Pumpkin Spice

Application Suggestions (See Essential Oil Usage for more information and a Dilution Chart.)
Topical: Due to the potential sensitizing affects of aldehydes in Pumpkin Spice and the high risk of skin sensitization and irritation, we suggest one diffuse the blend. If you choose to use topically, dilute appropriately with a carrier oil, unscented lotion or unscented cream and apply on area of concern or as desired. Consider using a roll-on applicator for ease of application of prediluted oil. To avoid risk of irritation/sensitization, based on Tisserand's suggestions for Cinnamon Bark, the maximum dermal use level of Pumpkin Spice is 1%. Test on a small area first to see if there is any skin irritation. Both Cinnamon Bark and Clove are high risks for skin irritation and sensitization.

Inhalation: Diffuse or use a personal Nasal Inhaler
Pumpkin Spice is suitable to diffuse around children. Keep in mind that appropriate diffusion is intermittent and does not overwhelm a room.

Diffusing for Children: Regarding children, given their delicate nature and developing immune systems, we feel it’s best to choose oils that have less risk unless the need insists on a ‘big gun’ like Plague Defense or Warrior. Let’s save these for extreme needs. For common illness needs use oils and blends that are gentle yet effective, such as the oils found in HEO’s Immune Support. There are numerous, yet effective and gentle single oils one might choose from, but to list a few: Basil ct linalool, Bergamot, Black Spruce, Copaiba, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Orange, Palmarosa, Pine, Rosalina, Rosemary ct. cineole and Tea Tree. 
Sanitize Room: You may want to use essential oils (such as Plague Defense or Warrior) to ‘sanitize’ a room. For this, close the room (no children present) and diffuse for about an hour, then let it air out for about an hour before children occupy it again. For your main living areas, diffuse while the children are tucked in bed for the night. While diffusing Plague Defense or Warrior may not pose an immediate risk to your children, we suggest that due to their developing immune system, you use an alternative that is more gentle. You want to allow their body to fight the battle and develop a strong immune response, so supporting this with gentle oils may be better for them in the long run.

Caution: Cinnamon Bark may irritate nasal membranes if inhaled directly from diffuser or bottle. Tisserand/Young wrote in Essential Oil Safety: "Do not expose children of five years or less to strong essential oil vapors" (page 651). "Indirect, or ambient inhalation, is safe for young children, and includes any method that vaporizes essential oils into the air." "Inhalation is an important route of exposure because of the role of odor in aromatherapy, but from a safety standpoint it presents a very low level of risk to most people. Even in a relatively small closed room, and assuming 100% evaporation, the concentration of any essential oil or constituent is unlikely to reach a dangerous level, either from aromatherapy massage or from essential oil vaporization. The only likely risk would be from prolonged exposure (perhaps 30 minutes or more) to relatively high levels of essential oil vapor, such as could occur when directly sniffing from a bottle of undiluted oil, or moderate exposure (perhaps 10 minutes or more) to high concentrations of neurotoxic constituents such as pinocamphone or thujone. However, there is currently insufficient information to define what constitutes an inhalational risk.” On his Facebook page Tisserand wrote: "Don’t diffuse for long periods of time. 30-60 minutes is a good length, or 30 minutes on, 60 minutes off."

Internal: Pumpkin Spice has 0.002 grams of Allspice in a drop. Used within safe parameters, it may be fine occasionally (by the drop) if such use is deemed appropriate. We feel that internal use is rarely *needed* and should only be used with respect for how concentrated the oils are. HEO does not advocate internal use of essential oils without appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to administer, for what purpose, how much, which essential oils, safety concerns and so on. In our experience, essential oils are generally more effective used topically with proper dilution or inhaled. Kurt Schnaubelt Ph.D. notes that "French aromatherapy literature contains many references to using oils orally." He goes on to note that "generally 1 drop is always enough when ingesting essential oils." A potential toxicity hazard could occur when untrained people use essential oils orally and ingest too much. Keep in mind that while medical doctors or health care practitioners may prescribe essential oils for internal use, they are trained and experienced in the safe application of essential oils. It is not a matter of using "French aromatherapy" or "British" methods, it's a matter of experience and appropriate application.
Click here for information about internal usage.