Aromatherapy and Children

Source: Hakase_420 / Shutterstock

Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years and has long-established evidence-based studies touting the benefits it can provide to adults and children. According to the National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Americans spend more than $30.2 billion annually on aromatherapy.

When it comes to using aromatherapy with children, studies show it can be a safe, effective, and fast-acting complementary intervention for anxiety, sadness, fatigue, concentration, sleeplessness, and other common pediatric concerns. However, there are some important considerations to address before you begin this ancient practice for kids.

Aromatherapy Do's

• Do find essential oils from reliable sources, and make sure they are pure oils, not synthetic fragrances. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia highlights Natural Options Aromatherapy, The Herbarium, and SunRose Aromatics for well-established products. Also, Time Within, Aromatherapy curated specifically for children is another reliable source, as is doTerra.
• Do use essential oils that have been studied to be safe and effective for use with children over the age of 3 years. Essential oils are concentrated extracts from the flowers, leaves, seed, bark, roots, or peel of a plant, including lavender, peppermint, citrus, and ginger, as well as frankincense and myrrh.
• Do learn about proper dosages for the essential oils chosen. Consider talking with your pediatrician if you're unsure or have questions about using aromatherapy for your child or teen.
• Do learn what essential oils are best for your child. Learn how certain oils can stimulate, calm, relax, invigorate, lift mood, or aid in concentration.
• Do use a diffuser bracelet or a personal inhaler with children. Bracelet diffusers are worn around the wrist and allow the essential oil to be experienced without skin contact. Personal inhalers are tube-like, hand-held objects that prevent oils from touching the skin. Consider what delivery system for aromatherapy best addresses your child's or teen's needs.
• Do keep essential oils stored as directed—and in a secure place, out of the reach of young children.
• Do talk with your child's pediatrician before starting aromatherapy. This ensures that the type of essential oil chosen does not interfere with any illnesses, disorders, or medications your child may be taking.

Aromatherapy Don'ts

• Don't use aromatherapy for children under the age of 3 years.
• Don't give children aromatherapy oils to taste or swallow, even in diluted form.
• Don't apply pure oils directly to the skin of little ones unless the product is designed as a roll-on. Pure essential oils are highly concentrated extracts that can burn a child's skin.
• Don't use essential oils that are photosensitizing before spending time in the sun, as they can create sunburn.
• Don't use water-based diffusers for more than 20 minutes. Research reports that after 20 minutes, the brain habituates to the scent, and the aromatherapy benefit is lost. Further, overexposure to aerosols with essential oils can irritate young children's lungs, eyes, and skin.
• Don't use a candle diffuser or other direct heat delivery systems to experience aromatherapy. Essential oils are flammable—and the fire risk is high.
• Don't use aromatherapy for children in place of traditional medicine. Always consult with your pediatrician or a health expert if your child presents with an illness.

While there is much to consider before using aromatherapy for your child or teen, the benefits experienced for your children may be worth your investigative work.