Kids and Oils

Having a baby and raising children is one of the most rewarding things you can experience.  It can also be one of the most exhausting and trying times of your life.  Recovering from childbirth, 3 AM feedings, diaper changes, sleepless nights, colds & coughs, upset tummies…the list goes on and on.  Add on to that the sheer emotional toll a toddler or teenager can have on a busy parent and it can make your head spin. 

Essential oils can be a really great way to support you and your kiddos during these beautiful and challenging times.

Sleep deprivation seems to be the number one complaint from most parents. When our kids are younger, we not only need sleep ourselves, but we need THEM to sleep better.  Lavender, Frankincense and Copiaba are great at calming the wee ones and cutting down on the bedtime craziness. These oils can be diffused, combined with lotion for a calming before bed massage or can be added to witch hazel and distilled water and placed in a spray bottle to be spritzed on linens and pillows. When using with a newborn, parents can rub the oil onto their neck or into their hair for the baby to nuzzle. Placing a few drops of oil onto a “burp cloth” to wear over your shoulder can also work wonders.

While essential oils can help support great sleep, what about those pesky germs that can wreak havoc in your home?  Colds, flus and just plain yuck are all a part of life with kids.  Studies show that the average child is sick up to twelve times in its first year of life and eight times in the second year. That is a big chunk of a little one’s life.  Essential oils can help keep you and your family healthy all year long. Supporting your immune system is key. There are four oils that are thought to increase activity in different parts of your immune system. Included in this group are Eucalyptus globules, frankincense, oregano and sage. The next group of oils may help your body build up your immune system by supporting white blood cell production: Bergamot, Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon and Sandalwood.  All of these oils support your body in building a strong immune system. Rubbing oils on the bottoms of feet is an effective ways for the oils to enter the body. Also try diffusing any of the above mentioned oils every night while the kids are sleeping. This is a wonderful preventative measure and promotes wellness. Prevention is key!

A child’s skin needs support in so many ways over the years; from diaper rash all the way to adolescent acne. Our skin is the largest organ of our body and needs to be treated with the utmost care. Lavender helps repair skin irritations and can be used for all skin types. It can cleanse cuts and scrapes and also “calm down” stressed skin.  Frankincense can help regenerate skin cells and reduce the appearance of scars. The benefits of tea tree oil are countless. A few of them include its antifungal and antibacterial properties. This means it is a first choice for oily skin and acne. Tea Tree oil can also be used to treat minor cuts, burns and scrapes. What about treating those baby bums? A diaper rash cream can be made from the following: 1/2 C. Coconut Oil, 1/2 C. Cocoa Butter, 1/2 C. Shea Butter, 1/2 C. Almond Oil, 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil and 3 drops each of Lavender, Frankincense and Tea Tree oil.

It could be from eating the wrong thing or just a nasty stomach bug, but your kids are bound to have an upset tummy from time to time. Taking 3 large sniffs of peppermint can make nausea and even car sickness disappear. Ginger, lavender or Roman Chamomile can be rubbed right on the abdomen for indigestion and nausea relief.

We worry over our children’s physical health, but their emotional health is just as important. Lemon is an uplifting and invigorating oil to apply to bring on happy thoughts and a positive outlook.  A couple of drops in your morning glass of water or tea can truly brighten your day. While your kids are doing their homework try diffusing some peppermint oil. Peppermint stimulates the hippocampus area of the brain, which controls mental clarity and memory. If your kiddos are stressing over a looming test, try rubbing some Bergamot or Cedarwood on the bottoms of their feet. Lavender has an incredibly soothing and refreshing aroma. Use it for winding down and relaxing before bed or diffuse it to create a calming and comforting atmosphere in your home.

 

 Here are a few safety tips when using oils with your young children: 

 

  • Always use a carrier oil (like olive oil, sweet almond oil or coconut oil) to dilute your

essential oils when applying to the skin.

 

  • ONLY diffuse around a newborn. Never apply topically until the little ones are at

least 6 months old.

 

  • It is wise to start slow and consult with your doctor before use.

 

  • Always read labels to ensure proper use.

 

  • Do your research and only purchase 100% Pure Therapeutic oils.

 

 

Introducing your kids to essential oils is one of the greatest gifts you, as a parent, can bestow on them.  Much like brushing your teeth; diffusing, inhaling and applying oils topically each day is a healthy habit that every parent should encourage.

 

The information contained in this article is meant for educational purposes only and not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.   Statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This information should not be relied upon to determine dietary changes, a medical diagnosis or courses of treatment. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using these products.

Key Points

  • 1The average child is sick up to twelve times in its first year of life.
  • 2Frankincense, Oregano and sage that are thought to increase activity in different parts of your child’s immune system.
  • 3Always use a carrier oil to dilute essential oils with young children.

When our kids are younger, we not only need sleep ourselves, but we need THEM to sleep better.

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Lisa has a passion for full body wellness and happy living. She founded Three Leaf oils after a small bottle of lavender oil was introduced by a friend when she was struggling with getting a decent nights sleep in 2014. Her passion and drive stem from seeing real results in her family and friends that are using Essential Oils. She strives to introduce and educate as many people as she can to the exiting world of essential oils. Lisa is a Wife, Mother of 6, Mimi of 3 and growing business owner.

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Written by Lisa Sweeney
Medical Writer & Editor

Lisa has a passion for full body wellness and happy living. She founded Three Leaf oils after a small bottle of lavender oil was introduced by a friend when she was struggling with getting a decent nights sleep in 2014. Her passion and drive stem from seeing real results in her family and friends that are using Essential Oils. She strives to introduce and educate as many people as she can to the exiting world of essential oils. Lisa is a Wife, Mother of 6, Mimi of 3 and growing business owner.

View all post by Lisa Sweeney