Why Essential Oils Are A Parent’s Secret Weapon
Parents are increasingly moving away from pharmaceutical remedies for treating the ailments of their children and are instead using essential oils.
Tired with the toxic, artificial medicines they have historically used, mums and dads are starting to investigate the power of natural remedies.
American Mindy Spradlin, a 32-year-old mother of four, told The Tennessean: “It’s empowering as a mom to feel like you have ability to take care of your kids and don’t have to run to someone else every time they are sick.
“So often, we have it ingrained in our minds that we don’t know anything and we stop listening to our intuition and think only the professionals can tell us what to do. “Really, we probably know more than anybody … and we have the tools.”
Indeed, essential oils can be used to treat an array of ailments from skin complaints to sore throats. What’s more, each oil has multiple benefits, meaning parent’s can create a comprehensive first aid/treatment kit without breaking the bank.
However, it’s important to remember that essential oils are incredibly powerful compounds and are highly concentrated. This means that not only should children never get hold of them, but parents need to be careful when administering essential oils.
For example, when creating a mixture to put on the skin of an adult, you would normally add four to five drops of essential oil to 10ml to 15ml of carrier oil. However, for a child this concentration needs to be much lower, depending on the age. So it’s important to ensure the concentration of essential oil you use is appropriate for the age of your child.
What’s more, when using essential oils through a steam inhalation or warm bath, the child should never be unsupervised. The key is to remember that just because a product is natural, it doesn’t mean its safe. This being said, essential oils are an effective way to treat many childhood ailments and there are certain oils that it always pays to have nearby in case of an emergency.
At this time of year, most parents will want to ensure they have peppermint essential oil in the house. It’s perfect for treating seasonal colds and headaches. Simply put two to three drops of peppermint in a large bowl of hot water. Ensure your child closes their eyes before leaning over the bowl, and have them breathe slowly and deeply for a few minutes. They should start to feel relief very quickly.
Steam inhalation is also great for children with coughs and you’ll want to follow the above method, replacing the peppermint with cedar atlas essential oil. This oil is an expectorant and antiseptic, which helps clear up colds and chest infections. It is also a great oil to have in the house to treat wounds or muscle aches. Add two to three drops of cedar atlas essential oil to 10ml of lotion and rub onto aching muscles. Alternatively, add the same measure to 10ml of carrier oil and apply to wounds.
Lavender is another highly versatile essential oil to have in the house. It can be used to treat bruises, burns, backache, athlete’s foot, asthma, headaches, hives, inflammation, insect bites, and eczema.
Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2022. Written by Sue Charles
