Dr Bo is an Edmund Hillary Fellow, member of the Climate Restoration Group, Registered Medical Council Osteopath, Naturopathic Physician and an Aromatic Medicine Practitioner.
Your questions about how to use essential oils answered by Absolute Essential founder Dr Bo Hendgen.
Q: I have heard that essential oils can cause asthma for children, is this true? I would love to use essential oils in a diffuser for work in an early childhood centre.
Robyn C, Auckland
A: Carefully selected, medicinal quality, genuine essential oils are the best for a child’s (and adult) respiratory system. So, a clear NO to your question! Good quality, well-selected essential oils do not cause asthma in children. Considering you are working in an early childhood centre; I recommend you choose one of our professionally designed blends. Child Immune Care is a pleasant-smelling general immune-boosting blend, perfect for when the seasons change. Baby Breathe is super effective for any respiratory condition, from sniffles to coughs, and Sleep Easy is a gentle lullaby to assist the kids to settle with greater ease. If you are looking for more general blends that are safe in your environment with children, choose the blends with the Mother & Child Safe symbol. They are designed for families and environments where children / pregnant women are present.
Q: Can you please recommend a few of the less potent undiluted essential oils that can safely be added to the bathwater? Kaye H, Auckland
A: All Absolute Essential’s oils are undiluted; most are beautiful if added to the bath.
Here are a few tips to answer your concerns around safety:
Tip 1 – Add about 10 drops of the essential oil to a sauce shaker of milk (natural emulsifier), any type, as long as it is a bit fatty, and 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salt (assists absorption), shake it and add it to your ready-to-hop-in bathwater.
Tip 2 – Avoid any citrus oils (Lemon, Orange, Lime, Bergamot, Mandarin, Grapefruit) in the bath, as these are cold-pressed, and it is the first time they are coming into contact with heat, so they may be a little irritating to the skin.
Tip 3 – Look for our Mother & Child Safe logo on our packaging and labels; this indicates that they are safe for mums and babies as they are much gentler.
Q: As I’m reaching the end of my 30s I have noticed some changes with my hormones. It may not be perimenopause just yet, but I’m sure that this will continue as I enter my 40s. I also have a teenage daughter who is coming up 14. Hormones are a big deal for her too. We would love to know what essential oils and natural remedies or supplements can be used to help ease the symptoms or hormonal transition for us both: as mum and daughter? Mood swings, interrupted sleep patterns, bloating and aching, headaches and fatigue, changes to our cycles. Where is the best place to start? With gratitude from us both! Kelly D, Whangarei
A: I hear the challenge in your household; we have all been there. My mum was going through menopause with two daughters in puberty, a challenging combo indeed.
A blend that most women swear by is “Woman’s Support”, a pure essential oil blend suitable for hormonal changes, puberty, and peri-menopause for balancing and supporting your hormones. You can easily use this blend:
-Add it to a diffuser or the bath
-Rub 3-5 drops on the small of your back before sleep.
-Repeat every other night.
-It is also helpful as a compress for period pain, especially if added to Castor Oil.
You might be interested in blending your hormonal blend yourself, and for this, inquire on our website for the most suitable single essential oils you can find. Use the search function, and you will discover some efficient suggestions.
For the other associated symptoms related to hormonal changes you pointed out, I suggest getting a little care kit:
Mood swings – Absolute Essential Uplift
Interrupted sleep patterns – Absolute Essential Deep Sleep
Bloating and aching – Absolute Essential Peppermint and Oregano compress in Castor oil
Headaches – Absolute Essential Head Ease and Absolute Essential Vitality
Also, consider taking a herbal blend, and be sure to include Dong Quai, as this is an excellent hormone tonic. A naturopath could assist you with a personalised formulation.
