When used correctly essential oils can offer amazing benefits to our kids.  From helping them to sleep, feel safe and settled to soothing coughs and colds.  But with so much information available how do you know which oils are safe?

As a general rule of thumb it is considered safe to diffuse most essential oils around children from 6 months old (there are a few exceptions to this rule, be sure to read on).  From age 2 onwards is when it's ok to start using essential oils topically.  Diluted to 1% (that's 2 drops of essential oil per 10ml of carrier oil).   

The 2 oils which cause the most disagreement among the professionals are Peppermint & Eucalyptus. 

Let's first talk Eucalyptus.  Rosemary is also an oil that I include here when I talk about Eucalyptus as it has a high 1,8-cineole content also - that's why your Rosemary smells very much like Eucalyptus.  The most popular thoughts around these oils are that is it ok to diffuse in small amounts and as needed, like when your kiddos are all congested.  If you are looking to use these oils topically then do so at a really low dilution of .5% (1 drop per 10ml carrier) ages 2-3 and then 1% (2 drops per 10ml carrier) for ages above 3.

Now for Peppermint.  Peppermint essential oil is one that's best avoided until kids are 3.  At that stage you can introduce peppermint in a diffuser or topically at .5% dilution.

It really does come down to not overdoing it.  Go slow, less is more when using oils, especially with children.  Diffuse for short periods at a time and above all keep an eye of your kids.  If they seem to be having adverse reactions to oils, then please stop using them.  

Some oils that are great to start with for children include:
Lavender
Bergamot
Cedarwood
Sweet Orange
Lemon
Frankincense
Jasmine 
Lime
Neroli
Spearmint
Tea Tree
Vetiver
Patchouli

Happy oiling xx