It’s been over two years since I began incorporating essential oils into our routine, and since that time we have effectively and comfortably cut all forms of western medicine from our home – no more liver damaging fever reducers or pain relievers! My kids have never been in better health, and I’ve never felt more empowered as a parent!
Before essential oils we faced monthly midnight ER visits and a truckload of medical bills. Today on the rare occasion that my kids do get sick, it is very mild and extremely short lived.
It’s best to start out slowly with a small selection of oils so you don’t overwhelm yourself. The great thing is that most essential oils are useful in a variety of scenarios, so you don’t need to invest a lot of your money right away.
The following 6 essential oils are fairly inexpensive and are trusted ‘essentials’ for your empowered-parent first aid kit :)
Lavender: Lavender is best known for it’s calming properties, but in addition it is also a wonderful tool to have on hand in case of a burn, bug bite, or fever. I absolutely love massaging some lavender into my kids feet at night! It is our special bonding time, and I love knowing that it has strong anti-cancer properties to combat the toxins they come into contact with during the day.
* Sun burn or contact burn – Cover the area in undiluted lavender oil; this will provide pain relief and aid in quicker healing time.
* Bug bite – Cover with 1 – 2 drops lavender oil to reduce itching and inflammation, and to prevent spread of infection.
* Fever – Apply lightly to forehead, temple, and the base of the neck running along the spine.
* Relaxation/sleep – Diffuse in room, spray on pillow case, or rub 1 -3 drops on the bottom of feet.
OnGuard: OnGuard essential oil blend is a powerful immune strengthener and protector. Safe and effective hand sanitizer for my purse, a great air cleanser, and fantastic cough syrup; this oil is good for it all. In two years my children have never been sick during cold and flu season when I have been using OnGuard consistently.
* Hand sanitizer – Purchase a cheap spray bottle from your local drugstore that is small enough to fit in your purse or diaper bag. Fill it almost to the top with water. Add a few drops of fractionated coconut oil, 5 – 10 drops OnGuard ( depending on bottle size ), seal and shake well. Use to sanitize hands, grocery carts, silverware at restaurants, ect.
* Air cleanser – Diffuse in air at least one hour per day, and at least two hours per day during cold and flu season. Be sure to invest in a quality diffuser.
* Cough syrup – In 1/2 cup raw honey, mix in 1 – 2 drops of OnGuard. Adults can enjoy in a warm tea. Consult your holistic practitioner for use with children under two years of age.
* Immune protector – All of the above aid in accomplishing this, but in addition apply 2 – 3 drops to the bottom of the feet and along the spine.
Oregano: Oregano oil is one of the more powerful and ‘forceful’ oils. It works very quickly and efficiently in the body to fight illness or infection of any kind. *Note that oregano is very hot; never apply to the skin undiluted. If your child should ever come into contact with oregano topically, do NOT rinse with water. Apply olive oil or coconut oil to the effected area, or have them drink milk if the mouth needs to be soothed.
* Fever, flu, or signs of infection – Rub feet first with some coconut or olive oil. Next rub on 2 – 3 drops of oregano oil and massage in lightly. This is the best way to get oregano into a child’s system.
* Cough syrup – For children over two years of age, you can add 1 drop of oregano oil to the earlier mentioned mixture of OnGuard honey. For a milder taste, it is best to mix 1 drop of oregano into 1 cup of raw honey. This will not burn, but have a glass of milk on hand, especially if this is the first time you have used this mixture.
* Adults and older children can take 1 – 3 drops at a time via capsule form.
Lemon: Lemon is good for so many things, and to add to it’s positive list, it tastes good too! When you first detect a cough, sore throat, or even for keeping a fever down, lemon is a first aid necessity.
* Cough – you can easily give your child 1 – 3 drops of lemon essential oil in room temperature water to stave off a cough.
* Sore throat – In addition to lemon water for a sore throat, lemon added to the above mention of OnGuard and Oregano cough syrup will knock any sneaky little virus out before it can fully manifest into something more painful.
* Fever – Apply 3 – 4 drops on forehead, temples, and at the base of the neck and along the spine.
Digest Zen: Digest Zen is great because it makes everyone a believer in essential oils within two minutes of use. It brings fantastic immediate relief to a tummy ache, and aids in settling an irritable stomach when experiencing a virus.
* Tummy ache – Dilute by rubbing a little bit of coconut or olive oil on stomach before applying 2 – 3 drops of Digest Zen; massage lightly and let sit.
* Stomach virus/vomiting/diarrhea – Apply to stomach as mentioned above, and apply 1 – 2 drops to feet. Dilute on feet as mentioned if your child has very sensitive skin.
Wild Orange: Your children will love Wild Orange for it’s fun and youthful fragrance! It has powerful antidepressant and uplifting properties, and along with Lavender, OnGuard and Lemon, has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties too. The older child or hyperactive child can benefit from Wild Orange during homework time or car rides as it centers concentration abilities.
* Sick day/sad day – Take a break from diffusing OnGuard to lift the mood with some Wild Orange.
* Concentration/fun – Apply 1 – 2 drops to child’s wrists and use this time to work with them on deep breathing techniques.
