Help for Emotional Dysregulation in Kids | Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

Essential Oils for OCD: A Natural Way to Calm a Busy Brain

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women trying essential oils

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

If your child’s brain never seems to turn off, you’re not alone. I’ve met dozens of parents in a similar situation – exhausted, overwhelmed, and fervently hoping to finally find the right answers. 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is more than just odd habits — it’s a brain that’s stuck in overdrive.

And while medication and therapy can be helpful tools, many families are also turning to natural supports like essential oils for OCD to calm the brain and body.

In this guide, you’ll learn which essential oils may ease OCD symptoms, how they support the nervous system, and how they fit into a larger brain-based healing plan that puts your child’s emotional regulation first.

Popular Essential Oils to Help OCD

What Are the Best Essential Oils for OCD?

Here are some of the most commonly used and well-researched essential oils that may help reduce symptoms of OCD and support brain and nervous system regulation:

  • Lavender – calming, anti-anxiety, and sleep-supportive (Koulivand et al., 2013)
  • Frankincense – grounding, mood-regulating, and reduces cortisol
  • Chamomile – soothes agitation and irritability
  • Ylang Ylang – emotionally balancing and tension-reducing
  • Lemon – uplifting and helps with brain fog
  • Peppermint – boosts focus and clarity (Moss et al., 2008)
  • Turmeric – anti-inflammatory and brain-protective (Ng et al., 2006)
  • Eucalyptus – promotes clear breathing and relaxation
6 Benefits of Using Essential Oils for OCD

How Do Essential Oils Help Calm OCD Symptoms?

Essential oils can’t cure OCD , but they can help regulate the nervous system which drives symptoms of OCD. 

Here’s how they may help:

🧠 Promote Relaxation

Essential oils like lavender and chamomile activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” state), which helps calm the brain.

😰 Reduce Anxiety and Stress

Frankincense and bergamot may lower cortisol levels and help reduce the chronic stress that fuels OCD symptoms (Han et al., 2017).

😊 Improve Mood

Lemon and peppermint are known for their mood-boosting and energizing properties—especially helpful when OCD is accompanied by depression.

🧩 Support Focus and Flexibility

Rosemary and peppermint may improve cognitive function and ease rigid thinking.

What’s the Best Way to Use Essential Oils for OCD?

Every child (or person) is different, so as the way each person is able to respond to essential oils. 

But here are some simple, effective ways to use essential oils for children and teens:

  • Diffuser: Infusing your diffuser with a couple drop of essential oil is deal for bedtime or calming a room, especially during transitions
  • Topical: Dilute with a carrier oil and apply to temples, wrists, or soles of the feet
  • Inhalation: Place a few drops on a cotton ball or in your hands and breathe deeply

Safety Tip: Always patch test diluted oils and consult with your child’s doctor if they have allergies or sensitivities.

Can Essential Oils Help with PANS/PANDAS-Triggered OCD?

Yes, and they can be especially supportive.

OCD caused by PANS or PANDAS (infection-triggered autoimmune responses) is often driven by inflammation.

Essential oils like turmeric, eucalyptus, frankincense, and lemon have anti-inflammatory properties which offer additional relief, especially when paired with medically-approved detox solutions.

I worked with Julia before, a mom of a 9-year-old with PANDAS who noticed her daughter was less agitated after using a calming lavender and turmeric blend during bedtime. She said, “It doesn’t fix everything, but it helps her fall asleep—and that changes our whole night.”

Do Essential Oils Replace Therapy for OCD?

No. They’re a supportive tool, not a stand-alone treatment.

OCD treatment often includes:

Essential oils help calm the brain so that kids can better engage in these therapies.

Are Essential Oils Safe for Kids?

In most cases, yes—when used the right way. But as a parent, you want to feel confident and informed, so here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Always dilute essential oils before topical use (Tisserand & Young, 2014)
  • Avoid internal use unless directed by a medical professional
  • Check age-appropriate oils (some oils like eucalyptus aren’t recommended for very young children)
  • Use therapeutic-grade oils from trusted brands like doTERRA or Young Living

“We started with just lavender,” says Mark, dad of a 12-year-old with OCD. “I wanted to see how his body responded. Once I knew it helped, we added peppermint during homework time.”

What Else Can Help a Child with OCD?

OCD is more not just obsessively wanting to keep things organized. It takes on different types and healing takes a layered approach—especially when your child also has anxiety, sensory issues, or inflammation.

Here’s what can also support your child’s brain and body:

  • Therapies: ERP, CBT, neurofeedback, and PEMF
  • Nutrition: Anti-inflammatory diets can support brain health
  • Supplements: Magnesium, omega-3s, and probiotics

Tools: Breathing techniques, somatic practices, and limbic retraining

What Is PEMF Therapy and How Does It Support OCD Treatment?

PEMF stands for Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy, and it’s a powerful tool to support brain healing.

Here’s how it helps kids with OCD:

  • Calms the nervous system: By stimulating the body’s natural electromagnetic fields, PEMF can reduce fight-or-flight responses.
  • Improves brain communication: Enhances cellular signaling to promote emotional regulation.
  • Supports co-occurring symptoms: Helps reduce anxiety, depression, and inflammation that often fuel OCD.

Many families in our clinic use PEMF alongside essential oils and neurofeedback for a more comprehensive healing plan.

Essential oils aren’t a cure—but they are a gentle, effective way to help calm a dysregulated brain. 

For children with OCD (and especially those with PANS/PANDAS), they can be a soothing part of a broader, science-backed treatment plan.

Parent Action Steps

What essential oils calm obsessive thoughts?

Lavender, frankincense, and chamomile are great starting points—they help relax the nervous system and reduce overthinking.

Can I use essential oils instead of OCD medication?

Essential oils are not a replacement for medication but can be part of a holistic support plan. Always work with a licensed provider.

How long does it take to see results with essential oils?

Some children feel calmer immediately; others need consistent use over a few weeks to notice benefits.

Are there side effects to essential oils?

Side effects are rare if oils are used properly. Always patch test and follow age guidelines.

What oils are best for bedtime rituals?

Lavender, chamomile, and Ylang-Ylang can help calm nighttime anxiety and support better sleep. 

Citations:

Koulivand, P. H., Ghadiri, M. K., & Gorji, A. (2013). Lavender and the nervous system. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/681304

Moss, M., Cook, J., Wesnes, K., & Duckett, P. (2008). Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults. International Journal of Neuroscience. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207450390161903

Ng, T. P., Chiam, P. C., Lee, T., Chua, H. C., Lim, L., & Kua, E. H. (2006). Curry consumption and cognitive function in the elderly. American Journal of Epidemiology. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwj267

Han, X., Gibson, J., Eggett, D. L., & Parker, T. L. (2017). Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) essential oil inhalation improves positive feelings in humans. Phytotherapy Research. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5806

Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone. https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780443062414/essential-oil-safety

National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA). (2021). Factors that influence the safety of essential oils include. Retrieved from: https://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/safety

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a mental health expert who is frequently called up to give her expert opinion in the media: 

  • Insider  – What is OCD?
  • Single Care Controlling the uncontrollable: Living with OCD during a pandemic
  • What to Expect: Why Does My Toddler Keep Pulling Her Own Hair?
  • Parade: Olympic Boxer Ginny Fulchs Has OCD—Here’s Why That Term Is More Complex Than Many People Think

Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.

Are you looking for SOLUTIONS for your struggling child or teen? 

Dr. Roseann and her team are all about solutions, so you are in the right place!

Logo featuring Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge with the text 'Calm Brain and Happy Family,' incorporating soothing colors and imagery such as a peaceful brain icon and a smiling family to represent emotional wellness and balanced mental health.
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