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

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.

As an affiliate partner, HealthSmart Kids may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post — at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and brands that we trust and believe will benefit your family.

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.

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.

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.

• Promotes relaxation at bedtime

• Eases anxious stomachaches

• Calms emotional meltdowns

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.

• Soothes tantrums or transitions

• Reduces restlessness and irritability

• Supports emotional comfort at bedtime

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.

Use during school drop-offs or before a test!

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.”

• Reduces overwhelm and rumination

• Promotes grounded thinking

• Calms during emotional transitions

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.

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.

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.

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:

• 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

• 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

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.

✔️ 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.

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, essential oils can help your family feel more grounded, connected, and calm.

All blog content shared through HealthSmart! Kids is for informational purposes only and not to be construed as medical advice. Always talk with your qualified health care provider for managing your health care needs.