- Cedarwood
- Eucalyptus
- Juniper
- Valerian
This is just a partial list. For a complete one get a copy of a good Aromatherapy text such as "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils", ISBN 1852307218 by Julia Lawless. An essential oil many people use on children is eucalyptus. In large quantities it has been found, in studies, to cause seizures in healthy young children and strange paralyses. This is when the eucalyptus was applied directly to the skin. When used in a diffuser, the above was not noted. Essential oils found to be sensitizing include:
- Cedarwood
- Chamomile
- Geranium
- Jasmine
- Lemon
- Peppermint
- Lemongrass
- Orange
- Ylang ylang
- Vanilla
Once again this is a partial list. Notice how orange and lemon is included. Most citrus derived essential oils are irritating to very young children and sensitive skin. While it may be used Aromacology wise, applying it to a babies delicate skin wouldn't be a very good idea. Essential oils found to be especially irritating to the skin include:
- Black pepper
- Cedarwood
- Cinnamon
- Eucalyptus
- Lemon
- Peppermint
- Clove
Once again only a partial list. While many say these essential oils in large quantities will cause the irritation, on a very young child's delicate skin, the amount needed to cause adverse reactions are lower. Notice also how cedarwood is found on all of the lists, showing that it is best to avoid its use completely on young children as it is problematic. However, note how Lavender is not found on the lists! Lavender is an especially gentle, even more so than chamomile, essential oil which is perfectly suited to young children. Its relaxing and calming, not to mention quite useful in baths and soaps. The diversity of uses that can be had with lavender actually takes the places of the essential oils mentioned on the lists. Most certainly it is a safer alternative. It can not be more strongly stressed to first do a patch test. One never knows how a child or baby will react and it will be much better if any reaction is confined to a test spot, instead of large portions of skin.
-MAM
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