Aromatherapy is a natural,
healing modality employing essential oils extracted from aromatic plant sources
to treat and balance the body, mind and spirit. During pregnancy, there are
many instances when aromatherapy can be an extremely beneficial and helpful
option, while also being very easy to employ. In order to use essential oils
safely during pregnancy a few extra safety guidelines must be followed.
Lower Dilutions
Essential oils are
extremely concentrated and need to be diluted before use. A common dilution for
aromatherapy blends during pregnancy is 2% - which would equal approximately 10
drops essential oil to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil. For an aromatherapy bath
add 6-10 drops essential oil to the tub and mix well before getting in. 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.
Essential Oils to Avoid
During Pregnancy
Use of essential oils
should be extremely limited or avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy,
but they have many wonderful uses in the last two trimesters and especially
during labour.
The following list contains
oils that should be avoided* during pregnancy:
- Basil
- Cedarwood
- Cinnamon
- Clary sage (OK during labour)
- Clove
- Cypress (OK after 5 months)
- Fennel
- Hyssop
- Jasmine (OK during labour)
- Juniper
- Lemongrass
- Myrrh
- Parsley
- Pennyroyal
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Sweet marjoram
- Thyme
*Note: Since it would
be highly unethical to test on pregnant women, the list of essential oils to
avoid during pregnancy is based on knowledge of the general properties of each
essential oil. For obvious reasons, during pregnancy it is recommended to avoid
essential oils which are known to thin the blood or cause cramping or
contractions. Used under proper dilution, most of these oils should not cause
any problems during a healthy pregnancy, but it is always best to err on the
side of caution.
If you are currently
pregnant and have been using any of the "to be avoided" essential
oils but are not experiencing any bleeding or cramping, then there most likely
is nothing wrong. However, we strongly encourage you to consult your doctor or
midwife and discontinue use of the "to be avoided" essential oils.
Recommended Essential Oils
for Pregnancy Aromatherapy
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 months); 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 months); 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.
As always, use caution if
you have allergies or a family history of allergies. If you think you may be
allergic to an oil, do a patch test first.
Room Fragrancing
One of the safest ways to
enjoy essential oils during pregnancy, or otherwise, is through inhalation via
room fragrancing. You can enjoy the therapeutic benefit of virtually any
essential oil by diffusing a small amount throughout the room. Because with this
method, you are not physically applying the essential oils to your body, there
are very few limits to the range of oils you can safely use. Please be aware
that the possibility of allergic reactions, such as headaches, still exists,
however.
Common methods of diffusing
include:
- Aroma lamps - the upper reservoir is filled with water and several drops of essential oils. Oil is dispersed by the heat from a tea light underneath.
- Light bulb rings - several drops of essential oils are placed in a ceramic ring that is then placed around a light bulb. The heat of the light bulb diffuses the oil.
- Fan diffusers - drops of oil are placed on pads that are inserted into the fan diffuser. The breeze from the fan wafts the scent throughout the room.
- Nebulizers - air is blown through a glass vial that is filled with a small amount of essential oil, filling the room with your chosen aroma.
- There are even car diffusers and aroma jewelry available these days for your olfactory enjoyment.
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