Essential Oils and Pregnancy

So the last post I talked about Essential Oils and Children.  I said I was extra cautious what oils I used on my kids the same will be true when I get pregnant again.  There are some GREAT Essential Oils to help during your pregnancy but there are also some that if you use them at the wrong time it could be harmful.

Note: I was not introduced to Essential Oils with my pregnancies.  My first was very emotional and therefor resulted in my second being the same.  I was on bed rest for nearly 3/4 of my pregnancy with J because of early labor.  I wish now I would have known what I do.  Maybe I could have saved myself some unneeded stress and pain.

Photography by Lindsay Jane Studios

Any Oil that are known to have estrogenic/hormonal properties should be avoided during pregnancy.

Oils to avoid during pregnancy

Angelica, Bay Leaf or Laurel, Clove, Coriander, Cumin, Galbanum, Hyssop, Juniper, Labdanum, Nutmeg, Oregano, Penny Royal, Ravensara, Rose, Rosemary, Sage, Savory, Tarragon, Thyme

Oils to avoid the first 8 months

Basil, Cinnamon, Hyssop, Myrrh

Oils to use with great caution

Marjoram, Pimento Berry, Cistus, Hops, Valerian, Black Pepper, Peppermint, Mace, Parsley Seed, Wintergreen, Birch, Evening Primrose Carrier Oil

There are so Essential Oils that can help the beginning and end of pregnancy.  I do advice everyone that asks to be extra careful the through your 3rd trimester.

Morning Sickness:  Eucalyptus, Ginger, Peppermint.
Peppermint Honey Water: 1 drop of Peppermint, 8 ounces water, 1/2 teas raw honey.  Drink first thing in the morning.
You can also try 3 drops Eucalyptus, 3 drops Lavender.  Add to bowl of water and leave on counter.  It is relaxing and uplifting.

Stretch Marks: St. John's Wart, carrot seed, Neroli, Vetiver, Lemon Verbena, Hazelnut, Rosewood, Rose, Geranium, Lavender, Cypress
To Prevent or reduce: 1 Tablespoon St. Johns Wart carrier oil mixed with 2 drops carrot seed oil, 2 drops Neroli, 1 drop Vetiver, 1 drop Lemon Verbena.  Apply morning and night.

Start Labor: Aniseed, Clary Sage, Cypres, Fennel, Spikenard (this oil breaks the water, don't use it if you don't want your water broken yet), Rosemary (herb, induces labor).  Rub Cypress and Fennel on stomach

During Labor: Anisee, Jasmine, Fennel, Evening Primrose
Use in St. Johns Wart on the belly.  Apply oils for pain every 1/2 an hour but only put it on the belly once.  The rest of the time apply to the ankles.  Evening Primrose on cervix relaxes it.
Clary Sage will assist the uterus in effective contractions without artificially strengthening the uterus.  Can Relieve anxiety and is calming on the nervous system.  Good mixed with Rose, Lavender, or Geranium.  Rose will relax the uterus between contractions.  Also has been known to relax the pelvic floor helping to open up the pelvis.  Put one drop in tub and soak. Spikenard for pain after labor starts.  Valerian, Wild Yam, Black Pepper, Birch, Fennel are also good for pain and emotional help.

Back Pain: Marjoram, Rosemary
Add 5 drops of each into bath (use an emulsifier-raw honey, Epsom salt) and soak.

Heartburn: Sandalwood
Add 1 drop to honey water.  Especially great at night.

Early Labor: Lavender

For Nursing Mother: Promote Lactation:  Fennel, Geranium, Lemongrass, Carrot seed, Clary Sage, Dill weed, Jasmine (smell), Rose (Turkish), Lemon Verbena (pure-smell).
Sore Nipples:  St. Johns Wart, Calendula, Aloe Vera, Niauli is also good.  Rose, Witch Hazel and Lavender Hydrosols are also good.
Bleeding Nipples:  St. Johns wart carrier, Calendula carrier, Carrot Seed, Chamomile, Geranium, Niauli.  Best one to start with is Niauli.
Mastitis/Infection:  Immortelle (Helichrysum), Chamomile and Black pepper compress.  Place hands in warm water with Roman Chamomile, Immortelle (Helichrysum) or Sage (will slow down milk production temporarily but is good to help with inflammation).  Massage breast with St. John's carrier.
Stop Milk Production:  Marjoram, Peppermint, Sage

After Delivery: Lavender, Bergamot, Neroli, Frankincense, Immortelle (Helichrysum)

As Always if you have any health conditions please consult a certified aromatherapist or an expert of Essential Oils.  I truly believe there is a place for both Eastern and Western Medicine in this world... The key is to find balance.

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to leave a comment or contact me via email (at innersoles01@gmail.com) or Facebook at Inner Soles