Aroma dough is a gluten-free, scented modelling dough that can be used for therapy and play. It is made with essential oils and natural ingredients, and is safe for children. Aroma dough can be used to create different shapes and objects, and the scents can have a calming and relaxing effect on users. The dough is also non-toxic and can be easily cleaned up, making it a fun and engaging activity for both children and adults.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Purpose | Reducing stress and increasing energy |
Target Users | Children and adults |
Ingredients | Flour, salt, water, oil, cream of tartar, food colouring, essential oils |
Preparation Method | Combine ingredients and stir over medium heat until it forms a ball; cool; add essential oils and knead |
Storage | Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator |
What You'll Learn
How to make your own aroma dough
Making your own aroma dough is a fun and sensory experience. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to making your own aromatherapy playdough.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup salt (optional)
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (olive oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil)
- Food colouring (optional)
- 10-20 drops essential oil of your choice
Method:
- In a large bowl or saucepan, mix the dry ingredients: flour, salt, and cream of tartar.
- Add the wet ingredients: water, cooking oil, and food colouring (if using). Stir well until you have a smooth mixture.
- Turn on the heat to medium-low and continue stirring. The mixture will start to thicken and form a ball. This usually takes around 5 minutes, but keep an eye on it as it may happen faster.
- Once the dough has come together, remove it from the heat and place it on a sheet of waxed paper or parchment paper to cool for a few minutes. Be careful not to let it cool for too long, as the warmth of the dough adds to the sensory experience.
- Add your chosen essential oil and knead the dough to distribute the oil evenly. The amount of essential oil you use will depend on the strength of the oil and your preference, but a good starting point is around 6-8 drops.
- Store your aromatherapy playdough in an airtight container. You can use it in the same way as regular playdough, and it will usually last for several months.
Tips:
- You can use gluten-free flour if preferred.
- The salt adds texture and helps to preserve the dough, but it is optional.
- Cream of tartar improves the consistency and texture of the dough, but it can be omitted if you don't have it.
- Most types of liquid cooking oils will work.
- If using food colouring, add a few drops at a time and mix well to get your desired colour. Natural food dyes are also an option.
- If your playdough dries out, you can revive it by kneading in a few drops of water.
- To refresh the scent of your playdough, simply add a few more drops of essential oil.
Essential Oil Options:
- Lavender is a popular choice for its calming and sleep-inducing properties.
- Citrus oils like wild orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit are uplifting and energizing.
- Peppermint is invigorating and promotes mental clarity.
- Other options include basil, bergamot, cedarwood, coriander, and many more.
Feel free to experiment with different colours and scents to create your own unique aroma dough!
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Using aroma dough to help with focus and alertness
Aromatherapy dough is a versatile sensory tool that can help improve focus and alertness. The natural eco-dough is infused with essential oils, such as peppermint, tea tree, and lemon, which have been shown to decrease fatigue and promote mental clarity and focus.
The dough can be used as a therapeutic tool for individuals with ADHD or autism, providing a complex sensory exploration that can help soothe hyperactive minds and improve focus. The act of kneading the dough between the hands engages the senses of touch, smell, and sight, while the aroma of the essential oils stimulates the limbic system in the brain, which is responsible for memory and learning.
To use aroma dough effectively for improving focus and alertness, it is recommended to:
- Squeeze the dough between your palms to release the calming aromas.
- Use the dough at the beginning of the day for maximum benefit.
- Incorporate it into a dedicated multi-sensory environment, such as a sensory room, to help focus the mind.
- Store the dough back in its sealed packaging after use to maintain freshness.
- Wash hands after use to keep everything clean and tidy.
In addition to aroma dough, essential oils can also be used in other ways to improve focus and alertness. These include:
- Direct inhalation using an individual inhaler or floating drops of essential oil on hot water.
- Indirect inhalation using a room diffuser or placing drops on a tissue or cotton ball.
- Massage by diluting the essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and applying it to the skin.
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How aroma dough can be used to promote relaxation
Aromatherapy dough, or aroma dough, is a great way to promote relaxation and reduce stress. The sense of smell is strongly linked to memory and emotion, and the natural scents of aroma dough can transport you to a calming forest, a bakery, or a childhood playground.
Aroma dough is a modelling or play dough infused with essential oils, such as lavender, wild orange, peppermint, or lemon, which are known to have calming and relaxing properties. The dough is often gluten-free, made with rice or wheat-free flour, and uses natural, food-grade ingredients, making it safe for children and adults alike.
To use aroma dough for relaxation, you can:
- Squeeze, knead, and breathe in the scent: The act of squeezing and kneading the dough can be therapeutic and help to relieve stress, while the scent of the essential oils can promote relaxation and a sense of calm.
- Engage in creative play: Aroma dough can be used for building, moulding, and sculpting, providing a fun and engaging way to express creativity and promote fine motor skills.
- Combine with other sensory experiences: Aroma dough can be combined with sensory play, such as sand or water, to enhance the overall sensory experience and create a calming environment.
- Use it as part of a self-care routine: Aroma dough can be a great addition to a self-care routine, providing a tactile and sensory experience that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Address special needs: Aroma dough can be a useful medium for addressing various special needs, such as autism or ADHD, by providing a calming and focusing sensory experience.
Aroma dough is a versatile tool that can be used by both children and adults to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance overall wellbeing. The combination of tactile play and aromatherapy can create a soothing and calming experience for the mind, body, and soul.
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The benefits of using natural ingredients
Aromatherapy dough, or aromadough, is a natural, gluten-free modelling dough infused with essential oils. It is used as a hands-on therapy to induce relaxation, increase energy, reduce stress, and restore balance to the mind, body, and soul. The use of natural ingredients in aroma dough offers several benefits.
Firstly, natural ingredients are safe for all ages, including children, making it a versatile tool for therapeutic play. The dough is made with food-grade ingredients, ensuring it is non-toxic and safe if ingested. This is especially important when considering the curious nature of young children who tend to explore the world through their senses, including taste.
Secondly, the natural ingredients in aroma dough contribute to its sensory benefits. The dough is infused with natural essential oils, which provide a variety of aromas that can evoke memories and emotions. The sense of smell is strongly linked to our memories, and the natural fragrances in the dough can transport users to calming and pleasant environments, such as a lush forest or a childhood playground.
Thirdly, natural ingredients promote a holistic approach to wellness. Aroma dough combines natural ingredients like coconut oil and cocoa butter with essential oils, creating a soft and soothing texture that encourages tactile exploration. The dough's pliability allows users to squeeze, knead, and mould it, providing a tactile sensory experience that complements the aromatic benefits.
Lastly, the use of natural ingredients in aroma dough aligns with consumer preferences for natural and organic products. Many individuals seek alternatives to synthetic or artificial options, especially in products that come into direct contact with the skin, such as therapeutic dough. Natural ingredients offer peace of mind and assure users that the product is free from potentially harmful chemicals.
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Aroma dough for children with special needs
Aroma dough is a fun and therapeutic activity for children with special needs. It is a gluten-free, non-allergenic modelling dough that is safe and enjoyable for all kids, including those with allergies, ADHD, autism, and Celiac Disease. The dough is made from natural ingredients such as rice flour, sodium, water, and moisturizing oils, and is free from artificial fragrances, wheat, soy, dairy, nuts, latex, and eggs.
Aroma dough provides a rich and complex sensory experience, combining tactile exploration with aromatherapy. The dough is infused with essential oils, such as lavender, to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. This can be especially beneficial for children with special needs, helping to reduce stress, increase focus and alertness, and improve relaxation. The dough can also aid in the development of fine motor skills and sensory development, as the malleable properties of the dough allow for engaging and exploratory play.
To use aroma dough, simply squeeze, knead, and breathe. This therapeutic dough can help children "knead" a moment of mindfulness and find a sense of calm. It is recommended for children over three years of age.
Aroma dough is a fun and safe way for children with special needs to explore their senses and experience the benefits of aromatherapy. It provides a relaxing and engaging activity that can help improve overall well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Aroma dough is a fun and engaging method for children to learn about aromatherapy and essential oils. It can also help develop their fine motor skills and sensory development. The natural aromas in the dough promote a range of calming benefits, including improved focus, alertness, and relaxation.
To make aroma dough, you will need flour, salt, water, oil, and essential oils. You can also add food coloring to create different colors. Mix the dry ingredients together, then add the wet ingredients, and combine until you form a ball. Once it's cool, knead in the essential oils. Store the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Popular essential oils for aromatherapy play dough include wild orange, peppermint, lemon, rosemary, and lavender. You can also create combinations, such as wild orange and peppermint for increased concentration or lemon, wild orange, and lime for a happy citrus scent.
Aroma dough is made with natural, non-toxic ingredients and is safe for children. However, it is recommended for children over three years of age due to choking hazards. Always supervise young children when playing with aroma dough.
Aroma dough can last for several months if stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.