Essential oils are a common household product used for medicinal, aromatic, cleaning, and other purposes. However, they should not be taken orally by babies under three years old. Essential oils can alleviate various symptoms and lift the mood, but they should not be used on babies younger than three. They can cause harm to a baby’s skin by degrading the lipid barrier in the skin, so they should be used sparingly.
Some essential oils are safe for use with babies, as long as a person takes certain precautions, such as never using undiluted essential oils. Essential oils can help children feel calmer, sleep better, reduce the perception of nausea, discomfort, and pain, but they should not be used improperly. Most essential oils are not safe for use in kids under five because they typically don’t contain precise warning labels regarding babies.
Some essential oils that are considered safe for children 2 and under include eucalyptus oil, clove oil, tea tree oil, and aromatherapy oils. However, even half a teaspoon of these oils can cause sedation and difficulty breathing in little ones.
In the Netherlands, the most essential emergency number to remember is 112. This hotline covers emergencies requiring police, fire, or other emergencies. Essential oils are derived from plant parts and are often used in perfumes, cosmetics, room fresheners, and aromatherapy. However, it is important to know how to use them safely, as there have been 18 reports of paediatric ingestion of essential oils or oil products, with main symptoms being vomiting, lethargy, coma, and seizures.
Experts from the University of Sydney are calling for public awareness on the dangers of ingesting essential oils following an increase in accidental consumption by small children.
📹 A Boy Drank His Mom’s Essential Oils. This Is What Happened To His Brain
Please consult your local poison control center in cases like this Megan and Patient BB portrayed by Megan Pulley and her son …
What should you do if you have a reaction to essential oils?
Essential oils are popular for relaxation and emotional well-being, but they are not always risk-free. They are not registered by the FDA and many associated health benefits have not been proven. Incorrect or over-use of essential oils can cause allergic reactions, especially if you have asthma or are prone to environmental allergies. They can also pose health risks for pregnant women, children, and pets. To enjoy essential oils safely, diffuse them into the air and inhaled or apply them directly to the skin.
Reactions to essential oils can manifest differently, with some mild reactions and others more severe and even life-threatening. The severity of your reaction depends on the potency of the oil and how it is used. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult with your primary care physician.
Is lavender safe for babies to eat?
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that lavender is generally recognized as safe (GRAS), yet there is a dearth of data concerning its safety and efficacy in nursing mothers and infants. Although lavender is generally well-tolerated, there is a paucity of data regarding its safety and efficacy in these contexts.
Is it toxic to ingest essential oils?
Essential oils are dangerous and can cause significant poisoning, especially in small amounts. The Western Australian Poisons Information Centre (WAPIC) has reported an increase in poisonings in children due to essential oil ingestions. Toxic essential oils should be stored securely in child-resistant containers and kept out of reach of children. Undiluted essential oils can irritate or burn sensitive skin, and susceptible individuals may develop allergic reactions and skin rashes. Symptoms of toxicity can develop as quickly as 30 minutes after ingestion, with severity depending on the type of oil and the amount ingested.
What essential oils are not safe for children?
It is inadvisable to use essential oils such as eucalyptus, fennel, peppermint, rosemary, verbena, and wintergreen on or around infants and children. Healthline offers a selection of products that are beneficial to readers and earns a modest commission through affiliate links. The team conducts comprehensive research and evaluation of recommendations to guarantee that manufacturers adhere to safety and efficacy standards.
What to do if a child drinks a reed diffuser?
It is recommended that parents, grandparents, and childminders ensure that reed diffusers are kept out of reach and that they familiarise themselves with the safety information provided on the product label. In the event of ingestion, the individual should be rinsed with water and advised to avoid vomiting. In the event of contact with the skin, the affected area should be thoroughly washed. In the event of eye contact, the affected individual should immediately rinse the eyes with water for a period of approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Should the necessity arise, the National Poison Information Centre should be contacted for medical advice.
Can babies ingest essential oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be harmful if applied directly to the skin. Safe dilutions for children range from 0. 5-2. 5, depending on their condition and age/weight. They can be added to carrier oils, distilled water, and lotions, but should not be added to bath water. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be toxic if swallowed. Overuse is advised, especially when using essential oils near heat sources or near the eyes, ears, and nose.
To avoid contaminants, buy oils from a reliable source and check the scientific name, source, and contact number of the company. Avoid sunlight for some essential oils and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and children’s reach. Apply a patch test before using an oil on your child’s skin and wait 24 hours to see if there are any adverse reactions. Consult an expert if you have any questions about how to use an oil or dilution ratios for your child.
Some clinical studies show that essential oils can alleviate various symptoms and lift the mood. However, it is important to consult with your child’s primary care physician to ensure they do not interact with their medications. Some oils have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and disinfecting properties, and some can reduce symptoms related to surgery or chemotherapy.
What to do if baby swallowed baby oil?
If baby oil gets into your child’s eyes or mouth, rinse them out and seek medical attention if they are not coughing or choking. If they experience coughing, choking, or fever, seek medical attention. Watch for diarrhea, which may take up to 8 hours to develop. If baby oil gets into the eyes, rinse them with water for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows baby oil or has questions about using it safely, experts can be contacted through the POISON CONTROL online tool or by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Their expert guidance is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Is baby oil safe if ingested?
Baby oil is a lightweight mineral oil made from petroleum, which is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It is used to moisturize and keep skin soft, but ingestion can cause diarrhea or aspiration pneumonia if breathed into the lungs. It is not edible and not intended for use on the skin. Cooking oils, such as olive oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil, are edible oils derived from plants and can be used safely on the skin. Baby oil is used by people of all ages to moisturize their skin and keep it soft.
It can be used on the face and body, but may worsen acne in acne-prone individuals. It is sometimes used as a massage oil and can be used in hair to keep it smoother. It is not recommended to use baby oil daily on baby’s skin unless it becomes dry and cracked.
What essential oils are not safe for babies in a diffuser?
Product labels should be read carefully to avoid potential health risks for children or adults with asthma, epilepsy, or other special health concerns. Blends with high 1, 8 cineole essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, and sage, are not safe for infants. Consult a trusted healthcare professional and remember the golden rule of ‘less is more’. Home care products like room sprays and the home cleaning line should be used away from infants and children, and should not be used on clothing or toys that may be placed in the infant’s mouth. These products have no specified age range, but should be used in separate rooms.
What happens if you swallow a little bit of essential oil?
Essential oils can cause skin, eye, mouth, and stomach irritation, and serious symptoms if swallowed more than a taste amount. Swallowing wintergreen oil can resemble aspirin, clove oil can cause coma and liver damage, and small ingestions of camphor can cause seizures. Home treatment involves providing small sips of water, washing exposed skin with mild soap and lukewarm water, and rinsing eyes with lukewarm water. If the person has difficulty breathing, call 911. Visit Health Canada for a database of approved natural health products.
What to do if baby ingested essential oils?
In the event of ingestion or an allergic reaction to essential oils, it is recommended to utilize the Poison Control online tool or to contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Such professionals can assist in determining the potential dangers of the oil in question and provide guidance on the appropriate course of action. Rose Ann Gould Soloway and William G. Troutman are clinical toxicologists and pharmacists.
📹 Dangers of Essential Oils: Top 10 Essential Oil Mistakes to Avoid | Dr. Josh Axe
Essential oils have been shown in studies to have very few negative side effects or risks when they are used as directed.
Thankyou dr axe, im a professional housekeeper. ..i use no chemicals, but essential oils in all my cleaning. ..i change them according to my clients needs…our favorites are, rosemary, orange, pine,peppermint and lavender. ..i have made a cream that i use on my face with coconut oil as carrier and few drops of frankincense and mhyrr. ..love it…at night i diffuse grapefruit or peppermint and orange as these are my hubby’s favorites
Being a certified aromatherapist, I advice/inform my clients on all the issues mentioned in the article as well. Glad to see that someone is giving such excellent information to those who are not trained or educated on essential oils, since they are not so “innocent”, “harmless” or “safe” as everyone thinks they are!! Yes,they are very interesting and could help people in several ailments,but…Many of those have serious contradictions and should be used in low quantities or not at all! Regarding pregnancy: it is adviced during the first trimester that pregnant women should avoid using ANY essential oil at all. After the first trimester only two or three essential oils could be used,and they should definitely be diluted in a carrier oil. Kudos for this article!!
Dr Josh I have been perusal your articles and I have a question on Oregano 🌿 oil, you said it can be ingested 4 drops 4 times a day for 10 days; you said it has lots of benefits killing bad bacteria; and applied on the nails with fungus will kill them ( I understand it has to be deluded with coconut oil to put on the skin. Ok this is easy to understand but can you clear the ingestion, and if I drink it as prescribed by you will it help to kill the fungi on the nails as well 😊 Looking forward for your kind answer 🌈🙏 Paulina 🌼
Dr Axe, I’ve been looking for essential oils & find myself perplexed by the shear volume of choices. Not all state origins, production, nor quality value such as organic & third party testing seal. Are there companies making essential oils properly? If so, will you please clear the way by naming some?
Thanks for the advice about pets. My cat had an open wound that wouldn’t heal on her throat. I applied helichrysum diluted in coconut oil twice a day for two months and it healed completely. Just make sure it is well diluted. Helichrysum has a mild smell but it is very strong. Always dilute properly.
I bought a bottle that only says Pure Essential Oil on the label but no other info on the bottle. I am concerned about the safety. Should I even use it? I have other oils and they all have lots of info on the bottle. I am just worried about the one I have with no information. The amount is 1/3 oz cost $13.99.
Please be very careful with tea tree oil. I used to use it a lot for ringworm, athlete’s foot, first aid, and for cleaning. I did so for many years with no issues, however all of a sudden I developed a very severe allergy to it. In other words, I became sensitized to it to the point that even a brief exposure to a tiny bit would result in huge water blisters, and a rash that would take over a month to clear. Perhaps if I had had some competent advice concerning its use, I would have only used it diluted and not ended up with the allergy. It was a very frightening experience.
Lavender, helichrysm, bergamot, frankense, eucalyptus, (an extra: 3 drops grapefruit oil, 2 drops peppermint, and 2 drops rosemary on cotton balls kept in a ziplock make an effective ‘ awake and alert’ synergy. I made a lot of money selling to Bay Area musicians back in the day. It would get them through that last set without caffeine.)
This was a great article for learning some basics on essential oils. I’m trying to find useful information regarding essential oils because I am getting more into it to help with stress and anxiety. I struggle with severe anxiety daily and it’s nice being able to find something natural over seeing a doctor for everything. I’d really like to reduce the amount of visits to the dr office.
You left peppermint oil of the list of oils dangerous to pets, and it can actually be fatal in some cases. I bought peppermint oil to smear around my windows as we were having a problem with wasps swarming our windows at night, and heard peppermint oil would deter them. Days later my cat got very sick and was convulsing, rushed to the vets and found out it was the peppermint oil. Please find out if the oil you want to use is pet friendly before you try it in your home
Whether it be for myself or a friend, I do a bunch of research & reading before mixing & using specific oils in my rollers or sniffers. Always better to be safe, & hey I might learn something new along the way. Like using Castor Oil when making topical rubs. Castor beans have their own anti-inflammatory properties so when mixed with something like Lavender it makes for a great rub for sore muscles, joints, etc. About 3- 4 drops per tablespoon of Castor.
I stopped using expensive face lotions a year ago and started using virgin coconut oil mixed with frankincense and myrrh. I later used lavender mixed with virgin coconut oil. I have no idea how many drops I should use per tablespoon of coconut oil for any of the mixtures. I am just chancing it. Is this safe? And what would you recommend for how many drops of essential oil to a tablespoon of coconut oil? Am I damaging my skin or causing wrinkles by doing this?
Going fragrance free including essential oil free was one of the best moves I ever made. Living the low VOC lifestyle was hard at first, but once you experience clean air living, you will never go back to a high hydrocarbon lifestyle. Its refreshing! I spend so little on personal care products, so there is financial benefit. But the biggest benefit is your health.
This is a quick response. A oil that might be right for you might not be right for everyone. I work theater seasonaly and essential oils are all over and are often shared. One night, someone gave me some oil topicly as i was working not telling me what it was. Soon after I had a asthma attack. What they used was a anti stress blend that had sandlewood in it. Sandlewood is one of my allergy triggers.
🤦🏻♀️ I was thinking that might’ve been the reason why I was allergic to Jojoba oil… I used to use gel for a little bit on my hands and then I would put oil on before and after… so now I believe even more so that it might have been that I used the oil and also used the UV lamp at the same time… thank you and I think I finally understand better why I got allergic to Jojoba oil.
The most essential oil in my house will always be castor oil, for by taking regularly 1 tablespoon (15 ml) castor oil early in the morning on an empty stmach you will not only be able to excrete all the waste deposed in your bowels but all the toxins in your body (especially methymercury!) via the liver too, and for this one there will exist no dangers.
“Essential oils, widely used in society, emit numerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some of these VOCs are considered as potentially hazardous under federal regulations. However, essential oils are exempt from disclosure of their ingredients on their label. Thus, the public may lack information on emissions and potential hazards from essential oils. This study examined VOCs emitted from a range of commercial essential oils, including tea tree oils, lavender oils, eucalyptus oils, and other individual oils and mixtures of oils. Using headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), the study analyzed 24 commercial essential oils, including 12 with claims of being “natural” or related terms, such as organic, 100% pure, or plant-based. Results identified 595 VOCs emitted from the 24 essential oils, representing 188 different VOCs. The most common VOCs emitted were alpha-pinene, limonene, acetone, linalool, alpha-phellandrene, beta-myrcene, and camphene. Among the 589 VOCs identified, 124 VOCs, representing 33 different VOCs, are classified as potentially hazardous. All natural and regular essential oils emitted one or more potentially hazardous VOCs, such as acetaldehyde, acetone, and ethanol. Toluene was also found in 50% of essential oils. Moreover, for the prevalent VOCs classified as potentially hazardous, no significant difference was found between regular and natural essential oils. This study provides insights and information about emissions of commercial essential oils that can be useful for public awareness and risk reduction.
I made a deadly mistake on my husband dying, I sprayed lavender oil on his bed . And by the end of the day his mouth was turning black, flipping out the NURCE thought he had a cold . He did pass 3 days later the oil had nothing to do with his death, but I’m not sure about his mouth turning black . But when he passed his mouth turned white again . Don’t understand at all .I won’t use oils again till I resurch all . God bless all of us .
Love your website, so informative and interesting. Thank you. Do you know much about using essential oils in candles? Most blogs say ‘don’t bother’ as the hot throw scent is weak and essential oils are expensive. I hesitate to use fragrance oils in candles because even though they give off a strong hot throw, they are synthetic and can bring on a headache. Kind regards
Most of the essential oils you find are not pure oils. They’ve been cut usually with Dipropylene Glycol (DPG). This cuts the amount of oil that you need but keeps the fragrance. One of the reasons DPG is used is because often the essential oils will irritate the skin and this keeps the irritation down. It also makes the oils less expensive.
If you think simply having the label of “organic” means the product is somehow better or more natural than others you are uninformed. Having worked in food manufacturing over 25 years I have seen the evolution of organic, kosher, halal, etc. evolve to have little resemblance to what the original intent was. In my opinion these terms mean almost nothing anymore due to lobbying and definition creep.
I have a 12 year old dog. She’s a Cocker Spaniel. She’s got a nasty cough due to a trachea injury. The time of injury is not known to us. She just started coughing harder and harder as time went on. About a onth ago, I started using Essential oils. I started using Cedarwood most often because it’s turning out to be my go-to oil for most occasions. Oddly enough, when I turned on the diffuser/humidifier, my dog would be found laying under it/by it Her coughing subsided greatly. It’s more of a whispery cough instead of a upchucking your innards type of cough. My family and I did some investigating and experiments. We turned off all diffusers for up to 12 hours and ran only a humidifier with water. It didn’t do much for my dog. She coughed as badly as before. Then we turned of the diffusers with cedarwood and she’d stop coughing nearly 100% WITHIN 60 min. after a hald dozen similar experiments, we concluded Cedarwood helped the dog. My question isL Is that too dangerous? She’s more peppy and alert when we diffuse cedarwood. When we don’t she is really lethargic and coughs a lot. How should I approach this?