Essential oils can be dangerous for children

Essential oils can be dangerous to health, especially for small children.

The Federal Chamber of Pharmacists in Berlin warns parents against using undiluted essential oils in infants. Many cold baths and over-the-counter cold remedies contain essential oils, which can cause severe poisoning in small children. Parents should therefore be informed before an application exactly.

Essential oils have a special significance in natural medicine. They contain herbal ingredients such as eucalyptus and menthol and are mainly used to dissolve mucus in the pharynx area. Even in case of stomach cramps, abdominal pain and bloated abdomen, especially in pediatrics healing teas with the active ingredient complexes fennel, caraway and anise can be used. In mouth and throat infections, teas with sage and chamomile are also used. The effect of these essential oils is widely recognized.

But before an application you should inform yourself exactly. This is especially true for over-the-counter applications such as cold baths or fragrance oils. Erika Fink, President of the Federal Chamber of Pharmacists, warned that "poisoning occurs again and again in children, so parents should inform themselves before any self-medication with the pharmacist". Particularly vulnerable to poisoning are children under three years. For example, they reacted to camphor, eucalyptus, thyme and peppermint oils. Symptoms such as poor sleep, convulsions, and even altered consciousness have often been reported here. If parents see such signs of poisoning, parents should immediately alert an ambulance or contact the Poison Control Center.

Dangerous are preparations for infants who are offered undiluted in a high dose. This is the case with pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products. A small amount that gets into the child's mouth or nose from being delivered can cause life-threatening cramping of the larynx. In addition, symptoms such as severe skin reactions such as redness and burning of the skin, mucous membrane irritation and nausea and vomiting may occur. Caution is advised on different fragrance oils, which are intended for the use of fragrance lamps. Parents often confuse such products and administer them to the child's mouth. As a first aid in case of accidental ingestion, the child should be given a lot of water, tea or juice. So before using herbal products for toddlers, parents should consult a pharmacist, doctor or alternative practitioner. In addition, only products that are specially designed for children should be used.

Children and adults should also be careful when it comes to skincare products, as these can cause asthma attacks in sensitive people. Those affected are allergic to individual natural substances such as menthol. In case of intolerance to individual plant and plant compounds, compatibility should first be tested. Again, a natural healing expert can be interviewed. (sb, 25.09.2010)