Essential Oil Safety with Children & Pregnancy 101
While using essential oils topically or diffusing you need to be careful. As I had posted earlier about essential oil usage basics, here. Not trying to scare you, it's just that you need to be AWARE. There are some that should NOT be used around children and some that have to be used with care because they are extremely concentrated in an oil form. Be mindful to also check the purity and latin name on your bottle to make sure it should be used aromatically and/or topically. Also I want you to be aware that some botanical's cannot be used on children and some have guidelines for specific age groups. Don't worry I will go over it in this post, you don't have to be afraid of using essential oils, you just want to be mindful about which ones are appropriate on children. In most cases it is simply best to not use essential oils on newborns or babies under 6 months, due to their delicate skin and immature systems. Also I would recommend to ask your health care practitioner, before use any of oils regardless of age. I am not a doctor or have any certifications in this field, this blog post is done solely of my own acquired knowledge of personal research on this subject.
What age is appropriate to use essential oils?
Please note: When diffusing or using topically it is VERY IMPORTANT you are only using oils that are safe to use around children.
>Do NOT diffuse or topically apply oils before the age of 6 months of age; Please do not use your oils on or around newborns.
>You do not know if there will be a sensitivity to certain botanicals' ( it's the same concept with starting new foods with children), best to not use any oils at this time if your child is under 6 months of age.
>From 6 months and up, it's generally a safe option to diffuse 'child safe oils' for a specific purpose, for short periods of time.
>The maximum recommended amount of essential oils used on babies 6 and up months topically, should NOT exceed .2% of the recipe, or 1-2 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. Safest oils for baby's at 6 months include:
-Chamomile, Roman and German
-Dill
-Lavender (true)
-Yarrow, Blue
These EOs are SAFEST to use diffusing or topically on children:
>>These oils are generally safest to use with children, although please read directions of use if it has a (*) next to the oil will be found in the next section.
-Bergamot
-Anise*
-Black Pepper
-Cardamom*
-Cedarwood
-Clary Sage
-Cedarwood
-Clary Sage
-Clove*
-Copaiba
-Coriander
-Cypress
-Copaiba
-Coriander
-Cypress
-Fennel*
-Frankincense
-Gentle Baby Blend
-German Chamomile
-Geranium
-GeneYus Blend*
-Ginger
-Grapefruit
-Juniper Berry
-Helichrysum
-Frankincense
-Gentle Baby Blend
-German Chamomile
-Geranium
-GeneYus Blend*
-Ginger
-Grapefruit
-Juniper Berry
-Helichrysum
-Hyysop*
-Lavender
-Lemon*
-Lavender
-Lemon*
-Lemongrass*
-Mandarin
-Marjoram (Sweet)*
-Mandarin
-Marjoram (Sweet)*
-Melissa/Lemon balm*
-Mrryh
-Neroli*
-Mrryh
-Neroli*
-Oregano*
-Owie Blend*
-Palmarosa
-Patchouli
-Owie Blend*
-Palmarosa
-Patchouli
-Peppermint*
-Pines -except Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa), or Huon Pine (Dacrydium franklinii)
-Roman Chamomile
-Rose
-Roman Chamomile
-Rose
-Rosemary*
-Sage*
-Savory*
-Sandalwood
-Sandalwood
-Siberian Fir Needle
-SniffleEase Blend*
-Spearmint
-Spruces
-Sweet Marjoram
-Sweet Orange
-Tangerine
-Tea Tree*
-TummyGize Blend*
-SniffleEase Blend*
-Spearmint
-Spruces
-Sweet Marjoram
-Sweet Orange
-Tangerine
-Tea Tree*
-TummyGize Blend*
-Vetiver
-Ylang Ylang*
Which EOs should I avoid diffusing or topically on children?
>>*see precautions:
-Angelica [**not for use on children]
-Anise/Aniseed (star) [do not use topically or diffuse around children under age 5]
-Basil (lemon) [do not use topically under age 2]
-Birch (sweet) [**not for use on children]
-Blue Tansy [**not for use on children]
-Cardamom [do not use topically or diffuse around children under age 6]
-Cassia [**not for use on children]
-Clove [do not use topically under age 2]
-Eucalyptus [do not use topically or diffuse around children under age 10]
-Fennel (bitter/sweet) [do not use topically or diffuse around children under age 5]
-GeneYus Blend [do not use topically or diffuse around children under age 2]
-Hyssop [do not use topically or diffuse around children under age 2]
-Lemon [do not use topically under age 2]
-Lemongrass [do not use topically under age 2]
-Majoram (Spanish) [do not use topically or diffuse around children under age 6]
-Melissa/Lemon Balm [do not use topically under age 2]
-Mrytle [do not use topically or diffuse under age 6]
-Neroli [do not use topically or diffuse around children under age 6]
-Oregano [do not use topically on children under age 2]
-Owie Blend [do not use topically on children under age 2]
-Peppermint [do not use topically or diffuse around children under age 6]
-Rosemary [do not use topically or diffuse around children under age 10]
-Sage (white/greek/wild) [do not use topically or diffuse under age 6]
-Savory [do not use topically under age 2]
-SniffleEase Blend [do not use use topically or diffuse under age 6]
-Tea Tree (Lemon scented) [do not use topically under age 2]
-Thieves Blend [do not use topically or diffuse around children under 10]
-TummyGize Blend [do not use topically on children under age 6]
-Wintergreen [**not for use on children due to containing natural occurring chemical methyl salicylate]
-Valerian Root [**not for use on children]
-Ylang-Ylang [do not use topically under age 2]
{Tip: I would recommend doing your own research on every plant ingredient in your products or essential oils before using them on your children. It doesn't hurt to be safe!}
Which EOs should I avoid diffusing or topically on children?
>>*see precautions:
-Angelica [**not for use on children]
-Anise/Aniseed (star) [do not use topically or diffuse around children under age 5]
-Basil (lemon) [do not use topically under age 2]
-Birch (sweet) [**not for use on children]
-Blue Tansy [**not for use on children]
-Cardamom [do not use topically or diffuse around children under age 6]
-Cassia [**not for use on children]
-Clove [do not use topically under age 2]
-Eucalyptus [do not use topically or diffuse around children under age 10]
-Fennel (bitter/sweet) [do not use topically or diffuse around children under age 5]
-GeneYus Blend [do not use topically or diffuse around children under age 2]
-Hyssop [do not use topically or diffuse around children under age 2]
-Lemon [do not use topically under age 2]
-Lemongrass [do not use topically under age 2]
-Majoram (Spanish) [do not use topically or diffuse around children under age 6]
-Melissa/Lemon Balm [do not use topically under age 2]
-Mrytle [do not use topically or diffuse under age 6]
-Neroli [do not use topically or diffuse around children under age 6]
-Oregano [do not use topically on children under age 2]
-Owie Blend [do not use topically on children under age 2]
-Peppermint [do not use topically or diffuse around children under age 6]
-Rosemary [do not use topically or diffuse around children under age 10]
-Sage (white/greek/wild) [do not use topically or diffuse under age 6]
-Savory [do not use topically under age 2]
-SniffleEase Blend [do not use use topically or diffuse under age 6]
-Tea Tree (Lemon scented) [do not use topically under age 2]
-Thieves Blend [do not use topically or diffuse around children under 10]
-TummyGize Blend [do not use topically on children under age 6]
-Wintergreen [**not for use on children due to containing natural occurring chemical methyl salicylate]
-Valerian Root [**not for use on children]
-Ylang-Ylang [do not use topically under age 2]
{Tip: I would recommend doing your own research on every plant ingredient in your products or essential oils before using them on your children. It doesn't hurt to be safe!}
How do I apply topically?
Always use a carrier oil, coconut oil is an easily accessible oil to find. Introduce one oil at a time slowly. Allergies are no fun. Please always dilute essential oils before applying with a carrier oil on children appropriately, there are charts shown below, in the next section. And most importantly, do a skin patch test shown right here!
HOW TO DO A SKIN PATCH TEST:
- 1. Mix a very small amount of essential oil/carrier at the concentration you plan to use.
- 2. Using the inside of the forearm, apply a couple drops of your mix to the pad of a bandaid and keep the bandage on the skin. After 15-30 minutes, remove the bandage and check for irritation.
- 3.If the skin under or around the bandage becomes red, swollen, itchy, or develops blisters, that is a sensitivity to this particular oil and you should avoid skin exposure to the essential oil you tested.
- 4.Repeat to check for allergic sensitivities per new oil, doing this skin patch method.
How do I dilute oils to use with my children?
>After age 6 months you may start topical use with a VERY LOW dilution. It can be possible to use a very low dilution newborns, but please, consult your child's physician beforehand.
Topically:
Rollers:
Essential Oils during pregnancy?
>You should also exercise caution with essential oils if you are pregnant, since essential oils can cross the placental barrier and there is little clinical research in this area. Very gentle essential oils, such as true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) are sometimes used by midwives during and after labor and delivery with favorable effects (Burns et al., 2000). It is not recommended to use essential oils in the first trimester. As you further into your second trimester 'some' essential oils are safe to use. Just as a general rule, similar cautions during pregnancy and infancy/early childhood should be used with EOs as with other substances/foods. It is not recommended ingesting oils while pregnant, but rather drink a gentle herbal tea, DIFFUSING essential oils for aromatherapy use almost the safest route to use essential oils while pregnant. If you are in doubt, contact your healthcare provider, certified naturopathic practitioner or certified aromatherapist/herbalist.
Safe oils to use during your 2nd & 3rd trimester
for use topically with a carrier oil/diffused/diffuser necklace:
for use topically with a carrier oil/diffused/diffuser necklace:
-Chamomile (sleep aid)
-Bergamont
-Eucalyptus
-Frankincense
-Geranium
-Ginger
-Grapefruit
-Lavender
-Lemon
-Lemongrass
-Lime
-Mandarin
-Neroli
-Patchouli
-Petitgrain
-Roman chamomile
-Rose Otto
-Rosewood
-Sandalwood
-Sweet orange
-Tea Tree
-Wild Orange
-Ylang Ylang (sleep aid)
Please contact your health care practitioner BEFORE use while pregnant or suppliments that contain:
-Angelica
-Arnica (homeopathic is fine)
-Basil
-Birch (sweet)
-Bitter almond
-Boldo leaf
-Broom
-Buchu
-Calamus
-Camphor (brown or yellow)
-Cassia
-Cedarwood/thuja
-Chervil
-Cinnamon
-Clary Sage
-Clove (bud/stem/leaf)
-Corriander
-Costus
-Elecampane
-Fennel
-Deertongue
-Horseradish
-Hyssop
-Jaborandi leaf
-Juniper Berry
-Melilotus
-Mugwort
-Mustard
-Nutmeg
-Origanum
-Parsley (large doses)
-Peppermint (large doses)
-Pennyroal
-Pine (dwarf)
-Rosemary
-Rue
-Sassafras
-Savin
-Savory (summer)
-Tansy
-Thyme (red in large doses)
-Tonka
-Valarian Root
-Wintergreen
-Wormwood
I recommend reading:
- Want further reading? I recommend getting 'Gentle Babies' book this book covers more about breast feeding & essential oil use with children, it can be found on Amazon.com
Here are some other safety tips to keep into consideration when using essential oils no matter what brand you are loyal to:
1. When storing essential oils (EOs), it’s important to keep them in a cool, dark place with lids tightly closed ALWAYS out of reach of children just as you would your cleaners or medicines. You’ll also want to keep carrier oils (for example coconut oil, olive oil, vitamin e oil, sweet almond oil, etc.) on hand for dilution.
2. Most essential oils are generally safe for use during pregnancy. As with any health program, you may want to consult a healthcare professional beforehand. A great resource is the book Gentle Babies.
3. Citrus oils cause photo-sensitivity when applied to the skin. They may cause a rash or dark pigmentation on skin exposed to UV rays or direct sunlight within 1-2 days after application.
4. Keep oils away from your mucus membranes (eyes, nose, mouth (unless specified) and never directly into the ears).
5. Should irritation or accidental contact with eyes occur, never use water to attempt to wash off the EO (they are not water-soluble). Instead, use a V6 vegetable oil complex or other carrier oil (such as coconut oil or sweet almond oil) to cleanse the area and reduce discomfort.
6. Epileptics and people with high blood pressure should use extra caution when using essential oils high in ketones like basil, rosemary, sage, or tansy. (*Please contact your health care provider before use of certain essential oils to rule out possible prescription drug interactions)
7. For people with allergies or sensitive skin, it’s best to test a small area (*inside of the upper arm or bottom of the foot) and wait 30 minutes before applying to other areas. In general, the bottoms of the feet are safe for topical application.
8. Direct inhalation (**Not the same as diffusing) can be a deep and intensive application method, particularly for respiratory congestion. This method should not be used more than 10-15 times throughout the day without first consulting a healthcare professional.
9. When adding EOs to bath water, start with 1-3 drops first mixed with Epsom salt to help disperse the oil. Never use more than 10 drops in one bath, Young Living Essential oils are very pure and potent. If a dispersing agent is not used, serious discomfort can be caused due to the fact that oils tend to float undiluted on top of the water.
10. Young Living states right on the bottle if an oil can be consumed as a food additive or “dietary supplement.” DO NOT use any EO internally that is not specifically indicated for that purpose. *ALWAYS inform your health practitioner before use.
11. Application of oils on children is not recommended until after 6 months of age, and must always be heavily diluted. Start with the bottoms of feet before applying to other areas of the body. Again, the book Gentle Babies is an incredible resource to learn more on EO safety in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, and with children. Diffusing around babies and children is, however, the safest route but always take precaution because their are guidelines per use of some oils involving littles.
12. Similar cautions during pregnancy and infancy/early childhood should be used with essential oils as with other substances. If you are in doubt, contact a knowledgeable healthcare provider.
13. PURITY IS VERY IMPORTANT. Essential oils have been used for centuries by many cultures! Unfortunately being so wide available today, some essential oils are altered by adding synthetic chemicals or other, similar smelling, essential oils or they are sometimes diluted with vegetable oil. Look for language indicating purity on the label. It is not bad per say if the label says, for example, that the bottle contains 20% essential oil and 80% vegetable oil or other variations. This is sometimes done so that popular but expensive oils like rose or neroli (that can cost over $100 per teaspoon when pure) can be made more affordable. If you think you are starting with 100% essential oil and you are not, however, you may be disappointed with the results. On the other hand, if you are starting with professional quality essential oils such as Young Living, which are generally much more concentrated, you need to dilute them to be safe.
1. When storing essential oils (EOs), it’s important to keep them in a cool, dark place with lids tightly closed ALWAYS out of reach of children just as you would your cleaners or medicines. You’ll also want to keep carrier oils (for example coconut oil, olive oil, vitamin e oil, sweet almond oil, etc.) on hand for dilution.
2. Most essential oils are generally safe for use during pregnancy. As with any health program, you may want to consult a healthcare professional beforehand. A great resource is the book Gentle Babies.
3. Citrus oils cause photo-sensitivity when applied to the skin. They may cause a rash or dark pigmentation on skin exposed to UV rays or direct sunlight within 1-2 days after application.
4. Keep oils away from your mucus membranes (eyes, nose, mouth (unless specified) and never directly into the ears).
5. Should irritation or accidental contact with eyes occur, never use water to attempt to wash off the EO (they are not water-soluble). Instead, use a V6 vegetable oil complex or other carrier oil (such as coconut oil or sweet almond oil) to cleanse the area and reduce discomfort.
6. Epileptics and people with high blood pressure should use extra caution when using essential oils high in ketones like basil, rosemary, sage, or tansy. (*Please contact your health care provider before use of certain essential oils to rule out possible prescription drug interactions)
7. For people with allergies or sensitive skin, it’s best to test a small area (*inside of the upper arm or bottom of the foot) and wait 30 minutes before applying to other areas. In general, the bottoms of the feet are safe for topical application.
8. Direct inhalation (**Not the same as diffusing) can be a deep and intensive application method, particularly for respiratory congestion. This method should not be used more than 10-15 times throughout the day without first consulting a healthcare professional.
9. When adding EOs to bath water, start with 1-3 drops first mixed with Epsom salt to help disperse the oil. Never use more than 10 drops in one bath, Young Living Essential oils are very pure and potent. If a dispersing agent is not used, serious discomfort can be caused due to the fact that oils tend to float undiluted on top of the water.
10. Young Living states right on the bottle if an oil can be consumed as a food additive or “dietary supplement.” DO NOT use any EO internally that is not specifically indicated for that purpose. *ALWAYS inform your health practitioner before use.
11. Application of oils on children is not recommended until after 6 months of age, and must always be heavily diluted. Start with the bottoms of feet before applying to other areas of the body. Again, the book Gentle Babies is an incredible resource to learn more on EO safety in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, and with children. Diffusing around babies and children is, however, the safest route but always take precaution because their are guidelines per use of some oils involving littles.
12. Similar cautions during pregnancy and infancy/early childhood should be used with essential oils as with other substances. If you are in doubt, contact a knowledgeable healthcare provider.
13. PURITY IS VERY IMPORTANT. Essential oils have been used for centuries by many cultures! Unfortunately being so wide available today, some essential oils are altered by adding synthetic chemicals or other, similar smelling, essential oils or they are sometimes diluted with vegetable oil. Look for language indicating purity on the label. It is not bad per say if the label says, for example, that the bottle contains 20% essential oil and 80% vegetable oil or other variations. This is sometimes done so that popular but expensive oils like rose or neroli (that can cost over $100 per teaspoon when pure) can be made more affordable. If you think you are starting with 100% essential oil and you are not, however, you may be disappointed with the results. On the other hand, if you are starting with professional quality essential oils such as Young Living, which are generally much more concentrated, you need to dilute them to be safe.
*All information on Green Mountain Mama Blog is meant for educational and informational purposes only. The statements on this blog have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products mentioned and/or information are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease. Readers are advised to do their own research and make decisions in consultation with their health care provider. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition or are taking any medication, please consult your physician.
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