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My Reward PointsEssential oils have become quite popular due to their therapeutic properties and benefits.
However, when it comes to children, parents must be careful while using these oils. This is because essential oils are concentrated oils.
They have a strong aroma, and children might find them difficult to handle. In this blog, we will discuss whether essential oils are suitable for children.
We will also discuss the safe usage methods and precautions to be taken while using essential oils for children.
Understanding Essential Oils and Their Uses
Before delving into the main topic, let's find out what an essential oil is and study the uses of different types of essential oils:
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated oils obtained from seeds, leaves, roots, and flowers. Different extraction methods, such as steam distillation, cold pressing, and solvent extraction, are used to extract the oils.
The medicinal properties of essential oils make them suitable for skincare, haircare, and cleaning wounds. Their unique and powerful scents make them ideal for aromatherapy as well.
Why Parents Use Essential Oils?
Parents might use essential oils for children who are having difficulty sleeping or concentrating on their studies.
They might also use it for their skincare or when kids have difficulty breathing due to nasal congestion. Some popular essential oils for children include chamomile, lavender, and frankincense.
Can Essential Oils be Safe for Children?
Now, let's discuss the safety aspect of essential oils when used for children:
Age-Appropriate Essential Oils
It is best to avoid using essential oils for newborns and toddlers. If required, use them only for toddlers, and only under the supervision of a medical practitioner.
For children over 3 years old, we can use diluted essential oils of a milder variety, such as lavender, Tea tree, eucalyptus, and other essential oils can be safely used for kids aged 6 and up.
However, don't forget to dilute them with a carrier oil before topical application. Rosemary, wintergreen, peppermint, and other stronger varieties must be avoided, as they may cause respiratory issues, seizures, and other adverse effects in children.
Common Safety Risks with Essential Oils for Children
Some safety concerns or risks may arise while using essential oils for children. These risks and problems are explained in detail below:
1. Toxicity: Children may ingest essential oils accidentally or unknowingly, which can be harmful to their health. So, always keep these oils away from them.
2. Skin Irritation: Essential oils may cause skin irritation, especially in kids who have sensitive or dry skin. Some kids experience this irritation even after dilution of essential oils. So, it's better to avoid using them for such kids.
3. Breathing Concerns: Some children have reported experiencing breathing issues, especially when essential oils were diffused in the room. So, proper care must be taken to ensure that they remain safe in such situations.
Pediatric Guidelines for Using Essential Oils
Consulting a pediatrician is a must before administering essential oils to children. Their expert recommendations and tips will help you use the essential oils safely.
The concentration of essential oils can range from 0.25-0.5% for toddlers and up to 1-2% for older kids. For 1% dilution, you must add 3 drops of an essential oil to 30 mL of carrier oil.
Best Essential Oils for Children
Now that we have discussed some tips and insights on how to use essential oils for children, let's look at some of the best child-friendly essential oils:
1. Calming Oils
Lavender, chamomile, and other soothing or calming essential oils help induce sleep and relax the mind. So, these oils can be helpful for sleep-deprived kids.
2. Respiratory Support Oils
Use peppermint or eucalyptus essential oils for older children struggling with breathing or respiratory issues due to nasal or chest congestion.
Their expectorant properties open blocked airways and loosen mucus. As a result, they help children breathe freely again.
3. Skin Care Oils
Frankincense, tea tree, and some other essential oils possess anti-inflammatory properties. So, they can be used for children suffering from minor skin irritations after diluting them sufficiently with cold cream or a carrier oil.
4. Oils to Avoid for Children
Essential oils extracted from spices such as cinnamon, black pepper, clove, etc., should be avoided as these are strong, concentrated oils.
Similarly, some essential oils, such as rosemary and eucalyptus, must be avoided for younger children.
How to Safely Use Essential Oils with Children?
Learning the safe way to use essential oils for children is a must. The following points will clear your doubt in this regard:
1. Dilution & Application Guidelines
Dilute the essential oil with a sufficient amount of carrier oil before topical application. The concentration of the essential oil can range from 0.25% to 2% for children aged 3 to 6 years.
A dilution of up to 3% of essential oil can be used for children aged 6 years and older.
2. Choosing Safe Delivery Methods
Use an oil diffuser if your child is struggling with breathing problems. Direct inhalation is not recommended for children.
Diluted essential oils can be used for skincare purposes. Avoid sensitive areas, such as the eyes, face, and nose, when applying these oils.
3. Signs of an Allergic Reaction or Sensitivity
Stop using the essential oil immediately if the child experiences any breathing issues, skin allergies, rashes, or irritation.
Wash the affected area with gentle soap and water immediately to reduce redness or irritation. Then, you may consult a dermatologist 7to get that part checked for sensitivity and skin integrity.
When to Consult a Pediatrician About Essential Oils?
Let's discuss the scenarios during which you are expected to consult a pediatrician when using essential oils for children:
Consulting a Doctor Before Use
It is better to consult a skin specialist or doctor before using essential oils for toddlers. If your child has sensitive or damaged skin, you must discuss it properly with a healthcare expert before using the essential oils.
Red Flags to Watch For
Stop using essential oils for children if irritation or breathing issues persist even after taking all precautions. Instead, try other natural remedies that are gentle and safe for kids.
Conclusion
These were some tips that you can follow while using essential oils for kids. Use the essential oils in moderation only after diluting them properly.
Also, go through all the potential risks and be prepared to overcome them before using any essential oil for your child.
We encourage parents to seek help from professionals and do some research themselves if they want to introduce essential oils into the lives of their children.
