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| Compassionate Consulting August 13, 2014 |
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Holistic Health Tips (HHT)
I wish I'd known about Natural Healing when I was having babies and raising my kids. Because of their uplifting aroma and effective healing qualities I would have been thrilled to use essential oils in the 80's.
As it was, I taught my kids how to use them while they were in High School and we have wonderful stories of healing bumps and bruises, coughs and colds, headaches, spider bites, etc. My kids have gone all over the world with essential oils and finally seem to have learned that traveling is the most important time to have them handy! Today I'm more conservative in the ways I use them but all five of my kids use essential oils and appreciate their benefits!
I hope this Holistic Health Tip for using essential oils with your little ones (grandchildren included) offers you a few ideas. Let me know how they work for you!
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Diffusion
As I've said many times before, probably the easiest way to use essential oils is through diffusion. You can create an effective environment fighting germs, encouraging relaxation, relieving a stomach ache or easing allergy symptoms with a couple of essential oils and a cold mist diffuser.
Diffusing essential oils is a very safe way to help your baby. If your baby is colicky for example, putting 3 drops of Roman Chamomile and 3 drops Lavender into your diffuser 15 minutes before you bring the baby into the room can help decrease her discomfort and help her relax. Once you bring the baby into the room you can turn the diffuser OFF because the aroma and chemistry of the oils are ready to work for her. Don't be surprised with the results. It's very effective!
Another idea is to use essential oils on your own neck, shoulders or chest. If your baby gets a cold for example, you can make a blend of 5 or 6 drops of Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) essential oil in an ounce of pure lotion or sweet almond oil and apply some to your own neck and chest. Then, as you hold your little one she will inhale the scent of Cedarwood herself. This is a great respiratory oil for babies.
- Newborn babies: Chamomile, Yarrow, Lavender & Dill (using 1-3 drops essential oil per ounce of base oil)
- 2-6 months old: Above oils plus: Mandarin, Eucalyptus, Coriander & Neroli (using 3-5 drops essential oil per ounce of base oil)
- 6-12 months old: Above oils plus: Palmarosa, Grapefruit, Aniseed & Tea Tree (using 3-5 drops essential oil per ounce of base oil)
- 1-5 years old: All the above oils plus Ginger but use 1/3 the dose of other oils (using 5-10 drops essential oil per ounce of base oil)
- 5-7 years old: Above oils plus Peppermint, Rosemary, Nutmeg, Thyme, Hyssop, Clary Sage & Geranium in 1/3 dosage of other oils. (Personally I'd stay away from Clary Sage in children)
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Essential oils for Ear infections
When my kids were young we lived in a steel-mill town in Ohio and pollution was significant. Our frequent trips to the pediatrician usually resulted in prescriptions for ear infections. Today we have research - like this study - which cites the effectiveness of essential oils so I can suggest a natural remedy for ear infections.
For example Grapefruit oil is high in Limonene which is powerful in that it activates white blood cells, acts as an immune stimulant and is antibacterial. Elemi and Mandarin essential oils are also high in Limonene. So if your little one has a cold and begins pulling on his ear you could try a recipe like this to ward off an ear infection:
- 1 ounce pure lotion (fragrance free)
- 2 drops Elemi (Canarium luzonicum)
- 2 drops Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
- 1 drop Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
Mix well and massage about 1/4 teaspoon around baby's ear -follow the mastoid bone that is behind the ear - two to three times a day. You can massage the ear itself with this blend as that is soothing as well. If baby's symptoms persist visit your health care professional.
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There are many issues you can safely trust essential oils for with your young ones. If you need more help let me know!
Warmly,
Jean Oswald RN
Compassionate Consulting
585-703-0189
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Disclaimer: Any products mentioned, techniques, personal usage tips or other information provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prescribe for, or cure any disease, ailment or injury to the body. The decision to use or not to use any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader.
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