Essential Oils and Children

I'm a mother of 2 amazing little boys.  

C is 5 1/2 

Photographs by Kati Ann Photography

and J and 23 months. 

Photography by Kati Ann Photography

They are a handful at times but I love being a mother.  When I was first introduced to Essential Oils and foot zoning I was hesitant to use anything on my kids.  I'm SUPER paranoid when it comes to my kids.  It's only gotten worse since I became aware of their food sensitivities.  I have SO many people that will ask me "Is this an ok oil to use on my baby."  So I decided there needed to be more information out there.

The first thing you need to know is NEVER use an essential oil "neat" on your child.  What "neat" means is that the Essential oil is not being diluted by anything.  That means you ALWAYS want to use a carrier oil with babies and children.  Like any rule there are exceptions.  But I always err on the side of caution when it comes to my kids.

source

Here is a list of oils that should NEVER be used on children... EVER!!!!

Camphor, Nutmeg, Tansy (of any kind), Tarragon, Bay leaf, Cinnamon, Hyssop, Juniper

EDIT:  I was asked by a friend if I use a special blend used to "support healthy immune function" on my children.  The answer to that is NO.  While many people feel it is safe to use on children it does contain Cinnamon and there for I do not use it on my children (under 3).  However if I feel that J needs the benefits of that particular oil blend I will apply it to myself and snuggle with him.

These are very strong oils and would not be comfortable for the child.  Blends that contains these oils should be avoided or used with extreme caution.  The last thing you would want is for your child to become uncomfortable from an oil that their body just can't process correctly yet.

Here is a list of essential oils that should NEVER be applied neat to your child.

Aniseed, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Tea Tree, Niauli, Melaleuca, All Mints (Spearmint, Peppermint, Wintergreen), Clove, Basil, Bergamot, Birch, Ginger, All Citrus Oils (Lime, Lemon, Grapefruit, Orange), Lemongrass, Oregano, Pine, All Fir (Siberian, Balsam, Silver), and Thyme

These oils are considered "hot".  By that it means that the oil can burn, sting, cause skin irritation, or discomfort.  If any of these oils when applied in a diluted state cause any skin irritation, burning sensation immediately apply a vegetable based carrier oil such as Jojoba Oil.  DO NOT rinse the area with water.  Water will only amplify the effects of the oil.

Also remember that when using Essential Oils with children you do not need more than 1 or 2 drops of any given oil at a time.  As equally as important please remember that you should not use more than 2 or 3 essential oils with in a 2 to 3 hour window of time.  The ONLY exception is in acute situations.

Here are some common health conditions the occur often in children and the Essential Oils that I would recommend using.

Cold's and Coughs: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Frankincense, Tea Tree

Only apply 1 oil at a time (in a carrier oil) to the feet and back.  If the coughing doesn't ease up you can apply 1 drop of lavender oil (in a carrier oil) to the chest.

Colic:  Spearmint, Dill Weed, Fennel, Peppermint, Chamomile and Lavender.  Massage these on the babies belly in St. John's Wort carrier oil.

Cradle Cap:  Lavender, Tea Tree, Niauli.  Best used with Almond Oil

Diaper Rash:  Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Tea Tree, Niauli, Yarrow.  Put in St. John's Wort carrier oil and rub directly on rash.  I have struggled with a diaper rash with J for a long time.  Because of his food allergies any time he eats anything with dairy or soy it turns into an immediate diaper rash.  I've had countless people give me recommendations but my grandmother told me to try corn starch and olive oil.  It helped but didn't get rid of it all together.  That's when I had a thought... ADD OILS!!! haha!  

So here is my recipe for my homemade diaper rash cream.

Ingredients

Corn Starch

Olive oil

Lavender Essential Oil

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil (or Yarrow Essential Oil)

Directions

Combine enough corn starch and Olive Oil to make a paste. I usually make a large batch so it's about 1/2 cup corn starch and I eye ball the Olive Oil.  Add 6 drops of Roman Chamomile and 10 drops of Lavender.  Mix it together and put it in a container.  I actually put it in an oil aquaphor tube I cleaned out so that I can mix it before using it.  The Corn Starch and Olive Oil can separate  Mix before apply. Also you can substitute the Roman Chamomile for Yarrow.  I've found it to work equally as well.

Fever:  Sandalwood, Dill weed, Rose (kills virus and slows fever), Queen of the Meadow, Carrot Seed, Yarrow, Eucalyptus, Black Pepper, Peppermint (helps cool the body), Fennel (helps clean out the digestive system), Niauli (helps kill infections), Cajeput, Sage, Bergamot, Chamomile, Lavender, Ravensara, Rosemary, Violet.

Never use more than 1 or 2 drops at a time, so in acute situations (high fever) rotate through this list of oils every 30-45 minutes until the fever reduces.  Always remember to use a carrier oil.  Apply oils to feet and spine.

Also you can mix Eucalyptus with water and put on the ankle.

Sleeplessness:  Lavender, Marjoram, Chamomile, Frankincense, Vetiver, Valerian.

These are good oils to add to a bath before bed.  Always make sure you use an emulsifier (raw honey, Epsom salt, sea salt, bath soap, powdered milk) and on small children don't use more than 2-3 drops of oils combined.  I like 2 drops of lavender and 1 drop of Marjoram for my boys.

Thrush:  Chamomile, Niauli, Patchouli, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Melissa, Lavender, Manuka.  Dilute 1-2 drops  of an oil and apply a small amount to the location (either the mothers breast or the child's mouth).  Remember with nursing mother thrush can (and most likely will be) passed back and forth from mother to baby.  I would recommend putting a small amount in the babies mouth and a small amount on your breast.   Apply before nursing.  

Teething: Roman Chamomile, Spearmint, Immortelle, Black Pepper.  Use in St. John's Wort or Sweet Almond Carrier Oil and rub directly onto the gums.

Each condition has listed multiple oils.  Please do not use all of the oils listed at the same time.  Rotate through the oils.  In acute situations apply Essential Oils every 30-45 minutes.  Other than that every 3-4 hours.

As always any situation can be aided through Foot Zoning.  By being Foot Zoned when you are ill it allows your body to heal itself and reduces the duration of the condition.  I can not tell you the number of times I've felt like I was getting a cold and after completing a zoning session on myself I feel 10 times better and usually don't end up getting sick.  Foot Zoning will bring the body back into balance and correct the problems.

These are just a few conditions that are common in small children and babies.  If there is anything else you would like more information on feel free to contact me at innersoles01(at)gmail(dot)com.

Please remember if your child has any special health situations please speak with a specialist of essential oils before applying anything.

Just a side note.... I am giving away a free Foot Zone.  When my Facebook Page Inner Soles gets to 100 likes I will be giving a free zone!  That is a $45 value!  So go like Inner Soles on Facebook!