Summer has zipped by and now it’s back to school time for the kids. You’ve been gathering the notebooks, folders, pencils, and new shoes and clothes for what will hopefully be, a stress free start to the new school year. Though now you wonder, what can be done with the moodiness, attitudes, fears, and worries with moving into the next grade and possibly a new school?
There is an amazing solution to all those questions and concerns. Welcome earth’s medicines: essential oils and the art of aromatherapy!
Aromatherapy means to treat with aroma (scents) through inhalation and/or application, enhancing the quality of body, mind, and spirit. This is a field that has increased in popularity over the years, due to its incredible, life-changing abilities. The plants, trees, fruits and flowers are providing for us the essential oils, or their life force energies. These essential oils are what people are eager to know more about. Aromatherapy not only delivers the calming effects of the scents, but also the many health benefits unique to the essential oils. As Colleen K. Dodt states in her book, The Essential Oils Book, “Pure essential oils have a place in every home and every lifestyle. They are nature’s alternative to the many synthetic chemicals that have invaded our lives and homes in the name of health, cleanliness and environmental enhancement.”
There are hundreds of single oils and oil blends, as well as, many companies and organizations marketing essential oils. To use essential oils for their healing properties, it is imperative to use pure therapeutic-grade, high-quality organic essential oils that have been certified from the seeds that are planted to the bottling and sealing of the finished oil. The use of the essential oils begins with educating yourself on their benefits and many uses.
Each of the essential oils contain its own physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual qualities. For an example, lavender essential oil is a calming, peaceful scent, whereas peppermint essential oil is one of the oldest and most highly regarded substances for indigestion. Essential oils can be uplifting, invigorating, calming, cleansing, and great for a person’s well being.
With the new school year upon us, let’s look at the essential oils that will be beneficial for our children.
The first and most popular is Lavender. It is used in the traditional medicine of many cultures as a calmative. Studies have shown that the fragrance of lavender is calming, balancing and relaxing. It’s considered the most versatile of the essential oils. It may also assist the body when adapting to stress or imbalances. It may be used to soothe and cleanse common cuts, bruises, and skin irritations. (As stated by Young Living Essential Oils)
Orange essential oil brings peace and happiness to the mind and body. It’s an excellent essential oil for depression, stress, tension, frustration, and anxiety. Orange helps to lift the spirits and promote joy. A great scent for children! (www.aromathyme.com)
Roman Chamomile essential oil may help with restless legs, insomnia, muscle tension, cuts, scrapes and bruises. It is also soothing for tantrums and will promote a good night’s sleep. Put 1 drop on the pillow at bedtime. Used in the bath they can be blended with liquid soap to help them disperse. (Aromatherapy-The Essential Beginning by D. Gary Young and www.aromathyme.com)
A powerful blend especially beneficial for children is Peace & Calming®. This special blend has been formulated by Young Living Essential Oils. Peace & Calming® is a gentle, fragrant blend of tangerine, ylang ylang, blue tansy, orange, and patchouli essential oils. Peace & Calming® promotes relaxation and provides a deep sense of peace after a stressful day. It’s great to diffuse in the home and/or to massage 1-2 drops on the bottoms of the feet. Helps calm overactive and hard to manage children. Especially helpful and comforting to young children after an overactive day.
• Peace & Calming® essential oil blend can help purge your system of nervous emotion, increasing emotional wellness. • Peace & Calming® has an uplifting scent that evokes positive emotions. • Peace & Calming® is portable and can be used wherever crowded areas may be overwhelming. • The essential oils that comprise this blend are safe to use on the feet to help even the fussiest of children.
Therapeutic-grade essential oils are very strong, yet safe when used as directed. The essential oils should always be kept out of reach of the children. Keep oils out of the eyes, ears, and away from mucous membranes. When using essential oils with children, it is wise to dilute 1 or 2 drops of essential with ½ – 1 tsp. of a vegetable oil. Application to the bottom of the feet is an excellent place for quick absorption. If at any time questions or concerns arise, contact an expert in the field of aromatherapy and the use of essential oils.
This is a short list of many beneficial remedies that we have been given by the earth to support and assist our children. Let’s be one step ahead of the kids and be prepared for all the happenings throughout their young lives! Enjoy exploring the magic of the essential oils.
Jean Kowalski, LMT, ATP® is owner/practitioner of Colors of Joy Healing Arts Center in downtown Eau Claire. Jean specializes in creating holistic healing experiences that engage the mind, body, and spirit. She facilitates retreats, workshops, and seminars, as well as working on a one-to-one basis. www.jeankowalski.com;youngliving.org/colorsofjoy