Aromatherapy for Children

Children are not just little adults. In aromatherapy it is vital to recognize that children’s lungs are not fully developed until about age 3, their skin is not fully developed for about 6 months and is far more sensitive, and their illnesses tend to be more acute. There are different dilutions used for children, based upon their age and/or weight. The essential oils and Vegetable oils/Butters we use can be different (not all essential oils are suitable for children), again based upon age/weight. Even the methods of use can be different.

When preparing an Aromatherapy formula for the child that requires a carrier oil, please use an all natural vegetable oil. Carrier oils are available on our site or you can use organic extra virgin olive oil. Do not put essential oils in a petroleum based product (mineral oil or baby oil) or into a commercially created baby lotion. Most baby lotions made by the large companies have ingredients that are not healthy for your child and when you add essential oils to some of those the chemistry can be altered creating negative reactions.

Important Please Read

If there are minor health concerns, use the listings below as a general guideline. If, however, there are serious health challenges or injuries, consult with a physician. Essential oils can be used to assist in the healing once you have a diagnosis and are receiving appropriate health care. Contact us if you need guidance or have questions about appropriate use.

Methods of Use

Using essential oils and aromatherapy does not have to be difficult.

Click here to learn how to use essential oils safely and effectively for inhalation and topical use.

Age Related Childhood Care

Use only hydrosols of Chamomile Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) or Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) added to bath water

Use essential oils only when necessary

Essential oils: Chamomile German/Blue (Matricaria recutita), Chamomile Roman (Chamaemelum), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Vegetable oils/Butters: Almond, sweet (Prunus amygdalis var. dulcis)

Methods of use:

Bath-Make a dilution of 1 drop of essential oil in 2 teaspoons of carrier oil and store in a bottle labeled with Baby’s name, purpose and date prepared for future use. Run the bath, as usual, add 50 drops of this dilution to water, stir.

Massage-Make a dilution of 1 drop essential oil in 1oz of carrier oil, store in a bottle labeled with Baby’s name, purpose and date prepared for use. Gently massage blend into skin.

Humidifier-Add 1 drop of essential oil in 2 cups of water

Diffuser/Vaporizer-1 drop of essential oil

Essential oils: can use oils listed above plus Eucalyptus (E. radiata), Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), Mandarin (Citrus reticulata), Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia),

Vegetable oils/Butters: Almond, sweet (Prunus amygdalis var. dulcis), Apricot kernel (Prunus armenica), Jojoba (Simmondsia californica)

Bath-Make a dilution of 1 drop of essential oil in 2 teaspoons of carrier oil and store in a bottle labeled with Baby’s name, purpose, and date prepared for future use. Run the bath, as usual, add 50 drops of this dilution to water, stir.

Massage-Make a dilution of 1 drop essential oil in 1oz of carrier oil, store in a bottle labeled with Baby’s name, purpose, and date prepared for use. Gently massage blend into skin.

Humidifier-Add 1 drop of essential oil in 2 cups of water

Diffuser/Vaporizer-1 drop of essential oil

Room Spray-5 drops essential oil in 4oz distilled water in PET or glass mister bottle, spray intoair NOT directly on or over child

Essential oils: can use all oils listed above plus Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora), Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini), Tangerine (Citrus reticulata)

Vegetable oils/Butters: Almond, sweet (Prunus amygdalis var. dulcis), Apricot kernel (Prunus armenica), Jojoba (Simmondsia californica)

Massage-Make a dilution of 1 drop essential oil in 1oz of carrier oil, store in a bottle labeled with Baby’s name, purpose, and date prepared for use. Gently massage blend into skin.

Clothing/Bedding application-1 drop on back of clothes or 1 drop on underside of the pillow

Humidifier-Add 1 drop of essential oil in 2 cups of water

Diffuser/Vaporizer-1-2 drops of essential oil

Room Spray-5 drops essential oil in 4oz distilled water in PET or glass mister bottle, spray into air NOT directly on or over child.

Essential oils: can use all oils listed above plus Bergamot, (Citrus bergamia), Cedarwood Atlas (Cedrus atlantica), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Eucalyptus lemon (E. citriodora), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), Helichrysum (H. italicum), Marjoram, sweet (Origanum marjorana), Myrtle red (Myrtus communis), Orange (Citrus sinensis), Pine needle (Pinus sylvestris), Spearmint (Mentha viridas), Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi), Ravensara (R. aromatica), Thyme linalol (Thymus vulgaris var. linalool)

Vegetable oils/Butters: Almond, sweet (Prunus amygdalis var. dulcis), Apricot kernel (Prunus armenica), Coconut, fractionated (Cocos nucifera), Wheatgerm (Triticum vulgare) Grapeseed (Vitis vinifera), Jojoba (Simmondsia californica)

Bath-Make a dilution of 1-2 drops of essential oil in 2 teaspoons of carrier oil and store in a bottle labeled with Child’s name, and date prepared. Use: Run the bath as usual, add 100 drops of this dilution to water, stir.

Massage-Make a dilution of 1-5 drops essential oil in 1oz of carrier oil, store in bottle labeled with Child’s name, and date prepared. Use: gently massage blend into skin.

Clothing/Bedding application-1 drop on back of clothes or 1 drop on underside of the pillow

Humidifier-Add 1 drop of essential oil in 2 cups of water

Diffuser/Vaporizer-1-3 drops of essential oil

Room Spray-5 drops essential oil in 4oz distilled water in PET or glass mister bottle, spray into air NOT directly on or over child.

Compress-2-4 drops essential oils in bowl of water (follow directions for compress)

Direct application-apply 1 drop of a singular oil or combination of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora), and/or Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) on a bug bite, scrape or minor wound.

Essential oils: can use all oils listed above plus Cajeput (Melaleuca minor), Clary sage (Salvia sclarea), Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), Frankincense (Boswellia carteri), Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var.amara), Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Vegetable oils/Butters: Almond, sweet (Prunus amygdalis var. dulcis), Apricot kernel (Prunus armenica), Avocado (Persea americana), Coconut, fractionated (Cocos nucifera), Grapeseed (Vitis vinifera), Jojoba (Simmondsia californica), Wheatgerm (Triticum vulgare)

Bath-Make a dilution of 1-3 drops of essential oil in 2 teaspoons of carrier oil and store in a bottle labeled with Child’s name and date prepared. Use: run the bath as usual, add 100 drops of this dilution to water, stir.

Massage-Make a dilution of 3-6 drops essential oil in 1oz of carrier oil, store in bottle labeled with Child’s name and date prepared. Use: gently massage blend into skin.

Clothing/Bedding application-1-2 drop on back of clothes or 1 drop on underside of the pillow

Humidifier-Add 1 drop of essential oil in 2 cups of water

Diffuser/Vaporizer-1-4 drops of essential oil

Room Spray-5 drops essential oil in 4oz distilled water in PET or glass mister bottle, spray into air NOT directly on or over child.

Compress-2-4 drops essential oils in bowl of water (follow directions for compress)

Essential oils: can use all oils listed above plus Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata)

Bath-Make a dilution of 1-3 drops of essential oil in 2 teaspoons of carrier oil and store in a bottle labeled with Child’s name, use: Bath and date prepared, Run the bath as usual, add 100 drops of this dilution to water, stir. Or put 1 cup bath salt into the tub, run the water then add 3-6 drops of essential oil, stir. Or add 3-6 drops of essential oil to cup wholemilk/buttermilk, turn off bath water and add oil and milk blend.

Massage-Make a dilution of 5-9 drops essential oil in 1oz of carrier oil, store in bottle labeled with Child’s name, use: Massage, and date prepared for use. Gently massage blend into skin.

Clothing/Bedding application-1-2 drop on back of clothes or 1 drop on underside of the pillow

Humidifier-Add 1 drop of essential oil in 2 cups of water

Diffuser/Vaporizer-1-5 drops of essential oil

Room Spray-5 drops essential oil in 4oz distilled water in PET or glass mister bottle, spray into air NOT directly on or over child.

Compress-2-4 drops essential oils in bowl of water (follow directions for compress)

Generally for children 12 years and older, follow the adult recommendations. Every child is different, when in doubt, contact us.

Caution: for children with chronic concerns, underweight or some other challenges, please contact us.

Common Childhood Health Concerns

When using any of these recommendations, please keep in mind the age related dosage levels above.

Acne, Newborn

wash skin with a pure (no sodium laurel/laureath sulfate, propylene glycol, artificial fragrances-perfume, perfum, fragrance) soap, rinse well. Take 1 organic chamomile tea bag and apply 1 drop Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) to center of tea bag. Allow the Lavender to sink in and dry. Place tea bag in a cup, pour boiling water over tea bag, cover and allow to cool. Dab area with cotton ball that has been dipped into cool tea.

Allergies

blend 3 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Chamomile Roman (Chamaemelum nobile), 2 drops Lemon (Citrus limon), 1 drop Eucalyptus (E. radiata) and use in a diffuser at bedtime and/or on a tissue to be carried in the pocket during the day.

Bug Bites & Stings

for children under 6 months, put a drop of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) in a small glass of cool water, dip a cotton ball or piece of gauze into the water blend and apply to area. For children 6 months and older, apply one drop Lavender, undiluted, to the area.

Colds, Flu, Bronchial Inflammation

create a blend of 20 drops Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora), 10 drops Ravensara (R. aromatica), 8 drops Thyme linalol (Thymus vulgaris var.linalool) in a bottle labeled “Cold/Flu/Bronchial” with ingredients listed and date made. Use 3-5 drops of this formula in a diffuser or humidifier in the child’s bedroom. You could also put 1-2 drops of the formula on the back of the child’s clothing when they are up and moving around. A back rub of 2-5 drops of this in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil can be applied up to two times daily.

Coughs

create a blend of 5 drops Eucalyptus (E. radiata), 5 drops Marjoram, sweet (Origanum marjorana), 3 drops Cedarwood Atlas (Cedrus atlantica) and 2 drops Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) in a bottle labeled “Cough” with the ingredients listed and date made. This will be diluted in a carrier oil according to age: up to 1 year 2 drops in 1 tablespoon of carrier; 1-2 years 3-4 drops in 1 tablespoon carrier; 3-7 years 5-6 drops in 1 tablespoon; 8-11 years 7-8 drops. This should be rubbed on the chest, throat and upper back several times during the day and especially prior to bed.

Whooping Coughs

run a warm bath, turn water off, add 2 drops Thyme linalol (Thymus vulgaris var. linalool), 1 drop Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), 1 drop Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora) in ï¿½ cup whole milk. Pour this blend into the bath water and have the child soak. A chest and throat rub of 7 drops Frankincense (Boswellia carteri), 5 drops Thyme linalol (Thymus vulgaris var. linalool), 10 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and 4 drops Ravensara (R. aromatica) in 1 ounce carrier oil.

Croup

create a blend on 15 drops Eucalyptus (E. radiata), 15 drops Ravensara (R. aromatica), 10 drops Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini) and 5 drops Thyme linalol (Thymus vulgaris var.linalool) in a bottle labeled “Croup” with the ingredients listed and date made. There are three ways to use this formula:

1) Steam-go into bathroom and close all doors and windows, place a wet washcloth on the floor of the bath/shower, add 5-6 drops of the blend to the wash cloth, turn the shower on very hot. Sit on the floor outside the tub and inhale steam.

2) Chest/Neck/Back Rub-mix 10 drops of the blend into 1oz carrier oil. Gently massage onto chest, up neck and upper back.

3) Shirt or Pajama drop-add 1 drop to clothes at navel level.

To aid sleep-prop the child with pillows to almost sitting position, add drop Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and 1 drop Marjoram, sweet (Origanum marjorana) to a cold air diffuser or cold water humidifier and blow into room.

DIAPER RASH: the most effective preventative and treatment we have found is called Baby Bum Rub, available from LovingScents. This Shea butter based product creates a natural shield to protect the skin and the Lavender cools any hotspots.

Colic

create a blend of 5 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), 2 drops Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and 1 drop Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) in a bottle labeled “Colic” with the ingredients listed and the date made. Use 1 drop of the blend in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil andgently rub the belly in a clockwise motion.

Constipation

create a blend of 2 drops Marjoram, sweet (Origanum marjorana), 1 drop Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) and 1 drop Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) in a bottle labeled “Constipation” with the ingredients listed and the date made. Use 1 drop of the blend in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and gently rub the belly in a clockwise motion.

Diaper Rash

the most effective preventative and treatment we have found is called Baby Bum Rub, available from LovingScents. This Shea butter based product creates a natural shield to protect the skin and the Lavender cools any hotspots.

Diarrhea

create a blend of 2 drops Marjoram, sweet (Origanum marjorana), 2 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and 1 drop Eucalyptus (E. smithii) in a bottle labeled “Diarrhea” with the ingredients listed and the date made. Use 1 drop of the blend in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and gently rub the belly in a clockwise motion.

Ear Aches, Infections

the most effective treatment I have found for this is Garlic Mullein Infused Oil (available in most health food stores) – follow directions on the bottle. In addition to this, a combination of equal parts Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) diluted from .5% for a child (3 drops per ounce of carrier oil) to 2% for an adult (12 drops per ounce of carrier oil) can be rubbed on the mastoid tip (the bump behind and below the ear) around the outside of the ear several times a day.

NOTE: do NOT put essential oils in the ear canal.

Fever

Create a blend of 6 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), 4 drops Spearmint (Mentha viridas), 4 drops Eucalyptus (E. radiata) in a bottle labeled “Fever” with the ingredients listed and the date made.

Use: put 1-3 drops of the blend into ½ cup whole milk and add to water – lukewarm if providing a sponge bath and cool water to be applied as a compress to forehead and upper trunk only.

Head Lice

add 4 drops Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium), 4 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), 3 drops Thyme linalol (Thymus vulgaris var. linalool) and 3 drops Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) to 1 oz Jojoba oil. Dampen hair and massage this into hair and scalp. Comb with a fine tooth comb, wiping the comb after each run through. Be sure to saturate scalp and the full length of the hair. Add any remaining blend and again rub into hair and scalp, leaving in overnight.

Cover the sheets and pillow with a protective cloth. In the morning shampoo the hair with a natural shampoo (we recommend Aubrey Organics) and comb through hair again with a fine tooth comb to remove the dead lice and nits.

PREVENTION: make a spray blend of 2 oz distilled water, 8 drops Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), 8 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and 4 drops Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis). Shake well and spray into hair, brush hair thoroughly.

Impetigo

create a blend of 15 drops Ravensara (R. aromatica), 15 drops Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), 10 drops Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium), 10 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and 5 drops Thyme linalol (Thymus vulgaris var. linalool) in a bottle labeled “Impetigo” with the ingredients listed and the date made. Bathe in tub with cup Epsom’s salt, 3-5 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and 3-5 drops Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). After bath, add the above blend to 1/3 cup distilled water and dab onto the affected area.

Moluscom Contagiosum

The most effective and fastest acting treatment protocol I have found consists of essential oils for the bath and a Shea butter based blend that addresses the virus, calms the symptoms and aids the skin in healing.

These are created specifically for each child.

Please contact us to place a special order for this.

Ringworm

create a blend of 5 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), 5 drops Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini), 4 drops Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and 4 drops Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) in a bottle labeled “Ringworm” with the ingredients listed and the date made. One drop of this blend can be applied directly to the sore twice a day. At night, use 3 drops of the blend in 1 teaspoon Neem oil – or if not available – Jojoba oil and apply to the sore and surrounding area.

Sinusitis

create a blend of 5 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), 5 drops Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora), 5 drops Ravensara (R. aromatica) and 4 drops Chamomile Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) in a bottle labeled “Sinusitis” with the ingredients listed and the date made. This formula can be used in several different ways: BATH-run a warm bath, turn water off, add 3-5 drops of the blend in cup whole milk and pour into bath. Soak for about 15 minutes; Rub-mix 6 drops of the blend in ounce carrier and gently massage onto chest and neck; apply 1 drop to clothing at chest level; diffuse 3-5 drops in room at night.

Sore Throat

create a blend of 5 drops Ravensara (R. aromatica), 5 drops Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium), 4 drops Eucalyptus (E. radiata) and 4 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) in a bottle labeled “Sore Throat” with the ingredients listed and the date made. Add 3-5 drops of this blend in 1 teaspoon carrier and gently rub onto throat and upper chest.

Swollen Glands

put 4 drops Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), 4 drops Thyme linalol (Thymus vulgaris var. linalool), 3 drops Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) in a bowl of warm water. Place a cloth across the top and allow it to soak up water and oils. Wring the cloth so it is no longer dripping and apply to the glands. Cover and keep the area warm.

Warts

Create a blend of 15 drops Lemon (Citrus limon), 15 drops Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), 8 drops Thyme linalol (Thymus vulgaris var. linalool), and 1 ounce Jojoba oil in a bottle labeled “Warts” with the ingredients listed and date made.

Apply to wart daily – best applied when child will not be in the sun for at least 10-12 hours as lemon can cause sunburn.