Aromatherapy Play Dough
Many parents are looking for indoor activities that will help provide an outlet for pent-up energy while also fostering creativity and developing fine motor skills. A great way to achieve this is by engaging in a hands-on activity — such as creating your own aromatherapy play dough.
Let your child's creativity run wild with this non-toxic, natural, and environmentally friendly aromatic play dough recipe that features a few of our favorite essential oils. By choosing certain oils for each dough, you will introduce your children to aromatherapy in a safe, creative, and family-friendly way. In this recipe, we highlight four oils to add to your play dough that can help to boost energy, promote feelings of relaxation, lift the mood, and focus the mind.
Aromatherapy Play Dough
What You'll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 10-12 drops essential oil (more or less may be needed depending on the oil you choose)
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- Natural food coloring (optional)
Method:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and cream of tartar.
- In a separate bowl, combine the essential oil with the vegetable oil. Stir the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients.
- In a small pot, bring the water to a boil and add food coloring if desired.
- Pour 1 cup of the boiling water into the play dough mixture and stir. Add the additional 1/2 cup slowly until you reach your desired consistency.
What Essential Oils Should I Use?
Citrus Passion — Pair Citrus Passion with yellow food coloring to create aromatherapy play dough that helps to invigorate your senses for an added boost of energy.
Lavender — Combine Lavender essential oil with purple food coloring in your play dough for a calming and refreshing scent to help ease outside worries and promote relaxation.
Lime — When creating your aromatherapy play dough, add Lime essential oil for a bright and lively product that will help lift your mood and reduce negative thoughts.
Cornmint — Add Cornmint with blue food coloring to your play dough concoction and benefit from the minty-sweet aroma that helps balance your thoughts and focus your mind.
Regardless of your age, it can be incredibly beneficial to shift your focus away from the stresses of the day and allow your mind to re-center itself. Release negative emotions or excess energy in a positive way with this fun and creative hands-on activity that will leave you and your child happy to spend some extra time indoors.