International Journal of
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Short Communication Volume 10 Issue 4
Aromatherapy as an integrative and complementary practice in modulating attentional focus in children and adolescents
Lindisley Ferreira Gomides, Serafyn Sampaio Mendes, José Carlos Rodrigues Duarte, Célio Souto Gomes
Received: July 17, 2026 | Published: August 17, 2026
Citation: Gomides LF, Mendes SS, Duarte JCR, et al. Aromatherapy as an integrative and complementary practice in modulating attentional focus in children and adolescents. Int J Fam Commun Med. 2026;10(4):120-123. DOI: 10.15406/ijfcm.2026.10.00426
Abstract
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neuropsychiatric conditions among children and adolescents, with a global prevalence of approximately 8.0% and a marked upward trend in diagnoses. Inattention, a core component of the symptomatic triad, substantially compromises academic performance, interpersonal functioning, and emotional well-being. Although stimulant pharmacotherapy remains the mainstay of treatment, concerns regarding adverse effects and long-term efficacy have stimulated growing interest in integrative and complementary practices. This study proposes aromatherapy as a complementary, humanized, and low-cost strategy for modulating attentional focus in children and adolescents with ADHD. It is a narrative literature review based on national and international studies addressing essential oils and attentional processes. Preliminary evidence suggests that essential oils such as lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), and, most notably, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) exert anxiolytic and cognition-enhancing effects mediated by the limbic system. In the case of rosemary, the terpenes in its composition, including borneol, appear to increase dopamine and norepinephrine availability in the prefrontal cortex, supporting executive functions such as sustained attention and working memory. The study concludes that Aromatherapy constitutes a promising adjunct, rather than a substitute, for conventional treatment, warranting professional training and further methodologically rigorous research to establish the efficacy and safety of these interventions.
Keywords: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, aromatherapy, complementary therapies, Rosmarinus officinalis, attention
©2026 Gomides, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.