Are Essential Oil Safe - An Overview

Natural essential oils are extracted through the traditional or modern approaches of extraction, where plants and its parts such as roots, shoots, flowers, leaves etc are used to derive concentrated volatile liquid. But here it’s good to know - are essential oils are safe for use? As these naturally extracted products contain aromatic compounds which are very helpful for stimulating the brain. Especially, the limbic system which is further known for motivation, emotions, memory and learning process.  

Let’s know more about the Essential Oils Benefits and Uses

As essential oil has numerous health benefits, where it’s frequently used for medicinal, culinary, and aromatherapy purposes. Essential oils work better for skin and hair problems, as well as for heart, respiratory,  bone, blood circulation, stress, anxiety, sleep disorders and other health issues. Whenever we go through the list of essential oils such as lavender, lemon, clary sage, frankincense, bergamot, citronella, clove, peppermint etc, we find few of them have Anti-depressant, antispasmodic, antibiotic,  antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, antiseptic, antineuralgic, antiphlogistic, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrisant, emenagogue, analgesic, febrifuge, hepatic, sedative, nervine and digestive properties. 

Worldwide, people are attracting towards natural essential oils because of their safe usage. But is this correct?  

Are essential oils safe for babies?

Children below 12  years or newborn babies have very sensitive skin or low potential against few intense medicines. As discussed previously, natural essential oils have aromatic compounds which might influence the immune system up to a certain degree.  Therefore, it would be better to dilute the essential oils first and apply afterwards. Peppermint essential oils should not be used for children below 6 years of age and eucalyptus not for below 10 years of age. If there's a state of confusion - are essential oils safe for babies or which one must be used? then it’s recommended that take the advice of a doctor before using the same.

For babies recommended safe dilution ratio of .5 to 1 percent, as compared to a 2.5 to 10 percent dilution for adults.

List of Safe Essential Oils for Babies:- Chamomile, Distilled Lemon, Lavender, Dill, Mandarin, Tea Tree.