We've all heard and understood about how pleasing scents can lift our spirits and make us feel better overall. Most people seem to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy, but aromatherapy isn't just for adults anymore. Children can take advantage of the many advantages aromatherapy has to offer. You can consult an experienced aromatherapist to create a special blend of essential oils for your little boy or girl.



In simple terms, aromatherapy is the art and science of the therapeutic use of pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils to improve the health and balance of the skin, the body, the mind and the soul. Aromatherapy is an "alternative" form of healing and maintaining health that has been practiced for thousands of years. Medical science today acknowledges the effect of scent on parts of the brain, such as the limbic system, that sparks the emotions of sensuality, calmness and serenity, happiness, and contentment. These emotions in turn regulate sleep, appetite, pain reduction, reduction of anxiety and depression, and pleasure.

To be effective, essential oils must be 100% pure therapeutic-grade oils that are sold by companies specializing in aromatherapy; beware of concoctions sold at your local mall that may carry the label of being an essential oil, but in reality are merely "fragrance oils." Don't waste your money on this junk. Go to the Internet and find a legitimate essential oil dealer such as Aromaland, First Essentials, or Soma.

Let's start with a basic "Children's Blend." About ten drops of the blend mixed with water and heated with a candle lite in your aromatherapy burner serves to calm and soothe hyperactive toddlers. Choose two of these oils: Lavender, Geranium, Sandalwood, Chamomile, Mandarin, Neroli (orange flower), Rose, Ylang Ylang, and Mimosa. Shake your oils until well blended in a small bottle (available via any aromatherapy dealer). As the calming scent fills the room, your toddler will feel calm and happy. At bedtime, choose Lavender and Chamomile to make a "sleep blend" that will ease your toddler into deep, healing sleep. Be sure to keep the burner out of children's reach!

Another favorite among parents with toddlers is the Cold and Flu Prevention Blend. This is just as effective for adults! This blend is not as pleasant to smell as blends that use many florals; this is a purely functional blend that does its job. Mix one teaspoon of Lavender, 1 teaspoon of Eucalyptus, a half teaspoon of Ravensara and a half teaspoon of Bay Laurel. Shake the bottle well to blend, and try to keep the blend burning all day during cold and flu season. Aromatherapists have been using Eucalyptus oil for a thousand years to ward off germs and purify the air.

Massage blends are fabulous for toddlers! You don't have to be a skilled massage therapist to use these blends; simply rub the blend all over your toddler for a soothing and healing effect. For massage blends, you will need a "carrier" oil such as sweet almond, aloe, or olive oil. Never apply essential oils directly to the skin and avoid contact with the eyes and mouth. The only exception to this rule is Lavender; this essential oil can be applied to the skin without a carrier oil.

Try this wonderful toddlers' massage oil: ten drops of Lavender, four drops of Marjoram, 2 drops of Ylang Ylang, mixed with two ounces of a carrier oil. Shake to blend, and then give your toddler a gentle, soothing massage with the blend. An alternative massage blend is great for toddlers with colds, aches, or pain. Use ten drops of Geranium, five drops of Sandalwood, five drops of Chamomile, and two ounces of carrier oil. Rub the blend gently on the toddler's chest and back to help relieve congestion.

There are many books on the market these days that contain a wealth of information on aromatherapy. Two books that are highly recommended are The Aromatherapy Companion by Victoria Edwards, and the classic Aromatherapy Workbook by Marcel Lavabre.