Hello all, I have just joined and I look forward to sharing info with you. I am a beginner in aromatherapy, I have admired it from afar for a long time and have just begun my aromatherapy course. My question is this; my 2 year old is suffering from constipation for the first time and I have been doing the usual fiber additions to his diet but is there something in aromatherapy that can also bring him relief? I only want to get him medication as a last resort so any thoughts are appreciated. Not only is he constipated but he is also witholding too. Thanks in advance,

Hi PatchJuli, Great name! Sorry it's taken me soooo long to get back to you. I've been away on business for about 3 weeks and havn't been able to access from my borrowed-travel-half-way-email account. It seems the problem has resolved itself anyway by your most recent message, and this is good news certainly when we're considering what should be natural bowel movements of a child. What I was going trying to suggest anyhow - and incase you have this problem again - is that notwithstanding the regular and appropriate intake of water, green-leafy veg, fruits and grains that are always vital to regular bowel movement - constipation is often viewed 'alternatively' as a consequence of 'holding' emotionally - and which might be the result of excessive stress. In that case, sedating and calming essential oils massaged around the lower back, feet, ears and scalp - and of course the abdomen if comfortable might prove very useful. Also diffusing these oils and adding to a warm bath could also support. I would suggest Mandarin - Citrus reticulata which according to K. Schnaubelt cintains N-methyl anthranilate, a highly effective sedative and antispasmodic. Tangerine doesn't have this component. Lavender is always useful - Philippe Mailhebiau likens lavender to 'a mothers' touch' and is so soothing and perfect for child massage. Perhaps even Roman chamomile - Anthemis nobilis - another effective antispasmodic and gentle for children. Blend all three if you like - but use up to 15 drops total of eo's in 60ml of carrier oil for massage or try Auroma's moisturizing lotion as a non-greasy and emollient alternative. You might like to include her in the selection and blending. Hope this helps. Best wishes, Carolyn