Aromatherapy for Children
In our time-tapped parenting world, we look for the most direct path to our family’s wellness. Aromatherapy is a great tool for the respective Mummy, Daddy and child in need. Sporting antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, essential oils are the “it” therapy for raising healthy children. We recently got schooled on the world of aromatherapy for children by Rhythm & Thyme’s Sharla Charnley.
Hi Sharla. Can you give us a little background on aromatherapy?
Since 3000BC, essential oils have been used to help reduce stress, anxiety, improve creativity, and promote relaxation. Aromatherapy is an effective tool to deal with day to day stresses, trauma, promote sleep, daily scratches and cuts and much more. The power of smell is one of our strongest senses, and by using the power of smell, aromatherapy has the ability to have an effect on the brain within 1 to 3 seconds, depending on the applications.
So what about using essential oils makes them effective for children?
100% pure, unadulterated essential oils are antibacterial, antioxidant, and some are antiseptic. When using essential oils around children, it is important to remember that these oils can be highly toxic when used inappropriately. Always keep essential oils out of the reach of children, and be sure to dilute the essential oils if applying topically.
What are your must-have essential oils to use in aromatherapy for children?
My favorite oils for our active 3 yr old son are Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Sweet Orange, Eucalyptus, and Lemon. As we have a rambuncous child, I always carry a bottle of pure unadulterated essential oil of lavender in my bag.
We love wonderful smelling things. Tell us more about the well-being properties in a mum’s must-have aromatherapy for children kit?
Lavender is a wonderful all rounder and is great to help soothe babies and children. To promote relaxation maybe after a traumatic event or an accident, it can be applied to the feet to soothe a baby, or sprayed in the babies room for sweet dreams. Lavender helps to create a sense of calmness, and helps to heal little scratches or bumps.
Tea Tree has wonderful antiseptic properties to help heal cuts and scrapes, but be mindful – tea tree essential oil must be diluted with a lotion or oil (almond oil) before applying directly to the skin
Lemon is another must essential oil when children are around. It is best diluted and kept in a spray bottle close by for quick clean ups around the house or in the children’s playroom to clean the little ones toys in a nontoxic way. Lemon essential oil can also be used to freshen the air and create an uplifting atmosphere, as lemon has high antibacterial properties. It’s much safer than using chemicals.
Orange and Red Mandarin are another wonderful oil to help calm the adrenal glands. Despite external appearances of being powered by some new exhaustible fuel type, our little people can wear themselves out quickly. When children are over tired or over exhausted, it can be hard for them to self regulate, therefore orange is an effective companion to calm the adrenals, reduce anxiety, and have an uplifting, positive effect. Likewise, childrens’ yoga is another positive solution to help teach children to self regulate.
Roman Chamomile has a soothing, and calming effect, it helps relieves cramps, spasms, and can assist in mild shock, a wonderful essential oil for calming digestive upset, colic and helping with separation anxiety. It can be used alone, or in combination with another oil, like lavender, we recommend blending the essential oils with a carrier oil (almond oil) as a very effective treatment for belly-aches.
Sounds like we need to try out these essential oils! How do we use them on our children?
Essential oils can be applied on the skin (when diluted), add a few drops in the bath (with milk as a carrier), or add them to your favorite candela cream or lotion to create an effective solution for dry skin and nappy rash.
What else can we use these oils for?
Lavender can make a great linen spray for the entire house, or just the children’s room to help create a calming atmosphere, for example, while you are reading your little one a bedtime story. Great for mum and dad too, to help with the stress of parenting!
You can also create a happy spray for your child whenever she or he may feel a little sad or overwhelmed. Likewise, a nice calming spray (like Lavender and Roman Chamomile) can be used in times when your wee one needs a little TLC. Another one of my favorite recipes would be orange, lavender, and cinnamon – it’s like a little hug in a bottle!
Where can we find good quality essential oils?
Pure vs. synthetic – follow your nose! The molecular structure of a 100% pure, unadulterated essential oil is small and mirrors the body, whereas synthetic fragrances have a larger molecular structure that cannot penetrate to a cell. Synthetics tend to confuse the body and serve as a toxin since the body does not know how to use it or dispose of it. Generally, 100% pure, unadulterated oils will cost more, therefore it is important to find reputable sources that sell good quality essential oils. Be sure to read any information provided on the label or ask questions about quality. At Rhythm & Thyme, we source only the finest quality essential oils.
This article was contributed by smell-good guru Sharla Charnley of Rhythm & Thyme. Specializing in aromatherapy for children, Rhythm & Thyme is the go-to resource for limbic well-being. Currently based in Jakarta, you can find Sharla’s Rhythm & Thyme here. Or email [email protected].
All images: IStock.