Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is one of the more natural methods for treating various health conditions, be it physiological or psychological, using the powers of natural essential oils.  It is said that natural essential oils are very potent and that they should be used in very diluted forms to prevent any untoward effects.  Being armed with this information, can we safely use aromatherapy for our children? 

The answer?  A resounding yes!  Our children can also reap the health benefits of using aromatherapy.  

In using aromatherapy to promote the physical and psychological well-being of our children, it is sensible to take extra precaution.  Care should be observed at all times to ensure that you only use one-third to one-half of the recommended dosage for adults or approximately 5 to 6 drops of essential oil for every ounce of carrier oil. 

For what conditions can we use aromatherapy in children? 

Children benefit greatly from aromatherapy especially for relieving various digestive problems such as stomach aches, colic, gas pains and nausea.  Aromatherapy can also soothe frayed nerves, calm anxiety attacks and counter over-excitability.  Even food allergies can be effectively treated by using certain essential oils. 

Aromatherapy for Digestive Problems

To soothe tummy aches, colic and other digestive problems, a mixture of 2 drops chamomile, 1 drop fennel, 2 drops dill and 1 drop melissa essential oils in 1 ounce of carrier oil can be used as massage oil.  By simply rubbing this essential oil mixture over a kid's tummy, most digestive woes will be cured!  That's the power of aromatherapy coupled with tender loving care!  

Aromatherapy had been so effective in treating children's digestive ailments that it had been used by several cultures all over the world for ages.  

Aromatherapy for a Good Night's Sleep

Kids do get cranky at times.  To help them get a good night's sleep, a relaxing warm aromatherapy bath before going to sleep can be a real treat!  

Kids love taking aromatherapy baths.  They might enjoy it more if they are given the chance to choose their own special blends!  The most popular fragrances for kids include orange, grapefruit and tangerine.  Take note that all these are anti-depressants and relaxants! 

A warm relaxing aromatherapy bath before bedtime provides a calming effect, is an excellent cure for headaches, gently induces a good night's sleep and soothes a parent's frayed nerves as well! 

Other Cures for Some of the More Common Kids' Ailments 

.  Kids suffering from respiratory congestion may find relief from frankincense massage oil.  Or the essential oil can be used in a vaporizer to decongest the nasal and respiratory passages.  This is considered safe even for infants. 

.  Running a fever?  Treat it by giving tea made from yarrow, catnip, peppermint and elderflower.  This can also be used in treating measles, chicken pox and mumps.  

.  To relieve the soreness caused by mumps, prepare a gargle made from thyme, rosemary or sage.  .  Subside the swelling caused by mumps and sore tonsils by using a neck wrap.  Simply put 8 drops of lavender oil in 2 cups of warm water.  Dip a soft flannel cloth into the mixture and wring it to remove excess water.  Wrap the cloth around the neck and cover it with a towel to lock in the heat.  Repeat as many times as you wish. 

.  The oils of Melissa and bergamot are known to have strong antiviral property and can be used to neutralize mumps and chicken pox viruses. 

.  Teething pains?  Give chamomile tea.  You may also apply a little diluted clove oil to the sore gums.