Using Essential Oils With Children

ESSENTIAL OILS BY AGE

6+MONTHS

German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Lavender Bulgaria, Lavender Greece

 
7-24MONTHS

Citronella, Coriander, Cucumber Seed, Cypress, Helichrysum italicum, Red Mandarin, Neroli, Orange, Palmarosa, Sandalwood, Spruce, Tangerine, Rose

 
2-5YEARS

Blue Tansy, Balsam of Peru, Basil, Bergamot FCF, Black Pepper, Blood Orange, Cardamom, Carrot Seed, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Copaiba, Davana, Eucalyptus citriodora, Fennel Seed, Sacred Frankincense, Frankincense carterii, Frankincense serrata, Geranium, Ginger Root, Grapefruit, Holy Basil, Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper Berry, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Litsea Cubeba, Sweet Marjoram, Melissa, Myrrh, Patchouli, Petitgrain Bigarade, Pine, Rosewood, Spearmint, Spikenard, Tea Tree, Thyme, Turmeric, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang Complete

 
6-9YEARS

Cornmint, Myrtle, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Sage, Vitex Berry, Wintergreen

 
10+YEARS

Eucalyptus radiata, Helichrysum gymnocephalum, Niaouli, Ravintsara, Rosemary (and all of the ones listed in above ages)

*Hot oils such as Cinnamon Bark, Clove Bud, and Oregano should not be used topically on children under 10 years.

  • When using essential oils on children, take extra caution and use sparingly.
  • Make sure to dilute heavily and use essential oils that are age appropriate.
  • Children should not ingest essential oils.
  • Keep all essential oils out of reach of children.
  • Do not use essential oils near the eyes and ears and other sensitive areas.
  • When adding essential oils to bath water, dilute them with a carrier oil or whole milk first.
  • Do not apply essential oils on or near the mouth and nose.
  • Introduce new oils slowly and watch for negative response such as skin irritation, headache, nausea, respiratory complaints or dizziness.
  • Practice safe diffusing:
    • Diffuse in an open, well-ventilated area.
    • Keep children out of the direct line of mist.
    • Diffuse in 30-60 minute intervals with ample break periods for safe
      and effective use.