The Best Essential Oils for Kids with Anxiety (and How to Use Them Safely as a Family)

Updated: Nov 2

A mother and daughter smelling bottled essential oils

If your child struggles with anxiety, big emotions, or trouble settling down, you’re not alone. Anxiety is more common in children than ever before—and it can affect everything from sleep and focus to school performance and social confidence. As a parent, it’s only natural to want to find safe, effective ways to help your child feel calm and secure.

Essential oils for anxiety can be one of those gentle, natural tools to support emotional wellness at home. They’re non-habit forming, easy to use, and safe for kids—when you choose the right ones.

In this article, you’ll learn about the best essential oils for kids with anxiety, how to use them as a family, and how to keep safety in mind at every step. Whether you’re brand new to oils or looking to build a calming routine with your child, you’re in the right place.

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Why Use Essential Oils for Kids’ Anxiety?

Essential oils are natural plant extracts that interact with the brain’s limbic system—the area that controls mood, emotions, and nervous system responses. This means oils can help:

Reduce restlessness or overwhelm
Improve sleep and nighttime routines
Support emotional regulation
Calm anxious thoughts in stressful moments

Whether used in a diffuser, diluted and applied to the skin, or added to bath time, essential oils can be a soothing addition to your family’s calming toolkit.

7 Best Essential Oils for Kids with Anxiety (KidSafe Approved)

These oils are part of Plant Therapy’s KidSafe® line, created with family-safe formulations that are gentle and effective when used as directed. We love Plant Therapy for safe, high-quality essential oils.

1. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Soothing · Sleepy · Gentle

Lavender is one of the most trusted essential oils for calming anxiety in both kids and adults. Its soft floral scent helps relax the nervous system and reduce feelings of tension.

How it helps kids:

Promotes relaxation at bedtime
Eases anxious stomachaches
Calms emotional meltdowns

Plant Therapy KidSafe lavender essential oil

Try: Plant Therapy Lavender KidSafe Essential Oil

2. Chamomile Roman (Chamaemelum nobile)

Peaceful · Comforting · Gentle

If your child gets easily frustrated, overwhelmed, or has trouble winding down, chamomile is a wonderful go-to oil. It’s gentle on little systems and smells like a soft herbal tea.

How it helps kids:

Soothes tantrums or transitions
Reduces restlessness and irritability
Supports emotional comfort at bedtime

3. Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)

Cheerful · Uplifting · Balancing

This bright and happy oil lifts the mood and eases worry without being too stimulating. It’s great for emotional regulation and for adding joy to stressful parts of the day.

How it helps kids:

Boosts positive feelings
Reduces fear or nervous anticipation
Supports resilience in new environments

Use during school drop-offs or before a test!

4. Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

Grounding · Centering · Calming

Frankincense has a woodsy, deep scent that encourages inner peace. It’s often used to support mindfulness, meditation, and mental clarity—making it a great match for anxious kids who “live in their heads.”

How it helps kids:

Reduces overwhelm and rumination
Promotes grounded thinking
Calms during emotional transitions

5. Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Balancing · Floral · Heart-Opening

Geranium smells like a mix between rose and citrus and is especially helpful for emotional regulation. Great for older kids and preteens navigating mood swings.

How it helps kids:

Balances mood
Reduces irritability
Encourages emotional openness

6. Cedarwood Atlas (Cedrus atlantica)

Earthy · Calming · Grounding

Cedarwood has a rich, grounding scent and is ideal for promoting a sense of stability—especially for kids who struggle with sleep or get overstimulated easily.

How it helps kids:

Encourages restful sleep
Calms racing thoughts
Helps transition from busy to calm

7. Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

Gentle Mint · Fresh · Focused

Unlike peppermint, which is too strong for little ones, spearmint is a kid-safe alternative that supports clarity and balance without overwhelming the senses.

How it helps kids:

Supports calm focus
Reduces stress-related headaches
Boosts emotional resilience

Plant Therapy site banner for essential oils

How to Use Essential Oils Safely with Kids

Essential oils are powerful—just a few drops go a long way. Here are safe, effective ways to use them in your daily family routine:

Diffuse

Add 3–5 drops to a water-based diffuser
Run for 15–30 minutes in a well-ventilated room
Ideal for playrooms, bedrooms, or calming corners

Topical Application (Rollers)

Always dilute with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil
For ages 2–6: 1% dilution (1 drop per teaspoon carrier oil)
Apply to bottoms of feet, wrists, or chest

Aromatic Baths

Mix 1–2 drops of oil with a tablespoon of unscented bath gel or Epsom salt
Add to a warm bath for soothing relaxation

Personal Inhalers

Great for school-aged children
Add 10 drops of oil to a cotton wick and insert into a child-safe inhaler stick

Sample “Calm Down” Blend for Diffusing

Peaceful Evening Diffuser Blend

2 drops Lavender
2 drops Sweet Orange
1 drop Frankincense

Diffuse during bedtime stories, after school, or anytime your child needs a reset.

Essential Oil Safety for Families

✔️ Use KidSafe-labeled oils – Not all oils are safe for young children. Stick to KidSafe® products to avoid any guesswork.

✔️ Dilute properly – Use the appropriate dilution based on your child’s age to avoid skin irritation or overload.

✔️ Avoid ingestion – Do not allow children to ingest essential oils unless directed by a certified professional.

✔️ Skip sensitive areas – Never apply oils near your child’s eyes, nose, or mouth.

✔️ Use in short sessions – When diffusing, 15–30 minutes is plenty. Be sure the room is well-ventilated.

✔️ Check for sensitivities – Always do a patch test when trying a new oil or blend.

Final Thoughts

Helping your child manage anxiety doesn’t always require big changes. Simple daily routines—like diffusing lavender at bedtime or using a calming roller blend before school—can make a big difference over time.

When used safely and consistently, these best essential oils for anxiety can help your family feel more grounded, connected, and calm.