Aromatherapy In Child Care
By Cynthia Loving

Ahhhh… Aromatherapy... one of the safest, most effective, and most pleasant forms of self care!

Simply defined, Aromatherapy is the use of all natural, concentrated, plant extracted essential oils to maintain or regain health and wellbeing of body, mind and spirit. As the awareness of this modality grows, many parents want to know how to use Aromatherapy for their children. Some assume that using just a little less of the essential oils makes it safe for infants, babies and young children. Not so! There are essential oils that can be safely used for children as long as we understand the proper dosage and method of use.

The first thing to take into consideration is using 100% pure, therapeutic quality essential oils. There are stores that sell "Aromatherapy" meaning their products have an odor – but not necessarily are they pure, natural or have any therapeutic benefits. Many scented products are created using man-made perfumes that can frequently contribute to respiratory challenges (including asthma), alter behavior, cause headaches, and much more. Be sure to select the finest quality "essential" oils.

Other key considerations are: essential oils are only used externally, they are not to be taken internally; only some essential oils are appropriate for use with children; dilution of essential oils to be applied to the skin varies depending upon age and condition; a maximum of 1 drop of an essential oil in a diffuser or on the bottom of the bed sheet is all that is needed for infants and very young children; and except in the case of an emergency, do not use essential oils or any other fragrances on or near newborns. Their respiratory systems are not fully developed and even small amounts of essential oils can cause distress. Also, a major part of bonding with your baby is through smell. You want the child to bond with you not with a perfume or other scent.

Suggested essential oils for the Childhood Aromatherapy Kit are listed below. The qualities and indications for each oil are also listed. These essential oils are safe to use with children beginning around six months of age. Prior to six months, please contact me or another Clinical Aromatherapist with a history of working with children. Please note the essential oils are listed by common name and followed by the botanical name. Be sure to use only the essential oil with the listed botanical name as there are many natural variations of a plant and these are frequently not interchangeable.

Childhood Aromatherapy Kit

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - antibacterial, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory; wound healing, burns, insect bites, rashes, psoriasis, eczema, sleeplessness, colds, anxiety

Chamomile Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) - antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic; skin challenges, rashes, eczema, muscle spasm, calming, pain relief, sleeplessness

Eucalyptus smithii (E. smithii) - analgesic, anti-infections, antiviral, expectorant, decongestant; colds, flu, infections, wound healing, coughs, throat infections

Geranium China (Pelargonium graveolens) - antifungal, antiseptic, sedative; bruises, burns, fungus, eczema, lice, ringworm, wound healing

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) - antispasmodic, antiseptic, sedative; colic, hiccups, exposure to infections, restlessness, overly excitable

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini) - anti-septic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral; infections, thrush, eczema, wounds, sore throat, sinus challenges

Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora) - analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiseptic; diarrhea, colds, viral infections, psoriasis, wounds

Thyme linalool (Thymus vulgaris var. linalool) - antibacterial, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antiviral, antifungal; staph/strep infections, colds, flu, eczema, psoriasis, warts

Ravensara (R. aromatica) - analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infections, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, expectorant; colds, flu, bacterial/viral infections, chicken pox, swollen glands, wounds, anxiety, bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough

The major differences for using these essential oils with children ages 6 months and up is dosage. The younger/smaller a child, the less essential oil will be used. Dosage amounts may look like this:

1 ounce vegetable oil
Age Bath for skin application
6-12 months 1-2 drops essential oil 1-2 drops essential oil
1-2 years of age 1-4 drops essential oil 1-3 drops essential oil
2-4 years of age 1-5 drops essential oil 1-4 drops essential oil
4-6 years of age 3-6 drops essential oil 3-5 drops essential oil
6-8 years of age 4-6 drops essential oil 3-6 drops essential oil
8-12 years of age 5-8 drops essential oil 5-10 drops essential oil

Example: a cranky, 9 month old baby who is not sleeping well, put 1 drop of Lavender in the bath water and have them soak for 5 or so minutes. The calming effect sets in quickly.

Another method of safely supporting your child is through sprays made with essential oil. The following shows suggested formulas for a skin spray and an anti-infectious air spray.

Antiseptic Skin Spray
for Scrapes & Cuts Anti-infectious Air Spray
3oz Distilled water 3oz Distilled water
1/2 oz Witch Hazel 1/2 oz Witch Hazel
10 drops Lavender 10 drops Niaouli
10 drops Niaouli 10 drops Thyme linalool
5 drops Chamomile Roman 10 drops Ravensara
5 drops Thyme linalool 10 drops Geranium China

Cynthia Loving is a Clinical Aromatherapist with 22 years experience. She serves as a consultant to and teaches classes for laypersons and professionals. For further information, visit www.LovingScents.com or call Cynthia at 336.294.7727.