Essential oils are concentrated extracts from plants and flowers. The oils can be caustic, and you must always dilute them before using them on your skin. An infant’s skin is more sensitive than an adult’s skin, and you should avoid applying essential oils to an infant’s skin, even if diluted. The best way to use essential oils for nasal congestion in infants is in the form of a vapor. Essential oils of eucalyptus, peppermint, ginger and clove are all effective against nasal congestion, according to Valerie Anne Worwood, author of “The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy.”
Step 1
Use an eye dropper to put 10 drops of the essential oil of your choice onto a facial tissue. Place the tissue in your infant’s crib where he can’t reach it, such as under the bottom sheet or in the top corner.
Step 2
Run a hot shower and add 20 drops under the stream of water. Sit with your child in the steamy bathroom so he can inhale the steam. Add more essential oils as needed.
Step 3
Place an electric potpourri pot in your infant’s room. Put it in an area close to her crib, but out of her reach. Add 10 to 20 drops of the essential oil to the pot to disperse the vapor throughout the room.
Step 4
Add 10 drops of essential oil to a room vaporizer with a medicine cup for inhalants. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions concerning the amount of inhalant to add to the cup and substitute that amount with water and 10 drops of essential oil.
Step 5
Use an electronic essential oil vaporizer. These devices are available online from aromatherapy suppliers. Use the device per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Tips and Warnings
- If the essential oil comes in contact with your infant's skin, flush the area with cool water. Contact your physician if the nasal congestion is accompanied by fever or wheezing, or if your infant is pulling at his ears or has swollen tonsils
Things You'll Need
- Essential oil, your choice
- Eye dropper
- Facial tissue
- Electric potpourri pot
- Room vaporizer
- Essential oil vaporizer
References
- Mayoclinic.com: Common Cold in Babies
- “The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy”; Valerie Ann Worwood; 1991
- "The Herbal Drug Store"; Dr. Linda White et al.; 2000
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