Essential Oils & Children- Fever
11:16 AM Posted by jo
A fever is a natural response by the body and is valuable in fighting infectious diseases. However, neurological damage can occur if the fever rises too high. Dr. Sear's has good information about fever and when it is time to take your child to the doctor. Remember to use good judgement and don't hesitate to seek medical help when you think it is needed. This information is not meant to prescribe or diagnose, it is only for information and education purposes only.
I don't bring out essential oils at the first sign of fever
As long as the fever is moderate I let the fever do the job it was meant to do for a few hours before I apply the essential oils. However, there were times when I applied the essential oils almost right away. One time my daughter was extremely hot and she didn't want to drink anything, and she felt really bad. I made her a compress and applied frequently to her forehead and successfully brought down the fever. You have to use your own judgement since each child is different, so don't hesitate to take your child to the doctor when sick.
How may essential oils help?
Essential oils are very cooling, and especially peppermint has historically been used for fever control. However, peppermint is not suitable for young children and should be used in a diffuser only. Other oils historically known to lower body temperature are lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus, basil and bergamot. This dilution chart will explain what oils are suitable for your child's age.
What do the experts say:
Historically aromatic compresses have been very useful in fevers but should not be used in children younger than three years old. The sponging technique has traditionally been used for high fever and according to Cooksley, can also be used on younger children. For severe feverish conditions, Worwood recommends wrapping the baby in a cool sheet that has been soaked in essential oil water.
Valerie Gennari Cooksley, suggests this compress:
Aromatic Compress (not to be used on children under three without advise from health care practitioner)
1 cup of ice water
1 drop eucalyptus oil
3 drops lavender
wash cloth
bowl
Add the water to a bowl. Add the essential oils and swish around to mix, soak the wash cloth and wring it out so it doesn't drip. Apply on the forehead, and reapply the compress once it is warm.
She also suggests this:
Aromatic Sponging
basin of tepid water
2 drops of chamomile oil
washcloth or sponge
Fill the basin with water and add the essential oils. Mix around, and soak the cloth or the sponge in the water. Make sure that the feverish child is lying on a towel. Starting from the neck down and sponge the body and re-soak the sponge as needed.
According to Worwood, for acute fevers, 10 drops of eucalyptus, Roman chamomile, and/or lavender can be used for the aromatic sponging.
Another benefit of using the essential oils when your child has fever is that they have other unique therapeutic properties that enhance the healing process. Oils like lavender and chamomile are very calming, and eucalyptus has powerful immune and respiratory actions.
Before you leave:
I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.
Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.
Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
- Topical Application
- Inhaling Essential Oils
- Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
- How to Dilute Essential Oils
- Vita Flex Technique
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.
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This post is linked up to
WFMW. , Eco-Kids Tuesday
