Kids and Essential Oils

Kids and Essential Oils

In a previous post I addressed Babies and Essential Oils. Today I'm going to talk about your older kids and how essential oils can help them. The options are really endless! You are going to be so excited to use essential oils in all aspects of your child's life. And just wait til them come asking for your magic oils! Kids don't judge - they just know what works - and trust me, they'll figure this out really quickly!

My dear friend Shannon's beautiful Jayden

I'm going to address the most common concerns you may encounter with your children. While the uses are really endless, I want to give you some great starting points. I will list these in alphabetical order to make your life easier! For even more specific concerns, go to Everything Essential for a wonderful reference!

Need for dilution still applies here but you can make your blends slightly stronger than you do for infants:

*1-2 drops of oil per 1 tsp of carrier oil*

Once again, I prefer fractionated coconut oil as the best carrier oil. As your children get older, you can begin to experiment with other carrier oils including almond, grapeseed, and avocado. 

• Allergies
• 1 drop Lemon + 1 drop Lavender + 1 drop Peppermint + FCO
• Apply to bottoms of feet mornings and night
• Asthma
• 1 drop Eucalyptus + 1 drop Peppermint
• Apply to chest or bottoms of feet as needed for respiratory support
• Colds
• 1-2 drops Eucalyptus and Peppermint + FCO
• Apply to the back of neck, at onset of cold symptoms
• 1 drop Melaleuca + FCO
• Apply to the bottoms of the feet, repeat every 1-2 hours
• Cough
• 1 drop Peppermint + 1 drop Frankincense + FCO
• Apply to chest, back, and feet several times per day for cough relief
• Constipation
• 1 drop Wild Orange + 1 drop Peppermint + FCO
• Massage in a clockwise direction on the abdomen
• Cuts/Scrapes
• 1 drop Lavender + 1 drop Melaleuca + FCO
• Apply to the affected area several times per day
• Diarrhea
• 1-2 drops Peppermint + FCO
• Massage in a counter-clockwise direction onto the lower abdomen
• Ear Infection
• 1 drop Lavender + 1 drop Basil + 1 drop Frankincense + FCO
• Apply to cotton ball and rub around the ear and down the neck
• Do NOT ever put oils inside the ear!
• Fever
• 1 drop Peppermint + FCO
• Apply to the forehead, back of neck, and bottoms of feet every 15-20 minutes until temperature comes down
• Influenza
• 1 drop Oregano + 1 drop Melaleuca + 1 drop Frankincense + FCO
• Apply every 1-2 hours to bottoms of feet
• Motion Sickness
• 1-2 drops Peppermint and/or Ginger + FCO
• Apply to bottoms of feet
• Sore Throat
• 1-2 drops Lavender + 1-2 drops Melaleuca + FCO
• Apply topically over the throat/neck and around ears every 1-2 hours

I could go on forever but these are the top concerns that I'm asked about for children. If you have other concerns you would like addressed and added to this reference list, please let me know! When you are ready to begin your journey with essential oils, contact me!

My dear friend Sarah's little Robby and Makayla

Babies and Essential Oils

Babies and Essential Oils

One of the most common questions that comes up with essential oils is are they safe for my baby? They absolutely can be! Once you have some basic information on safety, you are ready to take care of your little peanut in the most gentle and natural way possible.

My dear friend Kerry's precious Adaleigh

What are the most gentle oils to be used on babies? Most oils are safe for babies but these are the most gentle on their sensitive little bodies:

• Roman Chamomile
• Lavender
• Melaleuca (tea tree oil)
• Lemon
• Frankincense
• Wild Orange

Are there any oils that should be avoided? Although most are safe, there are some that are much 'hotter' than others and should be supplemented with a more gentle oil whenever possible. These oils include:

• Cassia
• Cinnamon
• Eucalyptus
• Oregano
• Peppermint
• Thyme

Some popular blends may include some of the 'avoid' oils. Please use these only if the previous recommendations are ineffective and ALWAYS dilute these oils. I recommend testing on a very small area of skin, preferably bottom of the feet, to ensure your baby is not too sensitive to the oil.

Oils should be used with discretion and understand that the dose for a baby is as little as 1 drop (where an adult may be 2-4 drops). The oil should be diluted well. Here's the dilution rule:

*1 drop of oil per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil*

Fractionated coconut oil (FCO) is the most gentle of the carrier oils and is highly recommended for baby's skin. Simply place a teaspoon of the oil in your hand with the desired oil, gently rub together, then apply to baby's skin. You can also dilute the oils out into roller bottles, for example about 4 drops of any essential oil and the rest of the 10mL bottle filled with FCO. This can be purchased through essential oil companies or Amazon offers some here: FCO

Now let's address some specific baby health concerns. You need to make sure you use discretion with oils. They are not a replacement for good medical care. Please always consult your pediatrician's office when your baby is sick.

• Digestive Concerns
• 1 drop of Lavender + 1 drop of Wild Orange + 2 tsp FCO
• Apply to the baby's abdomen in a clockwise direction for at least 30 seconds
• Repeat application every 15-30 minutes until their belly has calmed down
• Calming and Sleep
• 1 drop of Lavender OR 1 drop of Roman Chamomile
• Apply to the feet of the infant and the chest of the adult holding the infant to promote relaxation
• Any extra oil can be wiped on baby's blanket (these oils do not stain)
• These oils can also be diffused in baby's room to promote sleep and calm
• Skin Concerns
• 1 drop Lavender + 1 drop Melaleuca + 2 tsp FCO
• Apply to the skin needing soothing, including the diaper area with every diaper change
• It is best to use warm water and wash cloths to clean baby's bottom if they have a skin irritation
• Chemicals in wipes can further cause irritation
• Teething Discomfort
• 1 drop Lavender OR 1 drop Roman Chamomile + 1 tsp FCO
• Apply to the jawline (externally) as often as every 15-30 minutes to soothe
• Ear Discomfort
• 1 drop Lavender + 1 drop Melaleuca + 2 tsp FCO
• Apply around the affected ear frequently, massaging the oil down towards the neck
• Do NOT ever drop oils inside the ear!
• Respiratory Health
• 1 drop Melaleuca + 1 drop Lemon + 2 tsp FCO
• Apply to the chest, back, and feet several times per hour
• 1 drop Frankincense + 1 drop Lavender + 2 tsp FCO
• Apply to the chest when breathing seems tight or rattling and loud

My dear friend Sarah's little Drew

Now you are armed with information on the most common issues your baby may face! You can also help support new parents around you and share the information. Please make sure any parent knows that not all oils are created equal. Many have fillers and preservatives. If you're ready to choose a wonderful brand, please contact me. 

Please note, these oils should not be used to replace your regular medications. Before making any changes, discuss your condition and plan with your doctor!