Children’s Blend

    Essential oil blends for children are specific for small noses and sensitive to their changing needs. Scent is one of our earliest experiences. Babies bond to their mother’s scent very quickly after delivery. They find comfort in familiar kitchen smells, backyard trees, flowers and grass odors. As children brains develop, they will acquire new interest in new scents like taste for new foods. It is important to use light aromas under safe conditions and in proportion to their size and weight.

            When treating babies with aromatherapy, be certain to use essential oils distilled from plants, not synthetic, chemical scents. Aroma lamps are a safe way to dispense the aromas into a child’s room, in tiny amounts. Essential oils are not recommended topically or in baths for children under 2 years old and not used as inhalants under the nose for children under 5 years old. Occasionally, a compress can be used for children with colic by first diluting 1 or 2 drops of essential oil in 4 cups of warm water. I prefer to use herbal tea compress on babies. I will offer both recipes to use with discretion.

Compress for Colic for Children 1 to 4 Years Old

In 4 cups of warm water add and stir

1 drop of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

1 drop Roman chamomile (Anthemis noblis)

Submerge a clean hand towel. Squeeze excess water. Test the temperature on the child’s leg. Apply to the abdomen when the temperature is comfortable until it cools. This may be repeated for 15 minutes. Rub the child’s abdomen gently in a clockwise motion. Contact a physician if cramping continues.

Herbal Tea Compress For Babies and Children under 5 Years Old

In a clean glass or stainless steel quart pan, bring 4 cups of water to simmer.

Add the following herbs or herb:

4 Tablespoons German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

1 teaspoon Dill Seed (Anethum graveolens)

Remove from heat immediately. Cover with a tight fitting lid. Allow to steep 15 to 20 minutes. Strain; allow cooling to slightly warmer than room temperature. Submerge a clean hand towel in the tea. Squeeze out excess water. Apply to the child’s abdomen until it cools. This may be repeated 30 minutes.

Calming Nightcap Aroma lamp Blend

1 drop Roman Chamomile (Anthemis noblis)

An aroma lamp is made from porcelain, ceramic or glass. The lamp has a small container for about one tablespoon of water. Add the essential oil to the water and heat the water by a light or small candle. The aroma will fill the room with a very subtle odor.

Alternate for Aroma lamp

Put 1 drop of essential oil on a light bulb and turn on the light, preferably a nightlight.

Children’s Aroma bath

Water is a safe way to introduce essential oils to children 5 and older. Remember to use a carrier oil to disperse the essential oil. Do not bath children with an adult, using blends for adults. Children thrive with a few safe essential oils, preferably not lavender for young boys. Too much exposure to lavender can adversely affect male hormones in a child. Children enjoy Rose, Vanilla, both very expensive, Chamomile, Rosewood, Neroli Orange Blossom, Geranium in 1% or less dilution in bath water.

Soothing Bath

Combine in 3 tablespoons of honey and add to bathwater.

3 drops Roman Chamomile (Anthemis noblis)

1drop Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

1 drop Neroli (Citrus aurantium)

Stir the water to disperse the honey and oils. Test the bathwater temperature before allowing the child into water. Soak 15 to 20 minutes while bathing.

Homemade Rosewater Bath for Sensitive Skin, Eczema, and Stress

Simmer 2 cups of fresh, fragrant, organically grown rose petals in 4 cups of water, covered for 30 minutes in a pan. Remove from heat. Allow to cool, covered. Strain, squeezing the petals tightly. Add to bathwater and soak 20 minutes.