Essential Oils For Birth, Babies and Toddlers

Kim Asked:

Dear Dr. Streicher,

Firstly, thank you for being a pioneer in the field of medical aromatherapy. As a consumer and enthusiast, I appreciate buying high quality, organic, unadulterated therapeutic essential oils to use for my family.

We will soon welcome our second child, and already have a 21-month-old daughter. Since we will have a newborn and toddler in the house during cold and flu season, I have just ordered from you Thyme Linalol and Eucalyptus Radiata. I am not planning on using them in any dilution topically on the kids until after they turn 2 years old, but is it safe to use them in a diffuser to disinfect the air (1-2 drops)?

How about as an anti-infectious air spray to use locally (combined with tea tree and lemon)? In addition to the small children, I will also be nursing. Could these oils pose a problem if diffused or sprayed?

Also, a baby oil recipe I'd like to try calls for Geranium ( Pelargonium Graveolens), but I see that you only sell Pelargonium Roseum. Are these two Geraniums one and the same, and the names used interchangeably?

Lastly, during labor and birth of our baby, I'd like to add to a warm bowl of water Roman Chamomile, Lemon and Grapefruit. Are any of these contraindicated for newborns and/or nursing?

Are there any books you recommend for aromatherapy for children?

Thank you for your time, Dr. Streicher!

Best,

Kim

Dr. Streicher Answered:

Diffusing Thyme Linalol and Eucalyptus Radiata to disinfect the air around the baby and toddler is completely safe. You can even use up to 8 drops if the room is not very small.

Using an anti-infectious air spray ( Thyme Linalol and Eucalyptus Radiata combined with Tea Tree and Lemon) is also fine. Just don’t spray it directly at the kids. Remember that Eucalyptus Radiata is good for viruses, but not so much for bacteria. See the Essential Oils For Cold And Flu Symptoms page for more details.

Yes, Geranium Pelargonium Graveolens and Geranium Pelargonium Roseum are the same botanical species. The word “roseum” is used for the variety, which has a rosy tone to its aroma, but therapeutically they both have the same benefits.

Adding Roman Chamomile to the bowl of water to use during the birth is very safe, as it is a mild oil. But, I would only add a drop or two of Lemon or Grapefruit essential oils.

The best book about aromatherapy for both children and adults is the “Complete Guide to Aromatherapy” by Salvatore Battaglia. Valerie Cooksley’s books are also very good.

Best Wishes,

Christoph Streicher, Ph.D.

Disclaimer: The statements made on this page have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. If a condition persists, please contact your physician or healthcare provider. The information provided is not a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare provider, and should not be construed as medical advice.

Original Published: 2015-11-11 / Last Modified: 2021-10-11