Is it safe to use essential oils in children?

Essential oils are gaining popularity as a more natural alternative to drugs and supplements. They are generally safe for adults when used correctly, but are dangerous for babies. Here's what you need to know.

Essential oil for children

There is a wide variety of essential oils on the market. These are usually oils extracted from plants and bottled in high concentrations without dilution. While not all of the purported medical benefits of essential oils have been proven, research shows that many popular oils have medicinal properties. People use various oils to help with things like:

Improving sleep
Alleviating physical pain
Reducing stress
Easing an upset stomach

When buying oils, make sure the labels show the essential oil equivalent with nutritional information:

Name of the plant from which it was extracted
Latin name of the plant
The part of the plant used to extract the oil
Country of origin
Method in which the oil was extracted

Safety issues for babies

In general, oils have been shown to harm a child's skin by breaking down the skin's lipid barrier, so they should be used with caution.

Each essential oil has different recommendations for use from newborn to adult. While some oils are safe to apply to the skin when diluted properly, others are not. You should always be careful when it comes to your child. Some oils that should never be used on babies include:

Idaho tansy
Hyssop
Sage
Clary sage
Wintergreen
Eucalyptus

Often the oil will disperse into the air instead of being applied to the skin. Because a baby's sinuses, lungs, and body are still developing, you should never use an essential oil diffuser when your baby is present.

Some companies create special blends of essential oils designed for baby safety. Whenever possible, look for these mixtures to dilute rather than use the full versions.

Other considerations for essential oils

Do not apply undiluted oils directly to the skin. Oils are so concentrated that without proper dilution in a carrier oil such as coconut, almond or olive oil, they can be harmful rather than beneficial. Dilutions that are considered safe for children are usually between 0.5 and 2.5 percent, depending on your child's age and size.
Do not add undiluted oils to the bath. Oil does not mix with water, so concentrated oils can irritate the skin.
Do not swallow oils. Some oils are clearly labeled for ingestion, so read labels carefully. You should not take essential oils by mouth unless the bottles indicate they are safe to consume.
Do not overuse oils. Track how often you apply oils. Even diluted oils can accumulate in the body if used frequently throughout the day.
Do not use peppermint oil on children under 30 months of age. Peppermint oil may increase the risk of seizures in young children.
Do not use oils near a heat source. Essential oils are highly flammable and can ignite if brought too close to heat.
Do not apply essential oils near eyes, ears and nose.
Buy oils from a trusted source. Reputable essential oil companies will have clear branding and a support phone number you can call with questions.
Avoid sunlight for some essential oils.
Store oils in a cool, dry place. Oils can change composition if they are constantly hot. Make sure they are out of direct sunlight and placed in a safe place where your children can't reach them.
Apply a patch test first. Even when diluted, apply oils to a small area of skin before applying to the whole body.
Consult with a specialist. If you have any questions about using the oil, or whether it is safe for your family to use the oil, call your doctor. If your doctor is unsure about an oil, they can refer you to a trusted source for more information.