The essential oil is what is used for aromatherapy but first it must be drawn from the botanical substances by a lengthy process of distillation. What is left is a potent essential oil. The essential oil is highly fragrant and concentrated, when undiluted it can be a skin irritant, so there are many different way to use this oil. 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.
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 Oils 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 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.
You can use it in a bath by adding a vial of essential oil. Then swish the water and oil together, and relax and enjoy your bath. If you prefer a shower, try placing some of the essential oil at the back of the shower, furthest from the drain.
You can blend an oil or combination of oils together with a sesame or jojoba carrier oil for a great massage using aromatherapy.
Touch therapy involves using just a few drops of the essential oils and gently massaging the temples, forehead, and scalp.
For an air freshener or even in the car you can use essential oils in a
misting bottle with distilled water. Just shake and mist.
There are also diffusers available.
Using aromatherapy for pregnancy and birth is also an age old process.
Aromatherapy is usually done to relive tension and promote relaxation.
The most frequently used fragrances are:
- Lavender restores unbalanced states to a more harmonious state, and has been said to strengthen contractions.
- Chamomile The "Matriarch" of oils, very gentle, soothing and calming to the mind and body. Helps calm the irritated, fretful or nervous person.
- Neroli This oil may be one of the most effective anti-depressant oils, it is useful for insomnia, hysteria, anxiety and other stress-related conditions.
- Bergamot
A "ray of sunshine." This is said to uplifting, light and refreshing.
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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