When it comes to aromatherapy, typically the first thing people will think of is essential oil use. Although the benefits provided through the use of essential oils are vast and wonderful, it’s important to note that they can pose a potential safety risk if improperly used, particularly among children. It can be stressful as a parent to worry about proper dilution, potential adverse reactions, and which oils are and are not safe for your children. If this describes you, we encourage you to consider hydrosols as well, a much safer alternative when it comes to aromatherapy with children.
What are Hydrosols?
Hydrosols share a lot in common with essential oils because they are both products of the distillation of flowers, leaves, fruits, and other plant materials. When these plant materials are distilled, there are two end products: essential oil and hydrosol. The essential oil comes from the oil-soluble part of the plant and the hydrosol comes from the water-soluble part of the plant. Hydrosols share similar properties with essential oils but are primarily water: making them much less concentrated. Because they are less concentrated, they also have a much softer, more subtle scent and are much safer to use, especially with children.
How to Use Hydrosols with Children
There are a few different ways that you can use hydrosols with children. Since hydrosols are so safe and gentle, they don’t have to be diluted and can be applied directly to the skin. Our hydrosols come in spray bottles, and can be easily spritzed onto your child’s skin to allow them to experience the benefits. Hydrosols can also be easily added to a bath or diffused in a humidifying diffuser. A unique way to use hydrosols with children would be incorporating them into sensory play in some way.
How Should I Start?
We recommend picking just a few hydrosols to start off based on scents or benefits you are interested in. You really can’t go wrong with hydrosols so there is no right or wrong place to start. Some classics you may be interested in trying out are Peppermint, Neroli, or Chamomile Hydrosol. Peppermint Hydrosol is great for an upset stomach, as a quick cool down, or as a refresher for tired or sore feet. Neroli Hydrosol is well known for decreasing symptoms of anxiety and nervousness. Chamomile can help support healthy skin and is very calming.
Hydrosols are an ideal way to incorporate the healing powers of plants and herbs into our childrens’ lives, so if you want to allow them to experience the benefits of aromatherapy in a safe way, we definitely recommend looking into hydrosols. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, consult a certified aromatherapist or email us at [email protected]. We would be happy to provide suggestions for up-to-date resources.
