AROMATHERAPY

Allergies

Why people develop allergies remains a medical mystery. Allergies are a very complicated subject, and finding a cure often proves difficult. The best line of defence, until we know more about them, is to remove the offending allergic agent. But finding the cause of the trouble may take some time because almost any substance in the world can trigger an allergic reaction, from the air we breather to the water we drink: from the people we love to the clothes we wear. As well as the distressing physical results of an allergy there is the inconvenience of having to change  lifestyle, sometimes drastically.

For children, it is often the common, everyday things that produce a reaction. Cow products, grass, house dust, pets, wheat, colorants, additives and preservatives are often the cause. An allergy can manifest itself as asthma,eczema, hyperactivity, fatigue, itching, runny nose, sneezing, headaches, lumps and bumps. Allergic reactions to essential oils are rare if used correctly. A child with hay fever or eczema may be slightly more at risk. In the case of an allergy to one oil, don't lump similar - seeming oils together and there will be an allergy to them too. Allergy to orange, for example, does not necessarily mean there will be a reaction to lemon essential oil.

Eczema
Eczema is very itchy and here is a remedy for that. Apply to the affected area twice a day:

 Hives

Hives are usually white lumps or weals that look as if the child has been hit. They are very itchy. Use the same treatment for Eczema. Also, put 2 drops of chamomile German into a quarter cup of baking soda and add to bath.

Hay Fever
Hay fever needs to be treated with a special formula. Consult your local aromatherapist.

Bee Stings
Bee stings produce an allergic reaction in a small percentage of children: the body can swell up and breathing becomes laboured . Try to remove the sting and treat with 1 drop of a synergistic blend of equal proportions of lavender and chamomile German. Lavender contains anti-venom properties and often acts as an antidote to the poison, so stopping the reaction.

Migrane

Migrane is covered in full in the following section but as migrane in children is often caused by an allergic reaction to certain foods it is worth considering it in relations to your child's diet. Remove from the diet all foods that are not fresh. as well as all the obvious items  packed with artifical colourants, flavourants, additives and preservatives., cut all tinned and packaged goods no matter what promises of purity are made on the label. It is absolutely crucial to cut out dairy products. The child can have grains, but no wheat, cut out tea and fizzy drinks. No red meat.

You might begin to think that there's nothing left to feed the child! Give him plenty of fish and chicken, fresh vegetables and fruit , mineral waters and natural fruit juices diluted with mineral water. Breakfast can consist or real oats, puffed rice with soya milk or follow the recipe for real muesli. Ice lollies should be made with natural fruit juices . Give herb teas at bedtime - chamomile sweetned with a little honey is good. If the child has has sick migraines, give peppermint herb tea during the day.

This new regime could provoke withdrawal symptoms such as headache or stomach ache in the first few days. These soon go. Grapefruit essential oil is an excellent treatment of this debilitating condition. Use 4 drops in a nice warm bath or soak a compress in 1 pint of water to which you have added 2 drops of grapefruit oil and apply it to the head. also, make a massage oil using 15 drops of grapefruit to 30ml vegetable oil.

Migraine
Essential oil massages over a period of time often alleviate migraine. Most aromatherapists are trained how to deal with this problem but you can also help your child at home. Set time when you can both be relaxed and take the phone off the hook, - you are acting as therapist. Get the child to lie-face-down on the bed and massage specific areas according to instructions. Do this for at least fifteen minutes once a week, more if under stress. Use the following oils either singly or in combination.

Children's Migraine Essential Oils
Grapefruit - Lavender - Chamomile Roman- Neroli - Peppermint - Rosemary

Children's Migraine Formula

The essential oils can be a great help to children who suffer migraine and many cases which casme to me for treatment have been cleared up by the parent following the directions above. You Might also follow the diet outlined in the allergy section above. Common causes of migraine in children are insufficient breakfast and lunch, stress allergies and television. Sleep is one of the best remedies.

Reference: The Fragrant Pharmacy: Valerie A. Worwood.