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What is an adverse reaction to an essential oil? Would you know what to do if you or your child had an adverse reaction to an essential oil or oil blend? Do you know what an adverse reaction looks like? I will be covering a few of those here in hopes to make you more aware of what that might look like, and what to do if it happens. When we use essential oils, safety has to be the first thing we keep in mind.
First and foremost, this article is not written to scare or instill fear, but to make you more knowledgeable. I want to empower you to use them properly and know what to look for in the rare case there is a reaction. It is important to note, if you are following basic safety instructions, the likelihood of an adverse reaction is greatly reduced.
Skin Reactions
The first thing to look out for when using essential oils topically is skin reactions.
-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.
-Skin sensitization is a more serious reaction that is systemic (affecting the entire body or organism), involving the immune system called sensitization.
According to Dorene Petersen, president of the American College of Healthcare Sciences (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. Save the bottle of oils for the medical staff, to help them to understand what they are dealing with. (Poison Control (800) 222-1222…24 hours a day)
–Phototoxic reactions can occur from a specific list of oils. This can occur when certain essential oil constituents on the skin react when exposed to the sun (ultraviolet light). Tanning beds also need to be avoided. This can result in general redness and burning of the skin, changes in melanin of the skin, and there is even potential for a more serious reaction such as 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. If you follow this simple safety precaution, you will never have to deal with this type of reaction.
**It is important to note that 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 the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) standards [2]:
*If you have a phototoxic reaction such as a chemical burn, seek out the care of a medical professional to reduce permanent effects.
Diffusing Essential Oils
Essential oil diffusers disperse the essential oil into the air in tiny droplets. Robert Tisserand recommends diffusing times of 30-60 minutes, or 30 minutes on and 60 minutes off [3]. If you are diffusing in a small room, make sure to have proper ventilation. I think Tisserand’s recommendations may be generous when looking at small children, therefore, I will go one step further to say that if you are diffusing for a small child, 15-20 minutes on and 60 minutes off will be more than sufficient for them. If you decide to diffuse for a baby, six months or older, 10 minutes will likely be just enough.
In order to explain possible reasons for the recommended times, let’s talk a little bit about our sense of smell, or our olfactory system.
Dorene Petersen of the American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) states 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” [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.
When we inhale too much of a good thing, we can have adverse effects. Tisserand stated in his book, Essential Oil Safety 2e, “prolonged inhalation (more than about 30 minutes) of concentrated essential oil vapors (e.g., steam inhalation or direct from a bottle) can lead to headaches, vertigo, nausea and lethargy” [5].
You can also experience an overall feeling of being unwell marked by malaise or disorientation, or even heartburn. I get heartburn from diffusing cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum).
Concentrated essential oil vapors are considered direct inhalation. What is considered direct inhalation and what is considered passive inhalation?
Direct Inhalation
Steam inhalation (steam tent or steam bowl)
Handheld nebulizer
Directly from the bottle
Inhalers (aromastick)
On hands, cupping the nose
On a cotton ball or other material right up to the face
I recommend avoiding these methods of use under the age of five.
Indirect/Passive Inhalation
Diffusers (atomizers, ultrasonics, nebulizers, fan diffusers, aromastone)
You can greatly reduce risk by practicing safe diffusion times, matching up the right diffuser for your space, and being mindful of adverse reactions. Remember, when you have babies, toddlers, etc., they are not likely going to be able to tell you if they are having symptoms of overuse. They are counting on you to make the best choices you can.
*For more information on safe diffusing, please refer to Essential Oil Safety 2e by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.
Internal Use
At times online and in social media, internal use is recommended quite casually without much respect for their true power. In my opinion, if you are not trained in the internal use of oils (Aromatic Medicine) or are being helped by someone who is, this is a risky thing to do. Why would I say this? Often times the methods that are being shared are not at all the way that they should be used. Let me explain…
The liver is not equipped to handle this amount of aromatics. You may have heard in certain circles that essential oils are pure and this is perfectly safe. Essential oils are still chemicals. The liver’s job is to recognize foreign substances such as these and remove them as quickly as possible. A good analogy here is water in a glass. Begin pouring water in, once the glass has hit maximum capacity the water overflows. The liver is no different.
Oral dosing can interfere with medication or aggravate other medical conditions. You may hear something like “our oils are pure therapeutic grade and are safe for internal use” or “certain oils are GRAS” (generally recognized as safe for consumption), but this applies to consuming in food (food additives), not in water.
Internal usage does have its time and place, but you MUST know what you are doing…or at the very least, consult with someone who has been properly trained.
Here is another great reference to learn more about internal use.
Interference with Medications
Some oils are contraindicated for use when taking certain medications. These oils can be problematic for those taking diabetes medication, heart medication, cancer medication, and medications via patches just to name a few.
If you are sharing the benefits of oils to others, are you aware of the specific contraindications? If so, are you asking your neighbor or friend what kinds of medications they are taking? The majority (not all) of these warnings are more of a concern when taking the oils internally, but if you are unaware, this can really be a concern.
*For more information on medications that can interfere with essential oil use, please refer to Essential Oil Safety 2e by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.
Closing
As I mentioned above, when you follow proper safety measures, you are much less likely to experience adverse affect. If you are unsure of something, please feel free to reach out to me anytime at Lifeholistically@gmail.com
References
[1] Petersen, D. (2012) Aroma 101-sensitization. American College of Healthcare Sciences (p 50)
[2] IFRA standards. Retrieved from http://www.ifraorg.org/en-us/standards-library/s/phototoxicity#.V9VaSpMrJn4,
[4] Peterson, D. (2012) Aroma 101. American College of Healthcare Sciences
[3] [5] Tisserand, R., Young, R. (2014) Essential Oil Safety (2nd Ed)
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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.
Dr. Google, why is it such an issue in the aromatherapy community? Dr. Google is a colloquial term used in the medical community. Dr. Google searches can result in both an incorrect diagnosis as well as a cure for what ails you, by listing a variety of possible diseases to match your symptoms. Dr. Google and aromatherapy has become so pervasive, that it is hard to imagine a life without this ability to seek out help for our health concerns.
Quality of Information
With so much information at our fingertips, it can be challenging to sort out what is trustworthy, what is personal opinion, and what is marketing material. Numerous blogs are written that make claims without substantive evidence. This can be a challenge for those with the best intentions looking for ways to help themselves and their family. Online articles about specific conditions are unable to take into account someone’s medical history, genetics, lifestyle factors, and social context when providing their opinion, all of which are important for a diagnosis, and the key to treating the whole person.
With the accessibility of information on the Internet, should we go to the doctor, whether it is an allopathic or complementary practitioner? When speaking to aromatherapy, people search the Internet, Facebook or Pinterest, asking for an oil or oil blend that will help their health concern. 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.
Here is a small sample of real-life situations that transpired through a Dr. Google search (all examples shared with permission):
A woman who was currently under the care of a medical provider for a suspected collapsed vein performed a Google search looking for remedies for venous insufficiency. She found suggestions online to use wintergreen essential oil on her leg for relief. She had recently had a major surgery and was taking a variety of drugs including three blood pressure medications and one blood thinner (anticoagulant). She did not find a warning online about the use of wintergreen oil while on medication. She was grateful to have contacted a reflexologist/aromatherapist before attempting this at home, and found there could have been unwanted side effects.
Wintergreen essential oil is contraindicated (all routes) while taking anticoagulant medication, or after a major surgery. [1] Wintergreen has a great potential for interaction with Warfarin, a popular blood thinning medication. [2]
A mother performed a Google search for essential oils that could help her child (5), with symptoms of her cystic fibrosis. Mom wanted to do all she could to help her daughter, and was told that essential oils could be of great benefit. Her search brought her to a large list of essential oil blends (a meme on Pinterest), which could address her daughter’s issues. The recommendations included but were not limited to: cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass, oregano and wintergreen. The recipes however did not give instructions, so she asked her neighbor, an aromatherapist in training, how to use the oils. Mom was grateful she did, as she learned that many of the recommended oils had contraindications for a child her age, as well as with her current medications.
Wintergreen oil is contraindicated for children, and all the other oils listed here have restricted uses for safety reasons. [3]
Mom with heartburn and indigestion completed a Google search to see which oils could help her to find relief. She found a blog instructing her to take one drop of peppermint essential oil in her water every day. At first, she thought there was improvement but it quickly got much worse with pain, burning, and a new symptom of intense acid reflux whenever she lay down at night. She sought advice from a trained aromatherapist and discovered that ingestion of peppermint can increase the risk of GERD. She stopped immediately and the severe discomfort subsided.
Peppermint oil should be used with caution, with those suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as it can exacerbate the condition if taken orally. This is because peppermint oil can relax the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus. [4]
An aromatherapist finds in a FB group a mom who was asking about treating her baby for a suspected staph infection with clove essential oil. Mom stated she searched online and saw that clove essential oil should be applied to the skin to remedy the infection. The aromatherapist reached out to her to try to explain the safety issues surrounding clove on the skin for a young baby. The outcome is unknown.
Clove should be used with caution in children under two years of age [5].
Clove is not the best choice here because it is considered a hot oil, and can increase the risk of skin irritation.
A first time mom is having issues with her milk supply, and wants to be sure to support her growing baby the best that she can. She completes a Google search for oils to help increase her milk supply, and finds someone suggesting trying fennel essential oil. She begins using it faithfully every day but was not finding much benefit. She asks in a FB group what she can do to increase supply and mentions what she has already tried. She discovers that fennel is actually contraindicated during nursing and it is the herb that would provide the results she is looking for. She immediately switches to the herb, and was very grateful to find results quickly.
Fennel essential oil is contraindicated for all routes during breastfeeding based on the estragole content. [6]
The basics of aromatherapy can be researched well on the Internet. Looking up oils to help improve mood, or help with restful sleep for example, are some of the things a home user can find help with relatively easily. The more in depth topics, however, need more scientific, evidence-based research. The credibility of the source needs to be considered. Many popular health gurus have recently taken on the role of essential oil expert, without proper training. We should all be cautious with using unvetted health information, no matter the topic. Confirmation bias plays a big part in personal online research. This is a propensity to search for or interpret information in a way that confirms our preconceptions. Google, based on what is typed in its search queue, also gives results based on popularity. Question and verify what you have read with other sources. A good goal is to look for an additional 3-5 sources that back up the original information
What Type of Research Should You Look For?
Superior to a blanket Google search would be to utilize research databases for evidence-based information. Find quality research that has been validated.
Here is a sampling of databases to help you perform your research:
Trained aromatherapists are another great way to find quality information. I encourage you to ask what training they have received. A basic aromatherapy course includes 200+ hours of training, and a clinical level program is 400 hours of training. Aromatherapists are taught to analyze and critique current aromatherapy research and apply this knowledge to positively affect their client’s commitment to their well-being. Aromatherapists help to rebalance the body and restore wellness.
Many wonderful aromatherapists have dedicated their time and money to their field, and have a large personal investment in helping others. They focus on safety and the notion of “Above all to do no harm”.
Finding Balance
Aromatherapists at times struggle to find a balance between managing the misinformation that is seen on the Internet and operating their business. Many aromatherapists are present and active on social media sites in an effort to help the consumer practice aromatherapy safely. They are there to help those who ask, but there is a line to be drawn. This would be similar to calling your doctor for advice. That advice might cover the immediate concern, beyond that you would need to make an appointment to be seen, in order for the doctor to properly assess you and your concerns.
If you have specific concerns about yourself or your child, I encourage you to seek out an aromatherapy practitioner. A consultation will be specific to the client and should incorporate knowledge about contraindications, the chemistry of the oils, and synergistic’s of making essential oil formulations. Aromatherapists look at the whole person and work to restore homeostasis to the body, mind, and spirit.
As Madame Maury states:
“Each of us is a unique message. It is only the unique remedy that will suffice.”
In utilizing aromatherapy, nutrition, or any other complementary therapy, Google can be utilized as a reference point, one that needs further research. If you find an article, please research other sources to see if the information is up to date and accurate. The goal for all of us is the same, to make the best choices for ourselves and our family using trusted information, as well as to know when and where to look for assistance when needed.
References:
[2] Valussi, M. A short review of wintergreen/methyl salicylate toxicity. The International Journal of Professional Holistic Aromatherapy. Volume 4. Issue 3. (2015) p 43-49
[1] [3] [6] Tisserand, R., Young, R. (2014) Essential Oil Safety (2nd Ed) London: England. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier
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.
Aromatherapy, not “always or ever”, not “black and white”. What do I mean by that? A quick visit to social media can leave a home user dizzy with information, much of it is erroneous; hearing statements like never use on babies, never take internally, and always dilute are commonplace.
I understand that some professionals are making attempts to keep the home user safe, as well as keeping children from being exposed to neat oils at a very early age among other things. Let me assure you, I share that concern, as they are valid. However, the fear that is being instilled in statements like “Oh my, you should never do that”, is not helping anyone.
To be fair, it can be a difficult task to find quality, reliable information on the Internet surrounding the art and use of aromatherapy. I have taken to speaking about safety often for this very reason. I have extended knowledge in my field, and to some, my education may not have even scratched the surface.
There is one that I am sure of, that the professionals in the field of aromatherapy have a few things in common:
We want to help you. We decided to go into the field of aromatherapy as we are healers in our own right. This is our passion, and our mission statements may vary, but have one common thread: “First do no harm”.
Learning is ongoing. We do not have all the answers but are always seeking them. We all want to be experts in our craft.
We all believe in the magic and powers of essential oils, and have seen firsthand how they can help in a variety of situations.
Now our approach may not all be the same. And even more importantly, our education is not all the same: different institutions, different amount of hours, a different focus or niche among other things. This can be problematic. Therefore, it is important for you, the end user, to do your own research. At the very least ask the aromatherapist what their credentials are, and ask for resources to back up what they are telling you. When my clients ask for these things, I am more than happy to oblige. I would expect you to do the same thing if it were a pediatrician or psychologist. Every single one of us in every aspect of our lives is “practicing”, whether we are a professional, a parent, or a friend. A good rule of thumb is utilizing what works and discarding what doesn’t.
Never Examples
My first example of a “never” statement is telling others to NEVER take oils internally. This is not helping anyone. What should be discussed is how to do so safely and when does it make sense to do so. For the record, it is not in water, or neat under your tongue. Follow this link for more.
Another example is NEVER using essential oils on babies. This is not looking at the big picture. Some will tell you no oils before two years of age, some say no oils before five years of age, some say no oils before 10. Based on scientific research (key term here) this is what we do know:
**Oils should typically be avoided topically for infants and small babies under a few months of age. The reason for this is their integumentary system (skin) does not mature until then and using oils topically (even when diluted) can increase the risk for adverse reactions and set them up for possible sensitization.
**There is a pretty extensive list of oils that should not be used “dermally” under two years of age. This does not imply the statement above of “no oils under two”.
(Please reference Robert Tisserand’s Essential Oil Safety 2efor the details)
**Babies and children ARE much less equipped to handle certain essential oils topically, due to immature livers and detoxification systems. Less is more, the gentle way first utilizing herbs and hydrosols, are things that I agree with. This is the reason why many recommend speaking to a professional. It should not be to induce fear, but to empower you to know the right way, period.
**Last example in regards to children: NEVER use eucalyptus essential oil under the age of 10. This is a fear based statement and not all that accurate, BUT there are precautions to know about and be cognizant of. According to Robert Tisserand, this oil (high in 1,8 cineole) should be kept away from the face for children under 10 years of age, especially for those children that are susceptible to issues such as seizures or have other CNS weaknesses. This does not mean NEVER, it means you need to know what you are doing (Source)
Always Example
ALWAYS dilute. On social media, this may be the best way to keep the general population safe as SO MANY are recommending neat use. It is not an always statement. All aromatherapy professionals know that there can be a time and place for undiluted oils. A better statement would be: It is very important to know when and where to apply oils undiluted and to know which oils carry a high risk of irritation/sensitization. If you do not know how to safely navigate this for yourself, you are better off diluting everything you apply topically. This is especially the case for children. Please do not take this kind of advice from someone that is not educated. Sensitization is real, it does happen, and it is ugly.
In Conclusion
Aromatherapy is simply not black and white, and nothing is always or never. Safety should always be the first consideration, and everyone has his or her different way of handling it. If you can do one important thing here for yourself, it is to do your due diligence and find out the facts, with CREDIBLE resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected, researched, and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
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.
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.
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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