here
- Exercises to Open my Hips
There are a lot of stretches and exercises that you can do to prepare for labor. We want our hips to be as flexible as possible to make room for our baby. My favorite way to do this is using my exercise ball. You can look on YouTube and find so many exercise ball videos for pregnant moms (great ball workouts for any of you out there that aren't pregnant too!) The Free App, FitOn also has some great Pregnancy workouts for opening the hips.
Also, I was finding that the larger I got, the worse my posture and hip position was from sitting back on the couch or my bed. How to switch that? Get your exercise ball out and sit on that while you are sitting. You will be amazed how it is actually much more comfortable and better for your back and hips. Another thing you can do if relaxing, is lay on your side with pillows between your knees.
Congrats Mama!
- Bailey Lowe
Functional Nutrition Coach
(989) 245-5358
The majority of us are magnesium deficient... it is amazing how many problems it can causes when our body is deficient in certain minerals...
So...the question is why are so many of us magnesium deficient?
- Our soil, today, is depleted and has lower levels of magnesium and other minerals.
- Water supplies have chemicals like fluoride and chlorine which bind to magnesium.
- Things that we consume like caffeine and sugar deplete our magnesium levels.
What kind of things can magnesium help with?
- Muscle cramps/ Aches
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Better sleep
And did you know that topically is a great way to get magnesium into your body.
It absorbs through your skin and avoids going through the digestive track.
My personal story - During my pregnancies, I had awful restless legs and muscle cramps. (My body was telling me that it needed more magnesium as it was using more of my minerals to create that little life inside of me)
Someone suggested magnesium... so I made up this spray, and I was amazed that my muscle cramps went away! I use this spray daily. I spray it on legs, arms, and back after I shower.
Recipe :
- Equal Parts warm water and Magnesium Flakes
- 10 - 20 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
- Glass Spray Bottle
Mix everything together and poor in your glass spray bottle. It may tingle the first couple times, this is normal. (If it bothers you, you can dilute it a little more.) Let me know if you give it a try!
Here are a couple of my favorites if you prefer a supplement version of Magnesium - MegaCal & Unwind
- Bailey Lowe
Functional Nutrition Coach
(989) 245-5358
If you have had that jiggly can of cranberry sauce and weren’t a fan… I don’t blame you… It’s time for a better cranberries sauce to be on the Thanksgiving Dinner table!
This is a recipe that I give all the credit to my mom. She has been making this for years; I have loved it since I was a kid.
And… it is a no cook recipe, so you can whip this together in a matter of minutes.
- 1 bag of fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 apple
- 1 orange
- Maple Syrup
Place everything in your food processor (apple - cored and quartered, orange - quartered and remove any seeds, but leave peel on) Add maple syrup to taste. Keep refrigerated.
Give it a try this week and let me know how you like it!
Happy Thanksgiving!
- Bailey Lowe
Functional Nutrition Coach
(989) 245-5358
