The best season of the year — the preventative season! How can you prepare for flu season?
- Tatiana Cheremnykh
- Aug 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 9
Welcome to the Best Season of the Year — The Preventative Season!
We are just a couple of weeks away from the start of school and the upcoming flu season. Mid-August is the perfect time to begin what is often called “preventative measures” to stay healthy during the winter. In today’s world, it’s easy to see why essential oils have become a top choice for natural wellness, especially for families.
However, when it comes to children, it’s vital to balance their potent antimicrobial benefits with safety considerations. To avoid misinformation, I have summarized some valuable information about children’s immunity and essential oils, along with safe and effective recipes for the entire family during flu season.
Despite the fact that essential oils are very beneficial, when we talk about kids, essential oils may have potential risks. Tisserand explains that oils with strong antimicrobial power—like cinnamon bark, oregano, thyme thymol, clove, and lemongrass—also pose the highest risk for adverse skin reactions. These oils are commonly touted for health benefits, but their potency can harm young, sensitive skin even at low dilutions. Though essential oils are often marketed as “immune-boosting,” Tisserand stresses there is almost no clinical evidence supporting these claims. In young children, excessive or frequent use might actually inhibit normal immune system development, rather than helping it.
Understanding the Immune System: Why Balance is Key
The immune system has two main parts:
Innate (non-specific): This is the first line of defense. It includes barriers such as the skin and immune cells like natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells attack pathogens but can also induce inflammation through interferon-γ. This may potentially lead to an impaired immune response.
Adaptive (specific): This part learns and adapts from exposure to pathogens. Regulatory T cells (T₍reg₎) play a vital role by controlling immune responses to prevent overreaction. Disruption in their development may contribute to autoimmune, allergic, or asthmatic conditions later in life.
Thus, overuse of powerful antimicrobial oils during childhood might interfere with these critical developmental processes.
Safer Alternatives: Essential Oils for Kids
Many essential oils offer antimicrobial benefits without the risk. Options like:
Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini)
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
Lemon (Citrus x limon)
These oils not only combat microbes but also promote rest and relaxation—key factors in recovery.
After reading many studies and older references, I agree with the statement that a child’s immune system continues to develop until around 2 years of age. It is unwise to interfere with something you are not a professional in, even if it is holistic. Therefore, my advice is to use these oils and recipes only for children aged 3 years and older.
I’m sharing with you an amazing book that everyone should read, especially if you have children. The book highlights all the key points and has already been shared with hundreds of people. Please feel free to download it.
Kid-Friendly Essential Oil Recipes
1. Bedtime Diffuser Blend — "Calm & Cozy"
Ingredients:
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - 1 drop
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) - 1 drop
Instructions:
Fill the diffuser with water as per instructions.
Add oils and diffuse for 15 minutes before bedtime, then turn off.
Place the diffuser out of your child’s reach.
2. Terracotta Diffuser — Portable Scent Pods
Ingredients:
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - 1 drop
Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) - 1 drop
Instructions:
Drop oils onto stones or beads.
Place them in a breathable pouch or on a high shelf, out of reach.
3. Gentle Calming Bath Blend — "Relax & Unwind"
Ingredients:
5 mL carrier oil (e.g., jojoba, sweet almond, or coconut)
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - 1 drop
Mandarin (Citrus nobilis) - 1 drop
Instructions:
Mix oil drops into the carrier oil for a ~0.5% dilution.
Add to running warm bath—ensure the oils are fully dispersed.
Let your child soak gently, enjoying the calming aroma for 10-15 minutes. (Important: never drop essential oils directly into bathwater—they sit undiluted on the surface and can cause irritation.)
Feel free to use single oils or create different combinations to see what you and your child will enjoy. And remember — less is more!
If you would like to have individual formulations that are tailored specifically for you and/or your child, you can always book a personal consultation.
Feel free to leave your comments and questions. I will be more than happy to assist you.
References:
Nazzaro, F., Fratianni, F., De Martino, L., Coppola, R., & De Feo, V. (2013). Effect of essential oils on pathogenic bacteria. Pharmaceuticals, 6(12), 1451–1474. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph6121451
Tisserand Institute. (2020). Antimicrobial Essential Oils and Children. Retrieved from https://tisserandinstitute.org/antimicrobial-essential-oils-children/
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Are essential oils safe for children? Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/are-essential-oils-safe-for-children
New Directions Aromatics. (2023). Safe essential oils for kids & how to use them. Retrieved from https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/safe-essential-oils-for-kids-how-to-use-them/
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. (n.d.). Aromatherapy for children: What's safe and what's not. Retrieved from https://www.chop.edu/news/health-tip/aromatherapy-children-whats-safe-and-whats-not
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