Aromatherapy for Parents with Teenagers

If you are the parent of a teen, you are certainly aware of how much your family dynamics have changed in recent years. It doesn't seem all that long ago that you were the center of your children's universe. Remember when you were the one they came to when they had bruised shins and broken hearts? Well your once little baby is now approaching adulthood, testing his or her independence, and at times your patience.

You may find yourself struggling with many dichotomies. For instance, while you are aware of and respect your teen's growing demands for privacy, you may have concerns about their friends or interests. Or you may want to establish strong boundaries, and yet at the same time you want to help your teen become independent.

So while your teenager is facing a profound transition in life, you as a parent are as well. Now is the time to evaluate issues not only with your children, but also with yourself. What are your boundaries? Are you a secure and trusting person? Are you someone with whom your teen can and wants to communicate?

If you feel you need guidance with some of these issues, there are many great books on the market about raising teens. Establish a support system with other parents in your community. You can also find wonderful support systems at online parenting communities and chat rooms.

Meanwhile, the use of aromatherapy on a daily basis will help you stay balanced, gain more insight, open yourself to trust your teen, and communicate your feelings and life perspective in a compassionate and calm manner. Below are several aromatherapy recipes to help you survive the teen years!

Each recipe below should be prepared in a 10ml glass bottle. Pour the essential oils first and then add organic vegetable oil to fill.

BLEND FOR TRANQUILITY

This blend will help you to remain balanced. It will calm your mind and emotions when you experience symptoms of stress and nervous tension.

6 drops Sandalwood 

7 drops Lavender 

5 drops Marjoram 

2 drops Rose otto 

Massage the solar plexus and abdomen. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bathwater and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

BLEND FOR BOUNDARIES

This blend will help you feel more grounded, centered and assertive when a need arises to establish new boundaries with your teen.

6 drops Rosemary 

5 drops Cypress 

6 drops Cedarwood 

4 drops Sandalwood 

Massage the solar plexus and lower back. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

BLEND FOR EMOTIONAL SECURITY AND ACCEPTANCE

This blend soothes your emotions and enhances a profound sense of emotional security and comfort while accepting the natural steps of your teen's growth.

3 drops Rose 

5 drops Sandalwood 

5 drops Orange 

4 drops Pine 

Massage the solar plexus and abdomen. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

BLEND TO OPEN COMMUNICATION

This blend supports and opens communication with others while releasing any anger, resentment, guilt or frustration held within the body and mind.

4 drops Lavender 

5 drops Sage 

4 drops German Chamomile 

Massage the throat, neck, and shoulders. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

Source : http://www.aromalchemy.com

Relaxing Herbal Bath
Ingredients:
1 part dried hops
1 part dried chamomile flowers
1 part dried lavender buds
lavender essential oil (optional)

Combine the herbs in a glass bowl, and add 1 drop of lavender essential oil for each 3/4 ounce of the herb mixture that you have. Place into a glass container and cover. (recycled jar that are cleaned and dried work well). Instructions: Place 1/4-1/2 cup of the bath tea into a muslin bag, cheese cloth (tie with kitchen string) or a tea ball. Drop or hang into the bath tub as it fills for your bath. OR you can steep the same amount of tea for 15-20 minutes, strain, and add the liquid to your bath.


Soothing Milk Bath

Ingredients:
2 cups dry powdered milk (regular or dried goat milk powder) 1/2 cup
Epsom salts
1/2 cup sea salt
1/2 cup baking soda
6 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops rose or rose geranium essential oil

Mix all the ingredients but the oils, together into a glass bowl. Drop the oils in and work it together with a large wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Pour into a container--leave the lid off for a day or so--then stir and cover. Give with instructions. To Use: 1/2 cup or into a warm bath while it fills.

Technique to Reawaken Your Compassionate Self 

In order to reawaken your compassionate self, it is important that you become aware of your feelings. Take an occasional moment out of your busy schedule to reflect on your emotions. Find a quiet, peaceful place where you can center yourself and take some time alone. Sit comfortably, breathe deeply and allow all emotions to come up to the surface.

Acknowledge your feelings and honestly reflect on them. Love yourself, your whole personality, and forgive your mistakes--as mistakes are simply lessons. Think not from your head but also from your heart, feel and be fully present. 

Blend to Reawaken Compassion

Prepare the following mixture in a 10ml glass bottle. Pour the essential oils in first, then fill with vegetable oil (sweet almond, jojoba, etc.). 

* 4 drops Rose otto 

* 12 drops Sandalwood 

* 6 drops Cypress

Anoint the heart chakra and third eye. Pour a few drops into the palms of your hands and inhale deeply. Pour a few drops into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes.