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| Sunday, 6 April 2003 |
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Aromatherapy for infants by LAKMAL WELABADA
Using Paracetamol for the slightest ailment has been the practice in Sri Lanka for quite a number of years. We even dare to give such medicines to infants, without even consulting a paediatrician, or a physician. Ignoring the side-effects caused to the little ones we let them gulp the drops or the flavoured syrups as a quick answer to any minor disorder. And coriander, kohomba, ginger, venivel and other grandmother's old kitchen medicines are gradually disappearing from the first aid box of modern day mothers. While we, the Easterners push away home-medicines, those in the Western world are seeking ways of reviving natural therapeutic treatments. 'Aromatherapy' is one such panacea that tops the list. Even universal beauties like Cleopatra seemed to have used aromatherapy as a beauty treatment. What is the definition we can give for aromatherapy today? "Aromatherapy is a therapeutic healing using essential oils extracted from plants. It is done mainly through inhalation and massages," said Kishani Gunewardena, Aromatherapist.
The essential oils are actually the hormones of the plants. And they have the great power of balancing the mind and the body. These hormones carry the substances of anti-viral, anti-fungal, cicatrizant (regeneration of the skin - especially on burns), anti-spasmodic (calming effect - especially on colics, aches and pains in muscles) and insect repellent, explained Kishani. The best characteristic of these essential oils, is their pleasant, alluring and refreshing odour; as they are extracted direct from different parts of the plants. Also they do not have the sticky quality which is a natural feature of any other oil. Lavender, mandarin and orange, lemon, sandalwood, almond, Roman chamomile, sweet marjoram, ginger, ravansara, cedarwood, jojoba, hazelnut, tea, cypress, peppermint and rosemary are some of the plants used for obtaining aroma-oils. No preservatives are added to them. They are pure and natural. When needed, few drops of oils required for the treatment are blended and dispersed in a special base (like vegetable oils, honey and natural lotions)...
"Most people think that aromatherapy is just another technique used for beautification. It's true, you can use it for that purpose as well. But, in reality aromatherapy is a preventive medicine or remedy for so many common ailments which comes in a hundred percent natural form. Thus it is one of the best and the safest methods of treatment on infants and children, says Kishani. One should not wait until he/she gets ill to use this. We can practise it at home regularly as it helps to control irritability, and build up the immune system which tend to be low in little ones ," she adds. But, she warns that treatment should be given under the supervision of a qualified aromatherapist. And the products should also be of a reputed brand. She also stresses the fact that it's not advisable to wait without getting proper treatment from a western doctor if the illness gets worse. "But we can use aroma-treatment as a pain-reliever while on western medication," she added. Kishani who is professionally qualified in Accounting and Management has taken up aromatherapy as a hobby. She claims to be the first ever aromatherapist in Sri Lanka, with a professional qualification in aromatherapy from Shirley Price College in UK. She also followed an anatomy and physiology course in the ITEC College in UK. She has conducted a few workshops in aromatherapy introducing this pleasant treatment. She hopes to conduct more educative workshops for young mothers with the aim of popularising this treatment for infants and children. @@@@@@@@@@ How and when to use aromatherapy on children Inhalation - Put one or two drops of essential oils into a bowl of warm water and let the child inhale. For infants, put a drop of the oil at the edge of the baby's shirt, and let him/her sniff the smell. This is a very good method to relieve nasal congestion and catarrh. Massage - A simple aromatherapy massage makes a great addition to any bedtime ritual. It works as a stress-reliever, and also builds up the immune system. This tightens the bond between the parents and children as the small ones love being touched and held. In addition minor illnesses like abdominal pains due to colic in babies and indigestion in children can be relieved through stomach massaging. A back massage is an excellent reliever for coughs and chest colds. Applications - Can be used to treat minor injuries, bruises, cuts, minor burns. grazes, eczema and insect stings that a normally active child is bound to suffer. Also a mix of essential oil application works as very good lotion for cradle cap (like dandruff) which is common in babies and young children. During the natural process of teething a lot of babies get mild discomforts. You can apply essential oils with your fingertips over the affected area of gum. Baths - Adding a few drops of the oils into the tub of water not only helps one to relax, but also relieve aches and pains and skin problems. Vaporizers - By using vaporizer we can spread essential oils (by evaporation of the molecules) throughout an entire space or area. This is used not merely to kill the germs but also to give a pleasant fragrance. Mosquito repellent - A certain mix of essential oils can be used as a mosquito repellent as well. This can be worked out by application or using vaporizers. There won't be any side-effects such as allergies or breathing problems since these components are pure and natural. High temperature - A lukewarm bath with a few drops of lavender will help to bring down high temperature. Insomnia - Calming and relaxing blends to help baby sleep can be made from the oils - lavender in combination with mandarin. A drop of each on a tissue placed under the pillowcase can help a child to sleep through the night. |
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