Essential oils have been popping up more and more as a viable option to supporting health and wellness. Have you been curious, but don’t know where to start? Oils can be a great option for all in the family. Let’s chat about essential oils and kids. We will discuss safety, usage, benefits, and when to use.
Safety
- Quality matters. Be sure to only select the very best for your little ones. Essential oils are labeled as cosmetics. What this means is that the regulations on labeling are extremely loose. Research the company. Do they have quality control in place? Do they own their own farms? One thing to note on the label of an oil is does it say “for external use only?” If an oil that should be able to be ingested like peppermint or lemon says “for external use only,” this is a clear indication that it is unsafe to use.
- Dilution. Children’s skin is more permeable than adults. What this means is that anything put on their skin will absorb into the bloodstream much faster. Essential oils can be diluted with carrier oils. Carrier oils are fatty oils such as coconut and sunflower oil. Always start slow and test first.
- Test. Some oils can be “hot” oils. What this means is they can cause a reaction or even burn the skin. This is why both quality and proper use are imperative. Many companies offer communities of education and resources.
Usage
- Aromatically. The aromatic use of essential oils may be the most familiar. Perhaps you’ve wandered into a spa and been delighted by the aroma of Eucalyptus and Tea Tree oils or maybe felt the soothing calm of Lavender’s scent in one of your favorite at-home products. This is a great way to oxygenate and purify the air. Diffusing also works on the bodies emotional state and can be a great way to uplift the mood in a room.
- Topically. Essential oils can be put directly on the skin, or as mentioned above, diluted with a carrier oil. For children, one of the best places to apply topically is on the bottom of the feet.
- Internally. Pure essential oils can be ingested. Only ingest essential oils that are clearly marked to do so. Studies have shown that by adding essential oils to food grade supplements, they are more bio-available in the body. That means the body is absorbing more of the nutrients it needs.
Benefits
- Physical. Essential oils can keep children above the wellness line during the changing season. They are also a great way to help them relax for a good nights sleep.
- Mental. Essential oils are a great way to help children focus as well as reduce inflammation. They can also help to motivate and encourage more productivity.
- Emotional. The only way to affect the emotions is through the olfactory bulb. This can only be reached through the sense of smell. Essential oils have been proven to reset emotions and even tap into blocked memories.
When to Use Essential Oils
- Bath time. One or two drops of an essential oil can be added daily to epsom salt, baking soda, aztec clay and himalayan sea salt for a detox bath. Our little ones are constantly exposed to pollutants, heavy metals, and toxins. This encourages their bodies to naturally detox.
- Bedtime. The key to a good night of sleep is to prepare the environment. Do this by diffusing in the room 30 minutes before it is time for your little one to sleep. Another great way to create a relaxing environment is to dim the lights and opt for a diffuser with a white noise feature.
- Healthy time. Add a drop to your child’s favorite food or snack. Be sure to only use essential oils internally that are labeled to do so. This will strengthen their immune system and keep them above the wellness line during the changing season. Another great way to keep them healthy is apply oils to their spine and the bottom of their feet.
Have you used essential oils before? What has your experience been?
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