Eucalyptus Oil: Is It Safe For Babies?

Eucalyptus Oil: Is It Safe For Babies?

13 Sep 2022 | 3 min Read

Sayani Basu

Author | 607 Articles

Eucalyptus oil is made from the eucalyptus tree’s oval-shaped leaves and has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. After the leaves are dried, they are crushed and distilled to extract the essential oil. It is then diluted before being used as medicine. 

It has also been used to reduce symptoms of coughs, colds, and congestion and guards against respiratory problems. Therefore, it is also found in some of the natural vapour patches to provide instant relief to your kids from nasal congestion.

But the question is: Is it safe to use eucalyptus oil on babies? Read on to know more.

Can Eucalyptus Oil Be Used On Babies?

Medical studies suggest that there are two species of eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Radiata and Eucalyptus Globulus. The former is a different species than the commonly found Eucalyptus Globulus.

Babies and older kids should use Eucalyptus Radiata as Eucalyptus globulus has not been proven to be safe for children under the age of two.

Eucalyptus oil
It is advisable to add drops of eucalyptus oil to a carrier oil and then apply it to babies. | Image Source: pexels

4 Reasons You Should Not Apply Eucalyptus Oil Directly

It is also advisable to add drops of eucalyptus oil to one ounce of carrier oil and then apply on your little one’s chest to ease respiratory congestion because:

  1. Eucalyptus oil might have a high cineole content which can lead to breathing problems and nervous system issues in babies.
  2. Even if the variety of the eucalyptus oil you use does not have high cineole content, it might still have compounds that can harm your little one and can cause irritation or a burning sensation on your baby’s skin.
  3. If accidentally ingested, eucalyptus oil can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and other side effects like breathing problems and wheezing.
  4. It can also lead to extreme cases of coma and seizures in babies and might trigger asthma attacks in some.
babies
It is not advisable to apply the essential oil near the baby’s mouth or nose as it might cause respiratory problems. | Image Source: pexels

How To Use Eucalyptus Oil For Babies

  1. To relieve your baby from cold, put two drops of the oil on a tissue or cotton ball and keep it at a safe distance.
  2. For relieving nasal congestion, you can add three drops of oil to a bowl of boiling water and place it under the little one’s crib. The rising steam releases the essential oil and will provide comfort to your baby.
  3. It is not advisable to apply the essential oil near the baby’s mouth or nose as it might cause respiratory problems.

5 Benefits Of Eucalyptus Oil In BabyChakra’s Natural Vapour Patches

  1. The natural vapour patches containing eucalyptus oil provide instant relief to your little one from nasal congestion.
  2. Eucalyptus oil in it acts as an anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and decongestant. It is used for treating several respiratory problems.
  3. It also acts as a natural decongestant and is known as a fever-reducer. It aids to fight tough and silent colds.
  4. The patches are toxin-free and non-greasy. Plus, their long-lasting formulation promises to clear the congestion which ensures your baby’s sound sleep!
  5. These are clinically proven and are free from toxins like camphor, chemicals, petroleum jelly, and paraffin.

It is advisable to consult a doctor before using eucalyptus oil directly on babies. You can also try using these natural vapour patches that have the goodness of eucalyptus oil.

Cover Image Credit: pexels

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