babies & Children
Naturally we want the best for our children-we want them to enjoy good health & to recover quickly when they are ill. The natural remedies are an invaluable aid in supporting children's health, directing the child's enormous energy towards healing & restoring vitality.
Whilst there are many remedies that are safe & suitable even for very young children, care must be taken to ensure that the intended remedy is suitable. Accurate identification of plants, freedom from contamination, appropriate methods of administration & dosage are important factors to consider when choosing a remedy. We advise that any possible exacerbating factors are eliminated from the diet & environment before administering a remedy, if necessary & with care.
You will find information below on herbal remedies, essential oils & aromatic waters recommended doses & how to take them.
The first part deals with herbal remedies - which herbs are considered safe for babies & children, how to prepare them & appropriate doses for the age of the child.
The second part deals with essential oils & aromatic waters.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR BABIES & CHILDREN
ALLERGIES - Chamomile, Elderflower, Plantain
ALOPECIA - Horsetail, Chamomile, Rosemary
APPETITE LOSS - Centaury, Chamomile, Fennel
ANAL FISSURE - Figwort, Calendula
ANXIETY - Lemonbalm, Chamomile, Californian Poppy, Oats
ASTHMA - Hyssop, Cramp Bark, Valerian, Plantain, Elecampane, Coltfoot Flowers (short term use only, for children aged 6yrs & over only), Chamomile, Elderflower
BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS - Oats, Skullcap, Thyme, Chamomile, Licorice (short term use only), Lemonbalm
CHEST INFECTIONS - Echinacea, Plantain, Thyme, Elecampane, Coltsfoot (short term use only, for children aged 6yrs & over only), Hyssop, Angelica archangelica, Ginger
COLIC - Fennel, Chamomile, Dandelion Root, Centaury, Spearmint
COUGH - Hyssop, Coltsfoot (short term use only, for children aged 6yrs & over only) , Elecampane, Licorice (short term use only), Thyme, Wild Cherry, Marshmallow Root
CONSTIPATION - Dandelion Root, Centaury, Chamomile
CONJUNCTIVITIS - Elderflower, Eyebright, Plantain, Echinacea, Chamomile, Cleavers
CRADLECAP - Wild Pansy (internal & topical)
EAR INFECTIONS - Cleavers, Plantain, Elderflower, Eyebright, Echinacea
ECZEMA - Wild Pansy, Plantain, Chickweed, Cleavers, Centaury, Chamomile, Hyssop, Red Clover, Dandelion Root
FEVER - Catmint, Cleavers, Elderflower, Spearmint
HAYFEVER - Chamomile, Elderflower, Plantain
HERPES SIMPLEX - Calendula, Cleavers, Lemonbalm
HEADACHE - Chamomile, Skullcap
IMMUNITY (LOW) - Echinacea, Cleavers, Plantain, Calendula
IMPETIGO - Calendula, Echinacea, Thuja
IBS - Chamomile, Meadowsweet, Dandelion Root
INSECT BITE REACTIONS - Chamomile, Skullcap
MENARCHE - Vervain, Lady's Mantle, Dandelion Root
MOLLUSCUM - Echinacea, Calendula, Cleavers, Thuja
NAPPY RASH - Calendula, Aloe vera gel
POST VIRAL FATIGUE - Chamomile, Echinacea, Angelica archangelica, Milk Thistle, Vervain, Oats, Lemonbalm, St. John's Wort (may cause photo-sensitivity)
SLEEP PROBLEMS - Californian Poppy, Skullcap, Chamomile
TEETHING - Catmint, Chamomile, Figwort, Spearmint
THRUSH - Calendula, Thyme, Pau D'arco, Yarrow
TONSILITIS - Sage, Echinacea, Marshmallow Root, Calendula, Cleavers
UTI - Couch Grass, Cornsilk, Marshmallow Root, Echinacea, Yarrow
The traditional methods for administering internal remedies are water infusions or decoctions (ie herbal teas) & tinctures (alcohol extracts).
Tinctures must be diluted in warm water & both tinctures & herbal teas can be added to other drinks or foods. Most remedies are best taken with food, although some are best taken before food. Buy your remedies from a reputable source & directions for taking them will be available.
Mothers who are breast feeding could try taking the remedy themselves (at the adult dose)
as active constituents are passed into breast milk.
Take the remedy at least 20mins before feeding & not longer than 2hrs before.
Likewise, any exacerbating factors in breast feeding mothers' diets should be eliminated.
The standard ADULT DOSE for most is 1 heaped 5ml teaspoon of dried herb
per cup (250ml) boiling water. Cover the brewing vessel & infuse for 5mins & strain.
This taken 3 times per day. Sweeten with honey or similar if desired.
Age appropriate doses of tea (see below) should be taken from
a cup of infusion prepared in this way, 3 times per day.
The standard ADULT DOSE for most tinctures is 2ml-5ml taken 3 times per day in water.
The table below shows the maximum number of drops of tincture recommended for
children of different ages, the amount of herbal tea for different ages & the percentage of an adult dose that is recommended for each age group.
The amounts recommended for tinctures for children are based upon the adult dose for a particular tincture being 2-5ml 3 times per day.
PREPARATIONS & DOSAGE OF HERBAL REMEDIES
FOR BABIES & CHILDREN
Age % of adult dose
1 month 1.14
2-3 months 2.27
4-5 months 3.41
6 months 4.55
7-8 months 5.68
9 months 6.82
10 months 7.95
11 months 9.09
12-13 months 10.23
14-15 months 11.36
16 months 12.5
17 months 13.64
18-21 months 14.77
22 months 15.91
23 months 17.05
24 months 18.18
2-3 yrs 19.32
3-4 yrs 22.73
5-7 yrs 26.14
8-9 yrs 28.41
10-11 yrs 34.09
12-13yrs 45.45
14yrs 56.82
Age ml of tea taken from 250ml cup 3 times per day
1 month 2.84
2-3 months 5.68
4-5 months 8.52
6 months 11.36
7-8 months 14.2
9 months 17.05
10 months 19.89
11 months 22.73
12-13 months 25.57
14-15 months 28.41
16 months 31.25
17 months 34.09
18-21 months 36.93
22 months 39.77
23 months 42.61
24 months 45.45
2-3 yrs 48.3
3-4 yrs 56.82
5-7 yrs 65.34
8-9 yrs 71.02
10-11 yrs 85.23
12-13yrs 113.64
14yrs 142.05
Age Drops of tincture
3 times per day
1 month 1
2-3 months 2
4-5 months 3
6 months 4
7-8 months 5
9 months 6
10 months 7
11 months 8
12-13 months 9
14-15 months 10
16 months 11
17 months 12
18-21 months 13
22 months 14
23 months 15
24 months 16
2-3 yrs 17
3-4 yrs 20
5-7 yrs 23
8-9 yrs 25
10-11 yrs 30
12-13yrs 40
14yrs 50
AROMATIC WATERS & ESSENTIAL OILS
FOR BABIES & CHILDREN
Essential oils are highly concentrated, fragrant plant extracts of the volatile oil
components of plants.
They are powerful & potent healing remedies when used with respect, acting on a
physical, mental & emotional level.
Aromatic Waters are relative new comers to the Western repertoire.
Traditionally used for many centuries in The Middle East, a few small scale producers in the UK
now supply the herbal medicine community with beautiful, premium quality aromatic waters.
They are gentler than essential oils in their action whilst still having all the therapeutic actions of the essential oils. Because they contain a wider range of the constituents found in the whole plant, they offer a more well-rounded & balanced way of using the properties of essential oils.
Many of the aromatic waters are safe for use internally & externally & have therapeutic & cosmetic actions.
The recommendations for using essential oils with babies & children is somewhat contradictory
& the wise course is always to exercise caution, choose the most gentle option/lowest dose first
& only proceed with stronger remedies if necessary, use the minimum amount required, when introducing
new remedies do so one at a time & do a patch test before using a new remedy topically so as to
ascertain there is no adverse reaction to that particular remedy & seek professional advice
if you need further holistic healthcare support.
Bear in mind that aromatic waters are a recent option in the UK & older sources of reference did not
have access to the range, quality & consistency of supply of aromatic waters that we have now.
Here are some general guidelines:
-
Essential oils must be treated with respect, they must be used with caution & only when necessary.
Ensure the oil is safe for the age of your child & for the method of application used - see table below.
-
Babies & children are highly sensitive to aroma, their thinner skin & immature immune system makes them prone to adverse reactions to & highly susceptible to the effects of the powerful essential oils. Just because essential oils are “natural” does not automatically make them “safe”.
-
Aromatic waters, herb infused base oils (vegetable/carrier oils) or water infusions (teas) of herbs are the
preferred remedies especially for very young children.
-
Babies under 6 months - Several sources recommend that essential oils are not used (topically or inhaled/diffused) with babies before the age of six months due to their thinner skin and immature
immune systems. Instead choose aromatic waters or herbal infusions (oil or water).
-
Babies & children between 6 months & 2yrs - Age appropriate oils may be used in a diffuser or inhaled
at the appropriate dose (inhalation is preferred over diffusion). As always when using essential oils with babies & children, only use essential oils for a specific therapeutic purpose & with caution.
If using a diffuser, use for a short period of time only.
At this age, essential oils may be used topically at the safe dilution for emergency use such as burns,
stings, severe nappy rash, infected wounds. Aromatic waters & herbal infusions are preferred &
essential oils are indicated only if the gentler remedies are not effective.
Use essential oils topically ONLY in extreme circumstances & do not make a habit of it!
-
From 2yrs to 6yrs topical application of essential oils may be used at the appropriate dilution in carrier oil. Again, aromatic waters & herbal infusions are preferred for topical use & essential oils delivered via inhalation/diffusion is the preferred route of essential oil use. Your child’s immune system is still developing at this age & less able to respond to demands placed upon it.
-
From 6yrs to 12yrs adverse reactions, allergic reactions & sensitivities to essential oils both topical & inhaled are less likely. The immune system is developed, as is a thicker skin. Essential oils must still be
used with caution, must be age appropriate & used at a safe dilution.
-
When using essential oils topically avoid using on a child’s face. It is often suggested to massage the feet with young babies rather than the chest and back, for the safest application of essential oils.
Under no circumstances should essential oils be taken internally by children.
-
When selecting an essential oil for your child please research that oil carefully before going ahead to
ensure that you are satisfied it is safe for use via the intended method.
-
Whilst there are differences in the recommendations given by aromatherapists, bear in mind that
YOU are the expert in your child’s particular needs, sensitivities & constitution. If in doubt, err on the side of caution & consult a professional health care practitioner if you need their expertise.
METHODS OF APPLYING ESSENTIAL OILS
INHALATION
The best method for essential oil inhalation for children is to pop drops of essential oil onto
a cotton pad and leave it on a warm radiator to evaporate gently into the room.
Use the quantities recommended for baths.
1 or 2 drops may be put on cotton wool & held under the nose (at a safe distance!)
for easing congestion - see recommendations below for safe decongestant blends.
Aromatic waters may be inhaled for a gentler option
DIFFUSION
Use an electric aromatherapy diffuser or a candle oil-burner.
Add the approrpiate number of drops of oil to 15ml water.
Use the number of drops recommended for baths.
Aromatic water may be used in a diffuser for a gentler option.
SPRITZES
Create a spritz to spray on bedding to help baby sleep at night, to keep them
cool in summer or to ward off insects.
For this, pour 100ml of water or aromatic water into a spray bottle and add:
6 drops of essential oil for babies/for infants use 12 drops/& use 18 drops for children/ & for older children and up to 36 drops.
TOPICAL APPLICATIONS
BATHS & MASSAGE
BATHS
When using essential oils in the bath make sure to mix them thoroughly into a water soluble dispersant
such as honey or milk (dairy/goat/nut/oat), salt or unfragranced natural liquid soap or bath foam, or bicarbonate of soda, before adding the mixture to your child’s bath water.
See table below for amounts of essential oils to use.
Aromatic waters may be added to baths for a gentler option.
MASSAGE
For massage use the number of drops of essential oil given in the table below in 30ml of base oil
such as apricot kernel oil & then use this diluted oil mixture to massage your child - use the
minimum amount of massage oil blend necessary.
When choosing a base oil bear in mind that children with nut allergies may also be allergic to
nut oils such as sweet almond, hazelnut & coconut.
Topical application can also be done via direct application of an undiluted aromatic water.
TABLE OF AGE APPROPRIATE OILS & DILUTIONS
The number of drops in the table below refers to the total number of drops in 30ml base oil or
in the bath & NOT the number of drops of each oil.
Essential oils marked with * must be used at a lower concentration than other oils - the maximum
number of drops for these oils to be used in 30ml base oil is shown in brackets after each oil.
Do NOT use the oils marked * in the bath.
I include the recommendations from Robert Tisserand & Valerie Worwood & Lea Harris, certified clinical aromatherapist & author of “Using Essential Oils Safely"
WORWOOD
From 24hrs INHALED & TOPICAL
1 drop in 30ml base oil
Lavender, Chamomile Roman,
Chamomile German, Yarrow, Dill
2-6 months INHALED & TOPICAL
3-5 drops in 30ml base oil
All the above plus:
Mandarin, Coriander, Neroli
6-12 months INHALED & TOPICAL
3-5 drops per 30ml base oil
BATH 1 drop in dispersant
All the above plus:
Palma rosa
Calendula
Grapefruit
Tea tree
1yr-5yrs INHALED & TOPICAL
5-10 drops per 30ml base oil
BATH 1 drop per yr of age in dispersant
up to max 3 drops per bath
All the above plus:
Ginger @ one third dose of other oils
5-7 yrs INHALED & TOPICAL
5-12 drops in 30ml base oil
BATH 3 drops in dispersant
All the above plus:
the following @ one third dose
of other oils:
Ginger, Peppermint (6yrs)
Nutmeg, Benzoin, Thyme,
Hyssop, Clary sage, Geranium
7-12 yrs INHALED & TOPICAL
5-15 drops in 30ml base oil
BATH 7yrs-10yrs 4 drops in dispersant
10yrs-12yrs 5 drops in dispersant
All the above plus:
the following @ one third dose
of other oils:
Fennel, Frankincense, Cypress, Basil
TISSERAND
3-6 months INHALED & TOPICAL
1-2 drops per 30ml base oil
Lavender, Chamomile Roman,
Chamomile German,Yarrow, Dill
6 months-2yrs INHALED & TOPICAL
5 drops per 30ml base oil
BATH 1 drop per yr of age in dispersant
All the above plus:
Bergamot*(2.4), Carrot seed,
Cedarwood*(2.5),
Cinnamon bark (inhalation only),
Cinnamon leaf*(3), Citronella*(2), Cypress, Coriander, Fir needle, Geranium, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Lemon (inhalation only), Mandarin, Neroli, Palma rosa, Petitgrain,
Pine*(3), Ravensara, Rosalina, Rose otto, Sandalwood, Spruce, Sweet orange, Sandalwood, Tea tree,
Ylang ylang (inhalation only)
2yrs-6yrs INHALED & TOPICAL
20 drops per 30ml base oil
All the above plus:
Lemon basil, Sweet basil, Benzoin, Black pepper*(5), Cassia (inhalation only), Clary sage Clove bud/leaf* (3), Cocaipa balsam, Frankincense, Garlic (inhalation only),
Ginger*(5), Hyssop, Juniper, Lemongrass*(2), Lime, Melissa, Myrrh, Oregano, Sweet marjoram, Patchouli, Spearmint, Lemon tea tree, Thyme*(7.8), Turmeric, Lemon verbena, Vetiver, Valerian, Ylang ylang
6yrs-10yrs INHALED & TOPICAL
5-12 drops in 30ml base oil
All the above plus:
Cajeput, Cardamom*(5), Corn mint,
Fennel sweet & bitter*(10), Bay Laurel, Marjoram (Spanish), Niaouli, Nutmeg*(5), Peppermint, Sage,
Star anise*(10.5)
OVER 10yrs INHALED & TOPICAL
Most other essential oils that are
safe for adults.
Eucalyptus & Rosemary may be used from
this age onwards.
HARRIS
6 months-2yrs INHALED ONLY
Bergamot, Black Pepper, Blue Tansy,
Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Copaiba,
Coriander, Cypress, Frankincense,
German Chamomile, Geranium, Ginger,
Grapefruit, Juniper Berry, Helichrysum,
Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Marjoram (Sweet), Neroli, Palmarosa, Patchouli,
Petitgrain, Pines -except Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa), or Huon Pine (Dacrydium franklinii)
Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood,
Siberian Fir Needle, Spearmint, Spruces,
Sweet Orange, Tangerine, Tea Tree,
Vetiver
2 yrs-6 yrs INHALED & TOPICAL
1-2 drops per 30ml base oil
All the above may be
inhaled & taken topically
6yrs-10yrs INHALED & TOPICAL
30 drops in 30ml base oil
All the above
PHOTO-TOXIC OILS
Many of the citrus oils can cause photo-toxicity when used topically (sensitive/irritated/burnt/inflamed skin when exposed to sunlight) for up to 48hrs after application.
Sweet Orange, Tangerine & Mandarin are NOT photo-toxic, nor are steam distilled lemon & furanocoumarin-free Bergamot. Child safe citrus oils & the number of drops which can be used in 30ml base oil before they become photo-toxic are:
Bergamot 1 drop, Lime (cold pressed) 4 drops, Orange, bitter 8 drops.
Lemon (cold pressed) 12 drops, Grapefruit 24 drops
DECONGESTANT OILS
The oils commonly used as decongestants-Eucalyptus, Rosemary & Peppermint
should NOT be used for children.
Peppermint may be used from 6yrs onwards.
Eucalyptus & Rosemary may be used from 10yrs old onwards.
The following blend of oils is for children from 6 months old for inhalation & may be used as a
chest rub or in the bath if necessary using the dosages & methods in the table above.
8 drops total of 1 or more of Fir, Pine, Cypress, Spruce, Juniper
plus
7 drops total of 1 or more of Sweet Orange, Grapefruit, Tangerine
plus
5 drops total of 1 or more of Clove, Cinnamon Leaf, Cedarwood
Use this blend to dispense the appropriate number of drops as outlined in the table above.
can be used as a gentle & anti-inflammatory decongestant inhalation for children.