Colds, eczema, travel sickness: certain essential oils have properties capable of treating your children's ailments without fear. But it is obviously necessary to take special precautions to avoid any risk for children.
This article was updated on 19/07/2023Is your child under 3 years old? Information about it can be found on a dedicated page: Essential oils for babies (from 3 months).
General precautions for using essential oils for children
We love our children, we protect them. Certain precautions should not be neglected when it comes to little ones. Since essential oils do not all have the same properties and should not be used in the same way, it is essential to take into account the following considerations:
Restrictions or precautionary rules applicable to adults are just as applicable (if not more) to children :
- Concerning possible allergies: apply a few drops of the essential oil or mixture of essential oils that you wish to use, in the crease of the elbow then wait 24 hours to notice - or not - a skin reaction (description of the allergic test on our site) ;
- Never apply pure essential oil directly to the eyes, nose or ears;
- Do not expose yourself to the sun for 12 hours following the application of a so-called photosensitizing essential oil;
- Please refer to the technical sheets given with each essential oil to follow the specific instructions for use.
It is most often appropriate to dilute essential oils more significantly when they are intended for children. Once again, scrupulously follow the instructions given by your doctor and/or described on our site.
The skin route and atmospheric diffusion are the preferred routes in children, in general, even if the oral route can be considered in certain cases.
Do not leave the bottles within reach of children and, to ensure the correct use of the product, do not let them use it on their own.
And above all, find out carefully depending on the condition and age of your child. Some oils are more aggressive or must be used in specific ways. We particularly draw your attention to this point and strongly advise you to respect the rules established in each recipe in order to avoid any risk. If you would like further information on a synergy and its effects, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Our team of aromatherapy experts is also at your disposal. Let's not take unconscious risks, it's our children!
What essential oils can we use for children aged 3 to 6?
Possible without medical advice
- Matricaria Chamomile
- Roman chamomile
- Wild Chamomile
- Cardamom
- Cistus
- Lemon
- Lemongrass
- Combava
- Cypress of Provence
- Tarragon
- Lemon Eucalyptus
- Eucalyptus Radiata
- Geranium
- Ginger
- Italian Helichrysum
- Odorous Inula
- Khella
- Fine Lavender
- True Lavender
- Lavandin Super
- Green Mandarin
- Marjoram with Shells
- Red Myrtle
- Green Myrtle
- Neroli
- Niaouli
- Sweet Orange
- Petit grain bigarade
- Ravintsara
- Balsam Fir
- Saro
- Tea Tree
- Thyme in Linalool
- Thyme in Thujanol
- Ylang ylang
- Ylang ylang iii
Possible with medical advice
- Sweet Fennel
- Clove
- Laurel Noble
- Lavender Aspic
- Lavandula Stoechas
- Greenland Ledon
- Lovage
- Melissa
- Lemon Myrtle
- Green Oregano
- Palmarosa
- Rosemary in Verbenone
- Annual Tansy
Not possible !
Ajwan, Dill, Angelica, Basil, Bergamot, Bergamot without Bergapten, Cade, Cajeput, Cinnamon, Caraway, Atlas Cedar, Coriander Seeds, Criste Marine, Turmeric, Frankincense, Black Spruce, Eucalyptus Globulus, Eucalyptus Smithii, Galbanum, Wintergreen Fragrant, Juniper, Madagascar Helichrysum, Lemongrass, Pistachio Mastic, Sylvester Marjoram, Field Mint, Peppermint, Spearmint, Nutmeg, Himalayan Spikenard, Compact Oregano, Spanish Oregano, Grapefruit, Patchouli, Douglas Fir, Pine Sylvester, Black Pepper, Hemlock, Camphor Rosemary, Cineole Rosemary, Siberian Fir, Mountain Savory, Lavender Leaf Sage, Clary Sage, Turpentine, Savory Leaf Thyme, Thymol Thyme, Goldenrod, Verbena Exotic, Fragrant Verbena, Vetiver.
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Bibliography
Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.
About these tips
This aromatherapy article was written by Théophane de la Charie, author of the book “Treat yourself with essential oils”, accompanied by a multidisciplinary team made up of pharmacists, biochemists and agronomists.
La Compagnie des Sens and its teams do not encourage self-medication. The information and advice provided comes from a reference bibliographic database (books, scientific publications, etc.). They are given for information purposes, or to suggest avenues for reflection: they should in no case replace a diagnosis, consultation or medical follow-up, and cannot engage the liability of the Compagnie des Sens.