Wouldn’t it be magical to soothe an overactive child’s restless nerves with a few drops of oil? Or, ease away a child’s pain with a dab of an aromatic scent? Today, it is not entirely impossible. Aromatic herbs and oils when used on children can make a great difference to you and the child! Aromatherapy makes use of essential oils from the extracts of roots and flowers to provide holistic treatment to adults and children alike.

The kinds of aromatic oils effective for children are:
·Lavender- it calms down children apart from reducing pain.
·The scent of sweet citrus oil is amazing in transforming an angry or sulking child’s mood.
·Tea tree oil is a natural disinfectant relieving pain faster.
·Respiratory problems like congestion and infection can be cured with frankincense.
·Oils of chamomile, fennel and Melissa make stomach aches disappear!
·Vanilla is more popular because of its non-toxic elements.
·Other safe oils are marjoram, jasmine, mandarin and neroli.

Oils like peppermint, some eucalyptus varieties and red thyme must not be used, as they are too strong for children.

However, care must be taken to see that the oil is diluted before use, as the quantity applicable to an adult may be too much for a child. Usually, about 1/3 or1/4 proportion is taken. Another important point to be kept in mind while using aromatherapy for children is not to apply it on sensitive areas like private parts, face and ears. The aromatic oils can be used in your child’s bath water or as a compress. Some oils can used as a back, stomach or foot rub while others can be used as room sprays too.

In an age of instant solution that usually requires use of chemicals, aromatherapy as an alternative method of nature treatment for children can be quite refreshing!