Aromatherapy has been in practice for thousands of years, and humans are familiar with essential oils for ages. People have used essential oils for various medicinal purposes because the naturally extracted plant aromas are well known for its abilities to enhance physical as well as emotional well-being. The aroma of plants has varied uses, and the aromatic plant extracts are available in the form of natural oil that you can apply on the skin. Natural oils are highly potent and mixed in small measure with some other carrier oil to make it safe for human use.
From soothing the skin to healing wounds and burns the benefits of using aromatic plant extracts are many. It can even relax the mind to give a calming effect that helps to drive away stress and rejuvenate the body and mind.
Essential oils for all ages
People of all ages can use essential oils and babies and children too can benefit from it. The essential oil is good for babies in providing relief from symptoms of colic, and it has a calming effect on the mind that creates a sense of relaxation and encourages good sleep. Some essential oils offer good digestive support. However, before applying essential oils on babies, select the right type of oil with proper dilution ratios and know the correct method of application.
The importance of dilution ratio
Babies have very tender skin, and if you do not correctly choose the dilution ratio of essential oil, it can irritate the skin and cause other problems. Since the oil transmits into the body and mixes with the bloodstream, improper dilution can have many far-reaching effects on the health of babies. The standard in aromatherapy practice is to maintain a ratio of essential oil to carrier oil ranging between 1% and 3% for adults and for babies it could be even less, usually not more than 1%. Do not use the essential oil on newborns until they are three months. After all, all essential oils are potential hazards if you do not follow the right dosage.
For the safety of babies
When you buy essential oils for babies, you have to take a safety-first approach. Babies are incredibly delicate, and you must ensure that the essential oil you select is entirely safe for applying on the tender skin. Check the chemical composition of the oil and its purity besides knowing its origin because for babies there are some specific recommended essential oils. The oil has to be completely pure and organic, free from any synthetic substances with a minimal amount of aldehydes and phenol that can cause skin problems. The level of monoterpenoids too has to be significantly low so that it does not cause respiratory distress.
Even if you choose the safest essential oil for your baby, you could be extra cautious in its application and select the most reliable method. Although you can apply the oil on any part of the skin, the safest choice is to rub it under the feet.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
