Using Essential Oils Safely with Children

Posted by Sarah on 4:22 PM in bearNATURAL, Essential Oils, Natural Living,

Essential oils have become increasingly popular over the past several years and there is good reasons as to why. With so many health benefits, it's hard not to get on board in using these natural gifts from God within your own household. Over the past several years of my own experience in using essential oils, I have become familiar with many single oils and their properties, uses and applications. Although some common practices are questionable and debatable in my own opinion, one thing is for sure. Using essential oils are effective!

I do get asked a lot from family and friends about using essential oils with children. This is an area that I am still constantly learning in.  I too want make sure I (as a mother) am also using the most effective oils on my children, but in a SAFE manner.  In majority of the cases, essential oils are 100% safe & effective on children, however essential oils are extremely potent, and using the wrong ones can actually be harmful to children. This is why it's vitally important to know what's safe, what's not, and how to use essential oils with children. One thing I do stress in any case, when using essential oils with children, make sure you DILUTE... DILUTE... DILUTE!!!

 One very helpful resource for me has been the book "Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child" by Valerie Ann Worwood.  This book by far is my "GO-TO" when it comes to treating my girls. In the book, Valerie has broken down what to use and how to use based on what condition your child may have.  She also had proper dilution guides and which essential oils to use on children at certain ages.


For instance, I've recently learned that using  peppermint oil on children under the age of 6 is not wise. Our youngest daughter gets cases of car sickness once in a while and knowing that peppermint oil is good for that I naturally pulled it out during our car rides and left her inhale. So when I read that I panicked... well not quite but  studied and I found that ginger is a better and safer choice when it comes to motion sickness for children.

So what can I use you may ask. Here is a list I found from certified aromatherapist at Plant Therapy on SAFE oils for children (especially ages 2-6). I refer to this chart constantly as well as Valerie's Book when it comes to using oils on my girls. Remember to ALWAYS dilute!  (Good rule of thumb is 6-9 drops per 1 ounce of carrier oil).

(oils suggestions for children ages 2-6 by Plant Therapy)