Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child is one of my favorite reference books for using aromatherapy with children. It is written by Valerie Ann Worwood, one of the world’s leading aromatherapists. She has been practicing for more than 20 years. Here many books include “The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy”, “The Fragrant Mind”, “The Fragrant Heavens”, and “Scents & Scentuality”. She lives in Essex, England.
In Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child, Valerie gives a comprehensive look at essential oils specifically for children. She has created a 300+ page reference book listing which oils are safe to use, as well as the proper dilution rates and application methods specific to a child’s age and condition.
I really enjoyed reading through this book this month. One thing that I really appreciated about it is that Valerie discusses using essential oils for most common childhood conditions from baby all the way up to teen. It seems like so many child-focused books tend to leave out the teens, assuming they are covered by adult dilution ratios. With an easy to read ‘A to Z’ type of format Valerie covers illnesses such as the common cold, fever, minor cuts and bruises, headaches, rashes, insect bites, ear piercings, head lice, etc. She then goes on to dig deeper in to issues such as ADHD, Athlete’s Foot and Juvenile Arthritis. Each condition is described in detail, given the signs and symptoms of the condition, goes on to give an explanation of what to do first, and then gives additional suggestions to complement healing, as well as preventative care.
Here is a quick overview of the Table of Contents:
Part 1 – The Essentials of Nature’s Healing Tools
Chapter 1: The Essentials
Essential Oils – Nature’s Healing Tools
What’s in a Name?
Buying and Storing
Chapter 2: Using Essential Oils
Hydrolats, Essential Oil Waters, and Infused Oils
The Methods
Blending
Carrier Oils for Children
Safety First
Caring Touch Massage
Caring Touch Massage Blends
Chapter 3: The Basic Care Kit for Children
Basic Care Kit – Essential Oils
Things to Make for Your First Aid Cabinet
The Cave Man Eating Plan
Part 2 – Treating Children with Essential Oils & Aromatherapy
Chapter 4: The A-Z of Conditions
How to Use the A-Z Information
Chapter 5: The Seriously Ill Child
Healing Touch
Chapter 6: Mind, Mood, and Emotion
Alertness
Anxiety
Stress
Additional Resources:
Suppliers
Recommended Reading
Index
About the Author
As a reference manual, this book feels very thorough. I have yet to come across an illness that my family has dealt with that was not covered. Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child not only lists just about every childhood illness and ailment, but then goes on into the world of hydrosols, best carrier oils for children, essential oil waters, etc. Valerie does a great job covering the basics of using essential oils on your child. She even has a small section devoted to children with special needs. Overall, the layout is easy to follow and the information is quick to reference.
One quick note:
If you are looking for a book that gives the science behind oils, this is not it. It was written several years ago so some of the newer research is not incorporated into her suggestions for safety. If you have any concerns I would cross-reference with newer reference manuals.
I am a mom of four, confident essential oil user, a certified Holistic Health Counselor and working on an aromatherapy certification. Even with my experience and training I would recommend this publication to someone just stepping into the world of essential oils. I find myself referencing this book and using many of the recommendations listed on my own children and family.
If you have children of all ages, and are looking for a go-to guide for incorporating essential oils into their health care, this book is a must have.
The Bottom Line
For fans of holistic health, preventative health, essential oil use, herbal remedies, etc.
Pros:
- Easy to follow ‘A to Z’ format
- Terrific reference book for newbies and experienced essential oil users
Cons:
- There are formatting issues with the Kindle version. I definitely recommend purchasing the hardcopy.
- This was published about 15 years ago, so I would love to see an updated release.
Final Thoughts: If you have children, and are looking for a go-to guide for incorporating essential oils into their health care, this book is a must have.
Meagan here!
Let me just say… I loved this book. As a mom to 4 little boys who doesn’t have all that much training in essential oils, I’m so grateful to have a book written by a certified aromatherapist with years of experience to help guide me in how to use essential oils safely for my kids. Valerie Worwood is a trusted source, and I’m very glad I bought this book!
So onto my thoughts on the book.
Pros:
— The first thing that stood out to me was how well organized this book was. Everything is easy to find, including the recipes which cover many common childhood ailments.
— The second thing I liked was that she talked a bit about things I didn’t really know about such as essential oil waters… something I’m definitely planning on trying out, using essential oils on a child who’s on medications, the difference it using EOs for an acute problem vs. a chronic problem, and a few other things.
— Lastly, she gives a lot of detail to safety. From which oils are okay for what ages, to how to dilute them for the different ages, to a whole list on essential oil safety information… she covers a lot!
Cons:
— I’d have to agree with Shannon here when she said the paperback was better than the Kindle. For reference books like this one, I have to have a physical copy so the paperback was a much better choice in my mind than the digital version.
In conclusion, I think this book is a must-have for a natural mama that wants to use essential oils on her child… especially if she’s new. I feel like I’m better prepared for using essential oils with my kids than I was before I read this book, and I’ve studied a good bit of EO information over the years. Now I have a list of oils to purchase so I have them on hand, and I have a book full of recipes I can follow and try if I need them.
If you joined along with Shannon and I in reading this book this month I hope you enjoyed it too and will leave your personal review in the comments below!
Thank you so much for the review. I haven’t gotten to read much yet, but certainly plan to! 🙂 I really like the lay out and her emphasis on safety as well. Megan, would you share you list as to the oils you plan to get and keep on hand. I am still “Oh my!” overwhelmed stage of herbal and oil learning. 🙂 Also do you know of any books like this one that are for children, but about herbs? Something the has a good layout, goes into safety, clear dosage suggestion, (I know from your post about dosages that dosing herbs isn’t exact, but something that gives a little clear direction about where to start or how much to try, if that makes sense, for certain herbs), etc. I know there are a lot of books for adults, but I am having a hard time finding one just about children.
On of my favorite children’s books on herbs is Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Remedies for Children’s Health book. I’ll also be doing a book club book later this year on another book about using herbs with kids, and keep an eye out for my soon-to-be released “Letters to Natural Mamas” newsletter subscribers gift… it will be recipes for 10 of the most common childhood illnesses with recipes, dosages, and more.
As for the EOs I plan to get, I’m going to go by the list she has in the book because those are the oils used in all the recipes she provides in the book. I already have a good bit of oils, but there are several on her list for kids that I don’t have yet. That list would be a good place to start if you’re looking to stock up on oils for kids. Also stay tuned to the blog… I’ve got a big surprise for EO lovers coming up this month!!
Thank you so, so very much Megan. 🙂 Looking forward to all the fun things coming!
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