Some Safety Considerations for Using Essential Oils Around Children

Do not use any essential oils on or around children under 3 without consulting your pediatrician first.   Don't apply essential oils topically to children under 6.

Children's immune systems are not fully developed and are less able to deal with adverse effects of strong substances like essential oils.

Peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus may slow respiration in kids under 10 when inhaled via a diffuser.

These essential oils are generally considered OK for children in diluted amounts. Use one drop in your diffuser for inhalation.  

Children's skin is more permeable than adult skin.  A dilution of .25% is recommended for children up to age 6.  1 drop to 4 tsp. of carrier oil like sweet almond oil.

• Blue Tansy
• Cedarwood
• Copaiba
• Cypress
• German Chamomile
• Geranium
• Helichrysum
• Lavender
• Mandarin
• Neroli
• Sandalwood
• Tea Tree

AVOID THESE ESSENTIAL OILS AROUND KIDS:

• Anise/Aniseed 
• Cassia
• Clove Bud, Clove Leaf, Clove Stem 
• Eucalyptus 
• Fennel (bitter), Fennel (sweet) 
• Lemongrass 
• Niaouli 
• Peppermint 
• Rosemary 
• Verbena (Lemon) 
• Wintergreen 
• Ylang-Ylang 

SOME CITRUS ESSENTIAL OILS CAN CAUSE PHOTO TOXIC REACTIONS (severe sunburn, blistering, changes in skin color up to 48 hrs. after exposure).  Don't use angelica root, bergamot, lime, grapefruit, bitter orange, or lemon on exposed skin before heading outside.  Avoid sunbathing for more than 12 hrs. after use of these oils.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.  This information is provided for educational use only, making no medical claims and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition.