Aroma Kids: Fun recipes with essential oils for a fun and relaxing vacation!
Spring breaks and school holidays are the perfect opportunity to share some bonding time with your children while introducing them to new activities. Why not take advantage of this free time to introduce them to aromatherapy in a fun and sensory way? With gentle and suitable essential oils, you can help them manage their emotions, improve their sleep, and develop their creativity, all while spending quality time together.
In this article, I offer you a selection of essential oils suitable for children from 6 years old, with practical advice and essential precautions for use with complete peace of mind.
4 essential oils that are children's favorites
Not all essential oils are suitable for children, and it's essential to choose gentle, well-tolerated, and age-appropriate essences. From the age of 6, some oils can be used for diffusion, diluted skin application, or as mist and roll-on products.
True Lavender: The Oil for Sleep and Relaxation
True Lavender is the perfect ally to help children relax before bed or after a hectic day at school. Thanks to its rich content of linalool and linalyl acetate, it has calming, soothing properties and promotes restful sleep.
- Practical advice : Place a drop of True Lavender on a comforter or the corner of a pillow to help your child fall asleep peacefully.
- Caution : Dilute before skin application to avoid irritation.
Roman Chamomile: The Oil of Emotional Comfort
Roman chamomile is known for its calming effect on anxious, stressed, or angry children. Its ester content gives it anti-stress and relaxing properties, perfect for little ones who have trouble managing their emotions.
- Practical advice : Dilute a drop in a vegetable oil and gently massage the child's solar plexus to soothe them in the event of an emotional crisis.
- Caution : Dilute before skin application to avoid irritation.
Mandarin: the oil of positive energy
Sweet and fruity, Mandarin essential oil is perfect for bringing joy and good humor. Rich in limonene, it has relaxing properties and helps calm restlessness while bringing a touch of cheerfulness to children and adults alike.
- Practical advice : Diffuse it in the child's room 20 minutes before bedtime for a calming and reassuring atmosphere.
- Caution : Dilute before skin application to avoid irritation. Photosensitizing, do not apply to skin before sun exposure.
Petit Grain bigarade: anti-anger and anti-stress oil
Excellent for regulating emotions, Petitgrain Bigarade essential oil is rich in esters and monoterpenols, which gives it a relaxing and balancing effect. It is particularly effective for calming children prone to anger and anxiety.
- Helpful tip : Add a few drops to a room mist to calm the atmosphere after a busy day.
- Caution : Dilute before skin application to avoid irritation.
Fun and playful recipes
Aromatherapy becomes child's play when you offer creative and fun activities! Making a soothing roll-on or scented mist introduces young children to the benefits of essential oils while actively involving them in the process. Discover three simple and safe recipes, ideal for helping your child manage their emotions and establish gentle well-being rituals.
“Zen Magic” Roll-on: Calm anger and find your smile again
Perfect for children prone to anger or everyday frustrations, this anti-anger roll-on combines the relaxing properties of Petit Grain Bigarade and Roman Chamomile.
Ingredients :
- 10 ml of Jojoba vegetable oil
- 2 drops of Petitgrain bigarade essential oil
- 2 drops of Roman Chamomile essential oil
- 1 roll-on bottle of 10 ml
Preparation :
- Pour the essential oils into the roll-on bottle.
- Add the vegetable oil.
- Close and shake gently to mix well.
Use :
- Apply a small amount to the wrists and invite the child to breathe deeply 3 times, closing their eyes, to regain calm.
- Caution: Do not apply near eyes or mouth. Always test on a small area before first use.
“Enchanted Dreams” Mist: Magical spray for a good night’s sleep
Children sometimes have trouble falling asleep due to daytime stress or fear of nightmares. This natural spray promotes peaceful sleep thanks to the soothing properties of True Lavender and Mandarin.
Ingredients :
- 50 ml of Neroli floral water
- 2 drops of true lavender essential oil
- 2 drops of Mandarin essential oil
- 1 glass spray bottle of 50 ml
Preparation :
- Pour the floral water into the spray bottle.
- Add the essential oils.
- Close and shake lightly before each use.
Use :
- Spray 1 or 2 sprays around the bed 10 minutes before bedtime for a peaceful and peaceful night.
- Caution: Do not spray directly on the child's face or skin.
“Superhero Concentration” Roll-on: Homework Boost
This special focus roll-on is ideal for helping children focus during homework or activities requiring attention. Mandarin brings a touch of cheerfulness, while Petitgrain Bigarade promotes serenity and concentration.
Ingredients :
- 10 ml of Jojoba vegetable oil
- 2 drops of Mandarin essential oil
- 2 drops of Petitgrain bigarade essential oil
- 1 roll-on bottle of 10 ml
Preparation :
- Fill the roll-on with vegetable oil.
- Add the essential oils.
- Close and shake gently.
Use :
- Apply to wrists and breathe deeply before starting homework for a natural boost.
- Caution: Avoid sun exposure after application, as Mandarin is photosensitizing.
Tips for Aromatherapy Activities with Children
Organizing an aromatherapy activity with children as young as 6 is a great way to introduce them to the benefits of essential oils while sharing a fun and creative experience. Here are the best tips for conducting this activity safely and with lots of fun!
Create a fun and interactive atmosphere
- Prepare a welcoming space : Arrange essential oils to smell, colorful labels to stick on the bottles and accessories (roll-ons, spray bottles).
- Use figurative language : For example, present True Lavender as “the sleep fairy,” Mandarin as “the drop of good humor,” and Petitgrain Bitter Orange as “the anti-anger superhero.”
- Turn discovery into a game : Have them guess the smells by blindfolding them and asking them what it evokes in them.
Involving children in making their own care
- Let them choose their recipe from several options (roll-on for relaxation, spray for better sleep, etc.).
- Encourage them to personalize their bottles by drawing labels or giving them funny names.
- Show them each step by step, explaining the purpose of each ingredient.
Encourage daily use with wellness rituals
To help children use their creations regularly, establish suitable rituals:
- In the morning before school : Apply “Superhero Focus” to start the day off right.
- After a big emotion : Apply “Zen Magic” to calm anger or stress.
- In the evening before bedtime : Spray “Enchanted Dreams” mist on your pillow to fall asleep peacefully.
Precautions for using essential oils
Aromatherapy is a natural method, but its use on children must be governed by strict safety rules. To ensure a peaceful and safe experience, follow these essential precautions:
Diffusion: moderate and appropriate use
- Diffuse for 10 to 15 minutes maximum, ventilating the room after use.
- Use a diffuser adapted to the size of the room and avoid continuous diffusion.
- Never diffuse in a child's room in their direct presence; prefer to diffuse 30 minutes before their arrival.
- Avoid diffusing oils that are too strong or irritating, such as Peppermint, Eucalyptus globulus or Camphor Rosemary.
Cutaneous application: always dilute and test before use
- Always dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin.
- Do a tolerance test: apply a small diluted amount to the inside of your elbow and wait 24 hours to check for an allergic reaction.
- Avoid contact with eyes, nose and mucous membranes.
Contraindications and specific precautions
- Do not use essential oils in children under 3 years old and avoid certain oils in children under 6 years old without prior advice.
- Do not use without medical advice in children with a history of seizures, epilepsy, asthma or respiratory allergies.
- Caution: Photosensitizing oils: Citrus essential oils can cause spots or burns if the skin is exposed to the sun after application. Avoid sun exposure for 12 hours after application.
Safe storage and handling
- Always keep essential oils out of reach of children to avoid the risk of accidental ingestion.
- Close the bottles properly after use and store them away from light and heat.
- In case of accidental ingestion, do not induce vomiting and contact a poison control center or doctor immediately.
Spring breaks and school holidays are a great opportunity to introduce children to aromatherapy while sharing a fun and soothing moment with the family. By creating magical roll-ons, comforting mists, and wellness synergies together, you offer them a natural way to better manage their emotions, promote peaceful sleep, and develop their independence.
These easy and safe recipes allow children to discover the benefits of essential oils while having fun. Whether it's the "Zen Magic" roll-on to calm tantrums, the "Enchanted Dreams" mist for peaceful nights, or the "Superhero Concentration" roll-on to boost their attention, each creation will become a little well-being ritual to integrate into their daily lives.
I wish you wonderful moments with your family.
Aude
References
(Sources of information bibliographies):
Françoise Couic-Marinier, Essential oils for children and adolescents, Édition Solar, September 2021, 296 p., ISBN: 9782263177736 (2263177736)
Sabrina Herber, Éliane Zimmermann, Aromatherapy for children, Delachaux et Niestlé Edition, December 2, 2019, ISBN: 9782603026892 (2603026895)
Maison Jacynthe disclaims all liability. All information contained in this article is not intended to replace justified allopathic treatment or disregard the expertise of the medical profession. It is up to each individual to take charge of their own health, to inform themselves, and to make the necessary changes to improve their condition. Therapeutic supervision by a qualified healthcare professional is strongly recommended.
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