Escentuals for Kids

Essential Oils for Children 
The powerful benefits of essentials oils can be an effective tool for supporting the optimal physical, mental and emotional health of your child.  It is critical to understand the safety, application and dilution guidelines of each specific essential oil and how it relates, and changes, to the age of your child.  Our resources regarding safety guidelines come from the renowned aroma therapists and authors Valerie Ann Worwood and Robert Tisserand.  Their opinions and views on the safety of certain essential oils are often contradictory.  Since there is no scientific testing done on the safety of essential oils for children, there is no solid data to present.  You use essential oils at your own risk, and we urge you to exercise caution when introducing a new essential oil to your child. 
 
Newborn Babies Up to 2 months:
The only essential oils that should be used at this very early age are Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile, Lavender, Yarrow and Dill. The most effective and gentle way to utilize these oils is through steam evaporation with one drop of essential oil to one pint of water. Use Dill for digestive issues such as colic, constipation, and indigestion.  With antibacterial, antiviral and disinfectant properties, Lavender oil can be diffused to purify the air to prevent illness. Using either a drop of Roman Chamomile or Lavender will improve your baby’s quality of sleep.  You can also create synergistic blends to be used topically on your newborn.  Mild base oils for newborns, and children up to the age of five, are cold pressed Hazelnut oil and cold pressed Sweet Almond oil.  Use one drop each of Yarrow and Lavender in 4 teaspoons of carrier oil or cream to treat diaper rash. 
 
2-6 months:
The essential oils that can be added at this age are Mandarin, Eucalyptus, Coriander, Geranium and Neroli.  Use three to five drops per 2 tablespoons of carrier oil.  A drop of Roman Chamomile, Lavender and Geranium diluted in 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond oil creates a massage oil that boosts the immune system, soothes eczema, treats cradle cap, and helps soothe and calm the nervous system.  For a particularly fretful baby, massage the oil into both feet with gentle circular motions. Six drops of either Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile, of Yarrow (or 2 drops each) diluted in 5 teaspoons of carrier oil create a base for teething.  Take 1 teaspoon of this base and mix it thoroughly in 1 oz. of water. Dip a cotton ball into the water mixture and gently rub onto the gums.  Then using 2 drops of just the oil base, massage the outside of the baby’s face along the jaw line.
 
6-12 months:
The essential oils that can be added at this age are Palmarosa, Calendula, Grapefruit, and Tea Tree. Use three to five drops per 2 tablespoons of carrier oil. You can create a synergistic blend to treat coughs and colds by mixing 10 drops each of Eucalyptus, Tea Tree and Lavender.  You can use 3 drops of this blend in a diffuser throughout the duration of the cold to help treat symptoms and increase the speed of recovery.  You can also mix 3 drops of the blend into 2 teaspoons of carrier oil and rub on the chest and back to help with any deep respiratory issues. 
 
12 months to 2 years:
The essential oil that can be added at this time is Ginger. You can now use 5-10 drops per 2 tablespoons of carrier oil. You can use two drops of ginger to help with an upset stomach, motion sickness, or topically to reduce inflammation around bumps and bruises that are common as your child is learning to crawl and walk. 
 
2 years to 10 years:
The essential oils that can be added at this time are listed below according to their benefits.  For children under the age of 5 use five to ten drops per 2 tablespoons of carrier oil.  For children ages 5 to 7 use five to twelve drops per 2 tablespoons of carrier oil.  For children 7 to 10 years use five to fifteen drops per 2 tablespoons of carrier oil.  
 

• Reduce Pain & Inflammation: Cedarwood Atlas, German Chamomile, Patchouli, Black Pepper, Ginger, and Lavender.
• Anti-Fungal, Antibacterial, & Anti-Microbial Properties: Citronella, Dill Weed, Juniper, Mandarin, Spearmint, Tangerine, Tea Tree, Lavender, Marjoram Sweet, Helichrysum, Juniper, Coriander, and Orange Sweet.
• Reduce Feelings of Anxiety and Frustration & Regulate Mood: Clary Sage, Frankincense, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Orange Sweet, Petitgrain, Rose Absolute, Vetiver, Roman Chamomile, Grapefruit, Lemon, Tangerine, and Mandarin.
• Support Focus, Attention and Feelings of Calm: Bergamot, German Chamomile, Coriander, Vetiver, Clary Sage, Helichrysum, Lavender, Marjoram Sweet, Neroli, Orange Sweet, Petitgrain, Rose Absolute, and Sandalwood.
• Boost Immune System, Treat Coughs & Colds, Reduce Congestion: Dill Weed, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Lemon, Mandarin, Orange Sweet, Palmarosa, Petitgrain, Spearmint, Tangerine, Vetiver, Cypress, Fir Needle, Ginger, Juniper, Marjoram Sweet, and Black Pepper.
• Reduce Histamine & Allergy Symptoms: German Chamomile, Fir Needle, Helichrysum, Lavender, Palmarosa, and Tea Tree.
• Support Digestion: Dill Weed, Ginger, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Patchouli, Spearmint and Tangerine.
• Treat Dry Skin, Eczema, and Psoriasis: Cedarwood Atlas, Citronella, Helichrysum, Lavender, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Tea Tree and Vetiver.

 
Calm Baby/Sleepy Time Blend for children 3 months & older

• 1 drop Roman Chamomile
• 2 drops Lavender Oil

Fill a 1 oz roll-on glass bottle with essential oils and fill with carrier oil of your choice. Rub on feet or behind the ears.
 
Tummy Soother for children 5 years & older

• 3 drops Peppermint
• 4 drops German Chamomile
• 3 drops Lavender

Fill 1 oz roll-on glass bottle with essential oils and fill with carrier oil of your choice. Rub onto child’s abdomen in a clockwise direction around the belly button
 
Fever Cool for children 2 years & older

• 2 drops Eucalyptus
• 5 drops Lavender
• 2 drops Tea Tree

Fill 1 oz roll-on glass bottle with essential oils and fill with carrier oil of your choice. To lower a fever, rub gently on the neck and back of wrists.
 
Bug Bite Relief for children 6 months & older

• 1 drop Lavender
• 1 drop Tea Tree

Fill 1 oz roll-on glass bottle with essential oils and fill with carrier oil of your choice. Apply as needed for itch relief.
 
Focus for children 10 years and older

• 5 drops Bergamot
• 5 drops German Chamomile
• 5 drops Vetiver

Fill 1 oz roll-on glass bottle with essential oils and fill with carrier oil of your choice. Apply to the temples and wrists 2-3 times per day.

​Additional Safety Guidelines-Robert Tisserand

• Anise: Avoid using on children under 5
• Basil (lemon): Avoid topical use on children under 2
• Benzoin: Avoid topical use on children under 2
• Birch Sweet: Avoid using on all children
• Cajuput: Avoid using on children under 6
• Cardamom: Avoid using on children under 6
• Cassia Cinnamon: Avoid using on children under 2
• Clove: Avoid topical use on children under 2
• Eucalyptus: Avoid using on children under 2
• Fennel: Avoid using on children under 5
• Garlic: Avoid using on children under 2
• Hyssop: Avoid using on children under 2
• Lemongrass: Avoid topical use on children under 2
• Lemon Balm: Avoid topical use on children under 2
• Niaouli: Avoid using on children under 6
• Oregano: Avoid topical use on children under 2
• Peppermint: Avoid using on children under 6
• Rosemary: Avoid using on children under 6
• Sage: Avoid using on children under 6
• Ylang Ylang: Avoid topical us on children under 2