Essential oils and your baby
Maybe because I have four children of my own and four stepchildren, I have tended to ‘bend’ my career as an aromatherapist and aromatherapy tutor towards the treatment of babies and children. Having used essential oils on all eight, I’m absolutely convinced that aromatherapy for childhood complaints does work.
Aromatherapy is the art of using essential oils to help balance health. Generally the oils are applied in a base cream, lotion or oil, and blended by a qualified practitioner, with the most frequent method of application being massage. The therapeutic essential oils pass through the skin in very small amounts, to do their healing work within.
Over the years I’ve been pleased to note the effects that certain essential oils have on babies and children – they can make them so happy and uplifted that they actually laugh out loud! They‘re also great for treating some common kid conditions…
Travel sickness
Children are often travel sick, the first symptoms being a pallid colour, accompanied by the child being unusually quiet and perhaps experiencing nausea, dizziness, headaches and fatigue. Preventive measures include giving your child a light protein meal before the journey and limiting soda, chocolate and candy. Pack plenty of toys to keep your child busy and less aware of the motion of the car.
Treatment oils
Use these oils in a carrier lotion:
- Aniba rosaeodora (rosewood)
- Chamaemelum nobile (chamomile Roman)
- Citrus aurantium var. sinensis (orange sweet)
- Citrus limon (lemon)
- Citrus bergamia (bergamot)
- Santalum album (sandalwood)
- Zingiber officinale (ginger)
Inhaled oils- 2 drops Citrus aurantium var. sinensis (orange sweet)
- 1 drop Citrus bergamia (bergamot)
- 1 drop Zingiber officinale (ginger)
Insomnia
There’s nothing quite as exhausting as having to wake up in the night to look after a sleepless child! There can be many reasons why a child will wake in the night and all of these should be checked out with your pediatrician. Aromatherapy treatment can be via massage or bathwater, or by inhalation. If your child is usually lively and energetic, a massage after his evening bath is a gentle way to relax and soothe him and encourage sleep. One point to note: lavender, if it’s not the genuine oil or if it’s used in excess, can cause wakefulness so always use only 1 or 2 drops (maximum) for children.
Treatment oils- Cananga odorata (ylang ylang)
- Chamaemelum nobile (chamomile roman)
- Citrus reticulata (mandarin)
- Citrus limon (lemon)
- Citrus bergamia (bergamot)
- Lavandula angustifolia (lavender)
- Origanum majorana (marjoram sweet)
- Santalum album (sandalwood)
Massage oils- 30ml lime blossom oil
- 20ml sunflower oil
- 3 drops Cananga odorata (ylang ylang)
- 3 drops Chamaemelum nobile (chamomile nobile)
- 2 drops Origanum majorana (marjoram sweet)
Bath oils- Cananga odorata (ylang ylang)
- Origanum majorana (marjoram sweet)
- Santalum album (sandalwood)
Temper tantrums
Not strictly speaking an ‘ailment’, though it seems like a crisis at the time – especially if it’s at the store on a busy day! Regular tantrums need regular attention. This means spending some time every day talking to your child, perhaps massaging his back or hands and generally defusing any stress build-up between you. Even if your child is too young to tell you what’s bothering him he’ll still recognize a soothing tone in your voice. Bathing together with essential oils is relaxing – and stowing a Kleenex with the same oils on it in a baggie in your pocket can then work wonders for public meltdowns. Your child will associate the scent with moments spent in harmony with you.
Treatment oils- Cananga odorata (ylang ylang)
- Citrus reticulata (mandarin)
- Lavandula angustifolia (lavender)
- Rosa centifolia (rose otto)
- Santalum album (sandalwood)
Bath oils- 2 drops Cananga odorata (ylang ylang)
- 2 drops Citrus reticulata (mandarin)
Using essential oils safely
Essential oils are very potent and must only be used diluted in a carrier oil or lotion. Always consult a registered practitioner before using them with your child – especially if you’re pregnant again, as some oils are contraindicated in pregnancy.