Trusting the Path in Aromatherapy, Tea Blend, Recipe
Navigating the Use of Strong Oils for Children and Knowing When to Pivot
Karen Williams
September 21, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 11 minutes
Hello Friend!
As I was musing about this the other day, I realized I’ve always struggled with directions—not in the sense of getting lost, but in trying to keep track of where I am. Leaving my house, everything seems clear—north is north, south is south. But as I head up a familiar trail winding through hills, I’ll swear I’m still facing the same direction, only to find the sun in a different spot. It’s a gentle reminder that the sun is precisely where it’s supposed to be; my perception is off!
This got me thinking about the comfort we find in the rules and routines we rely on—guidelines that give us a sense of safety, much like knowing where the sun should be in the sky. But life, like those shifting trails, sometimes requires us to step back and adjust. There’s wisdom in following the rules, but there’s also a time to bend them—if we know why we’re doing it and if it serves a greater purpose.
It’s not about disregarding the rules but understanding that flexibility is part of the journey. When the outcome makes sense, it’s okay to trust yourself to pivot when it’s for the right reason. Sometimes, the path may not seem straight, but the destination remains the same.
And as I look ahead, I can’t help but feel excited about Autumn! For those of us in the northern hemisphere, it’s a time of cozy shifts, while many of you in the southern hemisphere welcome spring’s fresh energy. There’s a change in the air wherever you are, and I can feel it all around!
Reflecting on how life can sometimes feel off course, I turned to one of my favorite comforts—herbal tea. There’s something so grounding about sipping a warm, fragrant blend that helps you pause and reset. I thought I’d share a simple recipe that relaxes the mind and supports the body—a perfect way to ease into the changing seasons.
Calming Chamomile, Lavender, Hibiscus & Clove Tea
This soothing blend combines the gentle calm of Chamomile and Lavender, the tart vibrancy of Hibiscus, and the warm, spiced note of clove. The cloves add a grounding, slightly spicy flavor known for their soothing properties, especially during cooler months. This tea is a perfect companion when you need to unwind and nourish your body.
Ingredients:
1 tsp dried Chamomile flowers
1 tsp dried Lavender buds
1 tsp dried Hibiscus petals (for a tart, immune-boosting addition)
1 tsp dried Lemon Balm (optional, for extra calm)
2 dried Clove buds
Honey to taste
Instructions:
Boil 10 ounces of water.
Combine the chamomile, lavender, hibiscus, lemon balm, and clove buds in a teapot or infuser.
Pour the hot water over the herbs and spices, and let steep for 5-7 minutes.
Strain, add honey if desired, and enjoy!
The cloves offer a comforting spice that complements the tartness of hibiscus and the floral notes of lavender and chamomile, creating a perfect balance of flavors to relax and restore. Let’s sip, reflect, and muse on the beauty of embracing change with ease.
Using Strong Essential Oils for Children: Is It Ever OK?
This week, I shared a blog post on a topic many parents and caregivers wonder about: "Using Strong Essential Oils for Children: Is It Ever OK?" In it, I explore the instinct to help a child feel better when sick and the importance of knowing when to stick with gentler essential oils like Lavender and Roman Chamomile.
The post includes helpful illustrations and clear lists of essential oils—covering which ones to avoid, which to use cautiously, and which gentle oils are safe and effective for young children.
Here are some key takeaways:
Gentle doesn’t mean weak – Oils like Lavender, Roman Chamomile, and Tea Tree are gentle on young systems but still provide powerful antiviral and immune-boosting benefits.
Know when to deviate – In rare, acute situations (like a lingering infection), a stronger oil may be considered—but only in low dilutions and for short-term use.
Essential oils to avoid—Some essential oils can be too strong for young children. The blog lists which oils to avoid entirely.
Dilution is key – I cover safe dilution guidelines for children under 5, ensuring you use the oils effectively without overwhelming their delicate systems.
If you’re interested in learning more, including which oils are best for little ones and how to use stronger oils safely when necessary, check out the full article!
Continue Reading the Blog
Roman Chamomile – A Gentle Powerhouse Essential Oil from England
I’m excited to share one of my favorite essential oils with you: Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), sourced from the lush fields of England. This calming oil is a must-have for wellness at any age. It works beautifully for children or adults when soothing comfort is needed most.
Roman Chamomile was my go-to remedy when my grandson wasn’t feeling well. It helped ease his cough, reduce inflammation in his airways, and comfort him to sleep peacefully. And it’s not just for little ones—this oil is equally powerful for adults. I love using it for its ability to relax tight muscles, melt away stress, and support restful sleep.
Here’s why Roman Chamomile is always in my toolkit:
Deeply calming – Whether for children or adults, Roman Chamomile works wonders for unwinding after a stressful day, helping with restlessness, or soothing anxious thoughts.
Fantastic for muscles – Its muscle-relaxing properties are ideal for soothing sore or tense areas. A gentle massage with this oil works like magic! (Always dilute in a carrier oil.)
Safe for sensitive skin—This gentle oil is perfect for sensitive skin. Add it to a warm bath with jojoba oil and Himalayan pink salt, or blend it with a carrier oil for a soft, soothing touch. For children in a bath, I prefer using Roman Chamomile hydrosol instead of the essential oil—it’s a wonderfully gentle alternative.
Versatile relief – From easing tummy troubles to relaxing muscles or calming the mind, Roman Chamomile provides reliable, gentle support for all ages.
Roman Chamomile is a perfect example of how a gentle oil can be incredibly effective. Whether comforting a child, unwinding after a long day, or relieving sore muscles, this oil is a true multi-tasker and a staple in my aromatherapy collection.
When one person in the family gets sick, it often ripples throughout the household. Recently, I created a diffuser blend to support my grandson and his family through a bout of illness. This blend provides comfort and includes Benchmark Thyme, a potent antiviral essential oil, to help keep germs at bay.
The blend combines the calming effects of Roman Chamomile, the soothing strength of Lavender, and the grounding energy of Frankincense—a perfect trio to ease symptoms and bring peace to everyone in the home.
Air Cleansing & Calming Diffuser Blend
Essential Oils:
Purify your space with this calming and germ-fighting blend of essential oils.
1 drop Roman Chamomile essential oil (Chamaemelum nobile)
2 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia carterii)
1 drop Benchmark Thyme essential oil (Thymus zygis)
Directions:
Add the oils to your favorite diffuser. Run the diffuser for 5 minutes in the room where the family spends the most time. Let the diffuser rest and repeat every 30 minutes for another 5 minutes. If you’re diffusing for a baby, run the diffuser before bringing the baby into the room, and then turn it off when the baby enters.
This calming blend helps discourage germs while gently supporting everyone’s well-being. It eases discomfort and creates a soothing environment, promoting a sense of comfort and wellness for the whole family.
From the Vine
Someone recently asked a great question on the Aromahead Forum: What makes a good car air freshener, and what’s the best way to deliver the scent? Given how much time we spend in our cars, it’s an important consideration!
From Mary:
“I did a presentation this morning to an insurance company. I’m a health coach and am still working on my Aromahead Aromatherapy Certification Program. The head of the company asked if I could make him a car freshener. He likes Lavender. I think of Lavender as relaxing, but I wasn’t sure if it’s a good choice for a car. He’s very stressed and loves the scent. I thought maybe adding Bergamot could work. Also, what’s the best way to deliver the scent—spray bottle, wooden ornament?”
Dana, an Aromahead Instructor, responded:
“Lavender and Bergamot are often used together to ease anxiety so that they could be a great combo for stress relief. But, because these are relaxing oils, it’s important to consider how they might affect driving alertness.
Dana continues - Since a car is a small, enclosed space, I’d suggest introducing only a small amount of oils. A spray bottle with essential oils diluted in water and alcohol could be an option—this method allows the scent to be enjoyed without being overwhelming and dissipates quickly. Alternatively, a wooden ornament with a few drops of undiluted oils could be hung in the car. Given the confined space, this would provide more sustained exposure, but using only a small amount is crucial. And, of course, there’s always the option of a personal inhaler, which wouldn’t affect the car’s aroma but could provide stress support.”
Dana’s advice is spot-on! It reminds us that context is key in aromatherapy—what works in one situation might need adjustment in another. I’m curious to see what Mary decides to create. I’ll be following this post on the Aromahead Forum!
Rumi’s words remind us that in the ebb and flow of life, peace comes from knowing when to hold on and when to let go.
"Life is a balance of holding on and letting go."
Stay inspired & keep blending!
Karen Williams
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