Aromatherapy and Essential Oils in Pediatric Care: Applications and Future Directions

Abstract

Aromatherapy has emerged as a complementary therapeutic modality in pediatric care, leveraging the bioactive properties of essential oils for managing anxiety, pain, and sleep disturb-ances. This mini-review examines the diverse administration routes—topical, inhalational, and oral—and their respective impacts on safety, absorption, and efficacy. Emphasis is placed on non-pharmacological interventions in pediatric dentistry, pain relief, and overall well-being. Current evidence highlights the anxiolytic effects of essential oils such as lavender, jasmine, and Rosa dama-scena in reducing procedural anxiety and enhancing comfort during medical and dental procedures. Despite the growing acceptance of aromatherapy, challenges such as standardization, caregiver ac-ceptance, and limited clinical guidelines persist. This review underscores the need for rigorous re-search and educational initiatives to optimize aromatherapy's integration into pediatric healthcare. Aromatherapy offers a promising, non-invasive approach to enhance pediatric patient outcomes, supporting its incorporation into holistic care models.