Sniffing lemon oil boosts attention in kids with ADHD, study finds
NCT ID NCT07586761
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether smelling lemon essential oil for 5 minutes could improve attention in 52 children aged 9-16 with ADHD who were not on medication. The children were randomly assigned to inhale either lemon oil or a placebo before taking attention and memory tests. Results showed that those who smelled lemon oil had significantly better sustained attention scores compared to the placebo group.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- lemon essential oil
- What this could lead to
- If this works, it could offer a simple, non-drug option to help children with ADHD focus better during tasks.
- What could go wrong
- This was a small, single-session study with only 52 children. The effects may not last or work for everyone, and more research is needed.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Basaksehir Cam ve Sakura City Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
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