Can Using Essential Oils Create Positive Memories for Kids?
If you use essential oils, you may have figured out that there are plenty of ways to experience their benefits. From using a diffuser to ionize the beautiful oil into the air, to mixing Japanese Peppermint oil into sore muscles, these oils are versatile and can be fun to experiment with! One step further would be carefully and thoughtfully using essential oils with children. Of course, you must use caution with essential oils as there are very potent. Let’s discuss how we can impart long lasting benefits to our kids by using essential oils in a safe way!
How can we craft positive lasting memories with the kids in our lives using essential oils? The first step would be examining which essential oils are safe to use. These oils are powerful and only some are suitable for children. Lavender is a gentler oil that can be recommended for younger children. As a child ages, more oils may be introduced, but let us stay with some very basic oils at this time.
For a child over 1 year old, a beautiful way to use Lavender oil is to add it to your child’s pillow case. One to two drops can be used on the corner of the pillow (on the underside), or added to a cotton ball that can rest inside the pillow case (away from the eyes). If your child likes this delicate scent, it may create a relaxing sleep environment as lavender is well known to ease anxiety and insomnia. When the child begins to have sleepovers or goes off to camp, he or she may bring their pillow and take great comfort in this scent as it will smell like the coziness of home.
Many suggestions can be more in depth. For example, has your child been diagnosed with ADD? In your attempt to help your child by cutting down on caffeine, sugar, additives and processed food, you may also want to add in a soothing body oil. The following massage oil recipe can be used on most children over three years old.
Blend the following oils:
10 drops of Tangerine
5 drops of Cardamom
5 drops of Lavender
Add this blend to 2 ounces of carrier oil and shake well. I like to use jojoba or almond oil as the carrier oil for this recipe. It is wise to do a patch test first by dropping a few drops on your child’s inner arm to check for any possible reaction. Wait a few minutes and if there is no negative reaction, then you can use a small amount to massage your child’s back.
If you find this massage oil benefits your child, the scent of these essential oils alone may begin to evoke feelings of tranquility that can continue through the years. Of course, memories of a loving massage on its own can also be pivotal in your child’s emotional security.
Please note that with safety in mind, the amount of essential oil drops outlined above are very specific and not a general rule. Always be thoughtful when blending formulas.
One of the best ways to feel confident using essential oils with children is to read reputable books on the subject. There is plenty of information on the internet, but I still feel a well written book from a qualified author is the better way to go. The recipes listed above are suggestions from Valerie Ann Worwood from her book, “Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child”. Valerie is an aromatherapist who has been in practice for many years.
The exquisite design of essential oils is wondrous and if you would like to give them a try, we have a wide selection to choose from in our beautiful apothecary. Let us help guide you!
