Parents want the very best in health and safety for their children. Although essential oils are very potent and should be used with caution, they can also offer a wide application of healthful benefits, even for children.
Essential oils have been known to treat and relieve numerous childhood ailments such as colic, allergies, chicken pox, whooping cough, constipation, diaper rash, cradle cap, earaches, rashes, teething, thrush, and hyperactivity. Although they are natural, essential oils are powerful and should be used properly and with caution. When using essential oils with babies or children, it is best to dilute 1–2 drops of essential oil with 1 tsp. of carrier oil, such as Sweet Almond Oil.
The following 20 essential oils are considered safe for children:
- Bergamot
- Cedarwood
- Chamomile
- Cypress
- Frankincense
- Geranium
- Ginger
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Mandarin
- Marjoram
- Melaleuca
- Orange
- Rose Otto
- Rosemary
- Rosewood
- Sandalwood
- Thyme
- Ylang Ylang
Always dilute photosensitive oils, and do not use citrus oils on the skin when in direct sunlight. When using essential oils in the bath, always use a bath gel base.
Keep essential oils out of reach of children. If an oil is ingested, give the child and oil-soluble liquid such as a high-fat dairy beverage, then call a poison control center to seek advice. A few drops of pure essential oil should be safe, but it is always best to take precautions.
See the Reference Guide for Essential Oils to learn more about how to use essential oils for your children.
Source: Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2016 Edition, pp. 391–95.