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Tourette Syndrome (TS): how essential oils can help
Tourette Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition known primarily for involuntary motor and vocal tics – things like blinking repeatedly, constant shoulder shrugs, throat clearing, or even more noticeable movements or sounds. It typically starts in childhood, and while tics may fade over time for some, others live with them throughout adolescence or into adulthood.
Behind those tics are differences in the basal ganglia, thalamocortical circuits, and cortical-striatal pathways—areas responsible for movement control and habit programming. When these circuits misfire, tics can emerge. Plus, TS often comes bundled with ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and sleep disturbances – so it’s not just about tics, but the broader neurodivergent challenge
Dietary Support & Lifestyle Tips
We have found that the following dietary support could help the pathways in the brain to relax. This offers a support for the symptoms of tourettes syndrome:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil – studies show they may support brain health.
- B Vitamins (especially B12): Support the nervous system, help fight anxiety and depression, and aid cognitive focus – this is very important, since stress often worsens tics.
- Vitamin D: Low levels can impact the nervous system as well as muscle health and may worsen mood and stress resilience. If possible, get out in the sun more often – especially with first light. Try to do this daily and aim for at least 30 minutes a day.
- Chamomile: An ancient go-to for sleep and calm, its essential oil and tea may ease tension, help with sleep, and indirectly reduce tic flare-ups by calming the nervous system.
- Sleep, Reduced Sugar, Avoiding Additives: Anecdotal accounts point to dramatic improvements in tics from parents who dropped gluten, dairy, and artificial ingredients and colourants. They report seeing fewer tics and better rest.
- Exercise: Aerobic activity can reduce tic frequency and severity, while lifting mood and stress thresholds.
OilGrow Blends for Supporting TS-Affected Brain Areas
Below is a table of OilGrow blends that align with brain regions implicated in TS – such as the basal ganglia (motor regulation), limbic system (emotional balance), and prefrontal areas (impulse control).
| Blend Name | Core TS Challenge Addressed | Oils in Blend | Brain Area(s) Supported | How It Helps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calm | Anxiety, sleep issues, emotional overload | Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Marjoram | Amygdala, Hypothalamus | Eases overactive brain stimulation, soothes anxiety, helps with restful transitions |
| Forest | Sensory overload, stress accumulation | Ylang Ylang, Vetiver, Rosemary | RAS, Prefrontal cortex | Grounds the nervous system and supports focus amid sensory stress |
| Relief | Physical tension, headaches during tics | Peppermint (+ anti-inflammatory oils) | Somatosensory cortex, Pain pathways | Provides cooling, relieving physical discomfort that can trigger tics. |
| Marvellous | Post-tic fatigue, difficulty unwinding | Frankincense (and relaxing blends), Sweet Orange | Prefrontal cortex, Amygdala | Helps ease racing thoughts and calm after intense tic episodes |
Single Essential Oils to Support Tourette Syndrome
You might want to mix and match single oils to build personalized support blends. Here’s a starting table:
| Oil | Core TS-Related Challenge | Active Compound(s) | Brain Area Supported | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lavender | Tics triggered by anxiety | Linalool | Amygdala, Hypothalamus | Calms fight-or-flight responses that often precede tics |
| Roman Chamomile | Irritability and sleep disruption | Isobutyl angelate | Limbic system, Prefrontal cortex | Soothes emotional tension, aids focus and rest |
| Vetiver | Restlessness, hyperarousal after tics | Vetivone, Khusimol | RAS, Prefrontal cortex | Grounds the nervous system to steady control |
| Frankincense | Post-tic agitation, overwhelm | α-Pinene | Amygdala, Hippocampus | Helps calm emotional reactivity, supports regulation |
| Peppermint | Tiredness and sensory discomfort | Menthol | Somatosensory cortex, Prefrontal cortex | Provides refreshing clarity and relieves discomfort |
| Sweet Orange | Flat mood or social withdrawal | Limonene | Prefrontal cortex, Limbic system | Uplifts mood and emotional openness |
| Bergamot | Mood swings, anxiety | Limonene, Linalool | Amygdala, Prefrontal cortex | Blends calm with uplift—great for emotional balance |
Final Thoughts
Tourette Syndrome brings unique challenges – the tics themselves, but also the emotional and sensory layers that accompany them. Dietary tweaks like omega-3s, B-vitamins, chamomile, better sleeping patterns, and stress reduction can help form a strong foundation. Meanwhile, aromatic support with blends like Calm or Forest, or targeted oils like lavender and vetiver, offers immediate sensory-level regulation.
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