We know that essential oils are great in supporting adult health and wellness but did you know that there are also some great essential oils for children?
Today I will list the top 5 essential oils (in my opinion) for children, discuss how they can be used, and mention some very important safety precautions! Before we get started, please note that the information provided is based on personal experience and research. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. You should always consult with a physician or medical professional before using essential oils on children.
Safety Precautions
1) It is necessary that you ALWAYS dilute essential oils for children. Dilute with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil or grapeseed oil.
- Infants: mix 1-2 drops of essential oil with 1 Tablespoon of carrier oil
- Children: mix 1-2 drops of essential oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil
2) Use caution when choosing where to apply essential oils. One of the best places to apply essential oils for children is on the bottoms of their feet and then cover with socks. This way children won’t accidentally get their hands on the oils and rub it in their eyes. You can apply oils on the soles of their feet or you can apply the oils directly to the reflex points on the feet. Once you feel your child is old enough not to rub their hands in the essential oil, you can choose to apply to other places such as chest and neck (depending on concern).
3) Some essential oils are photosensitive. This means that these essential oils could actually burn the skin if they are in direct sunlight. Here is a list of photosensitive essential oils. Avoid direct sunlight for 12-24 hours after using these essential oils on children. This is why applying to the feet is a great alternative as the oils are covered by socks and shoes!
4) I only recommend Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils. Although many essential oils of this grade can be ingested, avoid internal use of essential oils for children. Stick to topical and aromatic use when using essential oils for children. Topical and Aromatic applications are described in more detail HERE.
Top 5 Essential Oils for Children:
1) Lavender is an essential oil that has many benefits for children. This oil is perfect for calming. Use lavender to help your child focus, calm down, or go to sleep. Apply to the bottoms of their feet as discussed above. Parents are you having difficulty sleeping? Check out essential oils to help adults sleep! Other common uses for lavender with children are:
- Helps to reduce a fever
- Soothe cuts, bruises and burns
- Helps soothe skin irritation and diaper rash
- Relief from teething and teeth grinding
- Soothe sunburn
2) Melaleuca, also known as Tea Tree Oil is a must have essential oil for children. Melaleuca has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties making it essential for cuts and scrapes! Other common uses for Melaleuca are:
- Helping with earache pain (dilute and apply behind ear).
- Head lice hates Tea Tree!
- Helps to clean and cuts and scrapes (use with lavender)
3) Lemon has many uses for children. Don’t forget this essential oil is photosensitive so please follow safety recommendations above. Lemon essential oil has antiviral, anti-fungal, and antioxidant Common uses with children:
- Helps to manage symptoms related to cold and flu
- Can help to relieve constipation
- Parents: Lemon essential oil is awesome in helping to remove sticky/gummy messes!
- Also great as an all-natural alternative to chemical household cleaners. Learn more about cleaning with essential oils!
4) Frankincense is known as the King of Oils! If you don’t know what to use, use Frank! Frankincense has anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, just to name a few! Common uses for children include:
- Helps to relieve coughs
- Use for infected wounds and inflammation
- Help prevent scarring (use Frankincense in combination with Lavender for burns.
Please note these are only 5 of many essential oils that can be used with children! To learn other essential oils that are safe for children, check out Plant Therapy’s Safe Essential Oils for Children chart which is categorized by concern/ailment.
When using essential oils for children, please be sure to always follow the safety precautions listed above.
What are your favourite essential oils to use with children?
This post was shared at the Happy, Healthy, Green and Natural Party Hop!
I’m still learning about essential oils and didn’t realize you could use them for children. Thanks for sharing this great post with us at #AnythingGoes link up.
I have a couple of essential oils in my arsenal, thanks to some blog reviews, and I’m enjoying learning more about each new one I come in contact with. Thanks for sharing over at the #AnythingGoes Link Party!
Love it! I’ve just started using oils and they’re so amazing. I’ve only been using them for myself but I love getting info on how they can help my son. Tea tree is always in my house! Love
Tea Tree is amazing, isn’t it?!? Glad to hear you are loving your oils! Thanks so much for visiting, I hope you will be back again soon 🙂
You know I LOVE using grape seed oil in my cooking. It’s wonderful to know that it can be used as with essential oils like that! Next time I go on about grape seed oil I’ll have to link this post! Thanks for sharing.
Yes grapeseed oil is perfect to use with essential oils and it is something many people already have in their homes which makes it that much more convenient! Thanks so much for visiting Trisha!
I love using essential oils on my children! My favorite for them is probably lavender but it really depends on what the situation calls for.
I love lavender, because it is good for some many different things! But you are right, depending on the situation you may have to reach for another oil! Thanks so much for reading Anne!
While I would never ingest EO, these as great tips! Thanks!!
Thanks for stopping my Christy!
I love lavender for my son, as well as chamomile! Both have been lifesavers 🙂 Great post and love that you included important safety information.
Another one I use on my daughter is oregano! It is an antibiotic and it works amazing. it is very strong so you really have to dilute it, but it works wonders! I have healed my tooth that needs a root canal, a planters wart on my hubbys foot, a rash my daughter had…and I cook with it! I just started using DoTerra’s oils because they believe in being producing the strongest oils with no fillers or synthetics in them..amazing company. i actually just did a post called “would you like a side of, death with that?”. You should check it out if you have a second! 🙂
Happy monday!
Jess
I LOVE LOVE LOVE lavender! It’s one of my favorite oils to use
My children are all over 5, so we use them regularly for ear aches, muscle cramps, focus/attention, headaches, coughs, etc… They are aweosme!
I never knew much about essential oils. This is really interesting! I feel it’s really important to try the natural way before resorting to medicine. I’ll definitely have to look into this more! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Hi Rachel! Yes I agree, natural solutions are great to have on hand! Thanks for visiting and I hope you will stop by again to learn more about essential oils 🙂
Love this post!! Essential oils have made a huge difference for my family. Lavender is one of my absolute favorites to use with my kiddos!
I am so glad to hear this Shelley! Essential oils are truly packed with many amazing benefits! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
This is just what i needed. I use them happily on me but not the kids. with an ill child right now I shall be giving it a go.
I hope essential oils are able to help your little one feel better Kirsten! Thanks so much for visiting!
Hi Chantal, this was a very helpful post! I love using essential oils and have used them for some DIY skins creams with coconut oil and other emollients. I love lavender, jasmine and tea tree, but haven’t tried frankincense yet. Thank you for sharing this with #TheLeisureLink.
You will love Frankincense Terri, it is amazing for the skin! Thanks for taking the time to read my post 🙂
I am so delighted that you shared your informative and valuable Top 5 Essential Oils for Children with us at the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I’m pinning and sharing.
Thanks Deborah, I love your party!
Can you specify which Thyme? There is Thyme ct thymol and Thyme ct linalol? Thyme ct thymol is not appropriate for use with children.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE lavender! I use them happily on me but not the kids. with an ill child right now I shall be giving it a go.