Historic use
First, parents who are new to essential oils should know that essential
oils and plant parts have been used for centuries to promote wellness,
and are not a new fad or trend, but a tried and true solution for many of
life’s everyday problems. Families in ancient Egypt used plant extracts
and oils for everything from cooking and beauty treatments to embalming
and religious ceremonies. For centuries, families in China have continued
practices that promote wellness by using plant extracts and materials.
Plant extracts and oils were a major staple in the households of ancient
Rome, as plant parts were used for their fragrance and calming properties.
After centuries of safe use, parents can rest easy knowing that essential
oils have been proven safe and effective time and time again.
Essential oils are likely in many of
the products you already use
Because essential oils are naturally occurring compounds found in
plants, they are a popular ingredient for many commercial products.
Essential oils are often used in perfumes, soaps, candles, lotions, and
skincare products to add fragrance. Due to their powerful purifying
properties, essential oils are also frequently added to cleaning agents
and products. Chances are, you most likely already have products
in your home that contain essential oils. The benefit of using pure
essential oils on their own is that it allows you to avoid the harmful
toxins and chemicals that are often added to household products.
In addition to commercial products, essential oils are also found in
many of the foods that we regularly eat, because they are taken from
plants. Small amounts of essential oils can be found in many of the
fruits and plants that are a part of our regular diets. This means that
our bodies are already equipped to process essential oils when taken
internally. Although the essential oil internal dosage for a child is far
less than that of an adult, your children have most likely already been
exposed to small amounts of essential oils through their diet and other
household products.