Many people assume that essential oils are safe because they are “natural.”

Remember that one drop of an essential oils is roughly equivalent to 30 cups of tea!

Small children and pets are especially sensitive to essential oils because, unlike adults, they do not have  completely developed liver detoxification pathways.

Never leave an essential oil diffuser going continuously in a room with a child. That is simply too much exposure for a child (and for most adults as well).

Use the following guidelines with children, and consult with a registered aromatherapist or health care provider deeply trained in working with essential oils if you require guidance in using the essential oils.

• Babies: rose, lavender, roman chamomile. 1/6 adult dosage
• 18 months to four years: mandarin, tangerine, tea tree, Eucalyptus radiata (NOT the more common Eucalyptus globulus, which is a stronger, more stimulating oil). ¼ adult dosage
• 5 – 12 years old: spearmint, other citruses (e.g. grapefruit, orange). ½ adult dosage

A reminder: NEVER give children essential oils by mouth. Always use them externally, inhaled or diluted in pure vegetable oils.

If you are interested in treating your family with natural medicines, consider The Green Medicine Chest book and The Green Medicine Chest Training.

Dr. Judith Boice, ND, LAc, FABNO is a naturopathic physician, acupuncturist, Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology, award-winning author, teacher, and single mother of twin boys.