Aromatherapy for Neurodivergent Stress Responses
Image of brain, interior view, in color on a granite table
“A study involving 223 autistic adults found that self-reported masking behaviors were positively predicted by the degree to which participants perceived their autistic identity as stigmatized.” (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10482295/)
Chart displaying characteristics of neurodiverse groups
Stigmatization leads to many negative mental and physical health outcomes for neurodivergent people. As a neurodivergent person myself, it often feels like I am drowning under the weight of failure. My inner self is happy, joyful, and free - but she is often weighted down by the expectations of others and of my more judgmental self. Some of those judgmental inner voices are my own, but many of them stem from society and unrealistic expectations repeated often enough to stick.
“When it comes to managing anxiety in neurodivergent individuals specifically, research suggests that anxiety is more common among autistic people compared to the general population (about 20% vs. 9%). Dr. Jephtha Tausig, a New York City-based clinical psychologist, explained that anxiety may feel even more distressing for autistic individuals due to its potential impact on routines: “When they feel a surge in anxiety, it can feel disorienting and discombobulating… in addition to the feeling of the anxiety itself.”
I, and other autistic people, are a people who process up to 42% more information on average at rest versus neurotypical people. This experience is very magical and VERY overwhelming. The amount of complexity, beauty, stress, inner critic, neural connections, emotions, and thoughts that we have are intense. I often feel it is hard to relate to others in this way because I am thinking and feeling so many things at once.
All of this complexity feels wonderful when one is in nature, however, soaking in all of the scenes with relish and exuberance. My ex-fiance used to note that, “You always seem SO much happier when we are on a hike!”, as he looked at me somewhat suspiciously. What could cause a person to be demonstrably happier just by being outside?
Hand resting on a rainy windowpane across from windows, moody black and white image
Well, all of the input was positive. Every birdsong, every meandering creek, every dappled shadow from a beautiful tree, felt like home to me. It felt right and good. Contrast this with living in the busy busy busy Bay Area where cars and executives speedwalking around with cell phones and self-importance.
I lived in the Santa Cruz Mountains for some years and felt the most belonging amongst the woods that I ever have in my life. That was a lucky break just before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, and since then, I’ve made the decision to relocate to the Bay Area again for personal circumstances. So how can a neurodivergent person find some peace with plants? The rest of this post will detail some simple ways to help support our emotional and mental wellbeing with the magic of aromatherapy. As a neurodivergent person, I feel very sensitive to medications and their side effects. Many of you may have the same experience. Aromatherapy has helped me in very very difficult situations in the past and I am looking forward to sharing some of those helpful experiences with you.
Purple Clary Sage growing in a mountain meadow amongst the grass
Aromatherapy ideas, tips, and tricks to help assuage stress:
Clary Sage essential oil is a simple and affordable vehicle to reduce high blood pressure, promote relaxation and reduce stress, stimulate dopamine naturally, and have deeper sleep. We offer a Clary Sage Mystic Dream Spray in our shop - but you can use this lovely plant in any way you’d like. Even a few drops on your inner wrists and neck can do wonders for stressful days or hard-to-wind-down nights.
Spray supportive oils of your choice onto stuffed animals, blankets, or under pillows by combining 1 oz grain alcohol, 3 oz distilled water and 25-40 drops of a soothing oil. Keep a labelled bottle handy in your home and car and spray liberally! Cedarwood, rosemary, and jasmine essential oils are some great ones to try for this purpose.
Take aromatherapy baths as often as possible, daily being ideal, with the caveat that those with dry skin should be cautious of using very hot water. Use lukewarm water and either use our Organic Coconut Oil Scrub before getting out, or be sure to moisturize well after. Add essential oils, pure magnesium salt, and your favorite herbs and flowers to the bath. Part of the fun is keeping your phone and electronics OFF! Experiment with different scents and combinations. Your spirit will thank you for connecting with yourself and plants in this relaxed way. Play relaxing music and try to simply take in the smells and feeling of warm water relaxing your muscles.
Citrus essential oils are wonderful in uplifting sadness and minimizing the impact of negative self-talk. Blood orange, sweet orange, lime, lemon, and bergamot are great places to start. Keep some of these oils, or a blend of these oils, in a purse or backpack for on-the-go mood boosting powers.
One of our goals at Kali Rose Organics is to incorporate powerful botanical ingredients into daily skin and bodycare, so that you don’t have to work hard to have a relationship with mood-boosting plants. Our ancestors were in direct contact with plants for food, medicine, joy, and creating. We have lost touch with one of the most beautiful things about living on Planet Earth, our plants. We hope to inspire you to reconnect and feel the joy plants can bring to you life, as they’ve brought joy to ours.
