Some essential oils contain chemicals which are mildly sedative and can calm overexcited children into restful sleep. Smoothing a few drops of essential oil into the skin combines the benefits of massage and aromatherapy. As essential oils are very concentrated, they must always be blended with a carrier oil before being used for massage. To dilute an essential oil, add 1-3 drops of the essential oil to 5ml of carrier oil, such as sweet almond, avocado, jojoba or grapeseed. Whilst many essential oils are used in perfumes and cosmetics, their therapeutic value should never be underestimated.
Many essential oils are good for stress, sleep, skin, respiratory and digestive problems.
There are many different essential oils, not all of which are suitable or entirely safe for babies, children and pregnant women. For newborn babies only a handful of essential oils are recommended, but you can add other essences as the child grows, providing certain precautions are observed. Also, their forces of self-healing have, hopefully, not yet been damaged by years of faulty diet, stress, unhealthy lifestyle, and environmental pollution. For babies and young children choose just one of the essences recommended below and add 1-3 drops to 30ml of carrier oil. For children over 6 years of age you can make simple blends of two different essential oils at a dilution of 6-10 drops per 30ml of carrier oil.