Aromatherapy is an effective natural therapy for treating many health problems. This article focuses on how aromatherapy can be helpful for your child.

Sleeplessness is a common problem not only to elders but sometimes also to children. There are many different reasons for this and I have listed a few here with the various ways in which aromatherapy can be helpful.

1. Fear of the dark - This is very common in children especially if they have nightmares and wake up in a very dark, silent room. Using an oil burner in the bedroom creates a safe atmosphere, because of its gently glowing light and soothing aroma.

Camomile, benzoin, frankincense, neroli, patchouli, vetivert, rose, sandalwood, marigold, myrrh, ylang-ylang and clary sage are all quite sedative oils and you can experiment until you find a blend that your child really likes.

2. Hyperactivity - If your child is hyperactive, the chances are that you will find he or she has difficulty getting off a sleep. Try the following aromatherapy sequence.

First of all, add 10 drops of camomile oil to a three quarters filled bath. Encourage your child to soak in it for as long as possible. Use toys or games to keep him or her interested, or read a story aloud.

Next, use 6 drops of camomile oil fl oz (100 ml) of carrier oil and massage it into your child's back and shoulders then the tummy and chest. Do this after drying him or her and while standing and make the movements as soothing as possible.

Finally use camomile and benzoin oils in a burner or vaporizer in the bedroom. Once your little one is tucked up in bed, try massaging a little of the above blend into his or her forehead with soothing strokes while you read a bedtime story.

3. Excitability - Children get really keyed up about certain events and holidays that spring immediately to mind. The trouble is that by getting exited and not sleeping properly, the occasions they so look forward to are often marred by their irritability and short tempers - the consequences of lack of sleep.

Try using any of the sedative oils in your child's bath and also in a vaporizer or burner in his or her bedroom. You can also sprinkle a few drops of camomile or ylang-ylang oil on to the pillow.

4. Fear and anxiety - Like adults, children often lose sleep through fear or anxiety. The cause may be an impending test or exam a trip to the dentist or one of the many other problems.

Helpful oils for this are bergamot, thyme, neroli, marjoram, geranium, camomile and lavender.

Again you can use them in the bath, or in a burner or vaporizer. They can also help when inhaled neat from the bottle. Neroli is very effective when used this way.

If your child, or teenager, is facing an impending test or examination use rosemary in his or her bath and in a burner - it's a great aid to the memory! It can also be inhaled just before the test or exam.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.