Essential Oils

IDPH has had a couple of questions about essential oils topically or being diffused. Maybe it's because there is so much going around (influenza, RSV, colds, flu) that providers are trying to be helpful. However, essential oils should not be used in the child care setting. Here is some information/research to help providers.

Essential Oils:

• Providers should not administer natural remedies, homeopathic or homemade products to children in care. Homeopathy, or Homeopathic Medicine, is the practice of medicine that embraces a holistic, natural approach to the treatment of the sick.
• Natural remedies, homeopathic medications and homemade products (such as diaper ointments/creams), are not tested by the US Food and Drug Administration for safety or effectiveness.
• The Academy of Pediatrics states that these types of products should not be given in the child care and school setting due to lack of safety information.
• Iowa school law does not allow the administration of natural remedies in the school setting.
• Essential oils are not regulated or labeled appropriately to meet medication administration requirement for over-the-counter use.
• Although many people view essential oils the same as "applying a lotion", essential oils are a homeopathic treatment.
• According to AAP, skin irritation can occur if the pure, undiluted oils are applied directly to the skin. 
• If a child's primary health care provider (MD, DO, PA, NP) prescribes an essential oil treatment, the provider would still need to consider the liability of administering a non-regulated product and should explain to the parent the reason they can't administer it. If the provider decided to accept the prescribed order from the doctor the same medication administration requirements must be followed as for all prescribed or over-the-counter medications.

Here is the rationale for no diffuser use in child care:

• CFOC standard 5.2.9.11 states the following: The use of the following should be prohibited:
  • Incense;
  • Moth crystals or moth balls;
  • Air fresheners or sanitizers (both manmade and natural, e.g. essential oils); and
  • Toilet/urinal deodorizer blocks (1,2).

• CFOC stanard 5.2.9.11 was recently updated (8/25/2016) adding "essential oils". 
• Essential oils may be a respiratory irritant to both children and adults. 
• Although rare, essential oils can cause allergic reaction. It is recommended to do a skin patch test prior to the use of a new essential oil to rule out the possibility of an allergic reaction. The importance of skin patch testing is stressed by the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA)     

References:

Policy Statement - Guidance for the Administration of Medication in School http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/124/4/1244

Kathi J. Kemper, MD, MPH, FAAP - Source Mental Health, Naturally: The Family Guide to Holistic Care for a Healthy Mind and Body (Copyright © 2010 American Academy of Pediatrics) 11/12/2015 https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/treatments/Pages/Aromatherapy.aspx

Caring For Our Children CFOC Standard 3.6.3.1 and 5.2.9.11

Iowa School Health Legal Reference Summary https://www.educateiowa.gov/sites/files/ed/documents/2016-2017SchoolHealthLegalReferenceSummary.pdf

American College of Healthcare Sciences http://info.achs.edu/blog/debunking-dangerous-myths-about-essential-oils

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