Safe Use of Essential Oils in Children
The use of essential oils has been rapidly gaining in popularity over the past few years, and they are now widely available in pharmacies, supermarkets, and online.
We have discussed the use of essential oils in aromatherapy previously: Aromatherapy and Diffuser Use. Today, however, we will discuss the use of the oils themselves.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are a concentrated extract from a plant, either the flowers, seeds, roots, or peels. It is important to remember that essential oils are not regulated by the FDA, so it is necessary to learn to read the labels of what you are buying. Sometimes fragrances are marketed as essential oils, but this is not the same product.
Reading the label of an essential oil includes noting the name of the plant (both in English and the Latin, or scientific, name), the part of the plant used to make the extract, the process used for extraction, and the country of origin. Being diligent about finding these facts will help ensure the selection and use of a more quality product.
Again, keep in mind that unlike prescription medications, the producers of essential oils do not have to prove their products are safe or effective in treating the conditions they claim to help.
Are they safe to use for children?
It is becoming more and more common for parents to turn to alternative and complementary medicine options for routine childhood ailments such as congestion, cough, and rashes. While many alternative medicine therapies have been used for a very long time, it is still important to proceed with caution when starting new therapies.
It is a common saying among Pediatricians: “Children are NOT small adults.” Children react differently to medications and treatments, and essential oils are no exception. Children are more likely to have negative reactions to essential oils than adults do. Here is a list of do’s and don’ts that can help minimize negative effects.
Do’s
- Dilute in a carrier oil prior to application to skin.
- Buy from a reliable source
- Store in a cool, dry place and in a dark bottle
- A “patch test” – apply a small amount of diluted oil to the skin and monitor for allergic reaction before applying to a larger area.
- Keep oils out of reach of children – there has been a significant increase in poison control calls due to accidental ingestion or contact of essential oils
Don’ts
- Add undiluted oils to bathwater
- Swallow oils – these compounds are highly concentrated and can be toxic if swallowed
- Use peppermint oil on toddlers less than 30 months old – this can increase risk for seizure
- Use essential oils near mucous membranes, including eyes, ears, and nose.
- Delay evaluation or medically recommended treatments for your child
Final thoughts
There may be a role in using essential oils in children, if done in an informed way and for specific purposes. I have had parents tell me they have treated ear infections by placing tea tree oil on the skin outside of the ear, treated allergic reactions with a few drops of lavender under the tongue, and stomach aches by rubbing peppermint oil onto the skin of the abdomen. Not only do these treatments not make any scientific sense, they can be dangerous to our young ones. To be clear, I am not against the use of essential oils. I only ask that parents learn to read labels and to be careful in how they are used.
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