by Melissa Ginger
Our fast-paced lifestyles often leave little time for taking care of our children as well as we’d like. Often, we find ourselves compromising between what would be the healthiest options and what’s most convenient. Fortunately, aromatherapy offers both; pure, effective natural medicines with simple, easy-to-use methods. The only time required is learning a little about a select group of essential oils, what they do and how to use them. Here’s a quick review of five important oils commonly used with children and infants, and some ideas on how to use them most effectively.
There are three primary methods of using oils with little ones: Topical application through massage or applying directly to wounds or sores; Inhalation from a handkerchief, spray bottle, warm bowl of water, the bed sheets, or diffuser; and Baths, which actually combines the topical and inhalation methods. The main difference in using essential oils with children and adults is that children will simply need smaller amounts. There are a few oils that should not be used with children – peppermint, for example, is considered too powerful for the wee ones under two (spearmint is called for instead, which can be helpful with tummy trouble). Ask someone with experience or consult a reputable guidebook if you are unsure about a particular oil.
Also, the younger the child, the more dilute the concentration of essential oils should be in a formula, bath, or inhalation application. Massage formulas, for example, can contain approximately 1 drop essential oil per ounce of carrier oil for each year of age – this is flexible depending on the oil and the situation, within a range of 3 drops for each year (i.e. For children one and under, up to 4 drops can be used with gentle oils such as Vanilla, Lavender and Chamomile – use only 1 or two drops with newborns). The child’s weight can also be considered; if a child is larger for their age, a little more essential oil can be used. If using a diffuser, only enough oil so that the scent can be detected is necessary – nebulizing diffusers may output too high a concentration of oils for children; warming or humidifying diffusers are more appropriate. The oils we’ll look at here are all quite safe and can be used as often as feels appropriate; Tea Tree, though, should be reserved just for its potent antiseptic applications.
By now you might be wondering “which oils should I be using?” We’ll start with vanilla…Everyone loves vanilla, right? It turns out that babies especially respond well to the comforting sweet aroma. While a good vanilla essential oil is a little expensive, only a very small amount is needed to create an exceptionally soothing massage oil for belly, back and foot rubs. Vanilla, being so gentle, can be used in concentrations of up to 1% (that’s 10 drops per ounce of carrier). Really all that’s needed is a hint of the aroma for it to work wonders. I’ve received reports of children being instantly calmed by a gentle vanilla massage, then immediately asking for more!
Next up is Chamomile. Roman Chamomile is premier oil calming little ones over two years of age. The oil may be used in a number of ways; aromatherapy massage, in a diffuser or room spray (with this and other oils, dilute 10 drops per cup of water in a clean spray bottle – shake well and lightly mist the air), a drop or two sprinkled on bedding, or in a bath. According to Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt in Advanced Aromatherapy, “Even in very small concentrations, whether alone or in combinations with other oils (Roman Chamomile) has a soothing effect. It’s appropriate to massage a few undiluted drops into the solar plexus.” It is noted as particularly suited to calming tantrums or bringing calm after nightmares.
Lavender essential oil is also highly regarded for its soothing qualities, along with a host of other healing actions. Lavender oil has been called ‘a medicine chest in a bottle’, as it is anti-inflammatory (good for small burns – apply directly as needed), relieves pain and supports wound healing. Clinical studies have proven Lavender oil’s effectiveness for improving sleep. For children, blend 2 to 1 with Roman Chamomile. Apply one drop of this blend to the pillow at nap or night time. Lavender works well in a bath, too. Additionally, Lavender can be mixed in equal parts with Tea Tree oil to add a soothing quality to Tea Tree’s antiseptic action. Really, every parent should have a bottle of Lavender on hand (be sure to seek out true Lavender, the Lavendula angustifolia variety). organic skin care
When sour moods are in need of a lift, citrus oils supply the aromas of choice. Tangerine and Sweet Orange are especially liked, and Mandarin has a certain calming effect not found in any other oil. Citrus oils are often cold-pressed from the peels of the fruit; these can be mildly irritating to the skin. Stick to using these in room sprays or diffusers. Steam distilled citrus oils, often made from the leaves or flowers of the citrus trees (like Neroli, Petitgrain, or Mandarin Petitgrain – an especially nice oil for young ones) can safely be used in topical applications like massages and baths. All these oils are known as antidepressants, and might just lift your mood as well as your child’s (not to terrible of a side effect!)
And for all those little abrasions of childhood, Tea Tree is highly regarded as a natural antiseptic for cuts and scrapes. Once a wound is washed, it may be covered with a Band-Aid which has a drop of Tea Tree placed on the gauze. Tea Tree may be a bit strong to apply directly to the injury, though when mixed with equal parts of Lavender, Tea Tree will prevent infection while the Lavender will relieve pain and actually speed wound healing. A few drops of the Tea Tree/Lavender mixture can be added to a warm cup of water to use as a cleansing wash. An effective, home made antiseptic spray can also be made: use 2 ounces water, 1/2 half ounce rubbing alcohol, 8 drops Lavender, 12 drops Tea Tree and 8 drops Roman Chamomile. Shake vigorously and store, shaking again before each use. Tea Tree is considered a ‘universal antiseptic’, with a great many uses in first aid and around the home. At 20 drops per cup of water, it can be used as a non-toxic (if not pungent!) general cleaner which you’ll be happy to use instead of many chemical laden household cleaners where your children will be crawling about – and you can mix with lemon oil for a more pleasing aroma.
This is just a start at incorporating the magic of essential oils into your children’s lives. Safe, natural and effective means of supporting their health and wellness is always welcome. There are a great many more oils, many with profound healing effects. Particularly with children, start slowly – your nose might tell you when you’ve had just the right amount of aromatherapy, but children may not be able to express this. And where one child may not respond particularly to a certain oil, another will be entranced by the same aroma. There are many wonderful books available for the beginning aromatherapist with oodles of oil descriptions and recipes. Experiment, be creative and have fun!