Bay leaf oil has many benefits, but is bay leaf oil safe for babies? Read this article to find out the answer.
Before introducing or administering anything new to our babies, it is better to read about it and ensure whether it is safe or not.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated extracts from the flowers, leaves, seed, bark, roots, or peel of a plant. Essential oils have become very popular nowadays as the companies that produce them market them as a cure for all ills.
If you presume that natural is safe, then you must read on to know which oils are safe for your baby, what beneficial properties they possess, how to use these oils safely, and which to avoid.
Bay leaf oil:
Bay leaf, botanically known as Laurus nobilis, is a perennial shrub cultivated in European and Asian countries. It is an aromatic culinary spice in cooking, as a medicine in traditional remedies, and as an essential oil in the cosmetic and perfume industries.
This also has powerful plant compounds that make it an effective pain reliever, appetite booster, wound healer, bile secretion booster, and warming oil that promotes circulation. It is also an antiseptic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, expectorant, anti-neuralgic, antispasmodic, astringent. Besides, it promotes stomach health and treats headaches, migraines, sore muscles, sprains, earache, insomnia, anxiety, and stress.
Is bay leaf oil safe for babies?
Research has categorized certain essential oils as safe for babies and some as unsafe. Bay leaf oil falls in the latter category and is not recommended for children below ten years of age.
You need to use the oil after diluting it with a carrier oil in the ratio of 30 drops per ounce of carrier oil and with a concentration not above 3%, even if your child is over ten years.
Alternative Oils that You Can Use for Babies
Use these oils only after your baby is 3-6 months old. You can dilute them with carrier oils like coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or vegetable oil. You can use them in a diffuser, vaporizer, or as massaging oil.
1. Chamomile Oil
You can use chamomile oil to soothe anxiety and help your baby have a sound sleep. It also helps relieve symptoms of colic and eases sore muscles in babies.
2. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil soothes, calms, and promotes sound sleep. It also soothes itches caused by insect bites and provides relief from colic pain.
3. Mandarin Orange Oil
Mandarin orange is good for a calm, positive mood. It has an appealing fragrance and is mild, which means that it will not cause headaches in sensitive babies.
4. Dill Oil
Dill oil has antispasmodic properties, is calming, and eases digestion. Mix a drop in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and massage on your baby’s skin.
5. Eucalyptus Radiata Oil
Eucalyptus Radiata oil functions as an expectorant and decongestant, and helps relieve cold and cough.
6. Other Oils
- Lemon boosts energy and uplifts mood.
- Coriander oil eases stomach problems and has a calming effect on fussy babies.
- You can use Citronella oil as a bug repellant.
Note of Caution
Though essential oils function as natural medicines, we cannot assume they are safe. These oils have a high concentration of natural compounds that are potent and toxic if used in excess. These powerful chemical plant compounds can cause harm to internal and external health.
Essential oils can be dangerous especially when we use them on and around babies and children. Right from the purity, quality, dilution, recommended dosage, and guidelines to use, we must study everything about these oils and adhere to specifications with the most significant degree of caution.
Never use essential oils on or around babies under six months of age. Buy the oils from an authentic source and read the label to ensure no chemical additives, artificial fragrances, or alcohol. Always dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil in the ratio prescribed.
Do a patch test, use tiny amounts, and check for allergies before using these oils. Never give an essential oil to your baby for oral consumption. Always consult your pediatrician before you use any oil and go by his/her advice.
