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 can be allergic to any of these ingredients.

[amazon_link asins=’B00T930JNC,B01FG3PZOG,B06XD7VV2S’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’pratsm-21′ marketplace=’IN’ link_id=’f859f7b9-9fb6-11e8-9f33-c956a0bd700a’]

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 11 essential oil remedies for kids that you should try!

10 Essential Oil Remedies for Kids

I have listed some essential oil remedies for kids. It is safe use essential oils for children above 5 years, if you want to use it topically.

1. 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.

2. Bug Spray

Mix together 15 drops each of citronella oil, cedarwood 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.

[amazon_link asins=’B01MTCNAIM,B07BBN6JYL,B00TOH624I’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’pratsm-21′ marketplace=’IN’ link_id=’ede00374-9fb8-11e8-b2c8-87557b7aba13′]

3. 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 glycerin 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.

4. 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. Take 1/2 cup virgin coconut oil, 10 drops each of Eucalyptus Oil, Peppermint Oil, Lemon Oil and Lavender Oil.  Blend the ingredients using a small hand mixer till it begins to thicken a bit. Store in an airtight container, preferably a glass jar. Store in a cool, dry place.

5. Scented Play Dough

Play dough is a craze with children. It can keep them occupied for hours together! To make your own scented play dough, mix together 1/2 teaspoon each of lavender and lemon essential oils along with three tablespoons of jojoba oil and 1 cup of water and food coloring (optional). Mix 4 cups flour and one and a half cups of salt in a separate bowl. Add this to the liquid and knead to a dough till smooth. Store in the fridge.

6. 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.

[amazon_link asins=’B0794P965V,B01085BJPG,B00SYDW38M’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’pratsm-21′ marketplace=’IN’ link_id=’61dca958-9fb8-11e8-94fe-571e96f062ad’]

7. 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.

Want to read more? Head over to Quint Fit to read the rest of the post.

Please remember that while essential oils have health benefits, they are in no way a substitute for medical advice. If your baby is premature or has a preexisting medical condition, please check with your pediatrician before introducing essential oils.