Aromatherapy is a natural healing science employing essential
oils extracted from aromatic plant sources to treat and balance
the body, mind and spirit. During pregnancy, aromatherapy can
prove to be extremely beneficial and helpful alternative, while
also being very easy to employ and use. In order to use
essential oils safely during pregnancy a few extra safety
guidelines will need be followed. Though, there are reports of
side effects, the user must be cautious enough to report any
adverse effects to the physician immediately. Essential oils are
extremely concentrated and volatile. They must be diluted before
use. A common dilution for aromatherapy blends during pregnancy
is 2 %, which would equal approximately 10 drops essential oil
to 1 ounce or 2T carrier oil (this is the most preferred oil).
For an aromatherapy pregnancy bath, add 6-10 drops of essential
oil to the tub and mix well before getting in to the tub. 3-6
drops essential oil in a bowl of warm water wrung out in a
washcloth works well for a compress. Use the same dilution in a
bowl of steaming hot water for a steam inhalation. An aromatic
bath is supposed to provide relaxation to the taut pelvic
muscles and aid in avoiding stretch marks. How ever, there are
many essential oils that need to be avoided during pregnancy.
The following list contains oils that should be avoided during
pregnancy and oils that are recommended for use during
pregnancy. OILS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY Use of essential oils
should be extremely limited or avoided during the first
trimester of pregnancy, but has many wonderful uses in the last
two trimesters and especially during labor. Oils to avoid during
pregnancy include: Basil, Cedar Wood, Cinnamon, Clary sage
(during labor), Clove, Cypress (after 5 months), Fennel, Hyssop,
Jasmine (during labor), Juniper, Lemongrass, Myrrh, Parsley and
Pennyroyal OILS RECOMMENDED DURING PREGNANCY The following oils
will be comfortable for using during pregnancy. As always, use
caution if you have allergies or a family history of allergies.
If you feel you may be allergic to oil, do a patch test first.
Good oils for pregnancy include: Bergamot, Chamomile, Cypress
(after 5 mos.), Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium (avoid in
early pregnancy), Grapefruit, Lavender. Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli,
Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rosewood, Sandalwood and Tangerine If you
are currently pregnant and have been using any of the essential
oils that need to be avoided, but are not experiencing any
bleeding or cramping, then there most likely is nothing wrong.
However, it is strongly encouraged you to consult your doctor or
midwife and discontinue use of the "to be avoided" essential
oils. Aromatherapy Benefits for Pregnancy Listed below are some
of the benefits and therapeutic effects of the essential oils
recommended for use during pregnancy:
Bergamot: Analgesic, antiseptic, antidepressant, uplifting, and
refreshing. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy.
Chamomile: Antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and
antispasmodic. Soothes pain from muscular aches, headaches,
toothaches and Indigestion.
Cypress (ok after 5 mos.) Antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent
and diuretic. Helpful for Varicose veins, hemorrhoids and
swollen ankles.
Eucalyptus: Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic,
anti-inflammatory, antiviral. Helpful with respiratory
congestion.
Frankincense: Antiseptic, astringent, sedative, warming
Geranium (ok after 3 mos.) Antiseptic, antidepressant,
astringent, refreshing, uplifting. Eases aching legs and is good
for poor circulation.
Grapefruit: Astringent, digestive aid, lymphatic stimulant.
Helps with Water retention.
Lavender: Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, antidepressant,
healing, Relaxing. Helps soothe aches and pains of pregnancy,
encourages cell renewal and helps with fluid retention.
Lemon: Antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent,
stimulant, Tonic. Useful as an inhalant for morning sickness and
in Massage for varicose veins.
Mandarin: Antiseptic, refreshing, tonic, mild relaxant. Can ease
fluid retention in leg and ankle massages.
Neroli: Antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic,
anti-inflammatory, Relaxing. Useful in pregnancy to promote
healthy skin cell Regeneration and for easing nervous tension.
Patchouli: Antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, nerve
sedative. Eases confusion, indecision and apathy. Petitgrain:
Antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, refreshing, tonic. Helpful
in dealing with pre or postpartum depression.
Rosewood: Antiseptic, sedative
Sandalwood: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant,
sedative. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy.
Tangerine: Antispasmodic, lymphatic stimulant, calming,
sedative. Helps to prevent stretch marks.
Tea Tree: Antibiotic, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral,
disinfectant. Can be used to treat thrush during pregnancy.
Ylang Ylang: Antiseptic, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, sedative,
lowers blood Pressure. Restorative when overworked or tense.
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