Essential Oils and Children

Essential Oils are oils that occur in plants which give them their characteristic perfumes or tastes. They are extracted from various parts of the plant and are very concentrated in intensity. Since antiquity they have been successfully used to treat certain medical and emotional conditions. They can be used in the bath, vapouriser or in a massage oil. Essential oils should never be taken orally and, with a couple of exceptions, they should never be applied directly to the skin.

Many oils are not suitable for use with children, particularly in contact with their skins.

Remember that their bodies are far more delicate than ours and can react more sensitively to new products. Even their sense of smell can be more accurate than ours. If at all possible it is safer not to use essential oils at all on a baby under about 2 years old. If your child has a medical condition then check with your practitioner before you do anything. Certain smells can be triggers for such things as epileptic seizures, so please check before you use anything.

Which oils are regarded as safe? It is generally agreed that lavender, chamomile, geranium, sandalwood and mandarin are safe, but remember that citrus oils should not be used before going out into the sunlight in case it causes skin sensitivity.

Essential oils should be added to a dispersant such as vegetable glycerine before being added to the bath. This will dilute them and stop them sitting directly on the child’s skin as it lies on the surface of the bathwater.

For massage the oils should be diluted in a carrier oil base. Sweet Almond oil is generally regarded as the safest and best overall carrier oil for use with babies and children unless your child has a nut allergy. In that case you could use grapeseed oil which is readily available. We do not recommend Baby oil which is a by-product of the petro-chemical industry and has a mineral base which can’t carry the oils properly.

The vapouriser is one of the most popular methods of using essential oils with children.

A drop of sandalwood in the burner is reputed to calm overly active kids. Lavender is famed as a relaxant. The inhalation of the scents can have a remarkable effect on everyone. Mandarin is quite uplifting so it can boost a child who is feeling down.

The most important thing about using oils with children is that they should not be exposed to the same intensity of oil as an adult. The following amounts, recommended by The Oil Garden, should not be exceeded:

Infant 2 - 5 years
1 drop per 10 ml base oil

Child 6 - 12 years
3 drops per 10 ml base oil

A child over 12 can tolerate full adult strength applications.

Finally, don’t forget to buy quality oils and store them properly – away from direct sunlight and below 30C.

Article Source: http://www.therepozitory.com.au

Article by Anne Maybus, owner of www.beautybanquet.com.au.

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