🌿 What Is Neurodiversity? Understanding Difference, Finding Comfort
Have you ever felt like your mind dances to a rhythm that others don’t quite hear? For many, that isn’t just a passing thought — it’s the lived experience of being neurodivergent. Instead of being “broken” or “wrong,” neurodiversity reminds us that human brains, like wild gardens, are beautifully varied. Some grow in neat rows, others spread freely — each with its own patterns, gifts, and challenges.
At Herbs on the Hill, we believe these differences deserve honour, not correction — and that simple rituals of comfort, like aromatherapy, can bring ease along the way.
What Is Neurodiversity?
The term neurodiversity was first coined in the 1990s to describe a simple truth: brains are naturally different.
Neurodiversity includes people who are:
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Autistic
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ADHD
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Dyslexic, dyspraxic, or dyscalculic
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Living with Tourette’s, OCD, or other neurological differences
It isn’t a disease to be treated — it’s part of the spectrum of human experience. Each neurodivergent mind brings unique strengths, perspectives, and ways of seeing the world.
Why Language Matters
You may see words like neurodiverse, neurodivergent, and neurotypical. Here’s a simple guide:
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Neurodiversity = the whole garden of human minds 🌱
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Neurodivergent = an individual whose brain works differently 🌻
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Neurotypical = someone whose brain works in more common patterns 🌼
Language matters because words shape belonging. Using affirming language says: you are valid, you belong, you are enough.
Options to Help 🌸
Neurodiversity itself isn’t something that needs “treating,” but the challenges that sometimes come with it can be supported in many ways. These supports may be used individually or together:
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Medication – sometimes prescribed to support focus, attention, mood, or sleep.
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Diet & lifestyle – regular meals, balanced nutrition, hydration, and gentle exercise to steady the nervous system.
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Therapies & strategies – coaching, occupational therapy, or talking therapies to build skills and confidence.
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Sensory comfort rituals – weighted blankets, aromatherapy, music, or movement as daily grounding anchors.
👉 Some people rely on one. Others weave several together. The important thing is finding the mix that feels supportive for you.
What the Science Says 🌿
When you inhale an essential oil, tiny molecules travel through the nose to the olfactory bulb, which links directly to the limbic system — the part of the brain tied to memory, emotion, and stress response. This is why a single scent can instantly transport you back to childhood, or ease your breath after a stressful moment.
Research suggests, for example:
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Lavender can encourage relaxation through its impact on GABA pathways, the body’s natural calming system.
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Citrus oils such as orange and grapefruit are linked with uplifted mood and sharper focus.
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Rose oil has been shown to support emotional balance and soothe the nervous system.
These aren’t cures — but they are powerful comfort companions when woven into daily life.
How Aromatherapy Can Help 🌸
Neurodivergent people often experience the world more intensely: lights too bright, sounds too sharp, emotions too big. Aromatherapy offers a gentle anchor — a way of creating calm in the middle of sensory storms.
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Lavender softens overwhelm and invites stillness.
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Citrus oils bring clarity and lightness when thoughts feel tangled.
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Peppermint blended with lavender can refresh foggy minds and steady breathing.
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Rose comforts the heart when emotions feel tender.
These scents can’t change who you are — but they can be trusted companions, giving the nervous system a moment to rest.
Simple Daily Rituals ✨
1. The Pocket Calm Ritual
Carry a roll-on or balm with lavender and citrus. In busy, noisy moments, pause, breathe in deeply, and reset with scent.
2. The Evening Wind-Down
Add a few drops of lavender or rose to a diffuser or warm bath. Let the aroma signal to your body: it’s safe to rest now.
Safety Notes
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Always dilute essential oils before using on skin.
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Avoid peppermint blends for very young children or those with asthma unless advised.
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If pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication, check safety guidelines first.
FAQs 💡
Q: Is neurodiversity a diagnosis?
A: No. It’s a way of describing natural brain differences. Specific conditions (like ADHD or autism) can be diagnosed, but neurodiversity itself isn’t a medical label.
Q: Can aromatherapy replace medication?
A: No. Aromatherapy isn’t a substitute for medical support, but it can complement it by offering calm and sensory balance.
Q: Which oil should I try first?
A: Start simple — many begin with lavender for calm or citrus for focus. Notice how each scent feels to you.
Living as neurodivergent means carrying a mind that feels and sees the world differently — and that difference is something to be honoured.
At Herbs on the Hill, we’ve spent over 30 years crafting natural, handmade oils, balms, and mists designed to bring everyday comfort.
✨ Explore our Limitless Collection, visit us at 20 Bath Street, Frome, or connect with us anytime:
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💌 Email: kizzy@loveherbsonthehill.com
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💬 Live chat: HerbsontheHill.shop
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🌿 Socials: @herbsonthehill
You are not alone. You belong here — differences and all.
