Natural Cold Remedies for Kids
For some reason, I failed to turn to my aromatherapy kit when our colds struck…perhaps it was all the snot in my head, impairing my thoughts. But whatever the case, Stefan recommended that I mix something up for Mack a few days ago, at the tail-end of her cold…and I really wish I had thought of doing that earlier.
I mixed up a great essential oil blend that had incredible effects. Mackenzie was starting to get a pretty nasty cough and I was starting to think a trip to the doctor would be required…but since we started rubbing her chest with massage oil containing this blend, she hasn’t coughed once. And no coughing during the night at all which was a bit problem the few days before.
The following is an essential oil blend which you can use in baths, on tissues, in massage oil and for inhalation. You only need fractions of drops of essential oils to treat kids so I always create the blend first, bottle it and then mix up what I need as I go. I mixed a few nights worth of massage oil at once and I’m sure it will last until this cold is fully gone…and hopefully I won’t be needing the rest of the mix for a long while!
This natural cold remedy is for symptoms like runny or stuffed up noses, congestion, cough and fever. Ingredients like lavender and neroli were included to help encourage sleep and I have been putting it on her chest before naps and bedtime, but you can put it on at every diaper change if symptoms are more severe. And if anyone in your house comes down with a cold, don’t forget to disinfect the air with your homemade germ-killing spray.
Please notice that the milder forms of eucalyptus and thyme are used. Do NOT substitute regular eucalyptus or thyme essential oils in their place when making this blend for children. The oils are far too powerful for small kids.
Natural Cold Remedies Essential Oil Blend
- 10 drops eucalyptus radiata
- 5 drops lavender
- 5 drops tea tree
- 5 drops neroli
- 2 drops thyme linalol
Combine the ingredients in a small bottle or bowl. Keep in an airtight glass amber-colored bottle.
Using the Natural Cold Remedies Blend
Baths — Dilute the blend into your favorite carrier oil before putting into the bath water. The full teaspoon of oil plus the drops of blend can be used in the bath water. If you’re making this for a newborn (<2 months old) mix 1 drop blend in 2 teaspoons carrier oil and use only 1/2 teaspoon of the carrier oil mixture in the bath.
- 2-18 months old — 1 drop blend in 1 teaspoon carrier oil
- 18 months – 3 years — 2 drops blend in 1 teaspoon carrier oil
- 3-6 years — 3 drops blend in 1 teaspoon carrier oil
- 7-11 years — 4 drops blend in 1 teaspoon carrier oil
- 12+ years — 5 drops blend in 1 teaspoon carrier oil
Baby Massage — Rub into the upper chest and back at each diaper change: 2 teaspoons carrier oil plus 1 drop of the cold blend. Be sparing with the oils.
Scented Tissue — Put a couple drops on a tissue or handkerchief and encourage your child to sniff it to help relieve symptoms. If there are colds going around your child’s school, this is a great way to help your little one fight off the germs without having to avoid classmates and germs.
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6 Responses to “Natural Cold Remedies for Kids”
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- Dear Mackenzie: 16 months old and counting | No Ordinary Homestead - [...] (which was adorable). You were sniffling and drooling all over the place but thankfully the natural cold remedy massage ...
- Natural Remedies for Baby & Kiddie Colds | Natural Mama - [...] Natural Cold Remedies for Kids [...]
- 10 Natural Remedies We Use Often | No Ordinary Homestead - [...] I really love this natural cold remedy for kids. It is my go to blend when Mackenzie starts sniffling ...
- Natural Cough Remedies for Kids | No Ordinary Homestead - [...] is suffering from usual cold symptoms (runny nose, congestion, cough, fever), you can also use the natural cold remedy ...
Tiffany is an American who has been living in Germany with her husband since 2001. The two are self-proclaimed "Self-Reliant Yuppies" who are in their early-30's and bought an 1830's farmhouse several years ago, which they have been turning into a more sustainable and green dream house. Two cats, a Newfie and their 2 year old daughter enjoy the adventure with them. Tiffany enjoys cooking, rock climbing, lux-camping trying to turn her black thumbs green and taking road trips. Visit the 
What kind of carrier oil do you use? A good organic almond oil or olive oil or something else? I just ordered all the oils, and I can’t wait to give it a try!
.-= Jentry´s last blog ..The most awesome nose sucker =-.
I usually use jojoba…partially because it has a really long shelf life and because I have it open. Almond oil and grape seed are also great carriers though. Olive is also ok but I find it goes rancid pretty quickly. Hope you have great success with the oils. I’m all lavendered up today since my dog decided to take me for a walk earlier. Not so nice.
Great suggestion! My baby has gotten several colds this year and I’ll have to try this. Thanks!
This is great! I has just talking to my ayurvedic therapist and she has been giving me some great natural remedies for our family. I have never really tried a lot of natural stuff before but we have been trying hard to maintain a healthy more natural lifestyle.
So glad you’re enjoying it. I started getting into aromatherapy about 10 years ago, but got more serious about it in the last 4 or so. It’s amazing what you can do with essential oils and even fresh herbs. I am fascinated by the way the body responds to something that seems so simple.
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