Since young children are small and have fragile skin, caution of course must be used when employing aromatherapy in their lives. Some experts swear by a few treatments with the more gentle oils at a higher carrier oil dilution, or use in a diffuser rather than skin application. Also reduce the ratio of essential oil to carrier oil down to 1%. Chamomile, fennel, and melissa are some of the oils considered by some to be safe for children. They can be used for light massage or even infused into an herbal tea. They are said to help with tummy aches, other pain, colic, anxiety or fussing, gas pain, and over stimulation.

Warm baths with a few drops of an essential oil blend can do wonders in getting your child off to a relaxing, rejuvenating, and restful sleep. Lavender and chamomile are excellent soothing blends to use.

If you let your child help choose the blend he or she likes, he is likely to enjoy the bath even more as he becomes part of the ritual and being allowed to use a favorite aroma.

If you have an exhausted child with a headache and who is also grumpy, treat him to a cool compress of lavender placed on his forehead. If she is congested from a cold or allergy, frankincense is a good one for relief. You can use it in a vaporizer or in a light massage.

Some other essential oils believed to be okay to use with children are mandarin, marjoram, neroli, jasmine, and petitgrain.

An old ritual was to make a “dilly pillow” for children to have beside or under their regular bed pillow. With the right mixture of aromatic herbs they will sleep well without nightmares, as well as help any digestive upsets. You too can make a dilly pillow.