Essential oils for kids have been used for centuries to promote health, relaxation, and overall well-being. In recent years, their popularity has surged as more parents discover the potential benefits these natural extracts can offer for their little ones.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 11 amazing benefits of essential oils for kids and babies. From improving sleep to boosting immunity and everything in between, you’ll discover how these aromatic wonders can enhance your child’s health and happiness. But remember, always consult with a healthcare professional before introducing essential oils to your child’s routine.
So, let’s dive into the captivating world of essential oils for kids and learn how they can become a valuable tool in your parenting journey, providing natural support and a gentle touch for your little ones.
11 Health Benefits of Essential Oils for Kids
Treat cuts, bug bites and burns using essential oil for kids
This is more for kids than babies. Kids are always busy doing something or the other, and they often end up with burns, scraps, cuts, and even bug bites. You can use tea tree oil to treat these problems in kids. Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. If you go to a doctor, he too will prescribe medicines with that has anti-microbial properties. You can use tea tree oil on these areas with some degree of caution.
Cuts, sunburns, blisters
You can use lavender oil and some other essential oils to treat cuts, blisters or sunburns in your kids or babies. However, if lavender causes irritation, you can also use Mandarin instead.
Cure Diaper rash and fungal infections using essential Oil for kids
Babies do suffer from diaper rash. You can use a few drops of tea tree oil to treat diaper rash. It is antifungal and antimicrobial in nature. Add just a few drops of tea tree oil to any unscented baby oil and apply it on the rashes.
Indigestion and spasm
Indigestion and abdominal spasms are common in babies. This causes abdominal pain in them. To sooth the baby’s nerves you can use Dill or Anethum Sowa essential oil. This also has a antispasmodic and calming effect. It can also sooth problems of indigestion.
Certain essential oils like ginger and peppermint can aid in digestion and alleviate symptoms like bloating or stomach discomfort. When appropriately diluted and applied to the abdomen in a clockwise motion, they can offer relief.
Sneezing, runny nose
Sneezing and runny nose are common during winter months. Essential oils such as eucalyptus and tea tree oil have natural decongestant properties. When used in a diffuser or diluted and applied topically, they can help relieve congestion and promote clear breathing. They are also antiviral and antibacterial in nature. Just smelling some eucalyptus oil can be beneficial for your baby or kid.
Inability to sleep
Babies are fussy and sometimes it becomes difficult to make them sleep. The essential oils contained in Lavender have a good relaxing and soothing property. You can make your baby smell some Lavender oil by sprinkling it around its bed. It may feel better and go to sleep, if it is not suffering from any underlying problem.
Essential oils like chamomile have calming properties that can help promote better sleep for kids and babies. Diffusing these oils or using them in a bedtime bath routine can create a soothing atmosphere, aiding in relaxation and sleep.
Essential Oil for kids can cure Colic pain and constipation
Colic pain and pain due to constipation are common in babies. Chamomile oil can be a great alternative for medicines in this respect. It works as a good digestive aid for babies. It also has a soothing effect on the nervous system. So you can use some chamomile oil to alleviate your baby’s abdominal pain.
Certain essential oils like ginger and peppermint can aid in digestion and alleviate symptoms like bloating or stomach discomfort. When appropriately diluted and applied to the abdomen in a clockwise motion, they can offer relief.
Hay fever and asthma
Some babies and kids suffer from seasonal allergies. Such allergies may even trigger asthma or allergic rhinitis. This can be quite painful for your little one. You can use some Rose Otto oil to make your child feel well. You can make him inhale it by infusing the essential oil with its bath water or by sprinkling some of it on its bed.
Mood correction
Fussy children have different shades of mood and they often throw tantrums. Tangerine or mandarin oil can be useful for balancing the mood of such children. These herbs are known to have mood enhancing oils. They can calm down hyperactive or over-stimulated children and alter their mood. Some essential oils, such as citrus oils like lemon and grapefruit, have mood-enhancing effects. Diffusing these oils or using them in a personal inhaler can help create a positive and uplifting atmosphere.
Also Read : The Effect of Orange Essence Aromatherapy on Anxiety in School-Age Children with Diabetes
Sore throat
A Sore throat is a very common affliction not only for babies and kids, but also for adults. It is also very discomforting. You can use some Sandalwood essential oil to alleviate sore throat symptoms of your kid or baby. The baby needs to inhale optimum amount of the oil to get some relief. Sprinkling some sandalwood essential oil on the bed of the baby may work well. You can also infuse some of it in its bath water.
Treat Ear infections with essential oils for kids
Ear infections are very common kids as well as babies. It is also quite painful. So if the baby is crying incessantly and putting his hands on his ears repeatedly, then you may infer that he is suffering from ear ache. St. John’s Wort, a herb, can offer a good remedy for earaches especially due to infections.
Essential oils have numerous benefits in day to day life and can be very useful to your little one. Keep the easily available ones handy at home, so that you can use them at time of need. Remember, when using essential oils for kids and babies, it’s crucial to use them safely and appropriately. Always dilute oils in a suitable carrier oil, perform a patch test, and consult with a healthcare professional or certified aromatherapist for guidance, especially for infants and young children.
References
https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/essential-oils-for-babies#4
Are essential oils safe for babies?
