Puberty marks a period between childhood and adulthood where natural physical changes occur. These changes include the development of sexual characteristics, rapid growth spurt, menstruation, changes in vocal cords, acne breakouts and pubic hair growth. Puberty is an important transitional stage that can be difficult for teens to manage. It is crucial that they learn to appreciate the challenges that come with puberty so they aren't afraid or embarrassed about their bodies developing as it is meant to naturally happen. In this article, we focus on natural therapies that can support the health of children going through the exciting and challenging process of puberty.
Common puberty-related health concerns
While teenage boys are fascinated with their facial hair growing, and girls cannot wait to replace their wardrobes with new clothes to reflect the gradual development of their womanly figures, teenagers also face a number of challenges during puberty. Teenagers experience peer pressure, acne, body odour and mood swings, among many other things, which affect their physical health and cause them psychological distress as well.
One study found that almost half of teenagers report experiencing anxiety in relation to puberty-related issues. Moreover, body image challenges and low self-confidence are all too common among the young population.
Helping teens address puberty-related health issues
Parents should talk with their children about what they're going through as soon as possible. It's important for them to understand that puberty challenges can lead to physical, emotional and psychological distress in teenagers. They must be aware of their child's challenges and help them process negative emotions like anger or anxiety. This will help their teenagers understand the challenges that go along with puberty and reduce feelings of anxiety or embarrassment. Additionally, parents should reassure their children that what they are experiencing is normal.
It is also a good idea for parents to share books about puberty with their children in order to help them better understand what's going on inside their bodies. Talking openly about puberty will help your teenager begin to feel more at ease with this stage of their life and start to enjoy it.
There are also different types of natural therapies that can support the health of children as they transition to adult bodies. Whether your child is experiencing the unpleasant effects of precocious puberty or late puberty, it is worth consulting health professionals who specialise in complementary medicine because they can recommend tried-and-tested home remedies to effectively address puberty-related health concerns.
Natural therapies that can support teenagers during puberty
With the onset of puberty, teenagers face physical development challenges, which can be addressed through natural therapies. Several natural therapies that have been shown to be helpful when it comes to puberty-related health concerns include:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate pressure points in the body to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety. It is very helpful for teenagers with puberty-related health challenges, including acne, eczema and low self-esteem. Through the correction of energy imbalances, acupuncture allows one to improve their physical, emotional and mental health.
Chamomile Tea
Besides lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, chamomile tea is a soothing and calming drink that can help young people who are struggling emotionally. Its high amounts of flavonoids can also help treat eczema, stomachaches, diabetes and the common cold.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from flowers, trees and other plants to influence a person's moods by stimulating their own unique senses. When using aromatherapy as a natural therapy, teenagers can reap the benefits of the following essential oils:
- Calendula flower extract: Although not a cure, calendula flower extract can help relieve inflammation from acne. It has been shown to reduce acne in both young people and adults. Calendula has also been traditionally used to treat asthma due its anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, it can improve the appearance of scars caused by acne.
- Aloe vera: This jelly-like substance can be applied topically to heal acne scars, dry skin and other blemishes. It has been found to relieve inflammation after just one application. Additionally, aloe vera is extremely soothing on the skin, which helps calm any feelings of irritation related to acne breakouts. It can also be taken internally to improve digestion, regulate bowel movements and reduce constipation.
- St John's wort: St John's wort is a popular herbal remedy that has been used since ancient times for many health challenges including mood disorders, nerve pain, muscle spasms and digestive challenges. Many of these conditions are common in individuals dealing with puberty challenges such as self-esteem issues or anxiety.
- Tea tree oil: One of the most effective treatments for skin challenges associated with puberty is tea tree oil. It has antibacterial properties, which helps clear up acne quickly without causing skin irritation. To make a homemade facial wash, combine 2 tablespoons coconut oil with 3 teaspoons baking soda and 7 drops of tea tree oil. Apply to wet skin using your fingertips or an exfoliating sponge for one minute then rinse thoroughly with warm water, followed by cool water. Use twice daily. Tea tree oil is also helpful for other health concerns during puberty like dandruff or itchy skin. Make a homemade shampoo by combining 1 ounce organic apple cider vinegar, 5 drops tea tree oil and 10 ounces water in a spray bottle and shake well before each use. Use it daily.
- Lavender oil: The relaxing properties of lavender oil makes it a great remedy for mood swings that adolescents frequently experience during puberty. To strengthen its potency, combine 5 drops of lavender with extracts of lemon balm, bergamot, roman chamomile, marjoram and frankincense.
- Grapefruit seed: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of grapefruit seed extract are what make it effective at fighting infections that may lead to body odour. It can tone the digestive system, soothe an upset stomach and balance blood sugar levels. The improved insulin sensitivity helps maintain a healthy weight, too. This essential oil is also effective at treating dandruff or itchy skin.
Exercise
Encouraging teenagers to exercise at least 30 minutes per day will keep them healthy and happy. Studies have shown that exercise can help teenagers during puberty as it has been found to increase energy levels and promote better sleep quality, which are crucial for a strong immune system.
Meditation
Meditation is a great way for teens to ease the stress and challenges they face during puberty as it helps them achieve inner peace and emotional stability. Even if mediation doesn't work for your teen right away, keep trying different techniques until they find the one that works best for them. You can even guide them in performing meditation alongside yoga, which is an effective way to reduce anger and prevent depressive disorders. It also increases strength and flexibility.
Source: WHO
Mental health professionals who specialise in counselling, psychology or hypnotherapy can also help teenagers cope with puberty-related health challenges. Among the problems that they can resolve for your teenager are difficult mood swings, self-consciousness, anxiety and nervousness about their changing bodies. Mind-body interventions can also reduce stress levels and make kids more relaxed about their transition into adulthood.
It's normal for teenagers to feel nervous or tense about change, especially when it comes to something as big as puberty! However, they may benefit massively from these natural therapies. Parenting during this stage of life can be made easier by finding and contacting a qualified natural therapist in your area through Natural Therapy Pages.
