1. Asthma



If you child suffers from asthma, aromatherapy can help in several ways. Add four drops of benzoin and four drops of rosemary oil to his or her daily bath.

Make massage oil using three drops of benzoin and three drops of lavender oil. Rub it into the chest at regular intervals daily. Also try using a vaporizer in the child's bedroom at night with benzoin, pine and rosemary oils (or, any one of them)

2. Tummy ache

Gentle massage is soothing on its own, but is even more beneficial with the help of aromatherapy.

Add two drops of camomile, two of fennel and two of peppermint oil to 4 fl oz (100 ml) of carrier oil. Gently rub this into your child's tummy, using soothing massage strokes. Also, try adding the above oils to a warm bath ? the heat helps pain and there is no need for carrier oil.

3. Eczema

This is a very common childhood complaint and aromatherapy is a very effective way of helping it.

Dry eczema - Add six drops of geranium oil to 4 fl oz (100 ml) of avocado oil and apply to the affected areas several times daily. You can also add six drops of geranium oil to your child's daily bath.

Weeping eczema - Add six drops of bergamot oil to 4 fl oz (100 ml) of avocado oil and apply to the affected areas several times daily. You can also add six drops of bergamot oil to your child's daily bath.

4. Sore throat

Either of the following remedies helps soothe irritation or you can use both together if the patient does not object. Obviously very young children can't gargle, so use the oil instead.

To make a mouthwash/gargle, add two drops of lemon, two drops of eucalyptus and two drops of lavender oil to a cup of warm water.

Alternatively, you can add the above oils to 4 fl oz (100 ml) of carrier oil and rub the mixture into the throat and chest then up into the glands behind the ears, at regular intervals.

5. Nose bleeds

While your child is sitting forward, pinching his or her nostrils together, make up the following cold compress.

Soak a flannel in 1 pint (600 ml) of very cold water to which you have added six drops of frankincense oil. Fold it in half and place over the bridge of the nose. Bleeding usually stops very quickly.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.