How to Safely Use Lavender for Babies and Kids By Ash Stevens
While you should always be cautious with plant-based medicine, using lavender for babies and kids can be effective and safe when it comes to holistic healing.
Lavender is an herb known best for its ability to enhance relaxation and promote restful sleep. While you should always be cautious when using plant-based medicine, lavender falls in the safe category – making it a versatile option for babies and kids.
Throughout history, lavender has been used for perfume, washing, and even medicines. It was a staple for mothers from days past, and while no mama could prove it’s uses or benefits, it had a reputation for easing anxiety and giving a better night’s sleep.
Lavender fell out of favor for a little while, but now, new discoveries in sleep behavior, biology, and aromatherapy are showing that lavender is indeed the herb of every mama’s dreams! If you’re daydreaming of your sleepless babe turning into a sleeping angel, take a look at all the ways lavender can help!
Sleep Patterns & Circadian Rhythms In the center of the brain, there’s a nerve of cells known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). It’s located right above the spot where the brain meets the optic nerves of the eyes. This is important because it tunes the SCN to night and day. When the SCN perceives darkness, it cues production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Melatonin production continues on throughout the night until daylight triggers the SCN to stop.
This natural cycle of night and day establishes baby’s circadian rhythm (basically, it’s like a biological schedule for genes, hormones, and things that regulate different behaviors).
Babies are in total darkness in the womb, so their internal clocks slowly develop after birth. That means that sleeping like a baby doesn’t come naturally to a baby. As all mothers know, it can take some time for baby to get into their natural flow. Hence, routine!
Routine a-la Lavender As parents, virtually every article that pops up in our newsfeed has an expert talking about the importance of routine. A little structure really will do wonders with sanity, no doubt, but it goes beyond predictability when it comes to babies and kids.
Routines with roughly consistent times for naps, meals, and bedtime will help set baby’s natural circadian rhythm and create a biological habit. So, while a warm bath will help babies relax, a nightly bath can actually serve as a circadian cue to baby’s body that it’s time to wind down.
Adding lavender to the bath routine can make this cue even more powerful. The lovely herb has a long reputation for promoting relaxation, calm moods, and better sleep. Science even backs it up! One scientific study showed lavender was as effective against general anxiety disorder as medication. Others show that lavender can alleviate PTSD and postnatal depression.
Lavender & the Emotional Brain We can all appreciate pleasant smells, but lavender’s ability to calm and soothe isn’t just because of it’s flowery scent. The smell of cookies in the oven; simmering stews; fresh roses. We all have scents that strike a certain chord, and it’s because smell has a powerful tie to memory and emotions.
That’s because the nose has a direct path to the olfactory system, which has a direct connection to the limbic system of the brain. The limbic system performs a variety of important functions, with many of them involving emotions (thus its nickname the “emotional brain”).
Naturally, the emotional limbic system is connected to the areas of the brain that regulate blood pressure, hormones, breathing, and so on. We all know that emotions can have an immediate impact on the body. This is important to note, because the connection between the olfactory system and the limbic system means scent can also have an instant snap-effect on emotions. In fact, nostalgia and expectations alone can influence behavior!
Lavender & the Body The benefits of high-grade lavender products go straight to the nose, but the skin gets them too! Lavender is packed with soothing compounds that heal wounds, soothe allergic reactions, fight infection, and ease eczema. Studies show lavender reduces pain and itching from bug bites, bee stings, and burns. And lavender is so gentle and healing, it’s generally tolerated even by sensitive skin.
Just because a bottle of baby lotion touts purple moons on the label, it doesn’t make it safe for your little one. Many store brands still contain parabens, sulfates, propylene glycol, and other harmful ingredients.
Dried Lavender Herb UsesRelaxing herbal lavender tea There’s nothing like a soothing cup of tea for your own wellbeing and to set the stage for a calm household. Lavender on its own is a bit strong for tea. This recipes balances it out nicely.
Lavender Chamomile Tea Ingredients
Place lavender and chamomile into a tea strainer. Pour hot water over them. Allow to steep for about 10 minutes, add local honey if desired, and enjoy.
Fabric softener alternative Most dryer sheets contain chemicals you don’t want near your little one’s skin. Make DIY dryer sachets by adding dried lavender flowers to small organza bags (you probably have some on hand from when you buy from small businesses). You can also use these as drawer fresheners.
Lavender Essential Oil UsesDiffuse at bedtime | Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a diffuser each evening to help calm and settle everyone in your home.
DIY Insect Repellent | This DIY bug spray recipe is simple to make, lasts a long time, and most importantly – really works.
Combine ingredients in a 4 ounce glass spray bottle with a fine mist setting. Shake well and use! Essential oils don’t dissolve in water, so be sure to shake the bottle before each use.
DIY First Aid Ointment The popular brand of antibiotic ointment uses a petroleum byproduct for its base, and petroleum isn’t one of the healthiest ways to heal a wound.
Stir gently until the mixture has become liquid and clear.
Remove from heat and add 10 drops of each essential oil.
Stir and pour into a sterilized storage container.
Eczema Relief Mix a drop of lavender essential oil with coconut or almond oil and rub on the affected area for eczema.
Hay Fever Relief Mix a drop of lavender essential oil with a drop each of lemon and peppermint essential oils and inhale the vapors to aid the body in its response to histamines.
Article is courtesy of greenchildmagazine
While you should always be cautious with plant-based medicine, using lavender for babies and kids can be effective and safe when it comes to holistic healing.
Lavender is an herb known best for its ability to enhance relaxation and promote restful sleep. While you should always be cautious when using plant-based medicine, lavender falls in the safe category – making it a versatile option for babies and kids.
Throughout history, lavender has been used for perfume, washing, and even medicines. It was a staple for mothers from days past, and while no mama could prove it’s uses or benefits, it had a reputation for easing anxiety and giving a better night’s sleep.
Lavender fell out of favor for a little while, but now, new discoveries in sleep behavior, biology, and aromatherapy are showing that lavender is indeed the herb of every mama’s dreams! If you’re daydreaming of your sleepless babe turning into a sleeping angel, take a look at all the ways lavender can help!
Sleep Patterns & Circadian Rhythms In the center of the brain, there’s a nerve of cells known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). It’s located right above the spot where the brain meets the optic nerves of the eyes. This is important because it tunes the SCN to night and day. When the SCN perceives darkness, it cues production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Melatonin production continues on throughout the night until daylight triggers the SCN to stop.
This natural cycle of night and day establishes baby’s circadian rhythm (basically, it’s like a biological schedule for genes, hormones, and things that regulate different behaviors).
Babies are in total darkness in the womb, so their internal clocks slowly develop after birth. That means that sleeping like a baby doesn’t come naturally to a baby. As all mothers know, it can take some time for baby to get into their natural flow. Hence, routine!
Routine a-la Lavender As parents, virtually every article that pops up in our newsfeed has an expert talking about the importance of routine. A little structure really will do wonders with sanity, no doubt, but it goes beyond predictability when it comes to babies and kids.
Routines with roughly consistent times for naps, meals, and bedtime will help set baby’s natural circadian rhythm and create a biological habit. So, while a warm bath will help babies relax, a nightly bath can actually serve as a circadian cue to baby’s body that it’s time to wind down.
Adding lavender to the bath routine can make this cue even more powerful. The lovely herb has a long reputation for promoting relaxation, calm moods, and better sleep. Science even backs it up! One scientific study showed lavender was as effective against general anxiety disorder as medication. Others show that lavender can alleviate PTSD and postnatal depression.
Lavender & the Emotional Brain We can all appreciate pleasant smells, but lavender’s ability to calm and soothe isn’t just because of it’s flowery scent. The smell of cookies in the oven; simmering stews; fresh roses. We all have scents that strike a certain chord, and it’s because smell has a powerful tie to memory and emotions.
That’s because the nose has a direct path to the olfactory system, which has a direct connection to the limbic system of the brain. The limbic system performs a variety of important functions, with many of them involving emotions (thus its nickname the “emotional brain”).
Naturally, the emotional limbic system is connected to the areas of the brain that regulate blood pressure, hormones, breathing, and so on. We all know that emotions can have an immediate impact on the body. This is important to note, because the connection between the olfactory system and the limbic system means scent can also have an instant snap-effect on emotions. In fact, nostalgia and expectations alone can influence behavior!
Lavender & the Body The benefits of high-grade lavender products go straight to the nose, but the skin gets them too! Lavender is packed with soothing compounds that heal wounds, soothe allergic reactions, fight infection, and ease eczema. Studies show lavender reduces pain and itching from bug bites, bee stings, and burns. And lavender is so gentle and healing, it’s generally tolerated even by sensitive skin.
Just because a bottle of baby lotion touts purple moons on the label, it doesn’t make it safe for your little one. Many store brands still contain parabens, sulfates, propylene glycol, and other harmful ingredients.
Dried Lavender Herb UsesRelaxing herbal lavender tea There’s nothing like a soothing cup of tea for your own wellbeing and to set the stage for a calm household. Lavender on its own is a bit strong for tea. This recipes balances it out nicely.
Lavender Chamomile Tea Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon organic lavender flowers
- 1 teaspoon organic chamomile flowers
- 8 ounces hot water
Place lavender and chamomile into a tea strainer. Pour hot water over them. Allow to steep for about 10 minutes, add local honey if desired, and enjoy.
Fabric softener alternative Most dryer sheets contain chemicals you don’t want near your little one’s skin. Make DIY dryer sachets by adding dried lavender flowers to small organza bags (you probably have some on hand from when you buy from small businesses). You can also use these as drawer fresheners.
Lavender Essential Oil UsesDiffuse at bedtime | Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a diffuser each evening to help calm and settle everyone in your home.
DIY Insect Repellent | This DIY bug spray recipe is simple to make, lasts a long time, and most importantly – really works.
- 3 ounces of distilled water
- 15 drops of Citronella essential oil
- 10 drops of Lavender essential oil
- 10 drops of Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil or Eucalyptus Radiata if you’ll be using on small children
- 5 drops of Lemongrass essential oil
Combine ingredients in a 4 ounce glass spray bottle with a fine mist setting. Shake well and use! Essential oils don’t dissolve in water, so be sure to shake the bottle before each use.
DIY First Aid Ointment The popular brand of antibiotic ointment uses a petroleum byproduct for its base, and petroleum isn’t one of the healthiest ways to heal a wound.
- 1/3 cup Organic Coconut Oil
- 1 tablespoon Organic Beeswax Pastilles
- 1/4 teaspoon Vitamin E Oil
- 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- 10 drops Tea Tree Oil
- 1 glass storage cube
Stir gently until the mixture has become liquid and clear.
Remove from heat and add 10 drops of each essential oil.
Stir and pour into a sterilized storage container.
Eczema Relief Mix a drop of lavender essential oil with coconut or almond oil and rub on the affected area for eczema.
Hay Fever Relief Mix a drop of lavender essential oil with a drop each of lemon and peppermint essential oils and inhale the vapors to aid the body in its response to histamines.
Article is courtesy of greenchildmagazine