Eucalyptus oil is a popular essential oil used in natural medicine to treat ailments, such as cold, cough, and bronchitis (1). It is also found in several over-the-counter (OTC) products like mosquito repellents. But is eucalyptus oil safe for babies to treat or manage any of the concerns mentioned above? How much oil you should use depends on the child’s age, intent, and method of use. One must consult a naturopathy expert or herbalist to mitigate the risk of side effects due to overuse. However, it is recommended not to use it on children below six years (2). So, read on to explore more about eucalyptus oil, its safety for babies, and why you can’t use this oil for babies.
Eucalyptus Oil And Its Components
Eucalyptus oil is an extract from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree. The oil has a composition of more than 100 different compounds. Single distilled eucalyptus oil, which is crude oil, may contain more compounds in different quantities than the double distilled eucalyptus oil, which is rectified. For instance, eucalyptus globulus oil has nearly 60% cineole and 40% other compounds. Following rectification, the oil contains 80% cineole and 20% other compounds (3). General specifications and limitations of the oil are mentioned below:
Specifications BP: Eucalyptus Oil
This medicinal oil is a common home remedy to deal with respiratory and bronchial system disorders. The healing vapors from the leaves of the Australian botanical native have been used for years to provide relief from respiratory problems. The oil mainly works as a coolant. The topical application of eucalyptus oil may improve blood flow and even disinfect the area (4). Its expectorant quality makes it a wonderful natural remedy for cough and chest congestion.
Why Can’t You Use Eucalyptus Oil On Babies?
The many health benefits make us wonder why eucalyptus oil is not safe for babies. Read the below reasons to clear your doubts (5):
Essential oils like eucalyptus oil are rich in 1,8-cineole, which can lead to the problems related to the central nervous system and breathing in young children.
The amount of 1,8-cineole in eucalyptus oil depends on the chemotype of the eucalyptus species.
Even though a few eucalyptus species may not have much 1,8-cineole, they have other compounds which could be a concern for children.
This oil is quite strong and has the potential to harm the delicate skin of babies and infants by causing burning sensations and irritation.
Ingestion may lead to diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and severe side effects of eucalyptus oil on babies including wheezing and breathing difficulties.
Eucalyptus oil, applied topically or ingested, may lead to serious problems such as seizures and, in extreme cases, coma (6).
For children, who are ten years or younger, the oil should not be applied near or on the face, especially around the mouth and nose.
The eucalyptus essential oil should be totally kept away from babies less than two years of age.
Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a Virginia-based triple board-certified physician in emergency medicine, medical toxicology, and undersea and hyperbaric medicine, says, “Eucalyptus oil should be used with caution around infants, as it is highly toxic. Severe reactions, including seizures, can occur after inhalation of eucalyptus oil. In some cases, people have developed headaches and bleeding in the brain after using eucalyptus oil vapors to relieve sinus congestion.”
Points to Remember
In case your baby or infant shows breathing problems, take him to a healthcare provider immediately. Your little one needs the prompt attention of a doctor, not the home remedies.
Ensure that your little one does not ingest the oil. Be even more careful, if there is a family history of asthma. The oil can trigger an asthma attack in your little one.
It is always good to seek expert advice before using any oil on babies and infants.
Though the eucalyptus oil is medicinal and is as effective as prescribed or over-the-counter medications, it is not applicable for babies. The application of the oil either directly on the chest or inhalation through a vaporizer, to deal with congestion, is good only for adults and not babies. Parents may assume that a small amount or diluted amount of this medicinal oil may not be harmful to babies, but they can ingest or inhale enough oil (through a vaporizer or humidifier) for a reaction to occur. Remember: Just because something is called ‘natural’ it is not automatically safe or beneficial for your children.
