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Essential Oils For Children: Put Safety First

Essential Oils For Children

Over the years, we’ve seen the popularity of essential oils surge to unexpected levels, particularly now when the fear of the coronavirus is at its highest. Many hardcore enthusiasts of the essential oil movement may even delay their children’s check-ups. Instead, they might choose to experiment with various concoctions of essential oils as a medication to address health issues. While essential oils indeed have benefits for children, it is still best to use them with caution.

Tips for Using Essential Oils on Children

Always keep in mind that children have a higher sensitivity compared to adults. The same is true regarding essential oils. It’s important for parents to know how to use them safely on children, especially concentrated oils. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Don’t Apply Pure Essential Oils Directly on Skin

Applying oils in their full form can burn our children’s skin when applied directly. If you need to apply to the skin, make sure to dilute it within the safe range of 0.5% to 2.5% based on the age and weight of your child. Dilution can be done by mixing the essential oils with carrier oils, lotions, or distilled water.

Don’t Mix Undiluted Oils to Bath Water

While it is nice to bathe our children with essential oils, it is never a good idea to mix it into bath water. Remember, oil and water don’t mix well. Therefore, there is a possibility that the undiluted oils can touch the skin and cause irritation.

Don’t Let Children Swallow Oils

Several reports have shown how some parents would give their children pure essential oils to treat swollen gums or when teething. This is not advisable. Not only will the oils irritate the gums, but children also run the risk of swallowing the oils, which can irritate the esophagus.

Know When to Stop Relying on Essential Oils

Many pediatricians are warning about children exhibiting symptoms late, all because their parents relied too much on essential oils to cure their symptoms. Oils are not a miracle cure that can ease away all of your child’s symptoms. Often, what manifests in their body are signs of an underlying problem. Do not use essential oils as a cure-all.

Use Essential Oils Designed for Children

If you believe in the power of using essential oils, whether it be for diffusion or application, it would be best to stick to brands that have safe dilutions for children like Plant Therapy, which has a KidSafe range that you can choose from.

Check Caution Remarks

Essential oils bought from reliable and trusted sources will often have caution remarks that you can search for. This is why it’s important to do your research before buying one. Always go for a credible company that can assist you should you have any questions about their products.

Keep Essential Oils in a Cool Dry Place

Essential oils must be stored away from direct sunlight, as some of them can oxidize over time. Some enthusiasts will often keep their essential oils inside their refrigerator to extend their shelf life. That said, you should also know the shelf life of essential oils you plan to keep. Also make sure that your oils are out of reach of your children.

Do a Patch Test

Whenever you plan to use new essential oils, make it a habit to do a patch test first to see if your skin will react. If it does, don’t use it on your children. If your skin does not react, do a patch test on your child. Wait at least 24 hours to see if there will be an allergic reaction before reapplying.

When it comes to essential oils, it helps if you can consult an expert before using it on your children. It also helps to attend seminars to learn more about dilution ratios.