Children, pregnancy, and underlying conditions

This section is deliberately short. We do not have the authority to advise on individual situations, and anyone selling essential oils who gives detailed advice to these three groups is going beyond their role.

Babies and young children

A child's skin is thinner and absorbs more; the liver and kidneys have not yet reached their full capacity to process substances.

Under three months: no essential oils.

For children under three, take particular care to avoid oils rich in menthol and camphor on the face, nose and chest. Cases of laryngeal spasm in young children have been recorded in connection with applying these substances near the airways. This is why the medicated oils and balms that adults in Vietnam use on themselves are not for small children in the same way.

The children's dilutions on the dilution page are ceilings, not recommended amounts.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Scientific evidence in this area is limited, and most recommendations rest on the principle of caution rather than on trials in people.

We give only one principle: ask your obstetrician before using anything, including diffusing.

We do not give a list of oils to avoid, because such a list is easily read as a list of oils that are allowed — and that is something we have no authority to say.

Underlying conditions and current medication

If you have liver or kidney disease, epilepsy, asthma, a blood-clotting disorder, or take long-term medication, ask the doctor who looks after you.

Some compounds in essential oils can interact with the way drugs are metabolised. Your doctor knows everything you are taking; we do not.

Where our role ends

We sell raw materials and publish what is in them. We do not diagnose, do not prescribe, and do not give medical advice.

If you ask us a medical question, the most honest answer we can give is to refer you to someone qualified.