Essential Oils for Kids: Tips and Tricks for Safe and Effective Use!
- Sasha Anton
- Jul 14, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 15
Hello everyone! I want to share a topic that has been incredibly beneficial for me and is one of my top recommendations for any Mommy out there, Essential Oils!
Ensuring the safety of our children is always a primary concern for me. Personally, I prefer using organic and natural products whenever possible.
Essential oils can be a wonderful addition to your family's wellness routine. They offer incredible benefits for everything from sleep to immune support and so forth.
I first learned about essential oils because my youngest daughter refused to swallow any kind of medication, no matter what.! I was beyond frustrating! This led me to explore topical remedies, and I must say, ever since discovering how well they work, they have become my go-to for nearly all situations at home.
However!! It is crucial to use them correctly to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Here are my top picks for essential oils suitable for children, along with guidance on their application and the reasons for their benefits:
1. Lavender
Benefits: Lavender has calming and soothing properties. It can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and soothe minor skin irritations. Additionally, it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for treating minor burns, insect bites, and eczema.
How you can use it:
Sleep Aid: Dilute a few drops in a carrier oil and apply to the bottoms of your child's feet or diffuse in their room before bedtime.
Skin Irritations: Dilute and apply to minor burns, cuts, or insect bites to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Inhalation: Add a few drops to a bowl of hot water and let your child inhale the steam to help with respiratory issues.
Bath Time: Add a few drops to your child's bathwater for a calming and relaxing experience.
2. Chamomile
Benefits: Chamomile has gentle sedative effects that can help with sleep and relaxation. It's also great for soothing digestive issues and teething pain. Chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, making it helpful for relieving colic and muscle cramps.
How you can use it:
Sleep and Relaxation: Diffuse in your child's room or add a few drops to a bedtime bath.
Digestive Comfort: Dilute and massage onto your child's tummy to alleviate digestive discomfort.
Teething Pain: Dilute and apply to the outside of the jawline to ease teething pain.
3. Tea Tree
Benefits: Tea tree oil is a powerful antimicrobial that can help with minor cuts, scrapes, and skin irritations. It also supports immune health and has antifungal and antiviral properties.
How you can use it:
Skin Irritations: Dilute and apply arround , never inside minor cuts, scrapes, and insect bites to disinfect and promote healing.
Immune Support: Use in a homemade hand sanitizer or add a few drops to a diffuser to purify the air.
4. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Radiata)
Benefits: Eucalyptus Radiata is safer for children than other types of eucalyptus. It helps with respiratory issues, clears congestion, and has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
How you can use it:
Respiratory Support: Dilute well and apply to the chest or back to help clear congestion.
Diffusion: Use in a diffuser to purify the air and support respiratory health during cold and flu season.
Inhalation: Add a few drops to a bowl of hot water and have your child inhale the steam.
5. Sweet Orange
Benefits: Sweet orange oil is uplifting and can help improve mood and reduce stress. It's also great for boosting immunity and has antimicrobial properties.
How you can use it:
Mood Booster: Diffuse in your home to create a happy and energizing atmosphere.
Immune Support: Dilute and apply to the soles of the feet to support the immune system.
Air Freshener: Use in a homemade room spray to freshen the air naturally.
6. Frankincense
Benefits: Frankincense supports the immune system, promotes relaxation, and can improve skin health. It's also known for its grounding properties and can help with respiratory issues.
How you can use it:
Relaxation: Diffuse or dilute and apply to the soles of the feet to promote calmness and relaxation.
Skin Health: Dilute and apply to the skin to help with minor cuts, scars, and blemishes.
Respiratory Support: Diffuse or inhale to support respiratory health.
7. Oregano
Benefits: Oregano oil has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, making it great for supporting the immune system and fighting off infections. This is my go to for sore Throat situations, Delute and apply on the neck. Always delute Oregano oil, it is super strong and it can burn! Look for a deluting chart on essentials oils to guide you.
You can also check this Safety guide from the brand I love and use to learn more about how to use the oils properly.
How you can use it:
Immune Support: Dilute heavily (1 drop of oregano oil to at least 3 teaspoons of carrier oil) and apply to the soles of the feet.
Avoid Direct Skin Contact: Due to its strength, avoid using on the skin or diffusing around young children.
8. Peppermint
Benefits: Peppermint oil is known for its cooling and soothing effects. It can help with digestive issues, headaches, and respiratory problems. However, peppermint oil should be used with caution around young children as it can be too strong.
How you can use it:
Digestive Support: Dilute and apply to the abdomen to relieve digestive discomfort.
Headache Relief: Dilute and apply to the temples and back of the neck (for children over 6 years old).
Respiratory Support: Dilute and apply to the chest and back to help with congestion (for children over 6 years old).
Safety Tips for Using Essential Oils with Kids
1. Always Dilute: Essential oils are potent and should always be diluted with a carrier oil like coconut, almond, or jojoba oil. A safe dilution ratio is typically 1-2 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil for young children.
2. Patch Test First: Before applying any new essential oil blend, perform a patch test on a small area of your child's skin to check for any adverse reactions.
3. Avoid Certain Oils: Some essential oils are not safe for young children, including peppermint, rosemary, and wintergreen. Always research or consult with a healthcare professional before using a new oil.
4. Use Quality Oils: Ensure you're using high-quality, pure essential oils. Look for oils that are organic and free from additives or synthetic ingredients. Good quality Essential oils are pricy but they last a long time. I personally Love Doterra Oils. That is the brand I use.
They Actually sell a kit that has all these Oils, Here it is!
5. Proper Storage: Keep essential oils out of reach of children and store them in a cool, dark place to maintain their potency.
6. Consult a Professional: If your child has any health conditions or you have concerns about using essential oils, consult with a healthcare provider or a certified aromatherapist.
How to Dilute Essential Oils for Kids
Diluting essential oils is essential to ensure they are safe for use on children.
Here are some common carrier oils you can use for dilution and the recommended dilution ratios:
Carrier Oils:
Coconut Oil: A light oil that absorbs quickly into the skin.
Jojoba Oil: Closely resembles the natural oils of the skin, making it a great option.
Sweet Almond Oil: A nourishing oil that's excellent for sensitive skin.
Olive Oil: A readily available oil that's good for moisturizing the skin.
Grapeseed Oil: A lightweight oil that's easily absorbed.
Recommended Dilution Ratios:
Take into consideration that all skins and levels of sensitivity are different, as moms we know our kids, try small amounts always first.
For toddlers (2-6 years): 1-2 drops of essential oil per 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of carrier oil.
For young children (6-12 years): 1-2 drops of essential oil per teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier oil.
Here are some beautiful essential oils Diffuser for aromatherapy at home!
Click on each image to Explore
Essential oils can be a wonderful addition to your family's natural wellness toolkit. By choosing the right oils and using them safely, you can harness their benefits to support your child's health and well-being.
Remember, less is more when it comes to essential oils, especially with children, so always start with the smallest amount and observe how your child responds.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or the use of essential oils.
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog!
I hope these tips help!
And your experience is as good as mine has been using Essential Oils!
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