Kid and Essential Oils

For many people the reason for starting a wellness regimen using essential oils includes using them on our children.  I know for myself I felt empowered as a mother to be able to support my children's health with essential oils.

I wanted take a minute to outline some basics on essential oil use for children including safety, recommended oils for children, and my 3 go-to recipes. 

5 Safety Tips:

When it comes to our children we want the best, which is why I chose Young Living essential oils over any other essential oil company.  If you have not chosen a company to purchase essential oils from watch this video on Seed to Seal. What we use on our children is important, which is why I did not mess around with using any old essential oil offering at my local health food store. We use Young Living because it is the purest product on the market. 

Here are a few tips for safety when using essential oils on children:

1. Dilute with a carrier oil before application. I use coconut oil for making balms and grape seed when making a blend. I dilute at a 1:20 (or more) ratio for my children, essential oils very concentrated which translates to a little goes a long way. 
2. Apply essential oils to the feet.  The feet have the largest pores in the body and a great way to target specific areas of the body using a vita flex chart.  Plus the feet are a less sensitive area of the body making for an ideal location for essential oil application.
3. Keep essential oils out of reach.  Essential oils should not be kept in a place where a child could reach and use.  All of my essential oils are kept in cabinets out of reach of my children. If an essential oil is used without supervision and irritation occurs DO NOT use water, use a carrier oil on the area or around for eyes. 
4. Keep essential oils out of sensitive areas.  Never drop essential oils directly into the ear canal, this goes for everyone not just children.  Don't apply essential oils around the nose, mouth, or eyes, these are all sensitive areas and should be avoided. 
5. Use an essential oil reference guide. There are so many great essential oil reference guides for using with children, here are two books that I like to use  Gentle Babies and Dr.Mom Essential Oils First Aid. 

Recommended Oils for Children: 

In Shirley Price's book, Aromatherapy for Babies andChildren, she mentions 19 oils that are safe for children. Here is where you can Purchase any of the oils listed below!

These oils are:

• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)*
• Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)**
• Chamomile, Roman (Chamaemelum nobile)
• Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
• Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)
• Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• Lemon (Citrus limon)*
• Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)*
• Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
• Melaleuca-Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• Myrtle (Myrtus communis)
• Orange (Citrus aurantium)*
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora)
• Sandalwood (Santalum album)
• Thyme (Thumus vulgaris CT linalol)
• Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

*These oils are photosensative; To prevent a rash or pigmentation of the skin, do not use citrus oils when exposed to direct sunlight.

Young living has a wonderful collection of essential oils specifically formulated for with the needs of children in mind: KidScents Collection:

My Tops 3 Recipes For Children:

In our home maintaining my children's health and wellness is a top priority. I love to use this wellness blend daily, applied to their feet when getting dressed in the morning. 

1. Wellness Blend:

Healthy regular sleep is a great way to support a growing body and developing brain.  I love to use the following blend to support a healthy sleep regimen.

2. Healthy Sleep Balm: 

In the winter, I have noticed that the air gets dry and I love to make this winter chest rub. This rub has a wonderful soothing aroma and is great for use during the cold months of the year. 

3.  Winter Chest Balm:

There is so much more that can be said about using essential oils with children, when in doubt check with your essential oil references!