A Beginner's Guide To Using Aromatherapy With Children
Trust your instinct - a beginner's guide to using aromatherapy
with children:
Essential oils are pure aromatic plant essences - they are
distilled from flowers, fruit, leaves, resins, roots, seeds, and
wood. The are used for their healing properties the world over -
in , for example, they are only available through licensed,
qualified parishioners. In the United States, we have free
access to essential oils - but with this comes with some
important cautions: Only some of the essential oils available
are suitable for children; others are not suitable for children
and some are even dangerous to children (children with epilepsy
should not come in contact with stimulating essential oils).
When used correctly however, essential oils can be of great
benefit, and will not conflict with your child's medically
prescribed drugs. Always research the oil of choice thoroughly
before using with your infant or child - ask advice from a
qualified practitioner, or see the references at the end of this
article.
That said, essential oils can be a wonderful way of supporting
your child's health, happiness and well-being. Essential oils
can be very therapeutic and nurturing to both your child and
you, the caregiver. Essential oils are used externally (on the
outside of the body) in your child's bath, body lotions, oils,
creams, gels, compresses, foot baths, or in a oil warmer. The
effects of aromatherapy will generally fall into one of three
main categories: 1) Assisting in healing from minor illnesses
and accidents, 2) Supporting your child's overall sense of
well-being, and 3) Assisting your child in getting quality rest.
When using essential oils with your child, it is imperative that
you find a reputable supplier of therapeutic-grade essential
oils, using organic or wildcrafted varieties when possible.
Synthetic copies of oils commonly used in perfumery are not
appropriate, and may even be harmful to your child's health. To
maintain efficacy, essential oils should be kept in dark amber
or cobalt glass containers, in a dark and cool location, away
from the child's access. Wooden storage boxes from craft or
'Pier One' type stores can make a nice container for the bottles.
Methods of Using Essential Oils
There are two methods of using essential oils with your child -
INHALATION: through a diffuser, nebulizer, or adding to a
humidifier reservoir, and TOPICAL APPLICATION: diluting the
essential oil in a carrier oil and applying topically. Adding
essential oils to a bath combines the two methods, though we
will cover it under topical application.
For topical application, essential oils are diluted in varying
strengths depending on the use and age of your child. The
concentration can vary from one drop of essential oil per
tablespoon of carrier oil, to a couple of drops per teaspoon of
carrier added to a drawn bath, to an equal ratio of carrier and
essential oil applied directly to your child's feet (as in the
case of gentle Lavender). In other words, there is a huge
variation in dilution levels depending on the circumstances.
Mamas, do your research and then trust your instinct. Only you
and your child baby know exactly what is right for your
situation.
General dilution rate guidelines of essential oils in one ounce
of carrier oil:
Age of Child and amount of Essential Oil per One Ounce Carrier
Oil for Topical/Massage Application:
Newborn (Consult primary care physician before use)
1-3 drops essential oil / ounce 2-6 months 1-3 drops essential
oil / ounce 6-12 months 1-4 drops essential oil / ounce 1-4
years (unless very small) 5-8 drops essential oil / ounce 6-7
years 5-10 drops essential oil / ounce 9-12 years 5-12 drops
essential oil / ounce 12 years to young adult 10-15 drops
essential oil / ounce
DO NOT USE AN ESSENTIAL OIL NEAT (undiluted ) on children's
skin, unless indicated to do so for a specific condition. If
your child has very sensitive skin, it is important to test a
small area before using a new single oil or blend. Keep
essential oils away form the eyes. When using citrus oils -
orange, bergamot, lemon, tangerine, mandarin, and lime - do not
use where the skin will be exposed to sunlight for the next 12
hours. These oils are considered 'phototoxic', and can react
from the sun's rays. They may be used in a bath, however, where
they will be washed off the skin when the bath is done.
Essential oils are not to be taken orally (by mouth). When your
child is taking medications, reduce the amount of essential oil
by half the amount recommended for their age group.
Carrier oils for children
Sweet Almond oil is generally regarded as the safest and best
overall carrier oil for use with babies and children. Apricot
kernel oil is also considered extremely safe with children over
6. Jojoba oil can be added at about 10% concentration for any
blend - it has a soothing effect on the skin and is good for
hair.
Topical Application - Nurturing Touch Massage Recipes
There is nothing better for any child than the loving, nurturing
touch of a parent. A gentle hug, a smile, a kiss on the cheek
all reassure the child and help the parent and child to bond.
These everyday forms of connection are instinctual and children
thrive from it.
Research shows that massage can help children's growth both
physically and emotionally. In hospitals, studies done with
premature baby's show that touch is an essential aspect of the
children's ability to thrive.
Using aromatherapeutic nurturing touch massage can be
therapeutic to both the child and the parent. Using a light,
conscientious tough you can massage your child's feet, arms,
hands, back, abdomen, and even legs. The massage should always
be done with loving intention and the work is done in the
direction that the blood flows-from ankles to leg; from wrist to
shoulder, etc.
Here are a few suggested blends for this wonderful method - each
is in one (1) ounce of Sweet Almond oil:
Restful Sleep - 4 drops lavender, 2 drops Roman Chamomile
Happy Child - 3 drops Rose, 1 drop Neroli
Calm and Relaxed - 3 drops Petitgrain, 3 drops Neroli
Emotional Nurturing - 1 drop Rose, 1 drop Vanilla, 2 drops
Lavender
For a Baby oil blend, to be used as a moisturizer OR massage oil
(note: the frequent washing of a baby's skin actually makes it
difficult for them to retain vitamin C; application of a quality
skin oil will help them keep adequate supplies of this important
nutrient).
1 ounce of organic sweet almond oil or hazelnut oil 1 drop of
pure Lavender essential oil 1 drop of Vanilla essential oil
OR
1 ounce of organic sweet almond oil 2 drops of pure Lavender
essential oil 1 drop of pure Chamomile (German) essential oil
The above blends can also be added to the bath. One teaspoon
with the following amount of essential oils added can be added
AFTER the bath is filled, per the age of the child: 3-5 years, 2
drops; 6-8 years, 3 drops; 8-11 years, 5 drops. Perhaps the
easiest way to do this would be to make a full strength blend
(without carrier oil) of your choice, then dilute as needed for
the application.
Inhalation of essential oils
For inhalation, one can apply one or two drops to a handkerchief
and inhale, or add oils to a water misting bottle or humidifier.
Calming essential oils that may be used are Lavender
(recommended for sleep - one to four drops can be placed under
the pillow), Mandarin, Roman Chamomile, Ho Wood (an ecologically
friendly replacement for Rosewood), Tangerine, Petitgrain,
Vanilla, and Neroli. Use these oils singly, create your own
blend, or use one of the body oil blends above without the
carrier oil. A few drops per quart of water in a mister sprayed
throughout a room or added humidifier resevoir will do.
For an anti-anxiety blend: Try 5 drops bergamot, 1 drop lavender
and 3 drops geranium - dilute to 10 drops per