Eucalyptus and Peppermint Oil in Children

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Essential oils in children remains a controversial topic.

Some are entirely against essential oil use in children less than 12 years old and others recommend adult usage even for children. My personal opinion is somewhere in the middle, but, ultimately, I rely on the parents’ best judgment in deciding what is correct for their child.

When deciding how much oil to use on a child, some recommend choosing the dosage of essential oil based on body weight. For a 30 kg (66 lb) child, an approximate dose would be 0.1-0.4 mL (3-12 drops) every 24 hrs. Some recommend against children less than 20 kg (44 lb) taking oils orally. The skin does not fully develop until 3 months of age and children have fewer metabolizing enzymes than adults do. Therefore, it is best to dilute essential oils for infants. Some recommend 1 drop in 100 mL for very young infants, and some recommend against use at all in premature babies.

Some scary headlines!

In their current report, the American Association of Poison Control Center stated there had been an increase in the number of poisonings due to essential oils between the years 2000 and 2014. Authors often spin into headlines like “More Kids Accidentally Poisoned by Essential Oils1,2”.

People reported 2,557,756 exposures to substances to the poison control center in 2014. Of those, 13,063 (0.51%) were related to essential oils with 8,759 documented to have taken place in children less than 5 years old. People most commonly reported reactions from unidentified and miscellaneous oils, followed by tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, cinnamon oil, and clove oil. But if you analyze the numbers, the total number of reported serious incidents involving essential oils in 2014 was 203, which represents a mean increase of 10 per year. This is fewer than the increase and raw number that reported serious incidents related to vitamins, cough and cold preparations, electrolytes and minerals, a whole slew of medications, and weapons of mass destruction.1

What specific oils should I consider?

Two oils in particular get a bad rap when it comes to use with children: peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil. Really, the chemical constituents of menthol and 1,8-cineole that the oil contains should actually get the bad rap.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil consists of up to 55% menthol and up to 10% 1,8-cineole. In 4 children aged 1-3 years and 9 months, studies showed menthol and 1,8-cineole containing solutions to cause serious, yet non-fatal reactions when instilled nasally. The most serious reaction recorded was when 1 mL of an unspecified menthol solution was instilled into the nose of a child less than 2 years old who then suffered from a coma. Others suffered no more than mucous membrane irritation. Another child suffered from immediate collapse, rapid breathing, cyanosis, wheezing, and coughing. He recovered fully within a week.

National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy does nor recommend peppermint essential oil for children 30 months of age or less. This is because the nasal mucosa is an autonomic reflexogen organ which has a distant action to the heart, lungs, and circulation and may lead to sudden apnea and glottal constriction. Direct application of peppermint oil to the nasal area or chest of infants should be avoided because of the risk of apnea, laryngeal and bronchial spasms, acute respiratory distress with cyanosis, and respiratory arrest.

Menthol has caused neonatal jaundice in babies with a deficiency of G6PD. This is because menthol is detoxified by a pathway that contains G6P. So, you may choose to avoid this essential oil in children with G6P deficiency.

Both menthol and 1,8-cineole are TRMP8 agonists which means that they produce a cold sensation. In animal models both cold air and menthol slowed respiration due to stimulation of the cold receptor. This has been replicated in premature infants.

Data demonstrates it may be prudent not to apply peppermint oil directly under the nose of infants and small children. However, this has been extrapolated to suggestions such as “Avoid use in all children less than 12 years old”. Also, one of the most commonly cited documents that states not to use peppermint essential oil actually only specifically recommends against menthol preparations used directly under the nose.3

What about eucalyptus?

Eucalyptus oil contains varying amounts of 1,8-cineole depending on the species of plant. Eucalyptus globulus has up to 84%, Eucalyptus radiata up to 65%, and Eucalyptus polybractea up to 92%. The biggest concern with eucalyptus oil is seizures. However, seizures are a rare and unusual symptom of poisoning, even after ingestion of large amounts of oil. Based on all available data, some experts conclude that approximately 2% of children will experience a seizure after extensive exposure.


In a case review of 192 cases of accidental ingestion, only 4 suffered a seizure. Ingestion of 30 mL produced a fatal seizure in an 8-month-old. Convulsions resulted when an 11-month-old boy had 10-15 mL of eucalyptus spilled on his face. He recovered without medical intervention. A 12-month-old girl was given 5 prolonged baths in eucalyptus, thyme, and pine essential oils. She had a seizure lasting about one minute. Lastly, a 4-year-old with no history of seizures had a grand mal convulsion after exposure to a 11% eucalyptus solution in an OTC lice medication.

Theoretically, 1,8-cineole is the major constituent of eucalyptus and may be responsible for those convulsant activities. In animal models studies showed 1,8-cineole to change calcium and potassium levels in the brain. Most authors agree, given that 1,8-cineole is a CNS depressant, and most ingestion-induced seizures come from ingestion or inhalation of large quantities, eucalyptus oil may not present a general seizure risk in all populations, but only when large quantities are used in small children.

If you choose to use eucalyptus oil in children, you may wish to use the radiata species. It has less 1,8-cineole than other species of eucalyptus. Even better, if you can get your hands on some Eucalyptus dives, this is almost devoid of any 1,8-cineole.

What’s the Bottom Line?

Ultimately, it is up to the parents to decide what is right for their child. If you decide not to use any oils on children, that is okay. If you decide to dilute 1 drop in 10 drops of carrier oil, okay. The choice is up to you. Just remember the pharmacist’s mantra: start low and go slow.

References

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Who Am I?

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Who am I?

Seems like it should be an easy question to answer, but it can be exceedingly hard. A few weeks ago I was inspired by Lindsay Moreno who challenged an audience to define their social media in 10 different words. The words could be anything that you would be happy for others to use to describe you. After weeks of working and comparing words (do I want to be sassy or feisty? Sensitive or tender? Smart or intelligent?) I finalized this list. However, It was not an easy task. I had to take a tough look in the mirror and decide, who am I?

For better or worse, take it or leave it: I am spiritual, beautiful, smart, sensitive, audacious, passionate, inspiring, strong, sassy, and creative. I am Lindsey, hear me roar. I dare you to do this too. Think of 10 words that you would love to be described as. But be honest with yourself. Is that hard? Is it hard to think of 10 words that are positive that describe you? Squash that little negative Nelly in your head and get to writing. I can’t wait to see who you are. #whoamI

Spiritual: of, relating to, or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things. Of or relating to religion or religious belief.

I have a sense of powers out there so much bigger than anything in this world. Since I was raised primitive baptist (look it up, it’s amazing) the songs of the church are with me always. I see universal forces (call it God, call it whatever you like) in the air, water, and sky. I see it in life and death, in history and the present, and I see it in all of our lives. I’m grateful that I connect with the deepest roots of the earth and the tallest reach of the sky.

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Beautiful: pleasing the senses or mind aesthetically. Of a very high standard; excellent.

Do go on. Tell me how pretty I am, how much you love my skin. I eat it up all day long. And if you really want to know what I use on my face to look so good: filters. Especially that Snapchat pretty filter. That thing is amazing. Upper R snap credit: Thomas Diasio (no filter).

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Audacious: showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks. Showing an impudent lack of respect.

You think I won’t? I will. I’ll jump off a cliff, move to London, serve on faculty at the University of Zambia and drive for hours into the middle of the bush to meet a shaman, grow a garden in the middle of the winter, and call off my wedding and drive up the outer banks of North Carolina to DC just because I can. In other words, I will take bold risks. Moreover. . . sometimes my audacious little mouth gets the best of me and I get the label of know-it-all or bossy.

To be clear, I’m not bossy, just the boss.

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Creative: relating to or involving the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work. A person who is creative, typically in a professional context.

When I think of creativity it isn’t just my chalkboard art, juice, cooking, singing, dancing, acting and photography. I absolutely love to grow food and very literally create something out of almost nothing. I love to plant a seed and watch it grow into something that is more beautiful that I could have imagined. It brings tears to my eyes.

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Sassy: lively, bold, and full of spirit; cheeky.

As I was creating these posts I had the hardest time narrowing down the pictures for sassy. I am full of sass. I sing, I dance, I jump, I act, and I am silly. Basically, I am absolutely in love with this crazy thing called life. Upper Right snap credit: Thomas Diasio.

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Inspiring: having the effect of inspiring someone. Inspire: fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative. Breathe in (air); inhale.

For this post I found pictures that you posted of me or things I had given you over the years. I’m humbled. I don’t know what it is or how I do it, but somehow I inspire you to do something different. I breathe life into your voice to pursue your dreams. Wow. What a blessed life.

I included the picture in the top center on purpose. When I first saw this pic I hated it. Hated it. I thought my arm looked fat. Then I forced that voice to shut up. At that meeting alone members came to me and said they had driven over 2000 miles to be there with me. Additionally, they had dreamt for over a year about the moment they would take a selfie with me. Hence, not a single one of them was worried about how my arms looked. So neither should I be. Acceptance is powerful; let’s all do it.

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Strong: having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks. Able to withstand great force or pressure.

I will climb a mountain, swim in rough seas, scale a wall, climb to the top of a bridge even though I hate heights, and grab a mic in front of any audience without fear. I am strong. Additionally, I am long-suffering. I can put up with tough situations for a long time and take negative feedback. Things that would cause others to quit, I hang and deal with. That is to say, I am gritty and persistent in pursuit of goals.

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Sensitive: quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences. (Of a person or a person’s behavior) having or displaying a quick and delicate appreciation of others’ feelings.

This was one that I really struggled with: do I want to be perceived as tender or sensitive. Most people say tender. My boyfriend says that maybe this wasn’t the best word as it could be considered a negative. “Think about it Linds, what if someone thinks that you are over-sensitive. You’ll be that girl that just cries at the drop of a hat.” And I was like. . .”Um, have you met me?” It’s true. I cry at Hallmark commercials, I cry just because it’s Tuesday. I feel life very deeply, both the beauty and the pain.

This picture of me crying I took after getting feedback that a few members had complained to Jared about one of my social media posts and he texted me to ask me to take it down (But it’s funny! But it’s my most liked post ever! (no joke, it was)). Whoever said “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” was a liar. Words hurt. A lot. Choose them wisely.

I also am the first person to grab a puppy or a baby (especially a baby). Eating meat is something I limit because I know there is a needless murder of a sentient being that was required for me to eat meat. I stare at the sky with joy and sense the rain and wind and sun with joy. I love my friends fiercely, as well as my family and objects from childhood that have supported me extensively throughout my life.

The sad picture with my hand on my face is me after 7 numbing shots that were required to clean my teeth. Of course, even my teeth are amazingly sensitive. Confession: some of my front teeth are fake because they never grew in, and it has been a hard time on my teeth and gums. Not to mention all that bulimia when I was younger.

So take it or leave it, my feelings are on my sleeve. I am exquisitely quick to detect or respond to slight changes and I have a delicate appreciation of others’ feelings. As well as my own.

Passionate: showing or caused by strong feelings or a strong belief. Showing or caused by intense feelings of sexual love.

I love life, I love work, and I love my family and friends. A lot. Moreover, I love working to find creative solutions that inspire others to achieve their dreams. Whatever I do, I do it with my whole heart and mind and soul. And yes, I do love that man. A lot. It sometimes boggles my mind how easy things are with us.

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Smart: having or showing a quick-witted intelligence. (Of a person) clean, neat, and well-dressed. Intelligence; acumen.

When I was a child it was very important to my parents that I was smart. As I have gotten older, I too have embodied the desire to constantly grow in my knowledge, wit, and and intelligence. I love to read, I love to be challenged on my knowledge, and I am grateful when others acknowledge my smarts: from winning the Clinical Skills Competition to graduating in the peer and faculty nominated top 5 of my pharmacy school class (which happens to be the #1 school of pharmacy in the US). From my relentless pursuit of knowledge and study, to applying these skills in direct patient care, to being featured on magazine cover as a leader in cutting edge pharmacy practice, to giving presentations all over the world in clean and neat clothing, I love being smart.

Who are you?

So? Come on! What are you waiting for? Let me see who you are on social media! #whoamI

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On Perfection

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perfection

This year has been so un-Oola for me.

Seriously. I achieved zero. Zilch. None of my Oola goals. It was the opposite of ‘perfection’. I reluctantly moved to London and lived without furniture for over 8 weeks. I paid thousands of dollars out of pocket to establish a new home in London. Then, throughout the year, I kicked myself for having most of those objects in storage in Utah. I worked tirelessly, foregoing food, exercise, and personal reflection, during a time when the office around me was in turmoil. I ignored the love others offered to me and I hated myself and cried for days on end.

Mid 2016, my life took a turn.

I got possibly the best advice I have gotten in a long time: “Focus on social media. You seem to get it.”

Without any prompt other than a divine one, a colleague unfortunately got a blood clot, and a space was open for a panel moderator. I moderated the panel and I got crazy, unexpectedly and forever inspired by Jihan Thomas. “Whatever you are afraid of,” she said “do it now. If you have never talked to a neighbor about your passions, do it now. If you have never done a Facebook Live, do it now.”

Somewhere in the deep boroughs of myself a light sparked and I did my first Facebook Live that day. The continued response has been astonishing. I am forever grateful for each of you who value what I must say and watch my videos. I am inspired by you and still am overwhelmed by how much you are inspired by me. Even with all the fame and glory of a few Facebook Lives, I may have never realized the full potential to just let my voice be heard without wise council. People are listening.

And you know what. Tomorrow is another day. Next year is another year.

So, if you are like me and didn’t check all those boxes you meant to check this year, don’t worry about it. Just put one foot in front of the other and do your best. Don’t wait for perfect, because there is no perfect, and perfection is the enemy of progress. So what are you afraid of? What did you mean to achieve in 2016 (or even 2015, 2014, or 1998) that you still haven’t? Why not start today?

I’m so inspired by what 2017 has in store. I am ready for whatever this world throws at me. Let’s go! Are you with me? If so,

Love this reflection as well as my motivation and advice on perfection? Check out my ebook, Empowered Choice!

On Jealousy

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In the past few weeks I have had many people tell me that they were jealous or envious of me. Jealous that I got to move to London. Envious for the opportunity ahead. Wishing they could be in my shoes.

The fact of it is: we all sometimes want what we can’t have.

Still, I look at the pictures of your beautiful children and of the husbands and wives and partners who soldier through life together and I too stop myself from jealousy.

As I am now 32, almost 33, most of my decisions aren’t centered around everything my parents told me to do—get married, follow the norm, don’t move away from Alabama, have babies–I haven’t achieved any of it. So when I look around and see what is supposed to make me happy, what I have been conditioned to think would make me happy, my heart aches. Why can I not be there? Why am I not good enough? Why can I not be her? Jealousy sets in.

Do not be jealous; do not envy.

So, dear friends, do not be jealous, do not envy, this just happens to be my twisted, winding path. Albeit, a path that has lead me to travel the world. To live in 6 cities in my life (not near as many as others, but each of them meaningful to me). Even most recently, an international city, which I never expected.

I love my path and I choose to love yours too.

Let us rejoice together in our unique journeys and never look to another for what we should or should not be. Let us unite together in love and joy and support each other without fail, whether we are content with where we are or not. We all have a broken road to be grateful for. The more gratitude we exude the further our hearts will take us. I am grateful for you.

For more windows into my mind as well as essential oil education, DIYs, and more,

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