Using Essential Oils on Children

Essential oils can benefit the health of children but some precautions must be taken. Because essential oils are so powerful and highly concentrated, some should not be used on children at all, or used with extreme caution. Read on for tips on using essential oils on children.

Using Essential Oils on Children - Dilution

Essential oils should be diluted before using them on the skin. The only exception to this rule is lavender, which may be applied directly to the skin of an adult. However, children are different and all essential oils must be diluted before using, even lavender.

When diluting essential oils for use on children, you must make the solution half the strength you would for an adult. Normally, it is recommended that you prepare a two percent dilution of essential oil to the carrier oil but for children, you would prepare a one percent dilution. The reason for using a weaker dilution of essential oils is because children have smaller bodies and more sensitive skin than adults.

Using Essential Oils on Children - Safe Essential Oils for Children

There are three useful essential oils that are completely safe to use on children, so long as the dilution guidelines are followed. These essential oils are tea tree essential oil, lavender essential oil and roman chamomile essential oil.

These essential oils can be used for many things including in baths, for massage and in compresses. Tea tree essential oil is an antiseptic and immune stimulant. Lavender essential oil is soothing and calming. My mother often used it to calm me as a child. Roman chamomile essential oil is an antiseptic, antidepressant and a sedative.

Using Essential Oils on Children - Essential Oils to Avoid

There are many essential oils that shouldn't be used on children because they are too strong for their little bodies or they may cause irritation of their sensitive skin. These essential oils include basil, bay, bergamot, cedarwood, cinnamon, citronella, clove, eucalyptus, fennel, ginger, juniper, lemon, lemon grass, lemon verbena, Melissa, nutmeg, orange, oregano, peppermint, pine and thyme.

Just because an essential oil is not listed here does not automatically make it safe for use on children. Make sure you thoroughly research any essential oils before using them on a child to make sure they are safe. It's also advisable to dilute the oil and perform a skin test before going all out with a massage or other treatment for children.