May – Kids & Essential Oils
In May, we will be talking about KIDS AND ESSENTIAL OILS. Essential Oils are such a blessing in the lives of children — and in the lives of those who care for and love them! I can’t imagine raising my family without the blessings of essential oils and other natural remedies. This month we will be talking about some of my favorite oils, herbs, blessed waters, and more. See the full list of topics.
In This Issue
NEW Junior Blends
BBL & EO Special
Grab N’ Go Blessed Water Kit
May’s Six Oils
The Featured Blend – LeUnity
The Featured Singles – Yarrow
Glycerin Tinctures
The Featured Carrier Oils – Arnica & Calendula
The Featured Kits – Happy Kiddo Kit & First Response Kit
Junior Blends
In addition to the blends that were created for children (but often loved by adults), Butterfly has re-formulated three of their most popular blends in a Junior version for use on children. I have used the originals on my children and grandchildren for years. These Junior versions have been formulated with less Birch and Wintergreen so they do not require a child-resistant cap. Adults are loving these new blends so I recommend that you try both.
LeBreezey Jr. utilizes the properties of peppermint in place of much of the birch in the original formula. It has a very similar aroma to that of the original LeBreezey.
LeBreezey Jr., besides being very effective in times of illness, is an excellent respiratory tonic and immune stimulant. The inclusion of Ravensara oil creates viral fighting and tissue-rebuilding properties, especially for the lung and bronchial tissues. This blend should also be tried for colds, asthma, allergies, sinus congestion, and flu. LeBreezey Jr. makes an excellent muscle relaxant and pain reliever when you don’t have anything else.
LeDeeper Jr. contains less birch and wintergreen than the original LeDeeper formula. It has higher amounts of eucalyptus, fir, peppermint, and spruce. The junior version has a similar aroma to the original, with the junior being a bit more mellow.
LeDeeper Jr. contains penetrating, anti-inflammatory oils which aid in relieving pain that is deep in the tissues and nerves. It is useful for injuries where there is bruising and/or nerve damage. Brings relief from premenstrual and menstrual cramps.
One of my favorite ways to use this oil is for sports injuries. Several of my girls dance and it works well for tired or overworked muscles.
LePaine Jr. does not contain as much birch as the original formula. Peppermint has been used in place of the birch along with other minor adjustments to keep the synergy of the blend.
LePaine Jr. promotes quicker healing by bringing oxygen to the injured area and increasing circulation. LePaine Jr. is anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and calming to nerves. This essential oil blend can be used for sciatica, bone pain, arthritis, sports injuries, muscle spasms, torn ligaments, headaches, osteoporosis, bone spurs, bursitis, back pain, and bruising. LePaine Jr. contains essential oils that make it useful as a muscle relaxant and as a respiratory oil.
Butterfly Express LLC has, over the years, created several blends that are particularly effective with children. These blends were usually created ‘one grandchild at a time’ and are among my personal favorites for use with children. By clicking on this link you can see a list of blends recommended for children. This is in no way meant as a complete list of oils you can use with children. I have used most of the Butterfly blends and singles with my children. You should avoid hormone-balancing oils with children.
BBL & EO Special
The herbal preparation EO, made by Butterfly Express LLC, contains almond oil, calendula, mullein, usnea, white willow, and garlic essential oil.
EO is a very soothing, healing, and infection-fighting recipe. The combination of herbs and garlic infused into almond oil is an excellent preventative measure to keep ear infections at bay. It also works well at the onset of an ear infection. Warm and place 3–5 drops in the ears. If an ear infection does occur, use EO frequently to kill the bacteria and viruses causing the infection. Constant use of EO does not seem to create a “build-up” in the ear. In fact, it seems to loosen the “gunk” that may be causing some of the drainage problems in the first place.
Recently, my 4-year-old kid put a piece of wood in her ear. We got out our ear camera and discovered that she had tons and tons of black wax in her ear. We were able to get the wood out by rinsing the ear with warm water but I was concerned about the amount of wax. My initial plan was ear candling. However, every time I tried to candle her ears she complained that it hurt. I hesitate to candle kids’ ears so I decided to warm up EO and put it in her ears every night. It took about two weeks but the wax is mostly gone now. I did not use the BBL because she was not complaining of any pain.
BBL is amazing for earaches. Kids will ask for it after the first time because of how fast it offers them relief. It needs to be warmed up. I like to do this by putting the bottle in a glass of hot water until it feels neither hot nor cold when a drop is placed on the wrist. I also prefer to place the BBL in the ear before the EO. EO, being an oil, can create a barrier making it hard for the body to absorb the BBL. BBL is never used without EO because by itself it has no infection-fighting properties. Its role is in pain relief while other things take care of the infection. Do not use the glycerin BBL in the ears.
Some people find ear candling on a routine basis helps to remove or loosen ear wax. I have found that ear candling can be helpful with mild hearing loss caused by wax build-up in the ears. When enough wax builds up, it can be like wearing earmuffs. The removal of the wax will help reverse the hearing loss. In the case of hearing loss, I like to follow up with BBL in the ear in case there is any nerve damage that may be repairable.
About five years ago I wrote a blog on earaches. You can read it here.
Grab N’ Go Blessed Water Kit
The remedies in the Grab N Go Blessed Water Kit affect a wide range of symptoms and body systems. It would be helpful in any state of disaster or emergency. It’s part of the ‘Complete Grab N Go Kit’ and deals energetically with injuries, illnesses, and emotional stress when the help of a medical professional may not be readily available. It’s a wonderful addition to any first aid or preparedness kit.
These are some of the most loved and popular blessed waters. If I were just starting to use blessed waters with my children, I would start with these. This is also an excellent kit to grab for day trips, camping trips, or family vacations.
If you would like to read a bit about each of the remedies in this kit, please click here.
In may we have six blends on sale, instead of 3 blends and 3 singles. The reason for this is simple: blends are safer for use with children. This does not mean you can’t use singles with children, but I tend to grab blends first whenever possible. These six blends are some of my favorites with children. Adults often love them too, but they are gentle and created for children.
LeExhale is a combination of stimulating and soothing that is useful for relieving congestion, colds, or coughs. The Ravensara in this blend helps fight viral strains and, along with Tea Tree, aids in tissue rebuilding, while killing some of the nastiest microbes on the planet. LeExhale is antibacterial, helps encourage lymphatic drainage, stimulates the immune system, and aids circulation. It has a high percentage of cineole because of the Eucalyptus Radiata in it, which is believed to be the component that relieves colds and congestion. This is my favorite respiratory blend for children because it is soothing and strong at the same time.
LeExhale is cool and soothing when we are feeling stuffed up and unable to allow our repressed or pent-up emotions to flow. Colds and congestion often occur when we are feeling “congestion” somewhere in our lives. LeExhale stimulates our mind to look for fresh new ideas and emotions that will serve us better, allowing the body to return to a state of wellness.
Part of the reason that LeGoodNite promotes restful sleep is because it encourages feelings of peace. We feel assurance that all will be well in our world even though we are sleeping and not actively watching over it. LeGoodNite seems to help us process—painlessly—deep emotions during our sleep. In the morning, we will be able to express our deep feelings about these emotions clearly and without the usual stress. Children who have a hard time expressing themselves often love this oil.
This is an amazing oil for children going through a tough time or hard changes in their life.
LeGoodNite is effective for insomnia and snoring and soothes inflamed or swollen nasal and sinus passages while promoting deep and restful sleep.
LeJulia calms and soothes the emotions, allowing the “knots” in the stomach to dissolve. The synergy of the oils in this blend creates an atmosphere where fear, anxiety, and the need to hold on tightly to emotions can be released. It seems odd that infants and small children should have such issues, but the birth process and coming into this world can be a difficult transition for some sensitive spirits.
LeJulia is for the release of flatulence (gas), constipation, and other intestinal distress in infants and small children. This blend is also useful for colic, upset tummy, and nausea caused by fear or overexcitement.
I often use this oil instead of LeInsideOut if I know my stomach upset is caused by emotions.
LeMelaPlus is strongly antiseptic. It prevents the growth of bacteria, fungus, and other infectious agents. LeMelaPlus can be used for athlete’s foot and toenail fungal infections. It can also be used for disinfecting cuts, scrapes, and wounds. This is especially nice with children because the things they cut themselves on are often quite gross. A drop applied to insect bites will keep them from infecting. When I treat feet, I tend to do so by soaking the feet in water with a couple of drops added.
LeMelaPlus should be applied topically on insect bites and stings. LeMelaPlus can also be diluted and massaged over the liver. Add a few drops of LeMelaPlus to Miracle Salve, sold at Butterfly Express LLC, to make an antibacterial ointment for cuts and abrasions.
LeMelaPlus can be diffused to dispel odors.
One of my favorite uses for LeMillenia is in working with ADHD and hyperactivity. Applying LeMillenia to the feet at least once a day can make a profound difference in a child’s ability to sit still and concentrate. I use the feet because it is an excellent place to draw essential oils into the body. I also like the feet because the person (it is often a little boy) can put his shoes back on, go to school, and no one teases him because he “smells like flowers”. Also, consider using LeTranquility along with LeMillenia.
LeMillenia is also known as a chiropractor in a bottle. This is a very fitting description as LeMillenia is used to realign things. The name chiropractor implies bones but LeMillenia is not limited to bones. I have used it to put many things back in place.
LeMillenia is used to aid us with self-expression, fear of conflict and disagreement, and the ability to make decisions. This blend can foster tenacity and independence of spirit.
LeThermaCare was specifically designed to aid in gently reducing the very high fevers we often see with the high-powered and quick, onset flu “bugs” that are so prevalent in the world today. The use of this essential oil to reduce fever is especially nice for children. The essential oils contained in LeThermaCare are gentle. They stimulate the body’s defense while calming the nerves and soothing the spirit.
In addition to the fever-reducing properties of the Yarrow and the Peppermint, the Coriander is well renowned for giving strength both during an illness and during the convalescent stages. For fever, consider liquid calcium as well.
One of the great strengths of LeUnity is its ability to balance every chakra to the extent of greatly minimizing or eliminating altogether any reaction from the overuse of essential oils. This is very useful for children who get into essential oils that have been left lying around the house. Many times the balancing of all of the chakras eliminates or minimizes any allergic reaction. LeUnity makes a good deodorant.
LeUnity promotes harmony within ourselves, with others around us, and with our Creator. It helps us work with others in a relationship of cooperation, patience, and tolerance. This is the greatest essential oil product I know of for fostering a sense of physical and mental well-being. It can rid us of stubbornness, anger, judgment, and jealousy. Frequent use can promote unity among family members. This essential oil blend has to be experienced to be believed.
If LeBenediction is not providing enough protection from other people’s energies for you, try adding LeUnity, too. This blend, like LeBountiful, fosters a sense of abundance and appreciation in our hearts.
Yarrow is one of the truly great healing oils! Applied topically to a cut, even a very deep one, Yarrow will pull the edges together and help the cut to heal almost miraculously. Yarrow’s antiseptic properties are strong enough to prevent infection, no matter how dirty or contaminated conditions were at the time of the injury. Yarrow, known for centuries as an herb to stop bleeding, is even more effective in the concentrated essential oil form.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Yarrow are effective whether the inflammation is in the nasal or respiratory passages, the digestive tract, along the gum line, the uterus or ovaries, or anywhere else.
Like the anti-inflammatory properties of this essential oil, the astringent properties of Yarrow work throughout the body. Astringents cause the tightening of tissues. This makes Yarrow very helpful for such things as dandruff, hair loss, setting the teeth firmly into the gums, or firming up areas of sagging skin. Astringent oils such as Yarrow are beneficial as face washes for oily skin and acne. Yarrow is an excellent oil for the female reproductive system where astringency and a mild hormonal action combine to make this oil vital in treatment programs for ovarian cysts and uterine fibroid tumors.
It has been reported recently in several publications that Yarrow’s use with cancer and diabetes has been known throughout the ages. I can find no scientific studies to back these claims, but anecdotal evidence is certainly abundant. Yarrow essential oil also acts on the bone marrow to stimulate the creation of red blood cells and enhance the coagulation of the blood.
Yarrow is gently diaphoretic and a febrifuge. When you are ill, the use of Yarrow holds the fever from getting dangerously high and stimulates perspiration. Fever and perspiration are the body’s way of killing the microbes and then carrying them out of the system.
Yarrow improves digestion by stimulating the secretion of bile and restoring the liver and other organs. Yarrow has been one of my favorite herbs for many years and is one of my favorite essential oils. Enough cannot be said about the benefits of this amazingly versatile healing oil.
Glycerin Tinctures
The liquid medium into which the herb is placed to make a tincture is called the menstruum; the herb is known as the marc. For internal use, the menstruum can be alcohol, apple cider vinegar, or vegetable glycerin. A good rule of thumb for beginners is, “When in doubt, use alcohol.” The medicinal properties of most herbs are pulled out best in an alcohol tincture.
Glycerin tinctures are however very nice for children. Not all tinctures can be made in glycerin so if the alcohol content concerns you, place the drops of tincture you need into very hot water to administer them. The heat will dissipate the alcohol entirely. (There is more alcohol in over-the-counter cold medicine, even ones meant for children than you will typically ingest when taking herbal tinctures.)
There are 37 tinctures that are made in glycerin for use with children. It is often easier to get a child to take a glycerin tincture as they are sweeter. My kids take the MIN formula straight every day. We are not going to talk about all 37 tinctures, but I would like to give you a bit of information about a few of my very favorites for use with kids.
BT
BT was formulated to help kids and adults with ADHD and anxiety. It contains herbs known to improve overall brain health. This tincture is useful for promoting circulation, oxygen, and blood flow to the brain. BT is excellent for helping to maintain focus, boost memory, and increase alertness. It will help to balance the brain and improve your mood. BT helps to reduce fatigue, stimulates the immune system, and eases depression.
Catnip/Chamomile
This formula is made as a glycerite because it is typically used for colicky, cranky, or teething infants. It is also excellent for babies, children, and adults suffering with bloating and/or gas. Chamomile and Catnip are both very relaxing herbs, making this formula good for those who are having trouble sleeping.
CC
CC is an excellent first-response remedy for flu symptoms, colds, and fevers. In this simple formula are herbs to promote a healing sweat, hold fever to just a hot enough degree to kill bacteria, effectively fight infectious agents, and calm and soothe the nerves. CC is one of the finest examples of the synergy of combining herbs into formulas. The sum of the parts, added together, being much greater than the individual parts alone, is a simple definition of synergy. CC is perfectly balanced to be effective against bacterial, fungal, and strep infections. It rids the body of the excess mucous that is being produced. This is one of the great ones—even for adults. Often, CC is the only remedy needed. The herbs in this formula are particularly potent and pleasant when made using glycerin as the base.
Elderberry Syrup
This syrup is made with both Elderberries and Elderflowers. The berries and flowers have vastly different healing properties that complement each other well.
Elderberries are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and flavonoids. They are antioxidant powerhouses and may prevent cell damage, even in the toxic environment that modern life has created for each of us. Elderberries also contain iron, potassium, phosphorus, copper, calcium, vitamin B6, beta carotenes, and proteins.
Elderflower aids in cleansing the blood, and the cells, of waste products and toxins. They increase circulation and will bring down a fever by producing a healing sweat as quickly as any herbal agent that I know of. Elderflower has constituents that act as mild sedatives and analgesics for the relief of pain. It also acts as an expectorant.
MIN
MIN contains the same three herbs—Dulse, Nettles, and Alfalfa—as KNA, along with herbs for hormone balance, calming the nerves, strengthening the pancreas, and supporting the kidneys. It makes an excellent daily mineral supplement and is safe to use when pregnant or nursing. I like to make MIN as a glycerite and take it every time I think about it. I have so much more energy and better health whenever I do. It also makes a reasonably pleasant tea for use when pregnant or nursing. My younger kids take it every day straight.
SUPER C
This formula is very effective as a first response when you feel a cold coming on. I especially like this one for children. Super C also has some excellent lymph-draining properties. The Red Clover and Elderflower make this formula excellent for controlling fever.
Yarrow/Usnea
This is a great bacterial, strep, and staph fighter. Usnea is a lichen that grows in dying pine trees. It has unique properties which are particularly effective against staph and strep strains and their various mutations. Usnea is also a great anti-fungal. This combination is very good for drying up mucous and pus—anything from a runny nose to an infected cut. It can also help clear the lymph system. This is much easier on the stomach than IF, which contains cayenne and often children do not appreciate it.
WC
WC is an excellent cough and expectorant formula. It is more effective when given in frequent small doses—1/2 to 1 teaspoon, depending on the age of the patient, than in 2 or 3 larger doses. WC will liquify mucous in the throat, lungs, and sinuses. This allows the body to either internalize it or expectorate it according to need. WC is very effective at quieting a dry, hacking cough where the throat is irritated but there is no mucous needing to be expelled. Most people become anxious for the next dose because WC relieves the heat and dryness associated with some sore throats. WC is a cough syrup and should always be taken with the appropriate infection-fighting herbs.
Arnica is useful for bumps, bruises, and inflammation. It works on sore, tight muscles and helps to reduce swelling of injured areas. Applying Arnica Oil immediately after the injury can prevent swelling; application, later on, can reduce swelling that has already taken place. It is also effective in relieving the pain of arthritic joints and swollen feet.
Arnica Oil in herbal/oil form is meant for external use only. It is said to cause swelling in exposed muscle tissue, so it is not used on open wounds or deep abrasions except in the homeopathic form. Arnica is one of my favorite healing plants and should be in every first-aid kit!
Calendula is one of the best vulnerary (good for the healing of wounds) plants ever. Calendula is anti-inflammatory. It is useful for vein health and circulatory issues such as varicose veins, spider veins and bruises. Calendula is one of the best healers for skin rashes, hives, eczema and psoriasis, leg ulcers, and bed sores that are difficult to heal.
Using the appropriate essential oil, coupled with the healing properties of Calendula Infused Oil as a carrier, provides a “double whammy” of healing. Some examples would include: LeBaby Me for diaper rash or stretch marks; LeAgeLess for a facial skin conditioner; LeMelaPlus or LePurify on insect bites; and LeDeeper for the pain of shingles. Calendula would also be good used with Helichrysum on recent injuries to prevent or minimize scarring.
The Happy Kiddo Kit is a must-have kit for your kids! It contains 9 essential oils, 3 blessed waters, 5 tinctures, a carrier oil, ear oil, and a salve. Many of the products in this kit have been talked about in this blog today.
This is a great resource for all those little bugs that your kids pick up from school, church, and everywhere! In an easy-to-grab box, it will help you keep your family feeling their best, and you will know that you’ve got something for everything. Pamper your babies with the wonderful, relaxing, and immune-building essential oils found in this kit.
You can read about each of the products in this kit by clicking here.
Be prepared for any crisis with this First Response Kit! This kit contains 5 essential oils, 4 blessed waters, 4 tinctures, a carrier oil, and a salve.
It contains things to help treat shock, flu, diarrhea, cuts, headaches, colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, respiratory congestion, allergy symptoms, pain, coughs, burns, and convulsions brought on by fever. This kit is great to take with you everywhere you go.
You can read about each of the products in this kit by clicking here.
List of Topics
Tip: Use the “find on page” or ctrl+F to quickly find where these topics are covered in this blog.
abrasions,
abundance,
ACV,
adhd,
alertness,
alfalfa,
allergies,
almond oil,
althete’s foot,
analytical,
anger,
anti-inflammatory,
anti-viral,
antiseptic,
antispasmodic,
anxiety,
apple cider vinegar,
appreciation,
arthritis,
asthma,
astringent,
back pain,
bacteria,
BBL,
bed sores,
bile,
birch,
birth,
bleeding,
blessed water,
bone marrow,
** pain,
** spur,
breezey,
bronchial,
bronchitis,
bruising,
burns,
calcium,
calendula,
calming,
cancer,
candling,
children,
cineole,
circulation,
circulatory,
clarity,
cold,
concentrate,
confidence,
congestion,
constipation,
convalescent,
convulsions,
cooperation,
copper,
coriander,
cough,
cuts,
dandruff,
deeper,
deodorant,
diabetes,
diaphoretic,
diarrhea,
disinfecting,
drainage,
ear infection,
ear wax,
earwax,
eczema,
elderberries,
elderberry,
elderflower,
emergency,
emotions,
EO,
eucalyptus,
exhale,
expectorant,
family,
fear,
febrifuge,
fever,
fir,
first aid,
flatulence,
flavonoids,
flu,
focus,
fungal,
fungus,
garlic,
gas,
glycerin,
goodnite,
gums,
hair loss,
headache,
hearing loss,
herb,
hives,
hyperactivity,
illnesses,
immune,
immune system,
independence,
infants,
infection,
injuries,
insect bites,
insomnia,
intestinal,
iron,
jealousy,
jr,
judgement,
julia,
junior,
kids,
knots,
leg ulcer,
ligaments,
liver,
logical,
lumphatic,
lung,
marc,
memory,
menstrual,
menstruum,
meticulous,
miracle salve,
mood,
mullein,
muscle relaxant,
muscle spasms,
nasal,
nausea,
neat,
nerve damage,
nerves,
nettles,
odors,
ointment,
orderly,
organized,
osteoporosis,
over-excitement,
paine,
pain reliever,
pancreas,
patience,
peppermint,
perspiration,
phosphorus,
pneumonia,
potassium,
preparedness,
psoriasis,
rash,
ravensara,
red blood cells,
red clover,
repiratory,
scarring,
sciatica,
scrapes,
self-expression,
shock,
sinus,
skin,
sleep,
snoring,
spider veins,
spruce,
stimulant,
stings,
stomach,
strep,
stress,
stubbornness,
super C,
swollen,
synergy,
tea tree,
teeth,
tissue-rebuilding,
tolerance,
unity,
usnea,
vacation,
varicose veins,
virus,
vitamin b6,
vulnerary,
white willow,
willow,
wintergreen,
wounds,
yarrow,
About The Author
lareesbutterfly@gmail.com
Related Posts
May – Emotional Support & Resilience
I have had several rather personal experiences of late that have shown me just how…
15 April, 2023
April – Aches, Pains & Sprains
This is the time of year that I am aching to get out in my…
15 April, 2023