It could be the beginning of summer and you are getting ready for vacation or the end of the hottest months in your life and time for the new school year to begin. As the seasons change, a child’s body (or your own) can become more susceptible to fatigue, stress, and even sickness. At the point of shutdown, a pocket remedy can provide relief and prevent disease. One such portable cure is a small bottle of essential oil.
Stress is often associated with – and can sometimes be mistaken for – excitement. This can be from the anticipation of a big event, such as going on a family trip, mixed with hectic travel preparations, and then encountering a hiccup. After months of making plans for instance, no one remembers to call the kennel or arrange care for the family pet while everyone is away.
Anything could be a trigger; even something as trivial as thinking about a gigantic roller coaster ride in three days can cause the body stress, whether from overexcitement, or apprehension. The fear of starting a new year at school, making new friends; coupled with extremes of temperature and humidity, all are possible causes of strange ailments ranging anywhere from fever to hives.
Stress is also contagious. People involuntarily feed off the energy of those in their immediate surroundings, particularly in close, confined areas, and if they share social ties. Screaming in the backseat will do no good for the mood of those in front.
This is where essential oils come in handy. As your nerves are pushed to the limit and with no time to think, a whiff of an essential oil can keep you in check. Essential oils stimulate our olfactory system, creating a soothing effect. The molecules within essential oils enter the bloodstream and course throughout the body. Because of this, not only do oils please our sense of smell, they somehow contribute to uplifting someone stressed to the breaking point.
Although lacking in formal evidence, essential oils have been in use for centuries, and many can attest to its effectiveness and therapeutic properties. Here are some of the more widely recognized varieties.
The following oils can be used together or separately. They are great for supporting and enhancing our moods, immune functions, digestion, and even help to calm a fussy child. Decide which oils best fit your needs and keep them within reach at all times.
This oil is amazing for getting little ones to calm down before bed, or before a long car ride. It is common to find lavender in baby bath wash, as well as lotions and other products usually applied before bed (kids love the terrific smell). Lavender is well known for its effectiveness in unwinding and de-stressing at day’s end. It helps defend against colds and the flu. Lavender also works wonders when infused with warm water on washcloth and placed over the face to open stopped-up sinuses. Its euphoric properties have an antiseptic quality, able to diminish pain and aid in healing.
Having trouble sleeping? German chamomile has been a tradition in thousands of homes through the years, due to its medicine-like ability in naturally helping relieve tension, insomnia, and even restless impatience. It is packed with anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents that combat migraines, boils, allergies, rashes, abscesses, burns, and open wounds. This oil provides calming properties similar to lavender. It helps soothe and balance moods.
This essential oil is one mean substitute for an antiseptic. It is incredibly potent; virtually a first-aid kit packed in a tiny little bottle. Many parents use it as a natural substitute for hand-sanitizers and disinfectants. Because it is so strong, natural, and safe, many use this oil directly on warts, insect bites, athlete’s foot, blisters, cold sores, and rashes. It can also be applied to infected wounds and irritations caused by fungi. However, for those with sensitive skin, it may cause minor irritation. Additionally, you can use this powerful oil to clean dental paraphernalia, such as toothbrushes. Tea tree can prevent viruses and bacteria from settling in on the bristles – just be sure to rinse your toothbrush before using it again!
This citrus oil can fill your home with a safe, clean and fresh smelling scent (and the smell tends to last much longer, too). This essential oil has the ability to wake-up our white blood cells and give us a boost of refreshing coolness and clarity. It contains antimicrobial agents that are amazing for protection against infections in our bodies, and serves as a great smelling household-cleaner. Lemon oil is famous for its abilities to restore vitality and positive emotions. Note: You should never apply lemon oil directly on the skin or pour openly into a bath. It should always be used with carrier oil (a base-oil often used dilute powerful essential oils before applied directly to the skin or in water, commonly used in aromatherapy and massage).
If your child is sick, has a congested nasal passage or feels lethargic or run down, placing a drop or two of eucalyptus in a bath can be a great way to relieve symptoms. It can act as a decongestant, and carries antiviral agents and immune system-stimulating molecules in the air. This helps reduce the effects of aches and pains, as well as sore muscle. It can be valuable during travel, when your immune system is most vulnerable. Note: Avoid using during pregnancy or if you are prone to high blood pressure. You should also avoid this oil if you are epileptic.
Request for essential oils to be added to your massage oil blend to enhance your experience on your next spa visit.