Essential Oils: Essential Oils (The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Uncovering the Healing Benefits of Aromatherapy) (9 page)

A number of methods can be deployed when it comes to using essential oils in children. They can be used in baths, compresses, massages, sprays and inhalations. The easiest way to use these oils with babies are:

DIFFUSION: The process of diffusion involves diffusing essential oils in a diffuser or an oil burner in order for it to disperse through the air and then inhaled. For babies, a drop of essential oil can be added in 2 teaspoons of water for the purpose of diffusion.

MASSAGE: A massage oil can be created by blending an essential oil with carrier oil. Essential oils can penetrate through the skin through massage. Do not massage your child if they are unwell, have been immunized, have eaten or are just about to eat.

INHALATION: An aroma lamp, inhaler, or some cotton pads can be used for the purpose of inhalation. Use only two drops with cotton pads and around ten drops with an inhaler.

BATH: Bath oils typically have amazing scent and of course an extremely calming impact. Always dilute them in carrier oils or other carrier material. Remember that children are more sensitive than adults. So, if you are using 6 drops of an essential oil to 20 ml. of carrier oil in adults, do not use more than 2 drops in children. 

This chapter is aimed at providing you an overview of the dosage that should be followed when you use essential oils for kids.

It is extremely important to follow these instructions as some oils are stronger than the others and may also have components that are not suitable for use with kids.

Always use the lowest concentration of essential oils and only increase the concentration when your child is ready and this step seems to be an absolute necessity.

Using too high concentration can lead to a toxic build up in the system which can make the child extremely ill.

It is also advisable to switch out the oils periodically – do not use the same oil continuously for two to three weeks as your child may develop tolerance to this particular oil.

0-10 WEEKS

Babies between 0-10 weeks should not be exposed to essential oils. Their skins are extremely sensitive and much more permeable than the adult skin. Using essential oils at this stage could lead to some major side effects and even toxicity. If you child was born prematurely, I would suggest that you hold off the using of essential oils until they are around 12 weeks old.

10 WEEKS – 6 MONTHS

You may begin to introduce your baby to essential oils once they have passed the first ten weeks. The best way to do this is by dropping a drop or two into the diffuser or creating a massage oil blend using some great carrier oil. If you are using a diffuser, do ensure that the room is properly ventilated and the oil is allowed to disperse quickly once the diffuser is switched off. Do not diffuse for more than thirty minutes at a stretch. If you are massaging your baby, make sure that you avoid their eyes, nose, mouth and genitals.

If you would like to use essential oils in your baby’s bath, do not use more than two drops into half a cup of milk. Drop this mixture into the bath water and mix. You must also be careful with how your baby behaves in the bath. If they prefer the splash, splash and splash way, do not use essential oils in the bath as they may get the water into their eyes.

Some safe oils that can be used at this stage are:

• Lavender
  
• Chamomile
  
• Frankincense
  
• Sweet Orange
  
• Ravensara
  
• Ylang Ylang
  
• Tea Tree
  

Always perform a patch test before using any essential oils. You want to make sure that they are diluted enough.

6 MONTHS – 2 YEARS

The suggested dilution is 0.5% but you are now allowed to apply the oil all over your child’s chest. This would typically mean that you are using one drop of essential oil to every 10 ml. of carrier oil.

In addition to the oils that you were using between 10 weeks to six months, you can also add the following oils:

• Cedarwood
  
• Begamot
  
• Geranium
  
• Neroli
  
• Helichrysum
  
• Rose Otto
  
• Grapefruit
  
• Palmarosa
  
• Sandalwood
  

2 YEARS – 6 YEARS

The strength of the blend may be increased as the child grows older. A maximum of 2% concentration (which implies four drops to every ten ml. of carrier oils) can be used. I always recommend beginning with 0.5% and then increasing the concentration, only if it is absolutely necessary.

The following oils can be added in addition to the ones that you are already using:

• Benzoin
  
• Basil
  
• Ginger
  
• Clary Sage
  
• Juniper Berry
  
• Lime
  
• Lemon grass
  
• Thyme
  
• Lemon Balm
  
• Sweet Marjoram
  
• Vetiver
  

6 YEARS – 12 YEARS

Once again, the recommended concentration is not more than 2% of essential oil (which means 4 drops of essential oil in a carrier oil).

By now, your child would have formed some definite opinions on the fragrances and scents that they like or do not like. You must try and stick to the oils that they like. It just makes the whole experience of essential oils more pleasant for them. At this stage, you may also add Niaouli, Peppermint or Fennel essential oils to the oils that you are already using.

12 YEARS – 16 YEARS

If required, you can increase the dilution to 3%. This would mean 6 drops of essential oil to 10 ml. of carrier oil. Feel free to add the oils that have been left out. Since one bottle lasts ages, it is not advisable to go overboard with essential oils. At this stage, it is also advisable to get your kids involved in the process of making and labelling their own blends.

16 YEARS AND ABOVE

Now, your child can use essential oils in the same concentration that you would use. This is generally never more than 3% dilution. Also remember that the skin of the face is really sensitive, so do not use a 3% dilution on the face. I always begin with 1% and then increase the concentration of oils if required.

WHEN TO USE OILS?

Before deciding to use an essential oil, you must consider the impact of this oil on the mind and the manner in which it will react to external conditions. An example here is the Rosemary essential oil which is a very strong stimulant and can therefore help your teenager concentrate better. However, this must not be used closer to sleep time as it may stimulate the brain and hamper sleep.

Another example could be the phototoxic oils. These should never be used in skin creams since your child may wear it during the day.

Skin problems are common in children. Essential oils can help in rebalancing the skin. The oils such as Chamomile not only help in fighting the inflammation, but also have amazing analgesic properties.

ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND FOR DRY AND FLAKY SKIN

• 1 drop Lavender oil
  
• 1 drop Chamomile oil
  
• 5 ml. Avocado oil
  
• 20 ml. aqueous cream
  
• Blend well and dab on as and when required
  

ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND FOR ECZEMA

This blend is safe for babies who have passed the age of six months. You may even create a big batch of it and use it for insect bites, scratches, scars, minor burns, etc.

• 5 drops Palm Rosa oil
  
• 5 drops Geranium oil
  
• 5 drops Sandalwood oil
  
• 10 drops Lavender oil
  
• 250 ml. organic aqueous cream
  
• Mix well and use as required
  

ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND FOR DIAPER RASH

• 1-2 drops Lavender essential oil
  
• 1 oz. carrier oil
  
• Blend well and apply to the affected area
  

Or

• 1 drop Roman Chamomile oil
  
• 1 drop Lavender oil
  
• 1 drop whole milk
  
• Add to baby’s bath water and ensure that it does not get into your baby’s eyes
  

ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND FOR HEAT RASH

• 2 drops Lavender oil
  
• 2 drops Chamomile oil
  
• 2 drops Rose oil
  
• 50 ml. Rose Water
  
• Mix all the ingredients, shake well and apply on affected area to relieve discomfort
  

COLD COMPRESSES FOR RELIEVING ECZEMA

The discomfort and itching associated with eczema can be relieved with a cold compress. The process is very simple – choose your oils, add to a bowl of water, soak a clean washcloth in water, wring it out and apply as required. If your child is less than six months old, add a drop of Chamomile oil and a drop of Lavender oil into a bowl full of water and apply.

If your child is above six months of age, add 2 drops of Lavender oil to 2 drops of the below mentioned oils:

• For scaly eczema: Rose oil or Melissa oil
  
• For weepy eczema: Patchouli oil
  
• For infected eczema: Tea tree oil
  
• For inflamed eczema: Chamomile oil
  

ESSENTIAL OIL CREAM FOR PSORIASIS

• 5 drops Myrrh oil
  
• 5 drops Lavender oil
  
• 5 drops Tea tree oil
  
• 10 ml. Borage oil
  
• 10 ml. Avocado oil
  
• 200 ml. aqueous oil
  
• Blend together and apply as required
  

ESSENTIAL OIL COMPRESS FOR BEE STINGS AND SUNBURNS

• 2 drops Chamomile oil
  
• 2 drops Lavender oil
  
• 5 ml. Baking soda
  

Mix the baking soda in water and little water until it forms a little paste. Now, add this in a bowl of icy water. Add the oils and soak a clean washcloth in the mixture for a few minutes. Apply on the affected area to experience instant relief

ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND FOR CHICKEN POX

• 10 drops Roman Chamomile oil
  
• 10 drops Lavender oil
  
• 4 oz. Calamine lotion
  

Dilute the oils in calamine lotion. Mix well and apply all over the body – at least two times during the day.

ESSENTIAL OIL ACNE CLEANSING LOTION

This is suitable for ages 12 and above.

• 7 drops Bergamot oil
  
• 7 drops Lavender oil
  
• 3 drops Tea tree oil
  
• 3 drops Chamomile oil
  
• 15 ml. Glycerin
  
• 75 ml. Distilled water
  
• 25 ml. Witch Hazel
  

Mix all the ingredients and shake well. Pour this mixture into a cotton wool pad and use it to cleanse your face. Do not place too much pressure on the skin. Avoid using this mixture within an hour of going into sunlight as it may cause some sensitivity.

ESSENTIAL OIL ACNE MOISTURIZING CREAM

This is again suitable for ages 12 and above.

• 3 drops Patchouli oil
  
• 3 drops Geranium oil
  
• 3 drops Lavender oil
  
• 25 ml. aqueous cream or sweet almond oil
  
• 5 ml. Helichrysum oil
  

Mix the above mentioned ingredients, shake well and apply daily after cleansing the skin.

ESSENTIAL OIL TREATMENT FOR ACNE SCARS

Once again, this is suitable for ages 12 and above

• 4 drops Chamomile oil
  
• 4 drops Lavender oil
  
• 10 ml. Helichrysum oil
  
• 50 ml. Sweet Almond oil
  

ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND FOR INSECT BITES

• 2 drops Lavender oil
  
• 2 tbsp. fractionated coconut oil
  
• Dilute and apply on each bite.
  

BLEND FOR TEETHING PAIN

• 1 drop Chamomile oil
  
• 1 drop Lavender oil
  
• 20 ml. carrier oil of your choice
  

Mix well and apply to the face, just along the jawline, under the cheekbones and also over the neck. Reapply every two-three hours.

ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND FOR A SORE TUMMY

• 1 drop Dill oil
  
• 1 drop Lavender oil
  
• 20 ml. carrier oil of your choice
  

Mix the above mentioned oils, shake well and gently rub on the abdomen. You may also apply a warm washcloth after application. This can help in soothing the tummy further.

ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND FOR COLIC

• 1 drop Roman Chamomile oil
  
• 1 drop Lavender
  
• 1 drop Geranium
  
• 2 tbsp. sweet almond oil
  

Gently massage over the abdomen to soothe the baby.

ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND FOR DIARRHEA

• 1 drop Ginger oil
  
• 1 drop Lavender oil
  
• 1 drop Geranium oil
  
• 30 ml. carrier oil of choice
  

Blend the above mentioned oils and gently massage over the impacted area. For added relief, after the massage, keep a warm washcloth over the tummy area.

ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND FOR FEVER

• 2 drops Lavender oil
  
• 2 oz. carrier oil of choice
  

Gently massage back, neck, feet and behind their ears.

For children over the age of two, you may add Basil, Bergamot or Lemon essential oil to the above mixture and create a fever reducing blend that can be applied as cold compresses.

ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND FOR EARACHE

• 2 drops of Lavender oil
  
• 2 drops of Malaleuca oil
  

Dilute these oils and apply on a cotton pad. Place the pad on the surface of the ear. Next, hold the pad in its place through a tape. Let the child go to bed.

ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND FOR JAUNDICE

• 1 drop Geranium oil
  
• 1 tbsp. carrier oil
  

Mix and apply all over the liver area.