Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic essential oils as a complementary therapeutic treatment to heal and uplift the body, mind & spirit. It has great benefit for pregnancy and beyond.
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 2 tablespoons carrier oil, or 3-4 drops in a bath.
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 labor.
Oils RECOMMENDED during pregnancy:
The following oils are good for use 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 essential oils for pregnancy include:
Bergamot, Chamomile (avoid in first trimester), Cypress (safe after 5 mos.), Eucalyptus, Frankincense (avoid in first trimester), Geranium (avoid in first trimester), Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Melissa (avoid in first trimester), Neroli, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rose (avoid in first trimester), Rosewood, Sandalwood, and Tangerine.
Oils to AVOID during pregnancy:
Many of the unsafe oils are said to be emmenogogues, which means they promote menstrual bleeding and may induce miscarriage. Oils to avoid while pregnant include:
Anise, Basil, Bay, Camphor, Caraway, Carrot, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clary sage (safe during labor), Clove, Cypress (safe after 5 mos.), Fennel, Hyssop, Jasmine (safe during labor), Juniper, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Mugwort, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Oregano, Parsley, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Sassafras, Tansy, Thyme, Wintergreen, Wormwood, and Yarrow.
