People have used aromatherapy oils for thousands of years; it dates back to 3000 years BC which found the ancient Egyptians using balms and oils from aromatic plants to make ointments, pastes, embalming and mummification. Since then, people have recognised the benefits of using these oils to help them with reducing stress and promoting specific mental and physical states.
Currently, anxiety affects one-eighth of the total population of the world, including children, and over the past 12 months during the pandemic there has been a sharp increase in anxiety amongst the under sixteens. So how can aromatherapy help your child and is aromatherapy good for children? Well, the answer is yes!
Children who are struggling with attention, concentration, focus or anxiety disorders may benefit from specific essential oils to help then feel calmer, more focused and less anxious.
How Much Should I Use?
Babies and children have a very sensitive sense of smell so only small amounts should be used. The chart below gives you an idea on what is needed and how much to use.
Massage – In 10ml of almond, sunflower or grapeseed oil use 1 drop for babies up to 3 years old, use 2 drops for 4-7 years old.
Diffuser or Vaporiser – Use 4 drops in a vaporiser.
Bath – Add 1 drop in a bath for babies up to 3 years old, use 2-3 drops of 4-7 years old.
Lotions/Creams – In 10ml of almond, sunflower or grapeseed oil use 1 drop for babies up to 3 years old, use 2 drops for 4-7 years old.
What Oils Can I Use?
For Anxiety use Bergamot, Mandarin or Ylang Ylang in a massage or bath.
For Insomnia use Sweet Marjoram or Ylang Ylang in a bath, massage or in an inhalation. It is also useful to put some oils onto a tissue to tuck under a pillowcase at night (I would only recommend a couple of drops of any mentioned essential oil onto the tissue)
For Hyperactive Children use Mandarin, Sweet Marjoram or Ylang Ylang in a bath, massage or diffuser.
Important Things to Remember
NEVER give your child or anyone else essential oils internally.
Never apply essential oils undiluted to the skin.
An electric diffuser is safer to use but if you use a water-based diffuser, always remember to clean the container daily. The standing water can contain bacteria and mould, and you don’t want to diffuse that into the air for all your family to breathe in.
Always buy your oils from a reputable supplier and always consult a professional aromatherapist (registered with the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA), or the Federation of Holistic Practitioners (FHT), as these therapists will have studied to clinical levels.
If you would like to know more about using essential oils then please visit my website www.sueholistics.co.uk or for personalised help then contact me by email sueburford.therapy@gmail.com