Kids and Essential Oils

Now that many of you have become avid users of essential oils, I’m sure that one of the questions you’ve had–as did I–is centered on how and if to use essential oils with your children. The truth is, essential oils are such a wonderful gift and so beneficial to all of us — including our kids! 

I am regularly using essential oils with my children…and they love them! Their nightly ritual includes a relaxing bath, followed by rubbing essential oils on their feet before bed. Some of their favorites are Lavender, a calming blend, and Frankincense.

There are many other beneficial uses that I and others have found for essential oils with children.  Essential oils have been in use for thousands of years, and I want to share with you some ways you can use the natural power of plants and essential oils to assure that you are helping your children to reach optimal health and well-being. 

What essential oils can be used on children?

Therapeutic grade essential oils that have been certified pure are considered safe and effective for babies and children. When applying to young infants you will need to dilute the oils because of the sensitive nature of a babies neo-skin. A good ratio to start with is 1-2 drops of oil with 2 TBSP of fractionated coconut oil, just a few drops of that diluted mixture will be enough.

Children—especially infants and babies—react more strongly to things than adults do, so more caution is needed when using any type of medicine.  Remember these simple rules:

• Introduce one essential oil at a time.
• Watch for allergic reactions.
• Do not use oils on babies less than 3 months old.
• Essential oils should not be used internally on children.

Choose some of the gentler oils like:

• Lavender
• Frankincense
• Melaleuca
• Ginger
• Lemon
• Orange
• Sandalwood
• Roman Chamomile
• Ylang Ylang
•  “Digestive” Blend

You can get therapeutic grade essential oils at a discount from here.

The younger the child, the less essential oils you should use in proportion to the carrier oil. Here are some general guidelines:

1. 3-6 months—1 drop essential oil to 4 tsp. carrier oil
2. 6 months to 2 years—1 drop essential oil to 2 tsp. carrier oil
3. 2-6 years—2 drops essential oil to 1 tsp. carrier oil
4. 6 years plus—3 drops per tsp. on carrier oil

There are several oils you should avoid with children. Be sure to carefully research all aspects of choosing oils for children before you start. Two good resources are here and here. 

 When and why should I use essential oils for my children?

There are many possible times when your child may be feeling under the weather and with the application of an essential oil could experience real improvement in his or her health. Some of these possible uses and a suitable oil to apply include:

Babies

• Melaleuca
• Lemon
• Lavender
• Roman Chamomile
• Geranium
• Wild Orange

Children

• Thyme
• Lemon
• Rosemary
• Ginger
• Lavender
• Melaleuca
• Peppermint
• Cypress

You can get therapeutic-grade essential oils from here. 

How do I apply essential oils to my children?

The two safest ways to apply essential oils that are safe for children are by smelling them, or applying them to the skin diluted with a carrier oil. In recent years it has also become popular to mix essential oils to play dough, so you child gets the effect of the oil while playing with the dough. An excellent way to infuse essential oils to your children is through the use of a diffuser. In the photo to the right you can see my children enjoying the essential oils that I have put in the diffuser for them.

I have found it very helpful to give my kids a detox bath a few times a week before I roll their nighttime essential oils on their skin. You can read about how I do this by clicking here.

I have also developed a recipe for DIY Remineralizing Tooth Powder for Kids, which includes Peppermint and a Protective blend of essential oils.

There are many protocols for how to apply oils and where to apply them, and you should carefully research this information before you begin. The two resources I mentioned above would be a good place to start. 

A key part of using essential oils is to associate their smell with positive emotional situations so they will help to put your child is a positive state of mind when they are worried, annoyed, or not feeling well. Use essential oils when you play with your children so you can use those oils when they are troubled, and it should help to bring them back to a happier mood.

Before long you will discover that your children are able—and want—to take on some of the responsibility for using essential oils themselves. Below you will see a picture of my 3-year old son rolling oil on his big sister’s neck! 

 What are the benefits of using essential oils with my children?

There are many benefits to using essential oils with your children. The plants from which the oils are made boost the body’s natural immune system. 

The aroma of essential oils can help to clear airways in kids who are suffering from respiratory ailments or times of seasonal distress. Essential oils that have been blended into a salve or rub can serve as remedies for when little ones are under the weather.

The fact that you know exactly what ingredients you are using to deal with your children’s needs is another powerful benefit. By diffusing an essential oil into your children’s bedroom or playroom you are providing an automatic calming effect where you are using an oil you have used with your child during a happy, positive moment.

There is another important benefit I have found from introducing my children to essential oils while they are young. My 6- year-old has become a valuable helper to me in my essential oil business. She has stuffed hundreds of goodie bags for me, labeled sample oils, introduced the winners in giveaway contests, and sealed many envelopes. I love knowing that she is learning a valuable work ethic at such a young age! 

Using essential oils on your children must be considered responsibly and with much research before you begin. But if you do the research, you will discover the wonderful benefits that can be yours as your use natural, healthy essential oils to respond to the physical and emotional needs your children may express.

How to Get Started Using Essential Oils:

• If you are wanting to get started using essential oils on your children, then feel free to CLICK HERE to see my FAQ page on how to get started!