Essential oils have become necessary to many homes over the years as they are used for many purposes. Manufacturers come up with many oil types: essential oils for sleep, stress, and body pains. Meanwhile, some manufacturers use oils to produce perfumes, to give extra fragrance to different body products like creams and body washes. They can also be found in some beauty care products to serve as natural antioxidants.
While essential oils are generally safe for children, you should know which ones contain ingredients that are safe for use. Read more to discover how to use essential oils safely with your children.
Essential Oil Extraction and Safety
Essential oils are extracted from plants that are rich with beneficial effects on the body. The valuable compounds from these plants are extracted through water distillation or cold pressing during the manufacturing process.
After extraction, some manufacturers may add these natural compounds to a carrier oil to expand their volume and make them safe for use. Some manufacturers use pure plant compounds. In this case, it’s best to avoid oils that have been mixed with other chemicals like synthetic fragrances and other oils.
To make sure that you buy high-quality oils, check each product’s label and look for these items: the name of the plant, its Latin name, the specific part of the plant that was used, and what process of extraction was used.
Essential Oils and Children
When using essential oils on children, you should be extra careful as they are more likely to experience adverse reactions. To help you use essential oils wisely, consider the following guidelines in applying oils to your children.
What to do:
- Keep essential oil bottles and vials out of reach of children and in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight.
- Test the oil before use. Apply a small amount of oil to the skin and wait at least 24 hours for any allergic reaction or inflammation before using it again.
- Seek advice from a healthcare professional if you have any questions about using essential oils on your child.
- Only buy oils from reliable stores that clearly state their procurement and manufacturing processes.
What to avoid:
- Do not apply undiluted oils directly to the skin. When applied directly to the skin, pure oils can be very harmful, no matter your age. It’s best to dilute essential oils down to at least 2.5 per cent. Pure essential oils can be added to carrier oils or lotions to create a safe mixture.
- Do not use undiluted oils in the bath. The concentrated form can lead to rashes or inflammation because oil and water do not combine well.
- Do not let them swallow oils. Being highly concentrated, oils can be hazardous.
- Using peppermint oil on children below three years old can raise the risk of seizures.
Conclusion
Essential oils are typically thought to be risk-free. However, if applied directly to the skin or swallowed, they may negatively affect certain people, especially children. Use oils wisely, and consult with healthcare professionals to make sure you and your family are safe.
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