My name is Jennifer Bishop. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Boca Raton. I offer services both in the office and virtually through phone or Skype. As a Mental Health Counselor, I specialize in working with children ages 3 to 16 and with Adults on wellness and healing in live their life’s purpose.

Homemade playdough recipes are a dime-a-dozen, but mine has a secret ingredient: essential oils. Not only does the addition of essential oils make your homemade playdough smell pretty, but there are many health benefits associated with essential oils as well. As in scientifically-proven-benefit-stuff. The best part about this recipe is that it’s very flexible and forgiving (and cheap!)–so don’t hesitate to bring the kids into the kitchen to make it with you!

BASIC HOMEMADE PLAYDOUGH RECIPE

1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup salt 2 teaspoons cream of tartar 1 cup water 1.5 tablespoons liquid cooking oil (I used olive oil, since that’s all I had, but anything will work!) Food coloring 6-8 drops of essential oils of your choice.

INSTRUCTIONS

In a sauce pan, stir the flour, salt, and cream of tartar together Add in the water, cooking oil, and food coloring and mix until smooth. Turn on the heat to medium-low, and stir until the mixture forms a ball. Once the mixture has reached playdough-consistency, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool for 3-4 minutes. Knead in the essential oils of your choice. Store in an air-tight container. (Storing it in the fridge will make it last even longer!)

ESSENTIAL OIL OPTIONS

• Lime: for uplifting and energizing Lemon: for focus and clarity
• Lavender: for calming and promoting restful sleep
• Wild Orange: for uplifting and energizing
• Grapefruit: uplifting and relieves tension
• Peppermint: invigorating and provides mental clarity

I hope you find this recipe useful and fun to use with your child.

To find out more about how aromatherapy could help your child, or to learn more about child therapy, contact us.