Most of us are aware that lavender oil has many benefits. Not only does it have an aromatic smell that has a calming effect on the body, lavender oil is also antiseptic and has anti-inflammatory properties, which can heal minor burns and bug bites.
Additionally, it can prevent insomnia, provide relief from menstrual cramps, enhance mood, and ease an upset stomach.
Now it turns out that this oil has benefits for premature babies as well.
The results of a new study concluded that lavender oil can help reduce pain in premature infants who are born between 24 and 37 weeks of the gestation period.
Lavender Oil Pain Relief In Premature Babies, Says Study
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As part of the study, researchers observed 61 premature babies between March 2019 to November 2019. The researchers exposed only half of these infants to lavender oil through inhalation.
The baby’s facial expressions before the exposure to lavender oil and after were captured with a camera. In addition to this, researchers also recorded the babies’ heart rates and oxygen saturation.
The team of researchers later analysed the findings and then scored the reactions, based on the Premature Infant Pain Profile-Revised (PIPP-R). This is an establishment measurement tool to check the pain levels in babies born prematurely.
Results Of The Research Reveal Lavender Oil As A Pain Relief
The researchers concluded that they found a major difference in the PIPP-R scores of the infants exposed to lavender oil in comparison to those who were not exposed.
The babies that were given lavender oil displayed lower levels of pain.
Researchers emphasised that inhaling lavender oil scent may be a non-invasive and a cost-effective way of reducing pain in premature infants. However, the conclusion requires more studies and peer review to re-confirm the results.
Use Of Essential Oils On Babies: What You Must Know
Although it remains to be seen how this study will be utilised practically, it is worth noting that The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, recommends that you should not use essential oils on babies under the age of three months.
According to the Essential Oil Safety guidelines, here are the important guidelines for the use of essential oils:
- 3 months to 24 months: 0.25-0.5 per cent
- 2 years to 6 years: 1-2 per cent
- 6 years to 15 years: 1.5-3 per cent
- Over 15 years: 2.5-5 per cent
Here’s how you can use essential oils on your baby above the age of three months:
- On the skin: As discussed above, it should be in a diluted form so that it causes no harm to your child’s skin.
- Inhale through aroma stick: The best part of this is that it will benefit the user and will not affect others in the room. But it might be a difficult technique to try out with your child and requires their cooperation.
- Diffuser: When you are using a diffuser, be careful that you do it when no one is around you. This is to make sure that you are not putting others at risk. Make sure to ventilate the room well.
If your child develops any kind of allergy, skin rash, coughing, difficulty in breathing or other discomforts, contact the doctor immediately. Don’t try to use essential oil as a replacement for any medical care.
If there are no discomforts, ensure that it is used in small quantity, as concentrated oils are highly potent and can be risky if not used correctly on children.
Here’s how you can use lavender oil specifically to help ease pain and provide relief to your child.
Lavender Oil Uses On Children: 5 Things To Remember
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- Never use undiluted oils directly on the skin: Oils in their concentrated form can be quite harmful when applied directly to the skin. Experts recommend safe dilution from 0.5-2.5 per cent depending on the condition and age/weight of the child. You can add oils to distilled water, lotion and also carrier oils to dilute it.
- Store in a cool and dry place: Always check the note of caution printed on oils. If required, keep it away from sunlight and store it in a cool, dry place. Also keep it away from the reach of children.
- Don’t overuse oils: Be careful of the quantity you use and don’t overdo it.
- Purchase essential oils from a reliable source: Always buy oil from reliable sources to avoid any kind of contaminants. Even if you buy them online, make sure to check the seller’s history and authenticity. Also do read the reviews before ordering the same.
- Do a patch test: Before you use the essential oil on your child’s skin, always do a patch test. Apply it on a small portion of their skin and then wait for 24 hours to see if there is any reaction. If there are no visible changes, you can use it. However, in case of an allergy, you must immediately stop the use and consult a doctor for proper medical guidance.
Source: Pain Medicine News, John Hopkins
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