Essential oils when used in the purest form can work wonders. I was introduced to the world of essential oils more than a decade ago, and ever since there has been no looking back. Essential oils can be used by and for adults as well as children. When my motherhood instincts became stronger, I started looking for natural ways for my twin boys to avoid any exposure to chemical-laden products.
I started using essential oils for my boys when they were over 4 years old, before that it was limited only to diffusers.
It’s safe to use essential oils topically only after you have done a patch test and mixed it with a carrier oil.
So let me share with you some of my tried and tested DIY recipes and solutions with essential oils that are safe to use for kids.
Before you use any of these remedies, do check if your child is allergic to any of these ingredients.
Essential oils when used the right way and in the right proportions can work in many ways. From inducing a sense of calm, to disinfecting hands and feet, to easing a congestion.
Here are 10 essential oil remedies for kids that you should try. It is safe use essential oils for children above 5 years, if you want to use it topically.
Calming Sleep Diffusion
Make a mix of one drop each of lavender, frankincense and vetiver essential oils with two drops of cedar-wood oil. Add the mix to the diffuser and place outside the child’s room for a good night’s sleep.
If you do not want to use a bend, use therapeutic grade lavender essential oils to relax and soothe the child.
Relaxing Bubbles
Love blowing bubbles? I used to love them when I was a kid. We would compete on who would blow the biggest bubble. Ditch the store ones and make your own bubble mix.
Mix together 1/2 cup glycerine with 25 drops each of lavender and any tangerine essential oils. Combine this with two and a half cups of water and half cup pure liquid castile soap. Pour into a bottle and leave overnight. Use a wand to dip into the solution and blow bubbles.
Scented Play Dough
Play dough is a craze with children. It can keep them occupied for hours together!
Bug Spray
Mix together 15 drops each of citronella oil, cedar wood oil and catnip oil into 50 ml of apple cider vinegar. Once the mixture is uniform, pour it into a spray bottle with 50 ml water and shake to mix.
Spray in the room and close the door for at least 30 minutes to ward the bugs away.
Foot Massage Oil
My boys still love a relaxing foot massage before they sleep. On the weekend, they'll hand me the oil and ask for a massage. A foot massage should be given at least 30 minutes after a meal. A foot massage helps to relax their feet and promotes better sleep.
Mix together 1/4 cup of virgin coconut oil and 20 drops of lavender essential oil. Pour into a glass jar or bottle and massage before bedtime.
Homemade Vapor Rub
I have stopped using the store bought vapour-rub because my boys have sensitive skin. I looked up recipes, made a few improvisations to suit their needs and started making this vapour-rub.
Bug Bite Balm
Got a bug bite, use this simple DIY balm to sooth all insect and bug bites.
Using a double boiler, melt 1 tablespoon organic beeswax and 2 teaspoons cocoa butter till completely liquid. Add 1 teaspoon each of lavender oil and tea tree oil and mix well.
Pour into tubs or tubes and allow to set. Apply on the affected area to soothe the irritation.
Bedtime Body Wash
Does your child love to take a warm shower just before they sleep? A lot of children I know, love doing that. Make a calming bedtime body wash for them.
Pour 1/2 cup of clean water into a jar or bottle. Add 1/2 cup castile soap and 1 teaspoon glycerine, followed by 2 tablespoons coconut oil and 15 drops lavender essential oil. Shake well before use.
Foaming Handwash
What I really love about making my own hand-wash is that I can have a different fragrance every time.
Refreshing Body Spray
Children love fragrances, don't they? Let them have their own refreshing body spray/body mist.
Mix 16 drops of vanilla with 4 drops of orange essential oil and 1/4 cup of witch hazel. Pour into a spray bottle and spray over the body after a bath.
Please remember that while essential oils have health benefits, they are in no way a substitute for medical advice. If your child has a pre-existing medical condition, please check with your paediatrician before introducing essential oils.
(Pratibha Pal spent her childhood in idyllic places only fauji kids would have heard of. She grew up reading a variety of books that let her imagination wander and still hopes to come across the Magic Faraway Tree. When she's not rooting for eco-living or whipping up some DIY recipes to share with her readers, Pratibha is creating magic with social media. You can view her blog at www.pratsmusings.com or reach to her on Twitter at @myepica.)
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