What You Need to Know About Using Essential Oils Safely on Kids

Essential oils are used for a wide range of holistic health purposes. They can be used to make homemade bath and beauty products, they can be applied topically to help with various skin ailments and health issues and they can be diluted for ingestion in some cases. Essential oils are also great for aromatherapy; this can help to create a relaxing and inviting home environment. When used properly and responsibly, essential oils can offer your family a multitude of health benefits. Children, however, have more sensitive immune systems than adults. Here are some tips you need to know about using essential oils safely on kids.

Do Your Research

Improperly using essential oils is bad for children and adults. Oils are highly concentrated, and many children are particularly allergic or sensitive to the aromas and chemical composition of these oils. Additionally, the immune systems in children are far more sensitive and less developed than the systems of teenagers and adults. Little ones are less able to fend off side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from applying undiluted essential oils topically to the skin. Even when certain oils are properly diluted and used for aromatherapy or in a humidifier, they can pose certain health risks to young children. Before introducing any essential oils into your homemade beauty and bath products, cleaning supplies or aromatherapy diffusers, research each oil to determine if it is safe for your children to inadvertently inhale or ingest. Most essential oil suppliers will provide documentation and warnings on specific items in their lineup, so make sure to check with their websites.

Stay Away From Certain Oils Altogether

Peppermint, rosemary and wintergreen essential oils are very pungent and effective in certain instances, but they are not safe for children even when diluted. There are a wide range of chemical compounds in these particular essential oils that may stimulate, aggravate, cause or even create breathing problems in young children and teenagers.

Safely Store Your Stash

Essential oils should be treated like prescription medications; they should be kept locked away and not be accessible to young children. When accidentally ingested, some essential oils can cause severe adverse reactions; there have even been reports of comas, hospitalizations and even death in rare cases. While many essential oils are deemed safe for consumption, inhalation, ingestion and daily use, you will want to do ample research and look out for potential side effects in children.

If your children begin to experience breathing problems, headaches, nausea or vomiting, coughing, or seizures, you should immediately discontinue all use of essential oils and speak with a medical professional. Essential oils can be a great addition to your home, but they still need to be used with caution.