If kids are good at one thing, it’s getting sick. They seem to always be coming down with the latest flu or cold outbreak. It’s impossible to 100% protect your kids from every virus and stomach bug that goes around, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help boost their immune systems naturally!

No, you don’t need a prescription from the pediatrician or any expensive supplements. Essential oils are a great way to help your kids feel better naturally! Keep reading for the 5 best essential oils for healing that are safe and effective for kids. Be sure to stock up on these so you have the recipes handy when your kids need them!

1. Tea Tree Oil

The first oil that’s perfect for kids is tea tree oil. This is probably the most handy essential oil since it has so many uses! You can use tea tree oil to treat cuts, scrapes, bug bites, or even minor burns! Because tea tree oil is naturally anti-fungal and antibacterial, it’s a strong cleaner without any unwanted side effects. Even better, you can use tea tree oil yourself! It’s great for treating acne or other blemishes, and you only need the smallest amount to feel its effects.

2. Eucalyptus Oil

Nobody likes coming down with a cold. While most kids are able to get over a cold without any medical help whatsoever, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give them an extra boost to heal even faster. Recent research conducted in 2012 shows that eucalyptus oil is effective at fighting viruses or other cold causing bacteria. That’s why this oil has been used heavily in treating viral infections like colds and flus, as well as upper respiratory infections.

3. Frankincense Oil

Frankincense is known for its healing and rejuvenating properties. Like Eucalyptus, it’s great at fighting off colds and flus. This oil also is helpful for combatting anxiety and fear. If your child is prone to anxiety, especially when feeling under the weather, frankincense might be just what they need. For a strong remedy, add 2 drops of frankincense essential oil into a warm bath. The steam will act as a natural decongestant while the oil itself with reduce anxiety, aches, and pains.

4. Lemon Oil

Lemon oil is likely the easiest to find, and you probably already have lemons in your kitchen! Have you ever seen celebrities who talk about drinking lemon water every day? That’s because lemons have been considered one of the most powerful cure-all fruits known to help with an endless list of things from fevers to inflammation.

Lemon oil is antibacterial and antioxidant, so it’s great to add to your water on a daily basis to boost your immune system if you feel a cold coming on. For sick or soon-to-be-sick children, cook the peel or rind of a lemon into a pot of boiling water. Remove the peel or rind and let the water cool to be left with warm lemon tea!

5. Lavender Oil

Like most of the others on this list, lavender essential oil has been used for centuries to treat a number of ailments. Because of its refreshing scent and calming aroma, it’s often used to help people relax. For children, it can be used to reduce anxiety, relieve pain, and alleviate breathing problems from illness. This oil can be messaged directly to the chest, neck, and sinus area or used in a humidifier.

Heal Naturally with Essential Oils

Essential oils are gaining popularity as more people look for ways to heal naturally. Because essential oils are so strong, you need to be careful when using them on or around children in particular since they can be sensitive.

Using these essential oils above can provide your children much-needed relief during a cold or flu, and they can also fight off impending infections. Try these oils yourself to witness their healing powers firsthand!