No matter how hard you work to keep your children healthy, they’re going to experience physical discomfort from time to time. It is inevitable.
It’s no fun and it can be discouraging when it happens, but it is going to happen. How you react and what you do during that time can make all the difference. In the past, I would reach for the nearest over-the-counter medicine or call my pediatrician for a prescription. Now, I’ve learned a better way.
I always try the natural route first, to avoid the side effects and potential dangers in those chemical products. I am a big advocate of trying the least invasive means, knowing that those other options are always available, if needed. More and more though, I find that the natural methods work quickly and the chemical products are unnecessary.
10 Best Essential Oils For Kids
1. Melaleuca/Tea Tree Essential Oil
Melaleuca oil, also known as tea tree oil, is best known for its purifying properties. It can be used to cleanse and purify the skin and nails. Tea Tree can be used on occasional skin irritations to soothe the skin and diffusing Tea Tree will help freshen the air.You can use it for cuts, scrapes, bug bites, and as a bug repellent.
2. Lavender Essential Oil
Ancient Egyptians and Romans used Lavender for bathing, relaxation, cooking, and as a perfume. Its calming and relaxing qualities, when taken internally, continue to be Lavender’s most useful attributes. Applied topically, Lavender oil is frequently used to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. Use it to sooth and calm as well as for first aid, soothing bug bites or skin irritations, and to boost immunity. Add to bath water to soak away stress or apply to the temples and the back of the neck. Add a few drops of Lavender oil to pillows, bedding, or bottoms of feet to relax and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. Diffuse some in the evenings to calm kids down and help them get ready for bed.
3. Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile oil is a digestive aid and is good for babies with digestive discomfort. It, like lavender, is also known for its calming properties. It’s also good for ear discomfort. This one is more costly than most so use it wisely!
4. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil is also a digestive aid and can be used with fussy babies. It also helps to cool you down quickly and acts to help with congestive discomfort. (Make sure to dilute this oil well and keep it away from eyes… it is strong!)
5. Cypress Essential Oil
Supports healthy respiratory function. Thought to have an emotionally grounding effect during challenging experiences. Make a roller ball with 5 drops of cypress oil then fill the rest of the way with your favorite carrier oil. I would roll this on my son’s abdomen before bed to help him with bed wetting issues.
6. Basil Essential Oil
Basil oil is known for it’s ability to treat ear discomfort. So if your little one suffers from occasional ear discomfort, this is a great oil to have on hand. Just put a few drops on a cotton ball, wipe it in a big circle all around the ear and then put the cotton ball in the ear. Do this every few hours as needed. Note: Don’t pour essential oils straight into the ear canal!
7. Citrus Essential Oils (orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, mandarin, tangerine)
Citrus oils are mood-enhancing oils, and they smell wonderful! An interesting thing to note is that they also have the ability to calm overstimulated children so really they’re a mood-balancing oil! For a good mood bath, place 6 drops of your favorite Citrus essential oil in a baby bath tub or 30 drops for a full-sized tub. Mix well and bathe as normal.
8. Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense… yes, the same thing that the wise men brought as a gift to Jesus… is good for infections because of its healing properties and is often used for respiratory discomfort. It is very helpful for soothing cuts, bruises and other injuries. It can be used for any skin irritation as well. Make a roller ball with 5 drops of frankincense essential oil then fill the rest of the way with your favorite carrier oil. Roll on to soothe any skin irritations.
9. Sandalwood Essential Oil
Sandalwood essential oil is a great oil to soothe throat discomfort and used for mood calming. Mix 4 drops with a tablespoon of carrier oil and massage into bottoms of feet and on chest before bed.
10. Copaiba Essential Oil
Supports healthy respiratory function and soothes achy muscles. Mix 2 drops with a tablespoon of carrier oil and rub on sore spots.
Essential Oils for Kids Recipes
Healing Salve
Take 7 drops Tea Tree essential oil and 6 drops of Lavender essential oil and mix with one ounce of melted coconut oil. Allow to harden and apply as needed.
Nighttime Massage Oil
Mix 2 drops Chamomile esential oil with 10 drops of Lavender essential oil in one ounce of carrier oil of choice. Massage into skin before bed to promote a restful night’s sleep.
Homemade Vapor Rub
- 1 drop lavender essential oil
- 1 drop frankincense essential oil
- 2 drops cypress essential oil
- 2 drops wild orange essential oil
- 2 drops melaleuca/tea tree oil
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
In a double boiler (or a glass bowl set over a pot of simmering water), gently melt shea butter. As soon as it is completely melted, remove it from heat and stir in the essential oils. Transfer the mixture to a container with a tight fitting lid and store in a cool area when not in use.
