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Essential Oil Safety

 

Essential Oils are used in aromatherapy through various methods and they can interact with your body in several ways.

For example, inhaling essential oil aromas can stimulate parts of your limbic system in your brain that may affect your mood, behaviour, affect your breathing and sense of smell.

Essential oils contain many bioactive compounds that may also harm your health if it is not suitable for your condition or state of health.

Excerpts from New York Times article published on 23 July 2019, ‘Are Essential Oils Safe for Kids?‘

“Don’t diffuse essential oils around infants under 6 months old.

For older babies and children, it’s reasonably safe to diffuse certain oils such as

cedarwood,  or sweet orange for up to an hour while monitoring your child.”

“If your child develops a rash or skin irritation; headaches; nausea or vomiting;

coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing; or any other symptoms while using oils,

stop using them immediately and call your doctor.

Never use oils as a replacement for medical care.”

Generally, it is not recommended to use essential oils for children 2 years old and younger. For children 2-10 years old, it is recommended that their exposure to essential oils be in smaller amounts (compared to adult use) even through diffusion as: 

  1. children are still developing and their bodies’ reaction does not display itself in the same way as an adults or are unable to communicate their discomfort.
  2. to avoid a systemic issue like hepatoxicity or neurotoxicity (which can occur, although rare).

Essential oil use and aromatherapy are not recommended for pregnant women in their first trimester. Some essential oils are also on the list to avoid during the whole pregnancy and while nursing.   

 

Please refer to the table below for the essential oils we use.

 

Essential OilScent characteristicsBenefits of Aroma

Safety Concerns

Cedarwood Altaswoody aroma, slightly smoky, balsamic, and very subtle with a hint of spicesupport a healthy respiratory system, calmingShould not be used during pregnancy. For young children under 10 years old, do not diffuse more than an hour.
Eucalyptus Globuluscamphorous, crisp, clean, aroma with soft woody undertonesinsect and pest repellent, support a healthy respiratory system, reduce fatigue and aids focusShould not use if pregnant or if you have estrogen dependent cancer. Not safe for children under 10 years old due to high amount of 1,8-cineole, an essential oil constituent that is not safe for small children.
Frankincensedeep, with subtle hints of citrus and camphorsupports emotional balance, relaxation, focus, centeringSafe for general diffusion. However, pregnant or nursing women and children should consult their health care providers before using it. For young children do not diffuse more than an hour.
GeraniumFloral, rose-like aromacalming and helps uplift moodHas sedative effects and should not be used during pregnancy. Pregnant or nursing women and children should consult their health care providers before using it.
Grapefruitfresh, sweet citrus aromauplift mood, stress reliefSafe for general diffusion. However, pregnant or nursing women and children should consult their health care providers before using it. 
Lavendersweet, floral, gentle aromaStress and anxiety relief, ease insomniaSafe for general diffusion. However, it has sedative effect. Should not be use by those who have been diagnosed with an oestrogen-dependent cancer. Pregnant or nursing women and children should consult their health care providers before using it. 
Lemonstrong yet light, citruspromote focus, lift the spirits and ease fatigueSafe for general diffusion. However, pregnant or nursing women and children should consult their health care providers before using it.
Lemongrasssweet lemon, grassy and earthy aroma  uplifting and helps to focusShould not be used by those who are suffering from oestrogen-dependent cancers. Not safe for children under 10 years old.
Peppermint strong menthol aromauplift mood and boost mental alertnessNot safe for children under 10 years old due to high menthol which may cause breathing problems. Do not place diffusion at close range to face. For young children, do not diffuse more than an hour.
Sweet Orangesweet, fresh and citrus aromareduce anxiety, stress, insomnia and uplife moodSafe for general diffusion. However, pregnant or nursing women and children should consult their health care providers before using it.