Classroom Diffusion – the Concerns, FAQs, and Safe Ways to Use Essential Oils

Classroom diffusion is an increasingly important safety topic to address. While teachers aim to diffuse to reduce the incidence of illness and spread of germs in their classroom, or diffuse “calming” or “focus” blends to mediate classroom teaching, active diffusion during class has myriad safety concerns.

 

Here are the 5 main concerns:

  1. Are the oils used appropriate for age?

According to the latest safety recommendation from Tisserand and Young (2014), certain essential oils known for their high antimicrobial and antiviral activity may increase the risk of adverse reactions. These oils tend to be marketed as germ-fighters. A common list of such oils and their contraindications include:

  • Cinnamon – contains the constituent eugenol, which is hepatotoxic, meaning it may cause damage to the liver. Overdose is possible, particularly around young children with immature livers, causing a wide range of symptoms from blood in the patient’s urine, to convulsions, diarrhoea, nausea, unconsciousness, dizziness, or rapid heartbeat. In general, irritation, over-stimulation and physical discomfort is possible from over-exposure via inhalation.
  • Clove – contains high levels of eugenol, approximately 80-90%. In general, irritation, over-stimulation and physical discomfort is possible from over-exposure via inhalation.
  • Eucalyptus species and 1,8-cineole-rich oils – eucalyptus oils generally contain high levels of 1,8-cineole, a constituent known for triggering respiratory distress especially in those with compromised respiratory systems. Tisserand and Young (2014) recommends to avoid use on or near the faces of children 6 years and under.
  • Peppermint, cornmint, and other menthol-rich essential oil – menthol is known to stimulate cold receptors in the lungs, and this triggers a reflex in young children which slows down breathing significantly, and sometimes dangerously.
  • Rosemary and camphor-rich oils – rosemary also contains 1,8-cineole, as well as camphor. Camphor is known to trigger seizures in those suffering from epilepsy.

 

  1. Has health assessments and contraindications been checked for each student in the class?
    As per above, essential oils do pose safety hazards for those with medical issues. Diffusing without parental informed consent – “informed” meaning parents are fully aware of contraindications of essential oils selected – may cause harm, and is also akin to providing medication without permission from parents and the appropriate health professional. Other health considerations include: asthma, ADD/ADHD/autism, chemical sensitivities, immune-compromised, and medications. Different essential oils are known to trigger different reactions in asthmatics, so caution must be taken for all oil-use. Oils such as lavender and chamomile, while generally calming/sedating, has been documented to have the opposite effect on children and adults with ADD/ADHD/autism. Any fragranced oils including essential oils can be highly-irritating to those with sensory processing difficulties and chemical sensitivities. Certain essential oils have also been documented to interact with medication.

 

  1. Are the oils being diffused constantly?
    According to research, constant diffusion is ineffective at best (habituation effect) and increases risks to sensitisation at worse. Over-exposure to fragrances including essential oils can cause headaches, nausea and light-headedness. Safety recommendations are 30 minutes on and 60 minutes off for best results with minimal risks, with open air-flow, for a water-type or ultrasonic diffuser. For nebulising diffusers that emit pure essential oil into the air, the recommended diffusion time is 10 minutes, 2-3 times a day for adults. For children, reduce the amount of time diffused.
    However, contraindications and at-risk populations must be noted – safe times for diffusing would be before and after school hours when no children are present. For amounts to diffuse, this depends on the type of diffuser used. Follow the instructions included with the diffuser, or the essential oil bottle.

 

  1. Are we causing more long-term harm by mediating developing immune reactions with strong antivirals and antimicrobials?

According to a recent article by Lauren Bridges (2017) published on Tisserand Institute, overuse of strong antimicrobials may inhibit immune system development in young children, as well as risking sensitisation, overexposure to stimulating oils and possibly contributing to bacterial resistance. Other effective aromatic options with better safety profiles, is recommended.

 

  1. Is diffusing in compliance with policies? Are there legal concerns?

Schools generally have policies on the use of fragrance, and this includes essential oils. There may also be legal concerns around causing harm through diffusing essential oils without informed consent from parents or consultations with a child’s medical practitioner.

 

FAQs:

  1. Aren’t essential oils natural and better than fragrance plug-ins or chemical sprays?

Although essential oils are derived from plants an are thus considered natural, versus synthetic fragrances, side effects such as nausea, light-headedness and headaches have been documented with overexposure. Contraindications with medical conditions and medications have also been documented. Essential oils have the potential to both help and harm, so risks and cautions must always be considered when using essential oils.

 

  1. What if I source essential oils from a trusted company?

While purity of essential oils is important, pure essential oils, regardless of company or marketing spiel, pose risks and adverse reactions, based on their chemical constituents. Cautions, contraindications and safe use must be considered for all essential oils.

 

  1. My child’s classroom is diffusing essential oils and I am concerned about reactions. What do I do?

Refer to your school’s policies on fragrances and medications – most schools prohibit the use of fragrances due to chemical sensitivities, and medications require prescriptions from medical practitioners. Refer to the school’s Complaints Policy as well for procedures to guide you in raising your concerns. Consult your medical practitioner if you have concerns about your child reacting to essential oil diffusion. Print off this information sheet to include in your case.

 

 

Recommendations:

  1. Personal inhalers – individual personal inhalers for teachers is a safer option if they wish to support their immune system.
  2. Diffuse before and after school hours, when children are not present. Follow dosage amounts on essential oil bottle and instructions for diffuser equipment.
  3. Reminders for Hygiene practices – handwashing, cough etiquette, wiping surfaces, enforce quarantine periods
  4. Consult a clinical aromatherapist or IAAMA (Australia’s International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association) if you as a parent or a school has further concerns.

 

References:

  1. Bridges, 2017, “Risk vs. benefit: using potent antimicrobial essential oils with children”, Tisserand Institute, published 28 December 2017,
    accessed 12 February 2018, <http://tisserandinstitute.org/antimicrobial-essential-oils-children/>
  2. Tisserand & R. Young, 2014, “Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals”, 2nd edn, Elsevier Health Sciences, UK.

 

 

 

Which Oils When – Using Essential Oils Safely with Children

oils

When using essential oils with children, we look at several factors:

  • Safe oils for babies and children
  • Dilution and dosage
  • Risk versus benefits

 

  • Safe Oils for Babies and Children

Babies and young children have very sensitive skin, and essential oils can easily become overwhelming since essential oils are highly concentrated plant volatile organic compounds. Babies and young children also have livers and kidneys that are still maturing, and as these systems are responsible for processing essential oil constituents, certain essential oils may pose more risks than benefits. By adhering to recommended oils safe for babies and children, we reduce risks while enjoying the benefits of essential oils in supporting their health and wellbeing.

In general, age-appropriate essential oils are as follows:

Age-Appropriate Essential Oils Recommended Dilution for Massage
3 Days to 3 Months Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

0.1% – 0.2%
3 Months to 6 Years The above, plus:

Bergamot FCF (Citrus bergamia)** ^

Cedarwood, Atlas (Cedrus atlantica)

Cedarwood, Virginia (Juniperus virginiana)

Frankincense (Boswellia spp.) ^

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)**

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Helichryseum (Helichryseum italicum)

Lemon (Citrus limon)** ^

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

Marjoram, Sweet (Origanum majorana)

Orange, Sweet (Citrus sinensis)^

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini)**

Rosalina (Melaleuca ericafolia)

Rose (Rosa x centifolia)**

Sandalwood (Santalum album, S. spicatum)**

Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)** ^

Thyme ct. linalool (Thymus vulgaris)

0.25% – 0.5% (3-24 months)

 

1.0% – 2.0% (2-6 years)

6 Years to Puberty All oils considered safe for adults, in lower dilutions 1.5% – 3%

Adapted from Purchon and Cantele (2014), Butje (2017), and Tisserand and Young (2014).

This list in not exhaustive. Note that fir and pine oils are generally safe for diffusion, however they can cause skin sensitivity if oxidised.

^ Indicates potential for skin sensitivity if oxidised

** indicates individual oil has a maximum dermal limit. Adhering to the recommended dilution should ameliorate risks for skin sensitivity

 

 

  • Dilution and Dosage

The essential oils in the list above are safe to diffuse from 3 months upwards, in a well-ventilated room, for up to 30 minutes on, then 60 minutes off. Ensure open air-flow, and use up to 6 drops of essential oil for a water-type or ultrasonic diffuser.  For nebulising diffusers that emit pure essential oil into the air, the recommended diffusion time is up to 10 minutes, 2-3 times a day, 1-2 drops of essential oil. For best practice, our recommendation is to diffuse without infant/child in the room, and turn off when child is in the room, and to use single oils rather than blends.

For topical use, great caution is necessary for infants. Since neonatal skin does not mature until three months of age, it is more sensitive and more permeable to essential oils. A newborn is also less equipped to deal with any adverse effects than an adult because of lower metabolic capacity. These cautions apply even more to premature babies, and here it would be prudent to avoid all use of essential oils.

For full-term infants and upwards, dilution rates depend on the total quantity of essential oil(s) applied, the total area of skin to which the oil is applied, the health and integrity of the skin, the age of the recipient, the temperature and moisture content of the skin, the extent to which the skin is covered after application, how soon the skin is washed following application, the frequency of application, and the essential oils used. The list above provides a guideline for minimum and maximum dilutions appropriate to age, when used for a full-body massage. For smaller areas, we can utilise the maximum dilutions, but in general, the recommended approach is “less is more”. It is essential to use carrier oils such as olive oil, wheatgerm oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and so on, to dilute essential oils.

 

  • Risk versus benefits

Essential oils are potent volatile chemical compounds that can both heal and harm. In general, by adhering to aromatic oils on the recommended safe list, and following guidelines for dilution rates, we can minimise risks and enjoy the benefits. Let us not forget that there are other options aside from essential oils, that are part of aromatherapy. Hydrosols or floral waters are co-distillates from essential oils, and are often a safer option than essential oils, especially for infants and young children, and those with sensitive skin and complex medical conditions. Carrier oils and butters generally healing and nourishing, especially for skin conditions. Both hydrosols and fatty lipids (carrier oils and butters) may be better options compared to aromatic essential oils for children who have scent sensitivity or sensory processing issues.

Another aspect we need to consider is the desire to use strong antimicrobials to prevent illness/sickness, such as oregano, cinnamon, clove, and eucalyptus essential oils. While it is tempting to use potent antimicrobials when faced with controlling the spread of infections, essential oils known as strong antimicrobials also tend to be most risky in terms of adverse skin reactions. Frequent use of strong antimicrobials as a preventative, may have the counter-productive effect of inhibiting normal immune system development. Furthermore, strong antimicrobials tend to be stimulating, whereas opting for gentler immune-supportive oils like bergamot, lavender, lemon, marjoram and tea tree oils can provide sedating and relaxing properties conducive for restful healing states (Bridges, 2017).

One way to benefit from strong antimicrobial oils while minimising risks, would be to use them as part of a home sanitisation routine after an illness has run its course. Use diluted in surface cleansing sprays or diffuse 30-60 minutes behind closed doors, away from family members, then air out. There is a time and place to use potent antimicrobial essential oils – if you are needing to frequently reach for potent essential oils, chances are the conditions would be more complex and require trained expertise and a holistic approach. For best practice, consult a qualified aromatherapist who can undertake a thorough health assessment.

 

Further considerations:

  • Essential oils should not be ingested or used internally unless under the care of a qualified aromatic medicine practitioner
  • Essential oils need to be kept out of reach for children
  • Essential oils are recommended to be stored with lids tightly sealed in cool, dark places, to minimise oxidisation
  • Essential oils need to be diluted in a carrier oil. Water and oil do not mix, so is not an appropriate diluent.
  • Always consult a qualified aromatherapist if your child has any medical conditions, as they can liaise with your medical professionals to provide holistic care.
  • Whenever in doubt, consult a qualified aromatherapist

 

REFERENCES

Bridges, L., 2017, “Risk vs. benefit: using potent antimicrobial essential oils with children”, Tisserand Institute, accessed 28/4/2018,
<http://tisserandinstitute.org/antimicrobial-essential-oils-children/>

Butje, A., 2017, “The Heart of Aromatherapy”, Hay House Inc., California.

Purchon, N. & Cantele, L., 2014, “The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness”, Robert Rose Inc., Ontario.

Tisserand, R. & Young, R., 2014, “Essential Oil Safety”, 2nd edn., Churchill-Livingstone.

 

 

 

 

Essential Oils for Various Energetic Purposes

Before I trained as a Clinical Aromatherapist, I trained as an Energetic Healer, and found essential oils to be powerful allies in supporting energetic shifts. As I cleared and shifted and progressed on my own healing journey, the more sensitive I became to energetics, and the less I needed to use to achieve an effect. Nowadays, inhaling from the bottle is enough to create an energetic shift. During my studies in Clinical Aromatherapy, we were taught the following general dilutions rates: Up to 1% for young children, pregnant women, elderly, and those with complex medical issues; 1-2% for Emotional support; 2-5% for Physical ailments. It is interesting that the recommendations from a safety perspective matched observations from an energetic perspective.

The following is a simple list of essential oils and their energetic purposes. While not comprehensive, these are the oils I tend to use during healing sessions with clients and for myself, as well as in making vibrational blends. Since we are working with the energetic/spiritual properties of these essential oils, small amounts and/or low dilutions are generally sufficient – up to 2%, and I have included some suggestions on how to use the oils too.

 

Essential Oils for Clearing

Rosemary* – traditionally used for Protection and also in Banishing spells

Eucalyptus* – clears space

Black pepper – resonates with the solar plexus (power centre) – good one to add to blends for banishing negativity

Juniperberry – traditionally used for repelling negativity and clearing space

Kaffir lime – clears old energies to allow new beginnings; traditionally used in a bucket of water to wipe down window sills and doorways

Lemon – “sparkles”, clears energies, invites in Abundance ie replaces the old energies with “fresh” energy

Cedarwood – strength and grounding, helps focus on Purpose and Intention

Peppermint – helps speak your Truth, clears energetic blockages from holding your Voice/Truth in

 

HOW TO USE:

  1. Salt scrub – 2% of single oil or blend in a salt and carrier oil base
  2. Bath – 6-8 drops dispersed in a carrier (milk, vegetable oil) for a full bath
  3. Spray – 2% of single oil or blend in a spray bottle. If using with distilled or cooled boiled water, add a dispersant and a preservative. If using vodka, mix the 2% essential oil(s) in 30ml of vodka, leave for 2 weeks and then add water.
  4. Rollerball application – 2% dilution (4 drops of essential oils in total in a 10ml rollerball bottle)

 

 

Essential Oils for Protection

Rosemary* – traditionally used for Protection

Vetiver – strong protective oil, helps send negativity into Earth

Patchouli – grounding oil

Black Pepper – helps protect solar plexus (power centre)

Petitgrain – reconnecting with Higher Self purpose. When we connect with our Higher Self, we raise our vibes so we are naturally protected

 

HOW TO USE:

  1. Spray – 2% of single oil or blend in a spray bottle. If using with distilled or cooled boiled water, add a dispersant and a preservative. If using vodka, mix the 2% essential oil(s) in 30ml of vodka, leave for 2 weeks and then add water
  2. Use a single oil or a blend on a piece of clothing (test first) or with a diffuser pendant

 

 

Essential Oils for Healing

Helichryseum – helps with letting go

Geranium – helps with self-love, nurturing; connects with Mother Earth energies

Rose – Love and Unconditional Love

Chamomile – connects with Inner Child

Kaffir Lime – new beginnings

Petitgrain – Higher Purpose, Connection with the Divine

Myrrh – heals old wounds; resonates with the Wounded Healer archetype

FragoniaTM  – relatively new oil, Australian native; Connects with all aspects of the Feminine

 

HOW TO USE:

  1. Use a single oil or a blend on a piece of clothing (test first) or with a diffuser pendant
  2. Bath – 6-8 drops dispersed in a carrier (milk, vegetable oil) for a full bath
  3. Use during a healing session or ritual
  4. Rollerball application – 2% dilution (4 drops of essential oils in total in a 10ml rollerball bottle)

Please note that the descriptions for the energetic purposes of each essential oil listed is gathered from my own journey of learning and working with essential oils since 2008, both through self-education as well as from clinical aromatherapy training. I do not claim that these are 100% accurate or “truth”; the descriptions may not resonate with everyone – always trust your Intuition and inner guidance.

* These essential oils do have some safety considerations depending on their plant species, and also when used around children. Please check this article for further safety information for using essential oils with children. In general, barring personal medical history, a dilution under 2% is considered safe; however, when in doubt, consult a clinical aromatherapist.