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| - Last Updated on August 20, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
In a Facebook post, it was suggested that eucalyptus oil could be used to treat visual hallucinations and autism. We verified the claim’s accuracy, and our analysis revealed that the claim is Mostly False.
The Claim
In a widely shared Facebook video titled “Einstein Village,” it is claimed that inhaling concentrated eucalyptus oil can reduce visual hallucinations and reverse autism symptoms, allowing autistic children to understand emotions better and communicate. It is noteworthy that the assertion is attributed to Dr. Mark Huber, who is advising the viewers to use concentrated eucalyptus oil for better brain functioning.
Fact Check
Does Dr. Mark Huber, a neurologist who appears in the video, actually exist?
No, this is because a reverse image search on Google of the image that purports to be of Dr. Mark Huber failed to turn up any such neurologist depicted in the video. Additionally, no hospital that employed a neurologist with that name could be found using Google search.
What do the terms ‘autism’ and ‘hallucinations’ mean?
Hallucination is one of the most significant symptoms in psychiatry. Hallucination, in the words of Esquirol, is “the intimate belief of actually perceiving a sensation for which there is no existing object.” Simpler terms for hallucinations include the possibility of experiencing sensations on the skin, hearing voices, smelling odors, tasting things, or seeing things that aren’t there. It should be emphasized that one of the main symptoms of schizophrenia is hallucinations. Other psychiatric and medical conditions, drug or alcohol abuse, and other conditions have all been linked to hallucinations.
The neurodevelopmental condition known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties with social interaction as well as by limited interests and repetitive behaviors. People with ASD frequently have anomalous perceptual experiences. Auditory hallucinations were common in these perceptual experiences. These could have a significant negative or frightening impact on their daily activities and social interactions.
Is eucalyptus oil a viable treatment for autism and hallucinations?
No. The growth of eucalyptus, also known as blue gum, is supported by the hills of the Nilgiris, Annamalai, Palani, and Shimla. Since flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and prostanoids appear to be present in significant quantities in eucalyptus oil, it is frequently used in both aromatherapy and folk medicine. And some of its most common therapeutic applications are as an analgesic, an antiallergen, an antiviral, an antiplaque, and even a nerve-blocking agent. Additionally, 1,8-cineole, a component of eucalyptus oil that is essential for its therapeutic properties, has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of inflammatory airway diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, no significant evidence was found in our research to support its use in the treatment of autism or psychosis.
The fact that autism is a condition that can be prevented but not treated must be emphasized. Autism is primarily brought on before and may even occur during childbirth, so pregnant women must avoid eating lead, tin, and thallium-contaminated food. In addition, while they are expecting, they must abstain from using thalidomide, alcohol, tobacco, anticonvulsants, and being around polluted air.
Antipsychotics work best for hallucinations associated with functional or organic psychosis. Besides that, hallucinations in schizophrenia have been suggested to be treated with repetitive TMS (rTMS), a form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Furthermore, the management of hallucinations has been linked to coping mechanisms, psychoeducation, and cognitive behavior therapy.
Does using essential oil therapy exclusively to treat autism and psychosis pose any risk?
Yes, it would be risky. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) defines aromatherapy as the medical application of essential oils for all-around healing. Additionally, the International Standards Organization defined essential oil as a product obtained from vegetable raw materials, either by distillation with water or steam, from the epicarp of citrus fruits by a mechanical procedure.
Despite the fact that a variety of essential oils have been found to have varying levels of antimicrobial activity, along with antiviral, nematicidal, antifungal, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties, there is no evidence that aromatherapy is an effective cure for any psychotic or neurodevelopmental illness. It has only been mentioned as a possible therapeutic support strategy.
We consulted Neurologist Dr. Abhishek Juneja, regarding the use of essential oil therapy for autism and hallucinations. He advised against using essential oils, despite the fact that some of them have a calming and anxiety-relieving effect. He said, “They are being evaluated as an additive therapy for the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia patients. There is, however, still no conclusive evidence to support their efficacy in treating neuro-developmental or degenerative disorders.”
THIP Media Take
We infer that the Facebook post is not trustworthy. This is due to the fact that no concrete data supporting the use of eucalyptus essential oil in the treatment of hallucinations and autism could be found in our research. We have also come across posts which claim that autism can be reversed, but this isn’t true. As of now, there isn’t a cure for autism. According to our research, the use of essential oils may not be a permanent remedy for such ailments, but they may offer support. Consequently, the assertion is mostly false.
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