Health Spotlight

Using Aromatherapy With Your Children

Aromatherapy is a new approach to emotive well being and is used as a curative through the use of essential oils. An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently by steam or water) from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Each essential oil has a distinct fragrance and is known for its own unique set of benefits. The oils used in aromatherapy are believed to have a calming effect on the body, the spirit and the heart.

Aromatherapy may have origins in antiquity with the use of infused aromatic oils, made by macerating (to soften or separate into parts by steeping in a liquid) dried plant material in fatty oil, heating and then filtering. Massage is often used in conjunction with aromatherapy. A small amount of the essential oil is poured into the hands, and then massaged onto various parts of the body.

Aromatherapy is believed to have positive effects on children because of the properties of the oil, as well as the healing properties of human touch. When using aromatherapy on your children, use a soft pressure. Smile and gently kiss them to increase the bond being formed by your touch. You can massage their feet, arms, hands, back, abdomen and legs. The touching can be therapeutic for both the child and parent.

Before you introduce your child to the aromatic world of essential oils, please seek the counsel of your general practitioner or a qualified aroma therapist. You should also do extensive and detailed research on any oil that you intend to use.

Listed below are a few essential oils and their general use:
  • Lavender - Stress, headaches, earaches and insect bites
  • Chamomile – Stress reduction, asthma
  • Peppermint - Fatigue, vitality,
  • Lavender – Stress, mental exhaustion, relaxation, flu
  • Lemon – Fatigue, concentration, colds
  • Grapefruit – Frustration, migraine,
  • Ginger – Burnout, aids confidence, colds


A word of caution to parents before using aromatherapy on their children, please exercise extreme care before, and during, the use of essential oils. Its best to use an oil stick with soft oils, and less is best. Since essential oils are strongly concentrated, make sure that you carefully dilute the oils with water before using. Improper dilution can result in skin irritation on your child or yourself. Do not let children handle or be alone with essential oils. Use caution, care, and your best judgment.

The contents of this article should not be considered as medical advice, and is at best of a general nature. It cannot substitute for the advice of a medical professional