There’s nothing quite like getting hands-on with your kids while also sneaking in a bit of relaxation for yourself. Aromatherapy dough is the ultimate sensory activity—it combines the squishy, calming fun of playdough with the soothing benefits of essential oils. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a creative day at home. Let’s dive into how you can whip up some delightful batches of aromatherapy dough and enjoy quality time with your kids!
Why Make Aromatherapy Dough?
Aromatherapy dough is a fantastic activity because: It’s sensory-rich: Kids love the texture of dough, and the scents add an extra layer of fun and relaxation.
Promotes relaxation: Essential oils can help calm moods, energize creativity, or even encourage focus.
Encourages creativity: Shape it, mold it, squish it—there’s no limit to what kids (and adults!) can create.
Basic Aromatherapy Dough Recipe
Here’s a super simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil
1 to 1.5 cups boiling water (add gradually)
Food coloring (optional)
5-10 drops of your favorite essential oils from Holistic Emporium.
Instructions
Mix the dry ingredients: Combine the flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large bowl.
Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the oil and boiling water. Start with 1 cup of water and gradually add more until the dough reaches a smooth consistency.
Knead the dough: Once the mixture cools slightly, knead it with your hands until it’s soft and pliable.
Add color and scent: Divide the dough into portions if you want different colors. Add a few drops of food coloring and essential oils to each portion, then knead until fully blended.
Store properly: Keep the dough in an airtight container to maintain its softness for weeks!
Essential Oils for Aromatherapy Dough
Here are some great essential oils and their benefits:
Lavender: Calming and perfect for winding down before bedtime.
Lemon: Uplifting and great for sparking creativity.
Peppermint: Refreshing and helps with focus.
Frankincense: Grounding and soothing for stressful days.
Rose Geranium: Balancing and adds a sweet floral touch.
Creative Aromatherapy Dough Ideas
Rainbow Relaxation
Make a batch of dough for each color of the rainbow.
Use Lavender for purple, Lemon for yellow, Peppermint for green, and so on.
Encourage your kids to create colorful shapes like flowers, animals, or even a rainbow!
Calm Down Creatures
Shape the dough into calming shapes like turtles, butterflies, or whales.
Use Frankincense or Lavender to help kids feel grounded.
Nature Impressions
Take the kids on a mini scavenger hunt in the garden. Collect leaves, flowers, or small twigs.
Press the items into the dough to create beautiful nature prints.
Use Rose Geranium or Eucalyptus for a fresh, outdoorsy scent.
Dough Cupcakes
Pretend you’re a baker and make “cupcakes” or “cookies” with the dough.
Add a few sprinkles for decoration (just make sure kids don’t eat it!).
Scents like Vanilla (available at Holistic Emporium) or Lemon are perfect for this playful idea.
Scented Storytelling
Use the dough to create characters for a story.
For example, make a peppermint-scented snowman or a lemon-scented sunshine.
Kids can act out their stories with the characters they’ve created!
Tips for a Great Experience
Supervise younger kids: Essential oils are for external use only. Make sure kids don’t put the dough in their mouths.
Start small with oils: A little goes a long way! Too much scent can be overpowering.
Double the fun: Pair the dough-making activity with a short aromatherapy lesson for older kids. Teach them about the benefits of the oils you’re using.
Aromatherapy dough isn’t just an activity; it’s a memory in the making. From giggles to sweet-smelling creations, your family will love this tactile adventure. Plus, when you’re done, the calming aromas might just make cleanup time a little easier.
So, roll up your sleeves, grab your favorite essential oils from Holistic Emporium, and get ready to create something truly magical with your kids!
Happy squishing! 😊
