Essential Oils, Pregnancy & Infants
Anise Pimpinella anisum – Do not to use on kids under 5 (not even diffusing). There should be a warning to avoid if pregnant and/or breastfeeding (the herb is good for increasing milk production, but you do want to avoid the essential oil). This is also potentially carcinogenic and you should be warned that if you use topically, use in a very low dilution.
Bergamot Citrus bergamia, Citrus aurantium – Caution of phototoxicity with this essential oil. To use safely, no more than a 0.4% topical dilution is recommended before sun exposure. Sometimes companies offer a bergapten-free/furanocoumarin-free option, which is not phototoxic.
Cinnamon Bark/Leaf Cinnamomum verum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum – Look for a distinction between Cinnamon Bark and Cinnamon Leaf. There is a difference when it comes to proper dilution, as Cinnamon Bark should be diluted to 0.07% and Cinnamon Leaf 0.6%. Please dilute well if used topically due to sensitization risk, as well as the fact these can inhibit blood clotting.
Clove Bud/Leaf/Stem Syzygium aromaticum, Eugenia caryophyllata – Do not use for teething babies, as it is a moderate mucous membrane irritant and sensitizer which should not be used on kids under age 2. Clove is also an essential oil which can inhibit blood clotting.
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus maidenii, Eucalyptus plenissima, Eucalyptus kochii, Eucalyptus polybractea, Eucalyptus radiata, Eucalyptus Autraliana,Eucalyptus phellandra, Eucalyptus smithii – Avoid using around children under the age of 10 – yes, even E. radiata, as it can cause slowed respiration.
Fennel (Bitter, Sweet) Foeniculum vulgare subsp. Capillaceum, Foeniculum vulgare – Do not use on children, pregnant and/or breastfeeding women, and dilute well if using topically on anyone else due to them being potentially carcinogenic. Do not use on lactating women to boost milk production.
Lemon Citrus x limon, Citrus limonum – Dilute well before applying topically, due to its phototoxicity. Lemon should be diluted to 2% if used topically before going out in the sun. Never add to your drinking water! This cannot be stressed enough!! If you like lemon in your water, add lemon juice. Save money and save your digestive system!
Peppermint Mentha x Piperita – Not for use on children under age 6 due to the possibility of slowed respiration.
Wintergreen Gaultheria fragrantissima, Gaultheria procumbens – Avoid any use on children, and dilute heavily for adult topical use.
Bergamot Citrus bergamia, Citrus aurantium – Caution of phototoxicity with this essential oil. To use safely, no more than a 0.4% topical dilution is recommended before sun exposure. Sometimes companies offer a bergapten-free/furanocoumarin-free option, which is not phototoxic.
Cinnamon Bark/Leaf Cinnamomum verum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum – Look for a distinction between Cinnamon Bark and Cinnamon Leaf. There is a difference when it comes to proper dilution, as Cinnamon Bark should be diluted to 0.07% and Cinnamon Leaf 0.6%. Please dilute well if used topically due to sensitization risk, as well as the fact these can inhibit blood clotting.
Clove Bud/Leaf/Stem Syzygium aromaticum, Eugenia caryophyllata – Do not use for teething babies, as it is a moderate mucous membrane irritant and sensitizer which should not be used on kids under age 2. Clove is also an essential oil which can inhibit blood clotting.
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus maidenii, Eucalyptus plenissima, Eucalyptus kochii, Eucalyptus polybractea, Eucalyptus radiata, Eucalyptus Autraliana,Eucalyptus phellandra, Eucalyptus smithii – Avoid using around children under the age of 10 – yes, even E. radiata, as it can cause slowed respiration.
Fennel (Bitter, Sweet) Foeniculum vulgare subsp. Capillaceum, Foeniculum vulgare – Do not use on children, pregnant and/or breastfeeding women, and dilute well if using topically on anyone else due to them being potentially carcinogenic. Do not use on lactating women to boost milk production.
Lemon Citrus x limon, Citrus limonum – Dilute well before applying topically, due to its phototoxicity. Lemon should be diluted to 2% if used topically before going out in the sun. Never add to your drinking water! This cannot be stressed enough!! If you like lemon in your water, add lemon juice. Save money and save your digestive system!
Peppermint Mentha x Piperita – Not for use on children under age 6 due to the possibility of slowed respiration.
Wintergreen Gaultheria fragrantissima, Gaultheria procumbens – Avoid any use on children, and dilute heavily for adult topical use.