Valerie Ann Worwood's "Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child" is a groundbreaking book that has become a global sensation among those looking to harness the power of essential oils for pediatric well-being. Released at a time when the demand for nontoxic and holistic health solutions is at an all-time high, Worwood's work offers a comprehensive guide to using aromatherapy safely and effectively for children.

In the opening chapter, "The Essentials," Worwood lays the groundwork for using aromatherapy with children. She explains that essential oils are used externally, through methods such as body oils, lotions, baths and diffusers. The concentration of oils varies depending on the child's age and the condition being treated. For instance, a newborn might require just one drop of oil diluted in a teaspoon of vegetable oil, while older children can tolerate more complex blends.

Worwood underscores the importance of meticulous preparation and storage. For example, treating a baby's colic might require only one drop of a colic mix in half a teaspoon of vegetable oil, with the remainder often going unused. This highlights the delicate nature of essential oils and the need for careful handling. She advises storing them in a cool, dark place to maintain their potency.

Worwood provides a detailed list of essential oils suitable for children of various ages, from newborns to preteens. Newborns can benefit from gentle oils like chamomile roman, lavender and mandarin, while older children can use a broader range, including eucalyptus, tea tree and thyme linalol. She stresses the importance of using the correct variety of essential oil, as different types of the same plant can have distinct properties.

The book outlines various methods for using essential oils, each with specific guidelines. For example, in baths, diluted oils are gentler on children's skin. The "Body Oil or Body Rub" method involves massaging the oil onto the skin, moving towards the heart. Worwood also discusses the "Room Method," where oils are diffused or sprayed into the air, and the "Compress" method, which involves soaking a cloth in a solution of water and essential oils.

Safety is a recurring theme throughout the book. Worwood advises against using stimulating oils like rosemary and hyssop, instead recommending calming oils like chamomile roman and lavender. She also warns against using essential oils before sun exposure, as some can increase sensitivity to ultraviolet rays.

Worwood dedicates a significant portion of the book to "The AZ of Conditions," offering essential oil remedies for a wide range of childhood ailments. For newborn acne, she suggests using lavender and chamomile hydrolat or essential oil waters. For adolescent acne, she recommends gentle cleansing and the use of tonics and moisturizers with essential oils like lavender and tea tree.

For asthma, Worwood recommends a calming bath mix with chamomile roman, mandarin and geranium, along with a massage and inhalation mix featuring niaouli, marjoram, frankincense and chamomile roman. She also emphasizes the importance of identifying triggers and keeping a diary to track potential causes of asthma attacks.