Essential Oils and Heat Related Issues

Here in Arizona (The Valley of the Sun), we love our outdoor lifestyle but it can get extremely hot out there! Here is a bit of information to help keep the kiddos and yourself safe as the weather starts getting hotter as the summer goes on.

Children and Adults alike love to be outdoors playing in the summer months and are at more of a risk of heat exhaustion, heat rash and heat stroke.

We should remember to drink ample amounts of water and carry a water bottle. Water keeps our bodies hydrated and our temperature cool. Light colored, loose-fitting clothing is best for hot, humid weather. Children are especially susceptible to heat which makes it more important to know the signs and symptoms of heat sickness.

Here is a list of each scenario for you to consider when your children or yourselves are outside and have some heat related issues.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion:

Dizziness, fatigue, nausea and even fainting

May have a raised temperature and excessive perspiration

Can become extremely thirsty or maybe not at all

Children can get irritable and cry a lot

Heat exhaustion is caused when the body over heats due to extremely high temps. This is caused by being out in the heat to long or doing activities in a heated room. If this occurs get your child into a cool shaded place if outside or into a cooler room if indoors. Have them lay down and remove as much as their clothing as possible, have them sip on water as much as they can (no gulping) you may add some salt or sugar if possible making sure it is dissolved (this will help with dehydration). Do not cool down the body fast this can be a bad thing as they can go into shock, and then you have a whole other issue to deal with.

Essential oils to use if heat exhaustion happens:

Peppermint, Lavender, Petitgrain, Eucalyptus, Basil. Rosemary and Clary Sage all these oils have cooling properties in them to assist in cooling down the body.

Signs and symptoms of heat rash:

A red rash anywhere on the body which will include the head, neck and face

For young babies and infants, it will appear most often in the folds of the skin.

With this in mind it is best to always keep your kids skin as dry as possible. On hot days just pat the skin with a cloth or a tissue to soak up the excess sweat. You can also give them a warm bath  (this is soothing to the skin) if the rash occurs, do not make the water to cold as this can cause shock and then you will have another issue you don’t want to deal with.

Essential Oils to use if you have a heat rash:

Eucalyptus Globulus, Lavender, Roman Chamomile

Geranium, Clove and Sandalwood

Signs and symptoms of heat stroke:

Red hot dry skin

High temperature

Dizziness, vomiting and headache

Drowsiness which could also lead to confusion and unconsciousness

The child could have the feeling of being cold and have the shivers

Pulse will increase (rapid pulse)

They can have body aches and muscle cramps

If this happens if possible, immerse your child’s whole body in cool to tepid water (make sure it is not cold) if you cannot immerse them then use a sponge and get the water over their body as much as you can. Use whatever you have available to cool the child continuously. Use whatever you have available to cool the child wrapping them in wet sheets or using a fan blowing in their face once you have their temp down to below 99 degrees cover them with a dry sheet. Remember while you are cooling them down give them small sips of water (no gulping).

Essential Oils to use for a heat stroke:

Rosemary, basil and lavender

All Essential Oils should be diluted in a carrier oil such as Jojoba, Olive or Almond,  2 drops of a single oil in 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil. Rub on back of neck bottoms of feet.  This post is for educational purposes only if symptoms persist Please consult a Doctor.