Essential Oil Cautions for Children
Did you know that there are certain essential oils that should not be used topically or aromatically around children? This is due to the essential oils containing high levels of constituents that may cause irritation to the skin or if enough is absorbed into the body could cause toxicity.
There are also certain ratios of essential oils for certain age groups that should be used, and this ratio depends on the age of the child. Essential oils should not be applied topically on children until they reach the age of 3 months.
As an example, Cinnamon Bark should not be used either topically or aromatically. Another example is Mandarin, Grapefruit, Lemon and Orange should be avoided until over the age of 6 months. Peppermint should be avoided until 3 years and then should be used with caution.
When it comes to essential oil blends to be used on children, when making it is recommended to only use one or two essential oils at a very small ratio.
When I create children’s blends there’s a guideline and process that I follow. Although I have a small children’s range available this is always made at a ratio to help from the age of 6 months and above. For the safety of essential oils being used on children it’s always best to create a custom-made blend that takes the age of the child into consideration.
The following essential oils contain high levels of constituents that could cause irritation to a child’s skin or if absorbed into the body at high enough levels could cause toxicity. These essential oils should not be used for children either topically or inhaled under any circumstances. It is recommended if you have any concerns using essential oils on or around your children to seek advice from a qualified aromatherapist or a medical practitioner.
Bitter fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Blue cypress (Callitris intratropica)
Boldo (Peumus boldus)
Buchu (Agathosma betulina)
Bulgarian geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Cade (Juniperus oxycedrus)
Calamint (Calamintha nepeta)
Calamus (Calamus aromaticus)
Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)
Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia)
Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Davana (Artemisia pallens)
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
Lantana (Lantana camara)
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
Mustard (Brassica Juncea)
Parsley seed (Petroselinum crispum)
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
Rue (Ruta graveolens)
Santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus)
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
Savin (Juniperus Sabina)
Tansy (Tanacetum annuum)
Thuja (Thuja occidentalis)
Wild basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
Wormseed (Chenopodium ambrosioides)
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
The following list is for guidance purposes only. By the time children have reached school age you are less likely to run into any issues. It is recommended if you have any concerns using essential oils on or around your children to seek advice from a qualified aromatherapist or a medical practitioner. This list applies to topical use only. When it comes to citrus essential oils and apply to children, please be aware that these can cause phototoxicity whereby the skin is very sensitive to the UV light. It is recommended that as children love to play outside to either avoid the citrus oils before exposure to the sun or dress them in long sleeves and trousers or leggings. This precaution needs to stay in place for 12 – 24 hours after the application of the citrus oil.
Cedarwood Atlas (Cedrus atlantica) avoid until over six months.
Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) avoid until two years.
Benzoin (Styrax benzoin) avoid until two years.
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) avoid until over six months.
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) avoid until two years.
Cajeput (Melaleuca cajuputi) not to be used until six years old.
Carrot seed (Daucus carota) avoid until over six months old.
Cinnamon leaf (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) avoid until over six months.
Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus / Cymbopogon winterianus) avoid until over six months.
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) avoid until two years old.
Clove bud (Eugenia caryophyllata) avoid until two years old.
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) avoid until over six months old.
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) avoid until over six months old.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus or radiata) avoid until at least three years old, Eucalyptus citriodora is considered very safe throughout childhood.
Sweet Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) not to be used until six years old.
Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) avoid until two years old.
Geranium Bourbon (Pelargonium graveolens) avoid until over six months old.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) avoid until two years old.
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) avoid until over six months old.
Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) avoid until over six months old.
Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) not to be used until two years old.
Juniper berry (Juniperus communis) not to be used until two years old.
Lemon (Citrus limon) avoid until over the age of six months old.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) avoid until two years old.
Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) avoid until over six months old.
May chang (Litsea cubeba) avoid until two years old.
Neroli (Citrus aurantium) avoid until two years old.
Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora) avoid until six years old as this can cause breathing problems.
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) avoid until six years old.
Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) avoid until over six months old.
Palma rosa (Cymbopogon martini) avoid until over six months old.
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) avoid until two years old.
Peppermint (mentha piperita) avoid completely until three years old and then proceed with caution as well.
Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium) avoid until over six months old.
Pine (Pinus sylvestris) avoid until over six months old.
Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica) avoid until over six months old.
Rose (Rosa damascene) avoid until over six months old.
Rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus) it is recommended to wait until at least 10 years old.
Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) (all botanicals) avoid until over six months old.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) avoid until two years old.
Sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) avoid until two years old.
Star anise (Illicium verum) must not be used by children under six years old.
Tangerine (Citrus reticulata) avoid until over the age of six months.
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) avoid until over six months old.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris/ Thymus zygis) not to be used until two years old.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) avoid until two years old.
Vetiver (Vetiveria Zizanioides) not to be used until two years old.
Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) avoid until two years old.
The above essential oils mentioned can be diffused. The ages are a useful indication of the safest time to start applying topically. When diffusing it is recommended to use small amounts.
If I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact Sue.
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