When my children were little, they had a lot of colds. For a couple of years, we spent a lot of time in the doctor’s office. Each illness would turn into a nasty secondary infection, usually in the ears. Once, my youngest had bacterial pneumonia, which required yet another round of antibiotics.
Finally, I started researching why they were so unhealthy. Some of it, I’m convinced, had to do with the fact I was feeding them unhealthy processed foods, which I ate myself during my pregnancies.
Then I began researching the connection between mainstream medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. The two are so intertwined that they can’t be separated. Disgusted that so much of what we call “healthcare” is driven by corporate interests, I turned to alternative medicine.
I began using natural cold remedies for children, with much better results. At the same time, I got rid of the processed foods and replaced them with whole foods. Eventually, my children didn’t look as sick. Even better, we were able to break the cycle of antibiotics.
Please understand that I’m writing this from the perspective of a mother who used natural remedies on her own children. This article is not intended to substitute for your pediatrician’s advice. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider with any questions, or before using essential oils on your children.
Essential Oils for Children’s Colds
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We used homeopathy, digestive enzymes and, at times, herbal remedies to support our children’s weakened bodies. What we didn’t have back then, though, were essential oil formulas designed to support the body during an infection. Aromatherapy, I’m convinced, would have helped tremendously. But my children were born in the 1990’s. This was before essential oils were rediscovered. Even though they’ve been safely used for thousands of years, to treat a wide range of problems, they didn’t become really popular again until about 10 years ago.
Many essential oils are known to have germ-fighting compounds. This makes them useful for when you have a cold, or you’ve come down with the flu. Aromatherapists, who observe how these oils affect people, also believe these highly concentrated plant extracts can stimulate our immune systems. Certain oils, such as cypress, can also help us breathe better when our airways are congested.
Now, because aromatherapy has become so popular, you’ll find a growing number of companies offering aromatic blends, designed just for children. Many experts say not to use essential oils on babies and children younger than two. That’s because they are highly concentrated, and too strong for a little body to handle.
Essential Oils for Congestion in Children
One of my favorite essential oil companies, which I order from regularly, is Plant Therapy. This family-run business, based in Idaho, offers a line of aromatics just for children. These are called KidSafe Synergy blends, and there’s a special one just for upper respiratory infections.
Plant Therapy is a company I know and trust. The recipes in this KidSafe line were developed by essential oil guru Robert Tisserand. He is one of the most knowledgeable aromatherapist alive today. All of this company’s oils are 100 percent pure and have no added chemicals. They are not sold by a multi-level marketing operation.
Although KidSafe Immune Boom Synergy Blend shown here is designed for children aged 2 through 10, it contains oils that can also be used for adults, as well as teenagers. This is a full-strength oil, so make sure to dilute it as recommended. Plant Therapy suggests a dilution of 3 to 5 percent, to be placed in a carrier oil before massaging it on the chest, or the bottoms of the feet.
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I very rarely recommend MLM oils, because excellent products are available elsewhere. Because I use essential oils everyday, I’m very interested in where they come from. I also like to tell my readers that a number of very good sources exist, independent of the MLM networks.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. People with health concerns should discuss them with a doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use herbal remedies, unless under the direction of a health care professional.
I’m not a healthcare professional, so all of the above statements are my personal opinion, and are not intended as medical advice.
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