The popularity of essential oils has significantly risen in the last 10 to 15 years. While it’s awesome that the amazing benefits of the oils are being used to heal all sorts of ailments, proper education of the oils seems to have been lost in translation. It used to be that the people advising about and selling the oils were in majority, certified aromatherapists. These days, many people selling them have not been provided with the knowledge that they should be to be recommending particular oils, especially in regards to pregnant women and children. This is why it is important for you to know about essential oil safety for kids.
In addition, those being provided with information are somehow still advising with WRONG information.
I became aware of oils from a certified aromatherapist about 25 years ago. I am in no way an expert, like she is, which is why I had her write a guest post here last year, called The Ins and Outs of Essential Oils by Someone who Knows. In the article, she touches upon children and some of the oils that should not be used on them, specifically peppermint and certain varieties of eucalyptus. In addition, it was through her classes that I learned that though Ylang Ylang is great for PMS, and for bringing on a period, it should be avoided by pregnant women as it is a uterine stimulant and could cause miscarriages.
Just yesterday I read, in awe, comments in a response to a question that a woman posted on Facebook about her daughter having a febrile seizure. A handful of commenters recommended putting peppermint oil on the child, when in reality, peppermint oil is linked to causing seizures in children. (I will include links specifically about peppermint oil towards the end of this post).
Essential oils are potent, obviously, that’s why they are so great at healing so many afflictions, be it emotional, physical or mental. Because of this, it’s important that people know how to use these oils safely. And for the record, it’s not about one brand being better or safer than another (as people sometimes claim).
Here’s what you need to know about specific oils:
as posted by Lea Harris, certified Aromatherapist, on her blog, Learning About EOs.com One Drop at a Time. I find her website to be a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the proper use of oils.
Essential Oils Safety for Kids
This material comes from the esteemed aromatherapy textbook, Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. It was compiled by Lea Harris. This is a partial list. You can view the entire list of essential oils here: Essential Oils and Children.
- *Cajuput Melaleuca cajuputi, Melaleuca leucadendron – avoid using on children under 6
- Chaste Tree Vitex agnus castus – avoid using (all routes) on prepubertal children
- Clove Bud, Clove Leaf, Clove Stem Syzygium aromaticum, Eugenia caryophyllata, Eugenia aromatica – avoid topical use on children under 2
- *Eucalyptus Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus maidenii, Eucalyptus plenissima, Eucalyptus kochii, Eucalyptus polybractea, Eucalyptus radiata, Eucalyptus Autraliana, Eucalyptus phellandra, Eucalyptus smithii – avoid using on children under 10
- Lemon Leaf/Lemon Petitgrain Citrus x limon, Citrus limonum – avoid topical use on children under 2
- Lemongrass Cymbopogon flexuosus, Andropogon flexuosus, Cymbopogon citratus, Andropogon citratus – avoid topical use on children under 2
- *Marjoram (Spanish) Thymus mastichina – avoid using on children under 6
- Oregano Origanum onites, Origanum smyrnaeum, Origanum vulgare, Origanum compactum, Origanum hirtum, Thymbra capitata, Thymus capitatus, Coridothymus capitatus, Satureeja capitata – avoid dermal use on children under 2
- Peppermint Mentha x Piperita – avoid using (all routes) on children under 6
- *Rosemary (1,8-cineole chemotype) Rosmarinus officinalis – avoid using on children under 6
- Wintergreen Gaultheria fragrantissima, Gaultheria procumbens – avoid due to methyl salicylate content
- Ylang-Ylang Cananga odorata – avoid topical use on children under 2. (not for use when pregnant)
* indicates essential oils that are high in 1,8-cineole and can potentially cause respiration to slow in children. If you are looking for age-appropriate anti-congestion suggestions, read this post: Anti-Germ and Anti-Congestion blend recipes.
More about Peppermint Oil and Children:
From the NAHA Safety Note for Peppermint Essential Oil:
– Avoid use on children under 30 months of age. The nasal mucosa is an autonomic reflexogen organ, which has a distance action to the heart, lungs and circulation and may lead to sudden apnoea and glottal constriction.
– Direct application of peppermint oil to the nasal area or chest to infants should be avoided because of the risk of apnea, laryngeal and bronchial spasms, acute respiratory distress with cyanosis and respiratory arrest. (The Longwood Herbal Task Force)
– Do not apply undiluted peppermint essential oils to the feet, particularly on infants and children under the age of 12.
– Inhalation of larges doses of menthol may lead to dizziness, confusion, muscle weakness, nausea and double vision. (Natural Standard Research Collaboration, Peppermint oil. Evidence based monograph 2005; Medlineplus)
For a list of studies done on Peppermint oil, see here!
Recommended Reading:
Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals (This is a textbook, so it is expensive. It is a good buy for those in the field.)
Aromatherapy, a Lifetime Guide to Healing with Essential Oils
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
I believe that there are many PURE brands of essential oils out there. Companies that claim to have the only PURE oils are not telling the truth. Poofy Organics oils are therapeutic grade, distilled via steam or cold pressed. There are no carriers in their oils. While I endorse and love Poofy’s oils, I recognize that their are other great brands.
If You’d Like to Learn More About Simple Steps and Remedies for Natural Family Living, Click HERE to Subscribe to Receive Helpful Tips and Information Regarding Raising Your Children Naturally.
*Photo Credit: The top image belongs to comment-economiser.fr, with some rights reserved. Text has been added and photo cropped.
I make lots of homemade products like bath bombs, lotion bars, and soaps and typically use essential oils to add their fragrances. I have a six year old and a nine year old who like to use my products, are there certain oils I shouldn’t use in products my children will be using? They’ve used my candy cane bath bombs before with peppermint with no adverse reactions but I want to make sure I’m not doing anything that could be detrimental with long term use. They really like peppermint scents as well as citrus scents but I’d like to make them for them with peace of mind. Thank you!
Yes, just follow the age guidelines on this post and through the link provided. Love that you are making your own!
My 7 yr old grandson was helping my daughter in law make lavender oil..he kept smelling it, and then said he had a headache, a little while later he fell asleep is this ok I am concerned
have digest blend from edens gate for constipation issues my 3 yr old. Mixing with fractionated coconut oil in roller bottle but can not find how much (3″ line on belly or half circle measuring 5″) Babysitter puts some on her finger and swipes that tiny amount. Read of liver damage if “too much” applied at once.
Is it dangerous for my grandchild if I medicated cream in his presence for my muscle pain?
I’ve heard that Rosemary is wonderful for memory retention., for studying. And cedar wood and vetiver for focus. I was going to make a roller blend in fractionated coconut oil for my daughter to use at school and when she studies, since she is having difficulty focusing. And maybe adding frankincense since it is amazing. She is 8, easily the size of a ten year old. Would these be safe? Also, which oils for night time diffusing? Lavender, for sure, but I’d like something for breathing too. She gets stuffy easily and we live in an old house and constantly changing weather. The breathe blend by Doterra is what I was thinking, but not sure if she’s old enough.
The oils mentioned in the blend are all great for her age and for what she is dealing with (lack of focus). Usually, I would say avoid Rosemary til she is 10, but if she is bigger, then it should be okay. AT nighttime you can add Fir or even peppermint at he age. Also, there is a great herbal combination for focusing that I like – https://ishoppurium.com/products/kids-in-focus. You will need a referral code for first time purchase, which is raisingnaturalkids.com.
New to essential oils so this may be a ridiculous question. I have small children in my home, all under 6, I don’t use essential oils on them at all (personal preference and I don’t know enough to be comfortable doing so). When discussing peppermint and young children, I have not diffused or topically applied but I have used it in my home to mix up something to be used at a later time for myself (mixed only during their nap time). Since peppermint is a very strong smell, the house smells like peppermint long after its been put away (again not used in a diffuser just simply put a few drops in water or whatever) Is the residual smell also considered dangerous for young children?
I would think in small amounts and away it would be ok, but I am not 100% positive.
I want to start making bath bombs for my three year old. He loves them but boy are the expensive. I have essential oils in the home and wanted to use them for his bath bombs. Are there any e.o. That I should avoid for the bath for him? I know there are a bunch (such as your list above) that should not be put directly on the skin. Just checking if it’s different in this way? I’m new to e. o. and wanted to make sure I’m not causing harm! Thank you!
stick with oils approved for children. Personally I would just use lavender and camomile. It’s no different that direct contact.
Thank you for your informative article. I make Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream using real organic peppermint oil and was wondering at what age it would be okay for a child to have a small amount. Thank you!
So I got a couple different brands of tooth powder and noticed that one has peppermint leaf powder and the other has peppermint oil in it. I’ve been using these on my 4yr old since sept if 2016. Could I have caused any ill issues? Should I stop using them and contact these companies at once?
peppermint leaf is fine. peppermint oil in it I am not 100% positive about… I’d wonder about how much is in it, what the dilution of it was, etc…
I put undiluted geranium essential oil on my 2 year old granddaughter for several mosquito bites two days ago. One of the bites is swollen and sort of hard to the touch. I fear I have harmed my granddaughter. Please tell me if I have caused harm to her by doing this.
Hi – How did it go – I’d imagine that if she didn’t complain and a rash didn’t form that she is fine, as it was a small amount based on what you dais you used it for. Lavender oil would be a better option for this.
Can I diffuse peppermint essential oil around my 9 and 6 year old? Is it safe?
10 is the recommended age by many certified aromatherapists…
Where would I find the “why” the essential oil is dangerous for kids under a certain age?? Not just that it is, but the actual reason??
Here: http://amzn.to/2lKXb9e
I love all home remedies and I always searching for information about oils and other natural home remedies for my family .
Thank you for this! I had a big scare with a eco friendly and safe bug repellent. No warning from the manufacturer but it turned out to have eucalyptus and rosemary in it. Looking back on it , it explains the problems my youngest son was having (coughing a lot!) , and I thought I was doing it right and safe by my family! I felt so bad afterwards. So I started looking into essential oils but there is so much info around and not all is clear on what’s safe or not for kids, this really helped me though.
But one question: spearmint is that safe to use with kids? I’m looking into a Badger sleep balm for kids but it has spearmint in it and I’m not sure.
Spearmint is safer than peppermint for use with small children. Helpful for digestion. Maximum recommended topical use is 1.7% (about 10 drops in two tablespoons carrier oil). I wouldn’t use it on a baby 6 months or younger.
I have a 14 month old that got a hold of the bottle of thieves. He put is mouth on it and definitely got some inside but not much. He did cough just gave a gross reaction and small cry. This was 2 days ago and today he broke out in a rash, almost looking like a burn just on his cheek and mouth. I looked inside his mouth and it looks fine. Do you have any recommendations or anything I should be worried about. The day it happened I took him to the pediatrician and they gave him a small dose of Benadryl and monitored him. I’m looking for any advice, I feel terrible he got a hold of this bottle.
Ahhh! Just watch, like the dr. said. I am seeing this 4 days after, so I am hoping he is okay by now. In the future, you can get faster answers by reaching us on our Facebook page, Raising Natural Kids.
Lots of content in this post. Please read this entire post before commenting. Thank you!
I would like to begin a healthy dialogue on the topic of the health risks and benefits of peppermint and children. I looked over every study you had posted regarding peppermint oil and did not find one that linked the use of the complete peppermint essential oil to seizure in children. Please correct me if I am wrong with the study that proves it, as I did have 6 pages to look through (some of the studies I was already familiar with) and I am human and could have missed something. Overall however, stating unequivocally that peppermint will harm children based on evidence of a link to seizures does a disservice to the aromatherapy community.
If there is a link between menthol (a component of peppermint) and seizures, then taking individual constituent studies out of context is NOT good science & misleads consumers of essential oils.
(The following are not my words but that of a fellow EO researcher): For example, unless research is evaluating the effect peppermint essential oil has on children, it’s scientifically invalid to conclude that peppermint oil is unsafe for kids because research on menthol may suggest it. Same goes for therapeutic claims about a single molecule in EOs. Here’s why…
“Unfortunately, they don’t understand the synergistic nature of essential oils, how complex the mixtures are and how complicated they are with hundreds and hundreds of molecules in one essential oil. And just pulling out one component and comparing that to that component pure is not a valid way of doing things. There are so many interactions that are going on. You can’t just say, “Let’s look at pure menthol. And we have this data that says it’s this. And because the pure menthol acts this way, well therefore peppermint must be the same.’ You can’t do that.” Robert Pappas PhD (Essential Oils Revolution 2 Online Summit, 2016 http://eorevolution2.com)
Thank you for your time.
When it comes to essential oils, I follow the recommendations of the man who seems to have done the most research on them, Robert Tisserand. The main issues is the constituent called 1.8 cineole. Due to it being recorded that too much can sometimes act negatively on the temperature receptors of children’s lungs and cause slowed breathing,he recommends avoiding it for children under 3 and at 3 only diffusing it, rather than using topically. I have seen with my own eyes it cause an issue for a child, so I am certainly not about to recommend that maybe it is safe when I do not feel that it is.
Thank you for your reply Dawn. I appreciate the time you took to respond to me.
I am familiar with Robert Tisserand and follow his research. 1,8 Cineole is a component of Eucalyptus (as well as Rosemary, Laurel Leaf, Ravintsara, and a few other oils). 1,8 Cineole, especially in Rosemary oil, has been linked to seizures in small children and people with epilepsy. It is that component that can cause an infant’s airways to restrict if the oil is placed on or near the child’s face. There is no 1,8 Cineole found in Peppermint oil. Menthol is the main constituent of Peppermint oil. Placing Peppermint oil on or near an infant or toddlers face can have the same airway restriction as an oil high in 1,8 Cineole, but there is no literature to support that Menthol causes seizures.
I’m making bath bombs with essential oils. Peppermint, lavender, lemon, and tea tree so far. Are these especially the peppermint oil bombs(they are small animal shaped ones) not safe for kids in the tub? I read absolutely no essential oils in bath bombs for 6 mths old and under. Thank you
Leave out the Peppermint!
What age would be able to use peppermint essential oil bombs? Thanks.
Would peppermint oil diluted in a carrier oil be safe as a leave-in hair treatment on a 3.5 year old if properly diluted?
I wouldn’t….
I would not use it. What is this for?
Hi, I just have a question. I have an 8 month old, 2 year old and 4 year old. From what I understand in your article, I shouldn’t diffuse or apply peppermint oil on my children. Would it be dangerous for them for me to use topically on myself? If I have a headache or need a boost, Should I just inhale from the bottle? Thank you!
it will be fine for you yo use on yourself so long as you are not holding a child against you in the hour or so after you apply it…. so if you are going to bed, certainly put it on before doing so and it won’t harm the kids… unless they sleep in the same bed, then don’t do that lol.
I was making a roller ball of lavender and it spilled on the counter before I deluted it and who had their hand it before I could blink. My 2 year old we washed right away with fractionated coconut oil and then soap and water. But would this be dangerous I mean she had to have touched 10 drops worth?
nope – lavender oil is kid safe!
I recently purchased several Synergy blends from Eden’s Garden. One of them was Immunity which has Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Lemon, Rosemary, Sweet Orange and Tea Tree. Another was Exhale which has Eucalyptus, Lemon, Peppermint, Ravensara and Tea Tree. The last one was Joy which has Bergamot, Geranium, Jasmine, Lemon, Mandarin, Palmarosa, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Rosewood, Sweet Orange and Ylang Ylang.
I have a 4 month old and 2 1/2 year old. I know that my 4 month should not be around the oils when they are being diffused (?) except for Lavender and Roman Chamomile. As for my older son, would the peppermint and eucalyptus in these blends not be recommended for use as being diffused around him either? Are there other ways I can use these oils to get the benefit without them doing harm to my children. I appreciate your thoughts on this. Now that I am no longer pregnant I would like to get back to using these oils once again.
2 1/2 is still too young. For many of the oils age 6 is a safer age and some older. You can use similar oils to get similar benefits. For instance, Fir Needle can do some of the same ‘jobs’ as peppermint and eucalyptus.
I have a 2 year old and a 8month baby. I’ve put some peppermint oil in a diffusers around the house . But I have not put anything on my children’s skin. Was wondering if this was safe to do. Or if the smell would be too strong for them. I definitely should have looked into it more before I went on a peppermint spree. But after reading I’m concerned with the having trouble breathing part.
no, not safe to difuse either – switch to lavender for now 🙂
Hi you just say that they are not safe with the eucalyptus which I agree but please leave your reasoning of why. That would add more depth for conversation thank you!
Due to the constituent called 1.8 cineole, too much can sometimes act negatively on the temperature receptors of children’s lungs and cause slowed breathing, so it’s often avoided.
She pre_answered most of these questions in depth already!
When is it safe to diffuse oils around babies? I loved diffusing lavender, peppermint and lemon before I had my baby and now I’m too worried to use any at all. We live in a basement so I’d love to use the peppermint to help with mice and spiders!
It’s safe if the oil is child safe – stick to peppermint for babies 🙂
Dawn, did you mean to stick with spearmint for babies?
I don’t know why I can’t find what you are referring to…
Dawn, is there a mistake in your reply here? It contradicts what you have said see real times regarding peppermint oil and babies. Elsewhere you sat to avoid it but here you imply it should be used for babies. Thank you for your article, it is very helpful
Hello – unfortunately I can’t see what it is you are referring to – can you tell me where I say something different please?
Dawn, it was in your reply to Kaley.
“Dawn Lorenz says
It’s safe if the oil is child safe – stick to peppermint for babies
REPLY
What brands of oils do you feel comfable using?
I use a few – one I get local that comes from an aromatherapist of 18 years whom I know personally. I also like Poofy Organics – USDA certified organic, and wild crafted, which I feel is VERY important. https://rnk.poofyorganics.com/category/166-essential-oils-and-blends.aspx
I am having a hard time finding out if It is ok to use products that contain peppermint oil as one of the ingredients. Specifically, I have started using Andalou Naturals Cool Mint Lotion that lists peppermint oil as the last ingredient. While I would assume that because it is listed as the last ingredient that it is highly diluted and would be considered safe, I would really like to confirm this. I would like to use it on my 3 year old daughter as it contains far fewer chemicals than most alternatives and she loves that it smells like mint ice cream. Just want to be assured it is safe to use. Thoughts?
I’m so happy to have found your article. I have used eucalyptus oil in my son’s bath water when he’s congested and now I’m a little freaked out! He just turned four… Can you recommend any follow up reading for me to make sure we didn’t cause any potential allergies, etc? I’ll be sharing this post so that others know (and following up with our pediatrician!) – you can not trust everything you read on the Internet!
They are using EO throughought my childrens school and this has been the worst year for respiratory issues yet, achool wide I do not believe inhaling these concentrates all day is good or aafe, and frankly dont see them as anythkng but costly air fresheners or flavorings. New university studies have shown them not to be safe and several children just became ill in a daycare from young living oils., though thr brand doesnt matter. Arsenic is natural nd probably organic, doesn’t mean it’s healthy!
I’d am very curious about what oils they are using!
I have oil diffusers in my home. Are all oils safe to diffuse into the air? I have two kids. Some of my oils say kid safe and others don’t say it. Is that just for topical use? Or any use?
How old are your kids? Each oil has their own cautions so it really depends on what oils you are referring to.
This might be a dumb question but I have a bad problem with ants this time of year because I’m in an old house and they just keep finding their way in everywhere. I was thinking of putting a few drops of peppermint oil in with my mop water, but I have a 2 year old and I know it’s not recommended for children. Would this use off it still not be recommended?
I’d use apple cider vinegar to wash with and then sprinkle cinnamon around the area.
As an oil user ( I have used peppermint on my kids to break a fever) don’t you think you have to treat each situation differently? I notice in your list that you quote that it says not to use Clove, but you mention using clove for teething. Is this the same idea and that you chose to use a product that you know worked for you while diluting it properly?
No – I don’t think it’s on an situational basis. Peppermint is not recommended. I do not recommend it for kids that young. If a mother chooses to use it, that’s her prerogative, hopefully choosing it after at least learning about it first. Yes, thank you for reminding me about the teething post – that was one of the first posts I had ever written before learning so much about the oils – I just edited the post and took it out. Do people use clove for teething – yes. Do I recommended it knowing what I know now? No.
Thanks for the info. I bought The Complete book of essential oils and Aromatherapy. I was confused after reading the post and then to see on page 176 and 177 how the author suggests putting eucalyptus on a baby for cold and cough. Maybe this is how they do it in the UK? So I am guessing there is no general consensus with aromatherapists on the use and do not use list?
Thanks for the post.
So the only two studies that you give as evidence according to the NAHA study are of a 40 year old woman who intentionally overdosed on peppermint (and survived with no side effects btw), and for eczema reactions to peppermint lip balm, no ages mentioned. How are these studies supposed to convince me that peppermint is unsafe for children???? Get better studies and maybe I’ll believe you.
Here’s a full list of evidence that you can certainly look into! This is also provided in the article – but it means you will actually have to look into some of it yourself as it’s a list of references, not links. LIST OF REFERENCES SUPPORTING THE ASSESSMENT REPORT ON:Menthae piperitae aetheroleum Mentha x piperita L., aetheroleum (peppermint oil)
I have been diffusing peppermint, lavender and lemon around my 2 year old. From what I an reading this is not safe?
Hey there, thank you so much for presenting such a great article; I’ve erred on the side of caution after being liberal with oils for a short time (from info through others touting using these controversial oils on babies/children) and am so glad I stopped. This article is helpful in re-directing me and knowing what is safest for my kids and myself. I have a question though. I’ve stayed away from using these oils in my cold process soap making due to kids/babies/pregnancy but would like to know it it’s necessary? Do you know if the potentially negative properties of the oils are changed through the soap making process of saponification or do they stay the same and could thus be harmful (like ylang ylang oil in soap used by pregnant women?) Thank you!
Is there a difference in the fir needle abies balsamea and fir needle abies sibirica that you have listed? I can’t seem to find the kind the you listed but am having an easier time finding the Albies balsamea. If not, is there something you would substitute?
I wish I had read this prior to using eucalyptus on my 4yr old son. I used it once in a diffuser and 2 or 3 separate times on his feet in a carrier oil (only one drop) and it made him so sick, throwing up every time. It took a few times for me to make the connection. 🙁
My husband just infused peppermint oil in our home with our 3 1/2 daughter home before reading any warnings. After about 20 minutes I stopped it and opened the windows. Could this cause any harm to my daughter? What should I look out for? We have a call into the pediatrician, but I’m afraid they will not have the answer. Thank you for your time.
I am sorry – I don’t check messages often to be relied on for quick medical advice.
Thank you for the article!
I have a 1.5 year old daughter that currently has Fifth Disease (skin rash), and they recommended a homemade calamine lotion that has:
Bentonite clay
Baking soda
Salt
Peppermint oil (5 drops)
Chamomile 5 drops
Lavender oil 5 drops
Witch Hazel
I don’t want to use the regular calamine lotion but I need something to relieve the itchiness. Would you recommend using the oils listed? Or not the peppermint?
not the peppermint 🙂
Hi, I sprayed undiluted peppermint oil all over the house since we have a huge bug problem. The house smelled full of peppermint oil and even with all doors and windows open we still couldn’t get rid of the smell by the time we went to sleep. I know I made a mistake by not diluting the oil but we have a 3 year old and I’m wondering if I caused any harm to his body. Since I sprayed all over the floor when we got home the floor was still damp so my son got the oil on his feet as well as inhaling it. I would like to know how much damage was done to my son for inhaling the peppermint oil. Thank you
I just finished reading the article. I have a 3 year old son that has been coughing and has a runny nose. I went to Pinterest for toddler cough young living and the peppermint along with lemon and lavender came up to dilute with a carrier oil as apply it to chest and feet. I applied it twice today. The second time, we were playing outside our home and I noticed he was sweating a LOT, I know it was hot but it was excessive. I asked if he was ok, and he said yes, I felt his pulse and it was normal. He wasn’t wheezing ( I have a stethoscope cause he has RAD) and he was playing normal with all the other kids. Should I be worried? Please help, I had no idea I couldn’t use it for children under 6 🙁
Thank you for posting this! As a mental health practitioner and user of oils I see far too often people making suggestions based on word of mouth or pseudo professionals (the person working the supplements aisle at whole foods or their mass market oil representative). These folks may be knowledgeable, maybe even have some training, but they most likely are not certified professionals. People have a tendency to think if it’s natural, it’s safe, when in reality supplements and oils used improperly can be very dangerous. Particularly if you have medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid disease. The dangerous part about psuedoprofessional is that when you are a novice, you don’t know what you don’t know. It is highly important to do thorough research, particularly away from those trying to make money off of you, and recognize when you are beyond your scope and consult with a professional. Be safe out there!
Hi there! My 3 year old daughter has IBS. I’ve done a lot of online research for natural ways to help her deal with her chronic constipation and diarrhea. Diet changes alone aren’t helping enough. I’ve read in countless places that peppermint oil is effective in relaxing the smooth muscle of the intestine, and supposedly helps aid the digestive system. Today I bought the NOW brand of peppermint essential oil, and rubbed a couple drops on her tummy. Yikes!!! Should I not have done that? I know of several moms who use Young Living oils, and they’ve used it on their children (mixed with a carrier oil). I don’t know what to do. Help!!!!
Hi! My name is Zoe. I’m 11 and I’ve made ten bath bombs with peppermint essential oils in it. This is the website I got it from. http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2015/03/homemade-bath-bombs.html
I have used multiple LUSH bath bombs before, and had no reaction, but I haven’t used one with peppermint essential oil. The brand of my oil was Aura Cacia.
Hi Zoe – have you read the ingredients of the Lush bombs? They are actually made using multiple unsafe, artificial ingredients. Not everyone will have any noticeable reactions to certain oils, chemicals, etc. A lot depends on how much of what you are using. I would not recommend letting a small child in the bath with a peppermint bath bomb.
This article is really useful…. thanks for putting it out there. Could you suggest a mosquito repelling essential oil safe for babies (9 mths)
That was a really useful read for me, thanks!
Hi there.
My baby is 4.5mths old. I’m thinking of using lavender oil in a ultrasonic diffuser for the home. Is that safe? I bought lavender and peppermint oil without knowing If they were safe. Hope you could advice before I start using them.
Thanks!
Here is an evidence based take on this from Dr. Daniel Leverenz, a very well respected ER doc. Most “research” is taken out of context. Eucalyptus can be perfectly safe on little ones. http://katieleverenz.com/eucalyptus-oil-evidence-based-podcast/
A husband and wife team that have a vested interest in Doterra. Seems legit. And while I agree that the research is based mostly on actual ingestion of eucalyptus oil it can aggravate the air passageways of small children due to the size of their nasal passages. Many people using essential oils would not know this and may put even the diluted oil on the face or head of a small child- hence the warning is to avoid is logical and wise out of sheer precaution.
What about peppermint tea for toddlers? Is that not safe either?
Peppermint tea/herb is perfectly ok. Essential oils are highly concentrated and their chemical constituents are different than that of the herb. One drop of peppermint essential oil is equivalent to about 75 cups of tea.
So, if peppermint oil isn’t good for kids under 6,what about herbal peppermint tea? Should I avoid that as well?
I see it says to avoid lemongrass topically for children under 2, however, what about in breastfeeding? I’m interested in the cellular health DDR prime gelcaps from dōTerra that have lemongrass in them, along with other oils.
The doTERRA gelcaps contain carrageenan which is a known carcinogen. I wouldn’t recommend using anything with that added to it.
I’m hoping you can answer a question for me regarding peppermint. My mother used peppermint on her babies, diluted and massaged onto bellies, and she taught me to do the same. Now that oils are HUGE and everywhere, I’ve been seeing all these things telling me peppermint is fatal/dangerous. Obviously, it is not in all cases, since all eight of us children survived along with my own three little ones. Is this a case of “you just don’t know if your kid will have a reaction until it happens,” like peanut butter or tetanus?
Hi,
I’ve been using peppermint extensively to bring down my 17month old’s temperature everytime he has a fever. He’s had 3 febrile seizures prior to this and has had 2 seizure-free fevers eversince I started using the oils on him. My question is, how often and how much usage of the oil will trigger and cause a fit ? I’m very much conflicted by this info. I’ve been so thankful that I no longer need to put him on regular paracetamol to bring his temperature down. Is there any other oil you’d suggest that could significantly bring a temperature down ? I’ve also been using Clove on him for metal detoxing and he’s been fever free eversince I started the detox regime. Looking forward to your reply. Thank you and thanks for the great article !
As a fellow Young Living user, you have to just use your judgement on the oils. They put the precautions to give you a guideline. I have a facebook page called The oily sisters. You are welcome to peak and like it. I for one have used many oils on my kiddos. Although it says to not use peppermint on kids under 2. I’ve used it on my baby. I used 1 drop and that was plenty. It reduced her fever and she had no side effects from using it. I use Thieves with her and have had no issues. I’ve diffused RC, and lots of other oils with no problems to my kids. My kids are 8 and under.
Reblogged this on Travels with Mary and commented:
Great post! Very informative and useful. Thanks for sharing!
Love this! Thanks for laying out the oils to avoid so nicely! Shared this with my oil group on Facebook since I made today ‘oil safety day’! 😀
YIKES! I have been using a pre-blended peppermint oil roll on for my 5 year old and also a pre-blended/diluted oil by Young Living called Breathe Again which consists of several different Eucalyptus oils for my 3 year old. There is also an Oreganol oil blend that I have been using for my 3 year old which states it is safe for kids. I might need to do some more research. Thanks for the info!
Thank you so much for this resource. I am very confused and bothered by the use of the term therapeutic grade when describing essential oils after reading the following:
http://www.cropwatch.org/Therapeutic%20Grade%20Essential%20Oils%20corrected.pdf
I would love clarification or further information. I have 2 boys and prefer natural cures as opposed to drugs but I want to be safe and smart. Thanks.
So dumb question. I have reactive airway disease, Many fragrances bother me, and I need to use a steroidal inhaler when this happens. So, can someone like me try essential pools? just the word ‘aromatherapy’ almost gives me a panic attack
One thing that made it easier for me to learn, if what you are reading is info put out by a specific brand, double check! I use many different companies. E.O.’s are like every other product out there, Heinz thinks their ketsup is the best. Many companies tend to side with the French usage, but e.o.’s are handled differently in Europe. It is always best to proceed with caution, not only for children, adults as well. People think that since it is a “natural” substance it is safe, so NOT true. You may want to explore hydrosols for children. Also, thanks for not covering this article in branding!
I have been using a 1:30ratio for clove oil and 1:30 ratio for Roman chamomile with the 30 being the carrier oil (extra virgin olive oil). One drop clove, one drop Roman chamomile, 60 drops carrier oil. Do you know if that is diluted enough for teething? Also, why is clove considered unsafe for young children?
Dermal max for adults and kids over age 2 is .5% due to moderate risk of skin sensitization and mucous membrane irritation. It is not advised for kids under 2, since they are even younger (more delicate). I am not sure how far you would have to dilute it for sensitization and mucous membrane irritation to not be a risk. German Chamomile hydrosol is a better option 🙂
Instead of using essential oil, which is very potent, just sew a little packet and put a few whole cloves in it. You can pin it to the baby’s shirt. The whole cloves are not as potent as the concentrated essential oil and breathing in the clove works just as well. People have been using whole cloves for centuries – not necessarily concentrated essential oil, for teething.
Are these dangerous to use in a diffuser mixed with water?
Not to adults… still better to stick with the guidelines as far as these oils listed….
Can you diffuse oils with kids in home younger than the required age?
technically, if going by these guidelines, no, at least not the ones with warnings for kids. You can diffuse others, like lavender.
I’ve read diluted clove oil as a remedy for teething. So should I look for an alternative?
we had a lot of comments about this on the FB page – people are still going to use it. It has been used for years. It would have to be very diluted in a carrier oil.
The best alternative is to use German Chamomile hydrosol.
What about using them environmentally? I have both peppermint and clove oil mixed into my homemade kitchen spray… I am having outrageous ant problems and have been using this liberally on counters and floors. My kids are 2 and 4.
How many drops of each? I sprinkle cinnamon around for ants after thoroughly cleaning with AVC and it ants were no longer an issue – really worked well.
What is AVC?
meant ACV – apple cider vinegar!
Thank you for posting this. I had asked a question on the FAQ page about not using eucalyptus on children under 10nor Niaouli. Yet a book specifically for children that is recommended on the site says using these oils on children 1 years old and up is Ok. Why is there conflicting recommendations? I had bought the book and went off the list buying the specified oils for my baby. I’ve even used them the other day to help get rid of a cold. I’m confused as
to why there is this discrepancy. Thanks
I think the discrepancies come with different trains of thought from around the world. I cannot tell you who is right and who is wrong, as I am not an expert in the field. I do know that the textbook this info comes from is a highly esteemed one in the aromatherapy world and the man who wrote it was a pioneer in his field in the USA.
Many people will need to update their safety info according to the 2nd edition of Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand, just released in Nov. 2013.
So Lea, from what you are saying there may be a change of feeling toward using eucalyptus? The book I’m referring to was written in 2000. Which would make sense, similar to the updated information regarding lavender and boys. I think I’ll put an order in for the Fir oil that was recommended 🙂 Thank you so much Lea and Raising Natural Kids 🙂 You guys are the best!!!
I am saying that the 2013 edition of Essential Oil Safety shows evidence that Eucalyptus, no matter the species, is not the best option for kids under 10. 🙂
i just read the post i am currently 24 weeks pregnant and have been using the aveeno stress relief cream throughout my pregnancy and i believe it have ylang ylang in it? should i be worried?
I just wouldn’t use it, though with Aveeno, it may just be synthetic anyway, I would have to check on that…
I’m commenting specifically about peppermint oil. My Dad is a Pharmacist and has prescribed peppermint oil for infants on up for over 30 years. This is peppermint oil, slightly diluted in milk etc. and taken orally for upset tummies. Peppermint is also in nearly every stomach related OTC medicine for all ages, as well. The comment above, “avoid using (all routes) on children under 6” seems very strange to me. Yes, dilute it for kids, but don’t scare people not to use it. Peppermint oil is wonderful!
What about diffusing these oils (peppermint and euculyptus) in a 18 month olds room?
I can see that ingesting some of the oils could be harmful for children, why would a diluted oil used as a spray be helpful? I don’t mean to be belligerent, I just like to know the “why” of it. Thanks!
I meant why would a diluted oil used as a spray be HARMFUL?
I have just made a couple of mosquito repellent sprays using essential oils for my sister and her family who live in Minnesota. There is eucalyptus and peppermint and Cajeput in the spray but it’s diluted with witch hazel and water. do you think this amount of essential oil in a dilution is too strong for children?
It’s hard to say… How old are the kids?
Excellent!