Children are more susceptible to the effects of essential oils than adults. A child’s body, unburdened by years of poor nutrition, poor environment and stress, has an amazing ability to recover on its own. With the help of aromatic oils it is possible to correct some mental states and even save a child from illnesses.
Aromatherapy for children of different ages
Aroma therapy can be used from two weeks of age. Essential oils are poured into an aroma lamp, mixed with a base oil, or added to the bath while bathing. Recommended doses for children of different ages are as follows:
- from 2 weeks to 2 months - 1 drop of ether per 30 ml of base / 1 drop per baby bath;
- from 2 months to six months - 2-3 drops per 30 ml of base/1 drop per bath;
- from six months to one year - 3 drops per 30 ml of foundation / 2 drops per bath;
- from one year to 2 years - up to 5 drops per 30 ml of base / 2 drops per bath;
- from 2 to 5 years - up to 8 drops per 30 ml of base / 3 drops per bath.
When calculating the dosage, you should take into account not only the age, but also the build of the child. You can use almond or apricot oil as a base.
It is not recommended to use aroma therapy for babies under two weeks of age. The immune system of a newborn is still very weak, so any strong smell can cause allergies. From two weeks they begin to use oils of lavender, chamomile, myrrh, fennel, and rose. From two months you can let your baby smell bergamot, orange, ginger oils, sandalwood and patchouli. Stimulating oils of eucalyptus, fir and cajuput are best used from the age of two. From the age of six, you can use any “adult” oils, reducing the dose by half. Teenagers from 12 years of age can safely use all the oils that adults use, in the same doses.
What essential oils can be used for children's aromatherapy - table
| Problem | What oil to use |
| Pain during teething | Chamomile, lavender |
| Runny nose | Fir, eucalyptus, coriander, lavender, bergamot, cajuput |
| Bronchitis | Pine, eucalyptus, cedar, anise, myrtle, fennel, myrrh |
| Otitis | Lemon, basil, orange |
| Cold with high fever | Lemon, eucalyptus, cypress, pine, rose |
| Colic | Mint, rose, anise |
| Hyperactivity, anxiety, poor sleep | Lavender, jasmine, rose, mandarin, rose, sandalwood |
| Rickets | Sage, pine, fir |
Oils of geranium, rosemary, oregano, cloves, cinnamon, and thyme are not suitable for children's aromatherapy!
To achieve the best effect, you can use a mix of several oils. When mixing esters with similar effects, their activity increases several times.
Aromatherapy Precautions
Any essential oil is a concentrated substance with a pungent odor, which, if used incorrectly, can cause discomfort even in adults, not to mention children. In order not to harm the child, you need to:
- buy essential oils only at the pharmacy;
- consult an aromatherapist;
- first test the effect of the oil on yourself;
- make sure that the baby does not have allergic reactions to the oil;
- control the burning time of the aroma lamp (the baby may get tired of the sharp and unusual smell);
- Carry out aroma therapy when the child feels well.
Before using the ether, let your child inhale the scent. If after a day you do not notice any negative reactions, then the oil is safe.
In no case should you:
- apply undiluted ether to the child’s skin;
- exceed the recommended dosage;
- Use essential oil for inhalation or pour it into a nebulizer.
Inhalation of any substances with a pungent odor in children under five years of age can provoke spasm of the small bronchi and/or laryngospasm. This is due to the structural features of the child’s respiratory tract. This will lead to severe shortness of breath and require emergency medical attention.
Aromatherapy is not a panacea. Using ethers may not be safe for your child even if you follow all safety precautions. An allergic reaction can be recognized by the following signs:
- headache, nausea;
- dizziness;
- difficulty breathing;
- change in heart rate;
- redness of the skin and eyes;
- the appearance of itching or rash.
Aromatherapy for allergy sufferers
Essential oils of lavender and chamomile are considered the safest for children - they do not cause allergies, have a mild scent and a calming effect. Children suffering from food allergies will benefit from baths with a drop of lavender oil or yarrow ether. These oils can also be added to moisturizing lotions and used to relieve itching. For massage you need to use the following proportions:
- from 1 to 5 years - 1-2 drops per 10 ml of lotion or base oil;
- from 5 to 12 years - 2-3 drops per 10 ml.
The use of aromatic oils is an excellent aid, but not a cure. Use essential oils wisely, and then aromatherapy will bring you and your child only positive emotions!
