Is It Safe For Babies To Use Eucalyptus Oil?

It is known that essential oils offer many health benefits. One such essential oil is eucalyptus oil which, due to its antiseptic and antibacterial characteristics. Which is often used as a home remedy to treat respiratory issues.

You may be tempted to use the many uses of it on your baby that may suffer from cold or congestion. But if it is safe for children, it is essential to know before you do so.

What is Eucalyptus Oil?

It is extracted from eucalyptus trees leaves. Eucalyptus oil is used as a perfume in drugs and has some industrial uses as well. It is a colorless liquid with a sweet and powerful smell of woody. In the world, there are more than 700 eucalyptus species, of which only 500 strange species generate the essential oil.

Eucalyptus Oil And Its Components

It is an extract from the eucalyptus tree leaves. The oil is made up of more than 100 distinct compounds. Single distilled eucalyptus oil, which is crude oil, may contain more compounds in distinct amounts than the rectified double distilled eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus globulus oil, for example, has nearly 60 percent cineole and 40 percent other compounds.

Why Can’t You Use Eucalyptus Oil For Babies?

The many health advantages make us wonder why children are not secure with it. Read the reasons below to clear your doubts.

• Essential oils such as eucalyptus oil have high 1,8-cineole, which can lead to issues linked to the central nervous system and breathing in young kids.
• The quantity of 1,8-cineole in it relies on the species of the chemotype or eucalyptus.
• Although some eucalyptus species may not have much 1,8-cineole, they have other compounds that could be a problem for kids.
• This oil is quite strong and has the potential to harm the delicate skin of babies and infants by causing burning sensation and irritation.
• Ingestion can lead to diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and serious side effects of eucalyptus oil on children include wheezing and breathing problems.
• Applied topically or ingested it can lead to severe issues such as seizures and in extreme instances coma.
• The essential oil of eucalyptus should be kept completely away from children under two years of age.

Things To Remember About Eucalyptus Oil

• Because it can cause respiratory issues, it should definitely not be applied near children’s nose and mouth.
• Keep it out of reach of young kids so they do not come into touch with it accidentally
• Make sure that your younger children do not accidentally ingest it. Remember, the side effects may be more severe if the family has a history of breathing problems like asthma
• If your child goes into touch with or mistakenly takes it and the child indicates signs of difficulty breathing, bring him to the emergency room instantly
• Some parents believe that it will not hurt the children as long as the oil is “diluted” with water or other medications. It’s not true. Babies are small and may have adverse effects even in a very tiny amount. Be cautious, therefore.
• Do not use it in a humidifier or vaporizer because even inhaling this strong oil can cause reactions and side effects in kids.

What Can You Use Instead Of Eucalyptus Oil To Treat The Congestion Of Your Baby?

It is suggested to prevent any essential oil for kids under 2 years of age and instead use the following methods to relieve your child from congestion:

Nasal Aspirator:

Use a nasal aspirator to clear your baby’s nose of any mucus and allow the airways to breathe easily and happily.

Hot water compress:

To loosen dense mucus that blocks the nose, throat, and chest of your baby and make it uncomfortable. All you have to do is dip a tiny cotton cloth into warm water and squeeze out surplus water. Use this warm water compress to give your child some relief from congestion on his nose, throat, and chest. Make sure that the skin of the baby is slightly warm

Eucalyptus oil has many medicinal and therapeutic characteristics that can assist cure adults from many ailments.  But it is not an appropriate home remedy for your kids, particularly those under the age of 10. That said, there is no “hazardous” substance in it. It’s just that kids tend to have side impacts when inhaled, applied topically or ingested, and it’s best to be careful.

Also Read: How Almond Oil Is Beneficial For Babies?