An important update on kids and inhalation safety. I believe these guidelines are super-safe, if anything a little over-cautious. If you’re wondering about other types of eucalyptus oil, E. citriodora is safe for young kids, though is less likely to be therapeutic, and the safety of E. dives is uncertain.
Peppermint and Eucalyptus for children
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Thank you for posting this. Everytime I see on website that says eucalyptus is not safe for young kids I come here to confirm that there is research done to show it is safe if used wisely.
Thank you for the clarification. The amount of misinformation on the web is frustrating.
in your EO Safety book you had under the contraindications for EOs high in 1,8-cineole & menthol is “Do not apply to or near the face of infants or children.” is that still the case given this update?
I published the update in order to clarify what is in the book, which has caused some confusion as it’s quite unspecific. That doesn’t mean that the advice in the book is wrong or no longer applies.
I know this is a random question, but I thought I’d try. Are candy canes safe for kids to eat? Since these are ubiquitous during the holidays,I’m always unsure whether to let my preschooler indulge. Are the made with essential oil or extract? Any thoughts? Thanks!
Yes, candy canes are safe for children to eat. Essential oils, and other food and confectionary flavorings, are typically used at concentrations of 10-20 parts per million (0.001 – 0.002%).
How do the dilution rates apply to using oils in a diffuser? I can find your chart on diluting in oil, but I don’t understand the dilution rates for diffusing. My daughter has had multiple hospital admissions with acute croup (upper respiratory tract restriction) since joining a new class where the teacher frequently diffusers peppermint oil. I am wondering if there is a potential link here.
Dilution rates don’t apply to diffusion, which depends on the amount of essential oil, the type of diffuser, the size of the room, and the duration of diffusion. So it’s not simple to estimate safety levels, but 2-3 drops over several hours is a reasonable guide. It’s difficult to comment on your daughter’s case, but here is a link to my thoughts on diffusion in the classroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-Tvrt4FXMo
Are dry eucalyptus bunches safe for children bedrooms or in main rooms if children younger than seven year old live in the household? The question relates to respiratory safety, not to INGESTION concerns.
Thank you,
Tom
Yes, absolutely safe.
I have seen conflicting research on whether eucalyptus globulus or eucalyptus radiata should be used to diffuse for a child under two. My one year old daughter has frequent congestion and coughs. What would you advice?
Either one would be safe to use in diffusion.
Is there proof to confirm this? Lots of CONTRADICTIONS online
Hi Dan,
What exactly is it that you would like evidence for?
Dr. Tisserand, may i know will it be safe to use on children if infusing dry eucalyptus in carrier oil to create massage oil for them? which age group will be safe to use please?
I can’t think of any reason why it would not be safe, but I have never tried infusing eucalyptus leaves.
TO clariFy -with the not oN/around the face statEment- would ThIs Pertain to a chEst rub? If sO what is your RECOMMENDATION for a SUBSTITUTE for congestion relaTed tO cold/flu in a well 3 yEar oLd. Thank you 😊
A chest rub could be safely used on the chest if properly formulated/diluted. 🙂 ~Shane Carper | Student Support Manager
I Was not Aware of not using peppermint oil in diffuser for Young children and diffused for 1 hour in My 25.5 month olds room. I felt terrible after reAding it is not recommenDed and was just trying to help clear congEstion from a cold! Am i lIkely to have caused Harm?? I am worrying myself sick.
Hi Brooke, we’re sorry if we caused you to worry about harm done to your child. The good news is that if there was a negative impact, you would have seen it immediately – the caution for peppermint oil is because it can potentially slow breathing in small children, and this effect does not last beyond the diffusion.