Overview
Children are naturally receptive to essential oils, and it is possible to treat a number of health-related children’s problems with essential oils. However, some essential oils are not suitable for children, so it is necessary to understand which essential oils can be used, how to use them and any cautions for not using essential oils with children. Consult a qualified professional if unfamiliar with the use of essential oils, particularly when treating children.
Definition
Essential oils are extracted from plants and are basically the natural “aromas” of plants. They are used therapeutically to treat a number of health problems. In their book “Aromatherapy for Babies and Children,” Penny and Shirley Price advise that essential oils can be extracted from the leaves, flowers, fruit, berries, bark, wood and roots of plants and that essential oils contain many therapeutic properties. Essential oils that have antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and cicatrisant properties are particularly useful in treating children’s problems.
Suitable Oils
Some essential oils contain chemical components that are more active than others; in general terms, those essential oils that are less reactive are suitable for children. Essential oils high in alcohols are particularly useful for children, depending on the problem, as they are more gentle. Children’s essential oils include mandarin, roman chamomile, rose, lemon, lavender, grapefruit and sweet orange. Patricia Davis, in her book “Aromatherapy an A- Z,” highly recommends camomile for children due to its gentle action and ability to treat stomach upsets, teething problems and other childhood ailments.
Unsuitable Oils
Toxic or chemically reactive essential oils should be used with caution or, in some cases, avoided in use with children. Essential oils that are not suitable for children include basil, hyssop and juniper due to their chemical makeup. In addition, never use essential oils that are high in menthone, such as mint essential oils, with children. Penny Price advises that these oils can, in some cases, be fatal to young children as they may cause the lungs to collapse.
Treatment
For children, use essential oils in similar ways you would for an adult. Patricia Davis recommends using essential oils in the bath, lotions, in massage, essential oil burners and air sprays. Children are receptive to massage, and an essential oil blend may help with coughs and colds and other infections. Other childhood ailments such as ear infections, stomach problems, diarrhea, chicken pox and emotional problems can be treated with essential oils of roman camomile, lemon, lavender, mandarin, bergamot and geranium.
How to Use
Always dilute essential oils for children, and do not apply directly to the skin. Essential oils can be diluted in lotion and massage oils. Reduce the amount of essential oils used for children in comparison to the amount used for an adult. The amount of essential oil used depends on the age of the child, the child’s weight and the form in which it is administered. In general, for applications to the skin, calculate on using one to two drops of essential oil per 12 lbs. of body weight. If your child is taking any other form of medication, check with a doctor before using essential oils, as some types of medication may interact with certain essential oils. Always use caution if unfamiliar in the use of essential oils to avoid potential mishaps.
About this Author
Sharon Falsetto is a U.K. ex-pat who has traveled widely; she lives in Arizona and has practiced as a certified aromatherapist, with her own aromatherapy practice, since 2007. Falsetto has a degree in business from the U.K. She has been writing professionally since 2008 and is both a feature writer at Suite101 and the Women’s Health National Examiner.
