Kid-Safe Alternatives for Thieves/On Guard

Imagine the scenario. Your four year old spikes a 103 degree fever. Being naturally-minded, you know that fevers are a body’s natural response to infection and usually let them run their course. But your child is so miserable and the fever is getting a little too high for your liking, so you know you need to bring down this fever. So you reach for the…

Adult Ibuprofen and give them two capsules?

NO. OF COURSE YOU DON’T!!!!

You reach for the children’s ibuprofen and give them the correct dosage based on their age and weight. As a parent, you understand that children’s bodies are different and require different remedies to bring their bodies back to balance.

Essential oils are no different. Children resonate well with essential oils, especially gentle essential oils. So when you reach for the strong, harsh essential oils like Thieves on OnGuard, you are actually doing your child a disservice. You are giving them the two adult capsules of ibuprofen rather than the children’s version that is applicable to their age and weight. You can read more about why I don’t recommend Four Thieves type blends for children here.

So, what can you use then?

I’m glad you asked. Here are some great alternatives to Thieves/OnGuard/Similar Essential Oils containing cinnamon bark, rosemary, clove, etc.

My recommendations for the essential oils listed below are to diffuse them with children 2 or older. Other options would be to use with aromatherapy jewelry or an aromastick for children 5 and up. I like to start with inhalation methods and if those aren’t cutting it, then I move towards topical use. But be sure to use a .5-1% dilution ratio. Also be mindful of phototoxicity with the citrus essential oils and the maximum dermal doses noted below. With children under 2, I would contact a professional aromatherapist for guidance.

1. Citrus Essential Oils (Citrus XXX)

   ●D-limonene activates white blood cells

   ●Stimulates immune system

   ●Essential oils high in d-limonene:

   Grapefruit

   Orange

   Tangerine

   Lemon

   Mandarin

   Yuzu

2. Ho Wood (Cinnamomun camphora ct. linalol)

   ●Floral with a sweet woodsy aroma

   ●Derived from wood

   ●Very high in linalool, which stimulates the immune system and has strong activity against some bacteria and fungi

   ●Calms nerves

   ●Tonic to the body- supports and strengthens overall heath

   ●Soothes tension

3. Rosalina (Melaleuca ericifolia)

   ●Warm, earthy, herbaceous aroma

   ●Derived from leaves/twigs

   ●Known as “lavender tea tree”

   ●Better alternative to tea tree due to more pleasing aroma

   ●High in linalool with a touch of 1,8 cineole

   ●Anti-infectious properties

   ●Great for kids’ respiratory issues

4. Thyme ct.linalool (Thymus vulgaris ct.linalool)

   ●Soft ,herbal aroma

   ●Derived from flowers/leaves

   ●Airborne anti-microbial

   ●Stimulates immune system

   ●Gentle yet effective

   ●Caution:1% dilution in topical blend recommended

5. Palmarosa(Cymbopogon martini var.motia)

   ●Fresh, rosy, almost powdery aroma

   ●Derived from grass

   ●Airborne anti-microbial

   ●Immune stimulating

   ●Anxiety-relieving

   ●Caution :maximum dermal dose of 6.5% according to Robert Tisserand