Why is precaution advisable when using aromatherapy for children under three years?
Mothers love eucalypts, but what about their babies?
Safety of essential oils in children
Eucalypts are certainly effective essential oils during illness. However, they are unsuitable for children under ten years, except for citronella eucalyptus and radiata eucalyptus. Many mothers use the strongest eucalyptus globulus, but from a safety and non-toxic approach, caution is needed. Our goal is education on the safe and effective use of essential oils.
Basic contraindications and recommendations
It is usually enough to know when and how to use essential oils and to know contraindications – why they are not suitable for children, people with low blood pressure, or before medical procedures. Missing legislation in the Czech Republic does not require mandatory listing of this information, which can lead to risks from improper use.
Risks of strong essential oils
Every essential oil has antiviral or antibiotic activity, but their chemical components can be toxic in high concentrations to the nervous system, liver, or kidneys. They are also potential allergens. Some components such as 1,8 cineole (in eucalypts) or camphor are not suitable for children or people with asthma and epilepsy. Therefore, it is important to limit diffusion of these oils and consult a specialist.
Suitable essential oils by children's age
For children from one year
- Mandarin and hydrolates are suitable, geranium only short-term.
- Sweet orange is also suitable, but mandarin is more pleasant.
For children from three years
- Ho-sho has a pleasant aroma and antibacterial effects.
- Lemon helps reduce fever and clear respiratory passages.
- Thyme linalool can be applied rather as hydrolates due to the strength of the essential oil.
- Frankincense can be used in exceptional cases.
- Petitgrain is suitable for younger children.
- Citrus fruits like lemon, orange, and mandarin are popular.
For children from six years
- Citronella eucalyptus and radiata can be used in mild dilution.
- Ginger and Scots pine are allowed in necessary cases.
- Citrus fruits like lime, bergamot, and grapefruit are recommended.
Hydrolates for infants and young children
Hydrolates are a safe aromatherapeutic tool with minimal contraindications. For children under six years, especially suitable are damask and white rose, Roman chamomile, true lavender, calendula, lemon, geranium, tea tree, neroli, and cornflower. Avoid hydrolates such as common sage, juniper, peppermint, and thymol thyme.