A quick and easy guide for getting started with essential oils.
More and more people are using essentials oils these days. For uses ranging from making the home smell good, to cancer prevention and treatment, they are becoming integral for many in order to promote wellness, heal, and support a healthy lifestyle. They can support various aspects of our mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. I began using essential oils almost ten years ago, but they have been around for thousands of years. I’ve used them for myself and for my family for a variety of different reasons, including during pregnancy and with my daughters when they were babies.
There are hundreds of books out there sharing the origins, uses, benefits, contraindications, etc. of essential oils. As a quick and easy introduction, below you will find:
- 1. The five safest and most common oils to use for yourself and your family.
2. Simple ideas for how to use these oils to improve your family’s overall well-being.
Not all essential oils are created equal. Before buying an essential oil, do some research. It’s important to buy “therapeutic” essential oils from a reputable brand.
Many oils have added chemicals and/or fillers and are mass-produced under high heat—destroying the therapeutic properties. Be sure to buy essential oils that have been gently produced and that are free of unwanted ingredients. Three reputable brands to consider are Young Living, dōTERRA and Edens Garden.
Oils can be used in a variety of ways. Essential oils can be added to your first aid kit and essential travel kit. You can use them in cooking, cleaning, or by diffusing oils into the air—the options are endless. The most common way to use essential oils is to put them onto your skin, either alone or with a carrier oil or lotion (depending on the oil). Lavender, for example, is a very gentle oil that can be put directly onto the skin. However, some oils are stronger and could lead to skin irritation, therefore it’s best to mix a few drops with a carrier oil, such as coconut, avocado or grapeseed oil. The biggest thing to remember when using essential oils is that a little bit goes a long way. One drop can be plenty, especially for children.
Five oils that are safe to use for children and supportive for the entire family:
Lavender—Calming, promotes sleep and rest, perfect for the evening.
Rub one drop of lavender on the soles of the feet before bed to promote sleep and relaxation.
Chamomile—Calming and relaxing, great any time of the day. Diffuse in the play room or study room to clean the air and help promote calm and focus. Can also be applied to the bottoms of feet before bed as part of your family’s bedtime routine.
Lemon—Uplifting, cleansing and purifying, mix with orange for an additional citrus lift. Boost your mood and cleanse the air by diffusing lemon essential oil. A great addition to your morning routine.
Sweet Orange—Energizing and uplifting, especially in the morning or afternoon. Place one drop into your palm and rub your hands together vigorously. Cup your palms over your nose and take three to five deep breaths. You can also combine with lemon in a diffuser for an uplifting and energizing scent.
Eucalyptus—Rejuvenating and refreshing, especially good for the sniffles. Use one or two drops in a diffuser to help ease cold or flu symptoms. Best to use for children ten years of age and older. (Use in moderation.)
As with anything, be your own guide. Do what feels best for you and your family, and leave the rest. Experiment with different oils, and use the ones you find to be the most helpful and effective.
Once you delve into the world of essential oils, you’ll realize how much they can do to support you and your family. We have only scratched the surface. If you are interested and excited about essential oils, I recommend looking at the resources offered by the companies listed in this article. They have excellent information, resources and guides.
Each of the companies listed above has oils, oil blends and information specifically for children. If you have any questions or would like to contact me, please find my contact information below.
Kristy S. Rodriguez, pre- and postnatal wellness expert and advocate, is the owner and founder of Pure Nurture, LLC, a business devoted to educating and inspiring women to nurture and nourish themselves through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. As a Holistic Health Coach and Registered Yoga Teacher specializing in pre- and postnatal wellness, Kristy works with individual clients, as well as teaching classes and workshops, both in person and online. Connect with her at info@purenurture.com or on Instagram and Facebook.
