Aromatherapy is a new approach to emotional well being and healing through the use of essential oils. Oils in aromatherapy have soothing effect on the body, mind and soul.
A gentle hug, smile or a kiss are forms of connection, bonding between the parent and the child. A loving nurturing touch of massage on the feet, arms, hands, back, abdomen and legs is therapeutic for both the child and parent, usually the mother. Babies at six weeks of age can recognize their mother's scent, hence making them extremely sensitive to any kind of fragrance, pleasant or unpleasant. Fragrant essential oils used during the upbringing of your child supports your little one's health, happiness and well being.
Essential oils have distinct composition determining the fragrance, colour, and effect on our body. Before you introduce your child to the aromatic world of fragrances, seek advice from your GP or qualified aroma therapist. If possible, carry out detailed research your self on the oil you plan to use on your infant or child.
Listed below are few commonly used essential oils that are used for kids.
- Lavender oil is excellent home remedy for headaches, earaches and even insect bites.
- Geranium and rose oils act as a good skin softener, toner and natural astringent.
- Chamomile and peppermint oils prevent hair loss.
- Lavender, lemon and curry leaf oils provide relief from dandruff.
- For any bruises and burns, use tea tree and lavender oils.
- Black pepper oil is good for constipation.
- Cedar wood, eucalyptus and tea tree oils alleviate coughs.
- Ginger, lavender and thyme oil works wonders on sore throats.
- Lavender and roman chamomile oil blend allows for restful sleep at night.
- Lemon and grapefruit oils added to a tub of warm water for a bath refreshes the kid.
A word of caution for any parents planning on using aromatherapy oils on their children. Please exercise caution while using essential oils. Its best to stick to mild oils and less is best. Since essential oils are highly concentrated, make sure that they are properly diluted with water or carrier oils. Improper dilution can result in skin irritation for your little ones. Don't let your children be alone while using essential oils.
About the Author/Author Bio:
Sharon Hopkins Sharon Hopkins is the Webmaster for Aromatherapies.net, an Online guide to
Aromatherapy alternative medicine, essential oils, recipes, synergies, blends, oil profiles and products.
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/Aromatherapy-And-Kids/10946
The ancient science of healing, relaxing and energizing oneself with the use of plants and its parts like roots, barks, flowers, fruits, seeds and nuts is called Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the amalgamation of two words "aroma" and "therapy" that mean "fragrance" and "healing" respectively.
Essential oils, extracted from plants and its parts form the crux of aromatherapy. These oils stimulate the brain, effect our body, hereby improving our mood, relaxing and rejuvenating us. Extracted in various ways, they are highly concentrated and should not be used directly onto the body. They should be blended with carrier oils such as olive oil, sweet almond oil, etc, for best results.
If you are new, then explore this world of fragrance at home with a handful of inexpensive oils. To avoid allergic reactions to essential oils, perform a skin test before you indulge yourself. Take a drop of the oil on a cotton swab. Apply it to the inside of your wrist or inner elbow. Cover the area with a bandage and avoid washing for 24 hours. If there is no itching or redness, oil is safe for external use.
Basic oils that any beginner can start with:
- Lavender - Most basic and very important oil in aromatherapy. Helps in relaxation, calming and balancing of mind. Acts as antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, detoxifier and sedative. Soothes cuts, burns, bruises and insect cuts. Relieves stress if blended with your usual bath oil.
- Rosemary - Acts as stimulant for mental health and physical body on low energy days. Relieves muscular strains, sprains and headaches. Alleviates fatigue, congestion and prevents scar tissue formation.
- Bergamot - Oil for refreshing and upliftment. Acts as antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, analgesic, sedative, expectorant and deodorizer. Could be a slight irritant to skin.
- Peppermint - A great mental stimulant and digestive aid. Eases headache and fatigue. Behaves as anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic and expectorant.
- Tea Tree - A versatile antiseptic that is very gentle on the skin. Remedy for infections, ringworm, sunburn, acne, athlete's foot, gum disease. It is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic oil.
- Lemon - Great for dispelling a somber mood, lemon oil can be used to treat insect bites, alleviate tension, headaches and stimulate immune system.
- Tangerine - Works well to create a bright, uplifting atmosphere. It's soothes and calms insomnia and promotes digestion.
- Floral oils - Great stress relievers. Add floral oils like rose, jasmine along with carrier oils to your bath oils for a soothing massage.
- Germanium - Eases stress, acts as antidepressant, adrenal, hormone balancer, detoxifier, sedative and antiseptic. Helps during PMS.
- Clary Sage - Relieves PMS. Soothes and relaxes mind and body. Works as antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, aphrodisiac and sedative.
- Clove - Relieves toothache pain, asthma, sinusitis. Avoid using it directly on the skin. Acts as antibacterial, antiseptic, analgesic and disinfectant.
- Eucalyptus - Cools the body in summer and warms in winter. An effective treatment for candida, diabetes, sunburn, congestion, cough and neuralgia. Also works as antiviral, antiseptic, stimulant, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic.
About the Author/Author Bio:
Sharon Hopkins Sharon Hopkins is the Webmaster for Aromatherapies.net, an Online guide to
Aromatherapy alternative medicine, essential oils, recipes, synergies, blends, oil profiles and products.
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/Aromatherapy-For-Beginners/9097