Abstract
Every year, approximately 52 percent of all European children are treated (treated) with some form of complementary and alternative medicine, often even without the knowledge of their pediatrician. Herbal medicines and aromatherapy products have been increasingly used worldwide in the last decade not only for the prevention of diseases in adults, but also for the health care, treatment (care) and prevention of diseases in children. For children, unlike adults, there are few types of medicinal plants and aromatherapy products intended for health care or disease prevention. Studies that would reveal the experiences of parents using phytotherapy and aromatherapy products for children under 3 years of age have not been conducted in Lithuania, while the use of aromatherapy and phytotherapy is very widespread and common.
Objective: to reveal the experiences of parents using phytotherapy and aromatherapy products in the daily care and care of children under 3 years of age.
The study was conducted by recording all interviews (with the consent of the informants). Parents were selected using the convenience sampling method, after a public invitation to participate in the study was published on social networks. 11 parents agreed to participate in the study. The study was conducted on October 1, 2025. – 2025. November 30. Research methods: scientific literature review; semi-structured interview; qualitative content analysis.
Conclusions. 1. For children, unlike adults, there are few types of medicinal plants and aromatherapy products intended for health or disease prevention. This is the most sensitive group, for which phytotherapy and aromatherapy should be used very carefully and in small doses, taking into account age and the suitability of the product for use according to the age of the child. 2. The study revealed that parents prefer to use aromatherapy, but not phytotherapy products or products, in their daily care for their children under three years of age. Most parents advocate the use of aromatherapy when aromatherapy products are inhaled through the respiratory tract. 3. The study revealed that parents give their children under three years of age immunity-boosting teas, cranberries, and honey for preventive purposes. Only a small proportion of parents indicated that they vaporize various essential oils with antibacterial effects at home to prevent diseases.
Keywords: phytotherapy; aromatherapy; parents experiences; Lithuania
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