When it comes to using aromatherapy for children, the number one consideration is safety. Is aromatherapy safe to use for children? What is aromatherapy anyway? Clinical aromatherapy is a part of the field of botanical medicines. In fact, it is considered a specialized field within herbalism. We need to know how to safely use essential oils, which are concentrated herbal medicines, with children. Safety depends on knowing about aromatherapy, choosing safe products, and using them in a safe manner.

Personal Story

The first time I used an essential oil was more than twenty years ago. I had a friend who introduced me to them when one of my children was sick. I was nervous to follow her suggestions. Should I try essential oils with my child? Where can I learn more about them before applying the product on my child’? I instinctively knew I needed to research and find out if this new world of essential oils was safe for my family. It turns out that my instincts were correct! Learning before using a new product results in making better decisions for our families.

Aromatherapy Safety Begins with Knowledge

The first thing to we need to learn is to have respect for essential oils and how to use them. The safest methods of administration are inhalation and topical. Oral consumption should be monitored by a practitioner with clinical training. What follows are some safety recommendations.

Avoid over exposure via topical skin application or inhalation. Know the symptoms of overexposure. Some of the symptoms are:

• Emotional unease
• Headache
• Skin irritation
• “Spaced-out” feeling

If there is an overdose, essential oils can have a serious potential to affect the:

• Nervous system, from inhalation
• Skin, from topical application where significant amounts of oil passing through the skin can lead to toxicity
• Liver, from oral consumption

For all these methods, educating yourself is vital for the safe use of essential oils.

Choosing Safe Essential Oils

Be sure to choose a reputable brand of essential oils. There are many which are not what they seem.

Essential oils that are used clinically should be labeled with both the botanical (Latin) and common name of the plant, the specific variety, the part of the plant used, the country of origin, the supplier, and the volume of oil. Store these in airtight dark glass containers in a cool place to slow down oxidation.

Keep essential oils out of reach of children. Parents should contact poison control if a child accidentally ingests essential oils.

Some safe essential oils for children include jasmine, mandarin, neroli, petitgrain, Roman chamomile, and tangerine. These can be used in a steam diffuser.  Be sure to use only nontoxic oils. Remember to use a fourth to a half of the adult dose for children. Adults are estimated to weigh 150 pounds, so a child who weighs 50 pounds would use one-third the number of drops in the diffuser or on the body. For example: one would use a 1 % dilution (five drops of essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil) when massaging oils on the skin. Also, you should be aware that citruses may irritate the skin. If irritation occurs with the topical use, stop use and rinse area with a bland vegetable oil.

Children often have scent preferences.

How To Use Essential Oils with Children

Babies

Infants and children with respiratory congestion or infection can safely and effectively benefit from frankincense in a diffuser for a limited time or as a massage oil.

 A cool lavender compress may provide a child relief from a headache, overexertion, or sleeplessness.

A neck wrap can be used for lymphatic swelling in the neck area. Here’s how:

• Mix 2 cups of warm water with 8 drops of lavender essential oil.
• Dip a soft flannel cloth in the mixture, wring it out, and place it around the neck.
• Cover with a towel.
• Remove it before it gets cold.
• Repeat as often as you wish.

Baby and Child Massage

Baby massages must be kept short. No oil on hands or face.

Tummy Rub Oil:

• 2 drops Roman chamomile essential oil
• 1 drop fennel essential oil
• 2 drops dill essential oil
• 1 drop melissa essential oil
• 1 ounce carrier oil

This recipe may help support digestion when rubbed on the stomach.    

For colic caused by indigestion and stress, massage clockwise around baby’s abdomen for fifteen minutes after a feeding. Or lay the baby on its back and rotate the legs like a bicycle and pause to massage the abdomen.

Children of all ages enjoy massages. Adding a couple drops of essential oil to the massage oil can enhance the experience. Massage relaxes children and helps them sleep better.

Treating Children

Baths- Lavender and chamomile essential oil may be added to a bath before bedtime to calm a nervous, overstimulated cranky child, encourage sleep, or make a headache leave.

Inhalation– Inhalation is a good method to use for respiratory and sinus conditions or to affect mood and cognition.

Encapsulated peppermint oil- Studies show that peppermint is beneficial to reduce pain connected to irritable bowel syndrome  in children.

Be especially careful to learn and use the correct dosage for children. Also, children should always be attended if using a steam method of administration.

With few exceptions, never apply the oils neat (undiluted). Dilute the essential oil in an organic carrier oil, such as almond, apricot, avocado, coconut, or olive oil. It is good practice to do a test patch before applying the oil over a large area to prevent a large rash from developing. Children have more permeable and sensitive skin, so a concentration of 0.5- 2% is recommended. The younger the child, the more the oil should be diluted.

Action

In summary, parents can learn principles of safe application of essential oils for their children.  Do not administer essential oils orally, unless monitored by a extensively trained essential oil practitioner. Use only 2-3 drops of essential oils at a time for inhalation applications. Use only diluted essential oils for topical application. Consider the size and condition of the child and use very dilute doses for the young, ill, or fragile child, and those on medications. With knowledge, aromatherapy can be safe for children.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. What experience do you have with aromatherapy for children?

References:

Aromatherapy, by Kathi Keville and Mindy Green

Integrative Pediatric, by Timothy P. Culbert and Karen Olness

Using Essential Oils Safely Website, Using Essential Oils Safely | Know better, do better (usingeossafely.com), Lea Jacobson