Why Aromatherapy Oils Could Benefit Your Child

I love spritzing lavender on my bed before I lay down and now I do it for my daughter. It’s fresh and has a calming effect, perfect for relaxing before slipping away to dream land.

You've probably heard of essential oils, but have you tapped into their potential? Essential oils have aroma-therapeutic properties than can benefit kids in many ways.

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a type of alternative medicine that uses essential oils and other aromatic plant compounds which are aimed at improving a person's health or mood. Many consider this type of treatment as unscientific and wishful thinking - however, scientific evidence of its effectiveness is growing. Essential oils are used to address a myriad of issues including fussiness, lack of focus, digestive issues, skin ailments and muscle pain.

Aromatherapy and kids

People of all ages can benefit from using essential oils, but aromatherapy is often ideal for children because they usually enjoy the experience and connect certain scents with positive feelings.

Aromatherapy can help kids relax, support their digestive health and the immune system and generally promote a sense of balance. "These essential oils are certainly not medicines, nor do they take the place of any medication, they simply help the body and mind to find comfort and balance.

Aromatherapy and Autism

The ability of essential oils to trigger the senses often makes them ideal for kids with autism. Margaret Hyde is an aromatherapy expert and author of the Mo's Nose book series for children. "In the case of autistic children, aromatherapy enables them to remain calm and keep their body coordinated when feelings of anxiety begin to win them over," she says. "Making essential oils a part of the daily routine help keep everything balanced, calm and happy."

Practical uses

There are a wide range of essential oils and many uses for each. You can seek out a certified Aroma therapist for advice specific to your circumstances, but here are a few practical uses:

To help a baby or child sleep peacefully, add a drop of the following pure essential oils:                     Lavender, Roman Chamomile or Sweet Marjoram to a warm bath to promote a deep sense of relaxation.

To relieve colic or digestive issues, a drop or two of Fennel Essential oil in a little Sweet Almond or Jojoba oil could be rubbed on the belly to soothe and relieve colic and spasms.

To promote a sense of joy and contentment, diffuse a little Sweet Orange, Bergamot and Ylang Ylang or Geranium.

To promote better focus and concentration, a blend of Spearmint, Bergamot, Rosemary and Grapefruit may be useful.

FYI: Don't use essential oils on children younger than six months old. Aromatherapy is not meant to substitute medical treatment. For best results, check with the manufacturer to be sure that the oils you chose are of the best quality. (Make sure to buy pure oils) Do NOT put undiluted oil directly on skin.