by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
The risks of diffusing essential oils in the classroom. If we take into consideration the number of germs that are passed back and forth at school, it is not a surprise that some teachers have considered diffusing essential oils in the classroom. For those with minimal education, this may seem like a great solution to keeping sickness at bay and to keep attendance up, but it comes with a significant amount of risk. Many are told that essential oils are completely natural and safe for everyone, but this is not always the case. There are many things that need to be considered when diffusing in a classroom full of children with a variety of different health constitutions. The liability in this type of situation needs to be looked at closely.
First things first, I know many teachers personally and have had the pleasure of having some wonderful teachers for my two boys over the years. I can say without a doubt, that they hold your child’s well-being very close to their heart. They would not want to do anything to harm a child.
I hope to clear up the variety of possible issues of the practice of diffusing in the classroom so that parents, teachers, and faculty can understand the safety issues and the risks. I hope to assist them and you so that everyone can make informed decisions for the well being of our children.
Essential Oil Home Use
Essential oils are a beautiful complementary modality. They come from plants but even though they have the potential to assist the body in doing what it does best, they do not come without risk. The home user can utilize essential oils after a little bit of research. The “basics” of aromatherapy can be researched on the Internet. The more in-depth topics, however, need more scientific, evidence-based research.
When looking on the Internet for research, many times the method of application and safety is not covered, so in cases of someone searching for information with limited knowledge of the topic, it can be a precarious situation. The recommendations given online come from a place of wanting to help others, but many times, they miss the mark.
Essential Oil Classroom Use-The Risks
One of the many reasons for more scientific research of essential oils is they do not come without risk, especially for children. A classroom has an average of 20 children. Some of which may be immune-compromised, taking numerous medications, have allergies, chemical sensitivities, respiratory issues such as asthma, an increased risk of seizures, autoimmune diseases and more. A teacher could not possibly know how one seemingly innocuous essential oil could react among those 20 children. The reactions for just one child could change from day to day as well. Aromatherapists know when working with clients what works for one person may not work for another. It may be offensive or have the completely opposite reaction/effect.
Asthma
There are numerous oils that should not be used with children who have asthma. Asthma and essential oils are very tricky. The triggers for one person are completely different to the next. Even seasoned aromatherapists recommend extreme caution when trying essential oils for clients with asthma. I myself, insist that an asthma sufferer have their inhaler handy when trying a particular oil or oil blend for the first time as well as the 3rd, 10th, and 50th time. Asthma can be a life-threatening situation, and many oils, as well as other aromas in the environment, can trigger it.
ADD, ADHD, Autism
Another health situation that needs great consideration is ADD, ADHD, and autism. A great example here is the essential oil of Lavender Lavandula angustifolia. It is a known phenomenon by aromatherapists that many with ADHD have a manic type reaction to lavender rather than what should be a sedating one. Here is an informative article that was written by educator Sylla Sheppard-Hanger of the Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy that covers the topic in more detail.
Chemical Sensitivities
Chemical sensitivities are becoming more and more common in society. The initial cause is not fully understood, but various chemicals in the environment can be a trigger it. Many chemical components in essential oils are also found in the environment. Let’s look at Limonene as an example. Limonene is found in many of the citrus essential oils and is also found in the environment in degreaser, Goo-Gone, wood finisher, and other items that can be found in the household. Many foods contain minimal amounts of essential oil constituents. Some may be surprised to know that cinnamaldehyde found in cinnamon and cassia oils (think popular anti-germ blends) is found not only in household cleaning products and candles, but is also in cinnamon bread, cereals, cookies, puddings, applesauce, and fruit juices in the supermarket (1).
Essential oil constituents cross over into common household products, home goods, and foods in many more instances than these. For those that have chemical sensitivities, the day to day can be very challenging. Some of the possible symptoms of chemical sensitivity are headaches, nausea, dizziness, rashes, respiratory difficulty (including asthmatic episodes), and cognitive dysfunction (2). The more immune-compromised a person is, the more likely they are to have these sensitivities.
Unfortunately, there are many other chemicals in the classroom that can be an issue as well. Limiting exposure to the toxic chemicals of conventional household cleaning products can be done. Using essential oils for cleaning hard surfaces is a great idea, ONLY in the evening after the children have gone home for the day. Here is a great resource for you from the Aromatic Wisdom Institute, to help you to clean with essential oils safely.
Seizures
There are a few oils that are not recommended around children (or adults) that have a seizure disorder or a predisposition to them. Essential oils with high amounts of camphor are a known issue, those include but are not limited to: Ho leaf CT camphor, Spanish lavender, wormwood, sage, basil, spike lavender, rosemary CT camphor (camphor is not the only constituent that has the potential to precipitate a seizure). Various species of eucalyptus, although not common, has the potential to precipitate a seizure when used near the face of a child under 10 years of age (3).
These situations are rare but have happened in children, so it is important to understand the risk.
Liability
Now that I have covered a few of the various health issues that could make diffusing essential oils in the classroom risky, let’s briefly cover the liability of doing so. Parental consent for every child is a must. Those parents must be told which oils will be diffused, and what those risks are for certain children. (As you can see by what I covered above that is not going to be easy). Essentially, school boards must be the ones to come up with guidelines and policies for such a practice.
If parental consent is not obtained before classroom diffusing and something happens to a child, the liability is great for the teacher and the school district. Sadly, there are some instances, (speaking from experience) where the principal of a school may not even be aware of the practices of the teacher. In this particular instance, the teacher thought that she was doing something that would benefit the children. The school district already had a rule in place stating there are no diffusing essential oils in the room with children present so it was handled quickly.
Diffusing Times
Even though we now know that diffusing in the classroom is not the best practice for everyone’s safety, I want to briefly cover safe diffusing. Robert Tisserand states that 30-60 minutes of diffusion followed by a 60-minute break is best (4). (I typically recommend half this amount of time for a child). Extended diffusing can overwhelm the senses.
In order to explain the possible reasons for this, let’s talk a little bit about our sense of smell, or our olfactory system. According to Dorene Petersen of ACHS, “Our sense of smell goes through five stages, those are: detect, transmit, perceive, analyze, and store. These stages cycle incredibly fast. The reception area of our olfactory system is called the olfactory epithelium. The olfactory epithelium is the size of a small postage stamp in each nostril and is packed with an impressive 40 million sensory neurons, capable of detecting .0000000013 of an ounce of a scent in a single breath of air” (5). Our olfactory system is incredibly efficient, obtaining the therapeutic benefits of these amazing oils happens quickly. To receive maximum benefit and not waste your precious oils, follow the diffusing times recommended above.
Another important myth to dispel is that diffusing essential oils rids the air of the VOC’s present. This is not factual. The most effective methods in counteracting VOC’s in the home is a high-quality air filter, houseplants, and making sure you allow the fresh air in as much as possible.
A Possible Alternative
A personal inhaler is an option for a child to take to school (with permission). They can be helpful for a variety of reasons such as allergies, stuffy nose, or to help with anxiety or improve focus. The personal inhaler’s scent is limited to the user, meaning no other children become exposed to the scent or the vapor. As long as the parent is sure of the safety of their child and they understand they are not to share it, the risk is removed for the teacher, faculty, or the other children in the room.
In Conclusion
As you can see, essential oil use must be evaluated for each individual, circumstance, and the environment. These are general guidelines that do not mean definitive results in all cases. This article was not written to instill fear, but to respect their uses and limitations.
References:
(1) Cinnamaldehyde content in foods determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
(2) Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Retrieved from
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/multiple-chemical-sensitivity#1
(3) (4) Tisserand, R., Young, R. (2014) Essential Oil Safety (2nd Ed)
(5) Petersen, D. (2012) Aroma 101
Resources from above and more!
Extreme Chemical Sensitivity Makes Sufferers Allergic to Life
Green Cleaning with Essential Oils
Lavender: It’s not always calming
Personal Inhaler
Like so many practices in life I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the Internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them. Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of the website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should is be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical health condition. If you have, or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
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Essential Oils-Uncovering Fact From Fiction
Safety surrounding diffusing essential oils
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by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
Aromatherapy is a gift for us all. All aromatherapists should look at you as the whole, unique, beautiful person that you are, not a set of symptoms. Homeostasis is the goal, finding balance, tapping into the body’s own innate healing ability. Herein lies the magic. –Leslie Moldenauer, CHNC, HHP, Cert. Aroma, Dipl. Aromatic Medicine
What in an essential oil?
Essential oils originate from many parts of a plant (Bark, flowers, leaves, roots, and stems), and are extracted through either steam-distillation, cold-pressing, or co2 extraction. Essential oils are the true essence of the plant and are highly concentrated extracts. The chemical composition and scent of these aromatics provide us with strong psychological and physical therapeutic benefit. Most of these benefits are seen through direct inhalation or applying diluted to the skin.
Essential oil Dilution
Essential oils very concentrated, many times over than the plant that it is derived from. Since they are so concentrated, they need to be diluted to avoid irritation for children and adults.
When using oils undiluted or what some call “neat” there are risks involved:
-The first risk is skin irritation, which is a direct result of contact with the skin and is localized to where the oil was applied. Once the material is removed, healing occurs. Removal is best done with a carrier oil such as almond, jojoba, or milk. Healing may not occur immediately, but you should see improvement after proper removal.
-The second, more serious reaction is a systemic (Affecting the entire body or organism) response involving the immune system called sensitization. According to Dorene Petersen of ACHS, “Sensitization occurs once the offending substance has penetrated the skin, been picked up by proteins in the skin, and mediated by the IgE response that produces histamine and other irritants” [1]. This is an allergic reaction that begins at the site of application but quickly spreads to the whole body. If the immune system response is activated, you likely will not be able to use the oil, or constituent in the oil again (the constituent can occur in multiple oils). If this happens to you please seek medical attention immediately. Please remember to always dilute before applying to the skin for your safety.
The Aromatic Wisdom Institute speaks in more detail about the topic of sensitization here [2].
Essential Oil Use and Children
Children are much more sensitive to essential oils and aromas in general, but when used with care they can still benefit from their therapeutic uses. There are a number of things that parents should know before using them to ensure the safety of their child.
Overall the immune system of a child is much more immature than that of an adult, therefore extra precautions need to be put in place. Newborn babies have an immature nervous system (blood/brain barrier), and liver. Therefore, avoiding the use of essential oils for a newborn (under 3 months) both via topical application and inhalation is probably best. In regards to the topical use of essential oils, many are not recommended dermally under two years of age per Robert Tisserand [3].
*For more information on what oils to avoid topically under two, please refer to Robert Tisserand’s latest book, Essential Oil Safety 2e.
My recommendation is, to begin with gentler remedies such as hydrosols (floral waters), homeopathy, and herbs for little children. These alone can be very beneficial. Reserve oil use for after trying these things first.
Essential Oil Diffusion
A great way to obtain the benefits of essential oils without the risk of skin irritation that topical use brings is by inhalation. There are a variety of methods of inhalation such as an aromastick, steam bowl, or even a drop on a cotton ball or tissue.
Essential oil diffusers disperse essential oil into the air in tiny droplets. There are a variety of diffuser available on the market. Here are a few that I own that you may want to take a look at:
Diffuser #1
Diffuser #2
Diffuser #3
(affiliate links)
I would recommend diffusing for periods of no longer than an hour without taking a break. In order to explain possible reasons for this, let’s talk a little bit about our sense of smell, or our olfactory system.
“Our sense of smell goes through five stages, those are: detect, transmit, perceive, analyze, and store. These stages cycle incredibly fast. The reception area of our olfactory system is called the olfactory epithelium. The olfactory epithelium is the size of a small postage stamp in each nostril and is packed with an impressive 40 million sensory neurons, capable of detecting .0000000013 of an ounce of a scent in a single breath of air” [4]. Our olfactory system is incredibly efficient, obtaining the therapeutic benefits of these amazing oils happens quickly. To receive maximum benefit and not waste your precious oils, follow the diffusing times recommended above.
Essential Oils and Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a delicate time, especially during the first trimester, and as we know that chemical constituents in essential oils pass the placenta, even though in minute amounts [5], safety is a genuine concern.
According to International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA):
“Essential oils by their very nature, being organic substances, will cross the placental barrier and have the potential to affect the fetus. However, the amount of essential oil that actually accesses the mother’s skin is very tiny and therefore the amount that reaches the placenta is minuscule if proper dilutions are being used. Small amounts of essential oils can be beneficial to the baby and there are no recorded instances of harm being caused to the child through essential oils used in aromatherapy massage” (IFPA, 2013).
Aromatherapy, however, is rarely if ever black and white. It is not a NEVER or ALWAYS modality. Essential oils can be beneficial for pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum. The key is knowing which oils to use, and how to use them.
If you are pregnant and are taking medications or have a medical condition, even more research needs to be done before using essential oils, as your list of “do not use” may be more detailed. Please seek out an aromatherapist for assistance.
If you are considered high risk due to multiple losses, it is advisable to restrict essential oil use during the first trimester. According to Robert Tisserand, due to the overall big picture of reproductive toxicity, topical application of essential oils while pregnant during any given day should not exceed a range of 1-4% [6].
Essential Oils and Phototoxicity
There are essential oils that cause phototoxicity or photosensitivity. This can occur when certain essential oil constituents on the skin react when exposed to the sun (ultraviolet light). This can result in general redness and burning of the skin, permanent changes in melanin, and chemical burns. These oils can be used on the skin, but utilize caution by not going out into the sun for 12-24 hours after exposure. This applies to the area of skin where the oil was applied, not your body as a whole.
Here is a list of oils that should be used topically with caution, and their maximum use levels according to IFRA standards [7]:
Angelica Root Angelica archangelica 0.8%
Bergamot Citrus bergamia 0.4%
Bitter Orange (Cold/Expeller Pressed) Citrus aurantium 1.25%
Cumin Cuminum cyminum 0.4%
Grapefruit (expressed) Citrus paradisi 4.0%
Lemon (Cold/Expeller Pressed) Citrus limon 2.0%
Lime (Cold/Expeller Pressed) Citrus aurantifolia 0.7%
Mandarin Leaf Citrus reticulate 0.17%
Rue Ruta graveolens 0.15%
Taget Tagetes minuta 0.01%
Always use extreme caution when using any of these oils topically. It can be assumed that if someone is taking moderate amounts of a phototoxic oil internally that a phototoxic reaction can occur. If you use any of these oils, utilize caution.
In conclusion
Essential oils are potent; it is crucial that you keep them out of reach of children. I have seen pictures online of small babies or small children handling bottles of oil. It is not cute, nor safe to let them hold them. Your children should know from a very young age that essential oils are medicine, and not for their little hands.
Essential oils are a beautiful modality and I am grateful to have access to them. When you follow proper safety guidelines, you can utilize essential oils and know that you are doing the best for yourself and your family.
References
[1] [4] American College of Healthcare Sciences (2012) Aroma 101
[2] Essential Oil Sensitization. Retrieved from
Would You Know If You Had an Essential Oil “Sensitization” Reaction?
[3] [5] [6] Tisserand, R., Young, R. (2014) Essential Oil Safety (2nd Ed)
[7] IFRA standards. Retrieved from http://www.ifraorg.org/en-us/standards-library/s/phototoxicity#.V9VaSpMrJn4
BEFORE YOU GO! Remember to sign up for my FREE Facebook group! Hang out with me and THOUSANDS of other Essential Oil lovers looking to learn, click on to join Real Essential Oil Education Group!
Check out my FREE offer below!
Like so many practices in life, I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
With so much mis-information on the Internet, where do you turn for accurate advice? I give references when possible to do your own research. Even when you get information from someone you trust, you need to do your own homework before utilizing essential oils. My references are not typically random blog posts or anything that has not been fully researched, but books from pioneers in the field of aromatherapy, their articles, journal articles, or studies, etc.
This article will be speaking to aromatherapy use during pregnancy and beyond into the nursing years. I decided to write about this because there are a lot of misconceptions out there. Pregnancy is a delicate time, especially during the first trimester, and as we know that chemical constituents in essential oils pass the placenta, even though only in minute amounts, so safety needs to be addressed.
According to International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA), “Essential oils by their very nature, being organic substances, will cross the placental barrier and have the potential to affect the fetus. However, the amount of essential oil that actually accesses the mother’s skin is very tiny and therefore the amount that reaches the placenta is minuscule if proper dilutions are being used. Small amounts of essential oils can be beneficial to the baby and there are no recorded instances of harm being caused to the child through essential oils used in aromatherapy massage” (1).
On the flip side of the coin, aromatherapy is rarely, if ever, black and white. It is not a NEVER or ALWAYS modality. Jane Buckle, PhD, RN, has been using essential oils successfully in a clinical setting for years. Essential oils can have many beneficial properties relevant to pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum (2). The key is knowing which oils to use, and how to use them. They are very useful for stress, nausea, pain, comfort, and even prove to be quite beneficial in labor and delivery.
The use of aromatherapy can also be extremely beneficial to those afflicted with postpartum depression. Essential oils are a wonderful complementary modality, but a specific oil or oil blend that works for one person, may not work for another. Therefore, I try to stay away from “recipe” recommendations online. This is not beneficial to the individual.
I performed an interview recently with Pam Conrad, PGd, BSN, RN, CCAP. Pam earned her Bachelor of Science Nursing degree from Purdue University and has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. Pam completed R J Buckle and Associates 18-month Clinical Aromatherapy course for healthcare professionals in 2000. The interview focuses on labor, delivery, and postpartum. Pam does mention in the interview about benefit vs risk. As I feel it is important to see all possible sides of the equation, I am posting the link to the full article here.
We are all unique…what works for me may not work for you!
Marguerite Maury, a pioneer of aromatherapy stated, “To reach the individual we need and individual remedy. Each of us is a unique message. It is only the unique remedy that will suffice”.
It has been noted by some that peppermint and spearmint are not safe during pregnancy. They can in fact be used safely for nausea during pregnancy as well as postpartum. Placing a couple of drops in an inhaler can be very helpful. Some mother’s report a decrease in breast milk production with the mint families, others do not. The evidence is anecdotal. Use sparingly and as stated below, until you know how or if they work for you. Never take internally.
The do not use list in Robert Tisserand’s Essential Oil Safety 2e in regards to pregnancy does not account for medical conditions or medications. In these situations, additional research needs to be done before using essential oils, as your list of “do not use” may be more detailed. Please seek out an aromatherapist for assistance.
Essential oils are complex, training is recommended…
There are a few recommendations that are important to follow during pregnancy such as:
- Unless under the care of a trained professional, essential oils should not be used internally. (more…)
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
Proper use of essential oils in the bath. Not only are the specific oils used in the bath of great importance, safety needs to be considered in how you add them as well. For example, use peppermint with great caution as it can be a very “eye-opening” experience, and bergamot is a very strong photosensitizing oil, the bath is simply not the “best” place for its use.
There are many bloggers that recommend adding essential oils to (only) Epsom salts for a calming bath experience. This is not recommended. In order to cover why that is, let’s talk just a moment about chemistry.
Essential oils are not soluble in water. Essential oils are lipophilic (fat-loving), also called non-polar substances (but they are not actually fats). In contrast, Epsom salts or sea salt hydrophilic (water-loving), also called a polar substance. As a general rule, polar substances will dissolve in polar solvents and non-polar substances will dissolve in non-polar solvents. This confirms the fact that water and oil do not mix.
One option is adding your essential oil to carrier oil before stepping in. This is an option, and it does avoid neat application on the skin (never recommended). So if you are in a pinch you can use a carrier oil.
Alas, there is a better way!
A surfactant is used to properly disperse essential oils in the bath. A surfactant is something that will cause two substances that do not easily mix together (oil and water), to chemically bond and remain mixed. A surfactant’s job is “connecting” the two together.
Soap, for example, has a chemical structure that is attracted to water on one end and attracted to oil on the other. Castile soap, shampoo, or bubble bath is very effective. Another option is a product called Solubol, it can work beautifully to mix oil and water, but I prefer to use fragrance-free shampoo.
I performed an experiment recently to show how essential oils dissolve in water and varying substances. Let’s take a look!
I used yarrow essential oil for its blue color. I used very warm water in all 4 containers. I thoroughly mixed the containers, multiple times, and let them settle.
My mixes are as indicated in image #1 are:
#1-Epsom salts (2 tbsp) 4 drops eo
#2-Epsom salts (2 tbsp) and jojoba oil (1 tbsp) 4 drops eo
#3-Full fat coconut milk (2 tbsp) 4 drops eo
#4-Liquid castile soap (2 tbsp) 4 drops eo
The results?
#1 was the worst of the 4. All of the oil sat on the very top of the water.
#2 the essential oil and carrier oil mixed together well, to then sit on the top of the water. (Better than #1 or neat use, but still not the best).
#3 was average at best. The image is not perfect because you can not see through the glass, but there are small droplets throughout the container, with many large droplets still sitting on the top. (Check the top of this container in image #1, you can see the droplets.
#4 and winner, liquid castile soap. It mixed rather well, no droplets on top, or within the container.
Of the 4 excipients, liquid castile soap is your best bet to fully disburse your essential oils in the bath. Some say liquid castile soap is drying….I have a solution!
I am a fan of Epsom salts for their muscle relaxing properties (magnesium), and carrier oil for softening the skin, so here is a blend I typically use for myself:
In a container I mix well:
1 cup Epsom salts
1 tbsp skin nourishing carrier oil
1 tbsp Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap or fragrance-free shampoo (You will likely find the shampoo to be the better choice)
3-6 drops essential oil (Depending on whether you are bathing yourself or a child)
***12/1/2016 UPDATES***READ ME IN FULL
I wanted to share an important update. I have had some state that they get an unpleasant clumping effect when using castile soap. It was never clear, however, the brand that they used. Yesterday, I decided to treat myself to an aromatic bath, and used a product I had never tried before, “Aloe vera Castile shower gel”. The result? Awful clumping! Lesson learned. Make note that I have never had this result with Dr. Bronner’s brand Castile soap…..but cannot guarantee another brand will not clump. Shampoo, however, has never failed me!
This will not be a recipe that you can make ahead of time for gifting. If you want to make it, keep the dry and wet ingredients separate and sent instructions with the gift. A little more legwork, but necessary to avoid clumping and molding.
****A great option for the bath, and especially bath bombs is Natrasorb. Read about it here.
Here are a few new images from my most recent experiment (12/13/2016). I had someone suggest fractionated coconut oil dispersed well, so I added it to the mix. See images below.
As you can see, FCO and German chamomile in warm water do not disperse. Neither does Epsom salt or any other carrier oil. The last image of shampoo/solubol is ideal. It is important to note that carrier oil is “OK” as far as it eliminates “neat” oil in the bath, and can be used in a pinch. It does not however properly disperse, so everything will sit on top of the water, no water how much you mix it. Epsom salt alone is essentially neat oil, no matter what you read on the Internet. Happy soaking!
Like so many practices in life I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)-Uses and Limitations
Do Epsom Salts Really Work?
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
I have had so many messages lately about general confusion surrounding essential oil use for children. Is it safe? Is it dangerous? Somewhere in between?
Children are much more sensitive to essential oils and aromas in general, but they can also benefit greatly from their therapeutic uses. There are a number of things that parents need to know before using them to ensure the safety of their child. Looking up a blend or recipe online is not the best way to use your oils. Let’s cover a few things that you may or may not already know in order to keep your little ones safe.
Overall the immune system of a child is much more immature than that of an adult, therefore they are much less likely to be able to handle adverse reactions, even diffusing for long periods can be overwhelming to them. Keep in mind that until a child reaches the age of 5, on average (from experience) they are not going to be able to express that they are feeling “off” if you are diffusing an anti-germ blend of too long in the home, as one example.
What we do know is that babies have an immature nervous system, integumentary system, and liver.
*Rather than me just telling you this and you take it at face value, PLEASE, I encourage you to read further on these topics from these references in which I came to my findings above:
*Tisserand, R., Young, R. (2014) Essential Oil Safety (2nd Ed) Elsevier: London, UK. (p47)
*Leung, A., Balaju, S., Keswani, S., (2013) Biology and Function of Fetal and Pediatric Skin.
21(1): 1-6. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3654382/
*Eye and Vision Development. Retrieved from
http://www.healthofchildren.com/E-F/Eye-and-Vision-Development.html
*Nervous System Development (2014) Retrieved from
https://www.thevisualmd.com/health_centers/child_health/infant_nutrition/
nervous_system_development
In light of all of this, avoiding the use of essential oils for infants and babies under a few months of age both via topical application and inhalation is probably best. Work with/ask a qualified aromatherapist for more information. In regards to topical use of essential oils, many are not recommended dermally under two years of age. This does NOT, however, equate to never use essential oils under two, a bit of a misunderstanding of Tisserand’s most recent book published in 2014.
Diffusing Essential Oils
So if topical use is not the best way for a young child, what is? Inhalation is the ideal method of use for young children. This does not mean however that you should turn on the diffuser and leave it on all day. I do not recommend diffusing for longer than a period of one hour without taking a break for older children, in line with Tisserand’s recommendations. Younger children can benefit from a conservative 10-20 minutes before taking a break. In order to explain possible reasons for this, let’s talk a little bit about our sense of smell, or our olfactory system.
Through my courses at the American College of Healthcare Sciences I learned that, “Our sense of smell goes through five stages, those are: detect, transmit, perceive, analyze, and store. These stages cycle incredibly fast. The reception area of our olfactory system is called the olfactory epithelium. The olfactory epithelium is the size of a small postage stamp in each nostril, and is packed with an impressive 40 million sensory neurons, capable of detecting .0000000013 of an ounce of a scent in a single breath of air” (ACHS, Aroma 101).
Mind-boggling isn’t it! Our olfactory system is so incredibly efficient, that obtaining the therapeutic benefits of these amazing oils happens quickly. Certain oils are stronger than others as well and can be overwhelming diffused for long periods of time, therefore always be sure to diffuse in a well-ventilated room. To receive maximum benefit and not waste your precious oils, diffuse around small children for short periods of time as mentioned above. Please make note, nebulizers are very different than diffusers. Nebulizers are MUCH stronger than your average diffuser. In this instance, I do not recommend following the times listed above, it would be much too aggressive of a treatment.
Topical Application
You can begin to apply oils topically over the age of two, but dilution amounts are very important. Never use oils topically undiluted, or what some call “neat”. This greatly increases your risk for skin irritation and skin sensitization. Contrary to what you may have been told, skin irritation is not a detox reaction.
(See more details here in an article written by Kristina Bauer a.k.a. The Untamed Alchemist)
Special Considerations
If your child suffers from epilepsy, asthma, an autoimmune disorder, or cancer, you should contact a qualified aromatherapist. Not all oils will cause the same reactions for everyone; please do not navigate this for yourself. (Always let your doctors know that you are utilizing aromatherapy for your children. Same goes for herbs, homeopathy, etc.)
Essential oils are potent, it is crucial that you keep them out of reach of children. I have seen pictures online of small babies or small children handling bottles of oil. It is not cute, nor safe to let them hold them. Your children should know from a very young age that essential oils are medicine, and not for their little hands.
Now being an aromatherapist, I certainly do not want to discourage you from using essential oils with your children. I use the following methods on my boys and have for years (now 7 and 9): topically, in a diffuser, in a steam tent, in an aromastick, in a bath, a lotion, a salve, and more. We have some go to oils for supporting a good night’s rest, ones that bring support to the respiratory system when the need arises, help with bumps and bruises, ones that bring comfort, and oils that provide overall support to their bodies own innate healing process.
You will find camps of people that say never use essential oils on children, and others who throw caution to the wind and say that all oils are safe to use on children. My beliefs are not in line with either camp. Essential oils are not an always or never modality. When you follow proper safety guidelines, you can utilize essential oils and know that you are doing the best for your children.
Like so many practices in life I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
References and Resources
https://www.aromaceuticals.com/blog/adverse-reactions-to-peppermint-oil
http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/diffu.asp
http://tisserandinstitute.org/essential-oils-and-the-detox-theory/
http://wegotreal.com/essential-oil-concerns-robert-tisserand/
http://roberttisserand.com/2014/05/essential-oil-dilution-important/
http://www.aromahead.com/blog/2009/08/02/essential-oil-chemistry-oils-high-in-18-cineole/
American College of Healthcare Sciences (2012) Aroma 101 (p 185)
Tisserand, R., Young, R. (2014) Essential Oil Safety (2nd Ed) Elsevier: London, UK. (p47)
Leung, A., Balaju, S., Keswani, S., (2013) Biology and Function of Fetal and Pediatric Skin.
21(1): 1-6. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3654382/
Eye and Vision Development. Retrieved from
http://www.healthofchildren.com/E-F/Eye-and-Vision-Development.html
Nervous System Development (2014) Retrieved from
https://www.thevisualmd.com/health_centers/child_health/infant_nutrition/
nervous_system_development
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by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
Essential oils are powerful concentrated extracts and knowing how to use them is of the utmost importance. Essential oils should not be feared but they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them. Let’s talk about the safety of Peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil.
The list of therapeutic actions of Peppermint essential oil is quite impressive; its most talked about action is helping with stomach discomfort. Peppermint in an enteric-coated capsule is actually very efficient in the treatment of IBS [1] and can be purchased over the counter (OTC), but placing a drop in water will not reap the same desired results. Peppermint can be found in the marketplace in soap, shampoo, cigarettes, toothpaste, chewing gum, tea, ice cream and more. Due to the fact that Peppermint oil is widely used as a food additive and an ingredient in OTC herbal preparations, many people feel that peppermint falls into the “safe” category for adults and children alike. It’s important to understand that Peppermint oil is used in minuscule quantities in these applications and is not the in the same form as the essential oils on your shelf, therefore, consuming a few drops of pure Peppermint essential oil daily gives you a much higher dose, and is not recommended for a variety of reasons.
I am not going to cover the many uses of the oil; today I want to cover safety. It is important for all essential oil users to know that Peppermint essential oil comes with what are called contraindications.
What does contraindication mean?
According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, a contraindication “is something (such as a symptom or condition) that makes a particular treatment or procedure inadvisable” [2].
In aromatherapy, these are specific instances when an oil should not be used because it might be harmful, for example, anyone with a history of seizures, asthma, blood clotting disorders, taking certain medications or are pregnant or nursing to name a few. There are certain oils not recommended for children for various reasons. Some oils increase the risk of skin irritation when applied topically (more so for those with sensitive skin), while other oils are phototoxic.
What types of contraindications does Peppermint essential oil have? Peppermint essential oil contains a significant amount of the constituent menthol. When the menthol in Peppermint is inhaled, it stimulates the TRPM8 cold receptors in the lungs. This could potentially trigger a reflex in young children making breathing slow, and for this reason, Peppermint essential oil has been given the contraindication, “do not apply near the face of infants or children.” [3][4].
It has been stated that Peppermint essential oil can be used topically on children to lower fever. We can now see that this is not recommended near the face (the chest/neck would apply here). Peppermint does provide a cooling “effect”, but has not been proven to actually lower fever. A great alternative is to place the herbal counterpart into a muslin bag and place into a lukewarm bath. (I typically place the bag in boiling water first to sufficiently fill the water with mint, and then add to the bath). If the fever is high the mildly warm water will help bring the fever down albeit temporary to help bring comfort, and the herbal water will be incredibly soothing to the child. Best of all, it is safe.
Fevers are the bodies natural response to fighting infection, in most cases reducing fever is not recommended. Just try to make the child comfortable. Please speak to your doctor in regards to a safe upper limit for a fever before using interventions to lower it such as NSAIDS. Refer to this article here, speaking in greater detail about fevers in children.
“Peppermint essential oil disturbs the cytochrome P450 liver detoxification system, which means that it can interfere with the metabolism of certain drugs. It is established that the oil is contraindicated with the use of cardiac stabilizing medications, including quinidine. It appears to interfere with calcium channel blockers and has been anecdotally reported to increase the activity of NSAIDS and naproxen”.-Katharine Koeppen, Aromaceuticals.com [5].
Peppermint essential oil “may” interfere with breastfeeding by lowering milk supply. There is no scientific evidence to back this claim up, but there is sufficient anecdotal evidence to warrant me to include it in this article. Please proceed with caution if you are nursing.
Peppermint essential oil should be used with caution when taken orally improperly (under the tongue or in water), with those suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as it can exacerbate the condition. This is because “Peppermint oil can relax the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus” [6].
According to the Expanded German Commission E Monographs, “oral ingestion of Peppermint essential oil is not recommended for anyone with liver damage (potentially elevating liver enzymes), gallbladder inflammation, and obstruction of bile ducts” [7].
If using Peppermint essential oil on the skin, it is important to dilute it as it carries a moderate risk for skin irritation. Essential oils should not be used undiluted on the skin or “neat”, in most cases.
This information is not provided to induce fear. Peppermint is often shared for use online for a myriad of ailments, and the truth is it is an impressive oil with many benefits, but there are safety concerns as well. When armed with this information, you can make an informed decision about how essential oils can benefit you and your family.
References:
[1] Enteric-coated peppermint-oil capsules in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a prospective, randomized trial. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9430014
[2] Contraindication definition. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contraindication
[3] TRPM8: The Cold and Menthol Receptor, Retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK5238/
[4] Tisserand, R., Young, R. (2014) Essential Oil Safety. (2nd ed) Elsevier
[5] Koeppen, K. Adverse Reactions to Peppermint Oil
[6] Peppermint. University of Maryland Medical Center. Retrieved/updated December 19, 2017 from: https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/peppermint
[7] Blumenthal, M. (2000). Herbal medicine: expanded commission E monographs. Austin: Integrative Medicine Communications (p301)
Additional Resources
Application of gas-liquid chromatography to the analysis of essential oils. Part XVII. Fingerprinting of essential oils by temperature-programmed gas-liquid chromatography using capillary columns with non-polar stationary phases. Analytical methods committee. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9463975
Bowles, E. J. (2004). The chemistry of aromatherapeutic oils. Crows Nest, N.S.W.: Allen & Unwin.
Schultz, et.al. (1998) Rational phytotherapy: A physicians guide to herbal medicine. New York: Springer
Like so many practices in life I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
