Essential Oils and Pregnancy
You might be reading articles, posts and blogs, trying to find information on remedies that help relieve pregnancy symptom. Several years ago I was questioning the same things and couldn’t find clear answers. Unfortunately, many essential oils representatives are not educated and give dangerous advice. Thankfully, the Institute of Aromatic Studies I was studying at offered a course on how to use essential oils during pregnancy and with children.
Now I am on 29th week of pregnancy. Third trimester came along with all kinds of discomfort. Essential oils are one of the best remedies that help relieve symptoms during pregnancy. Aromatherapy is the holistic therapeutic application of genuine and authentic plant-derived essential oils for enhancing physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health of the individual. Essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic extracts that are distilled or expressed from a variety of aromatic plant material, including flowers, flowering tops, fruits/zests, grasses, leaves, needles and twigs, resins, roots, seeds and woods.
Safety and Pregnancy
-Avoidprolonged use
-Knowsafety of each oil
-Keepaway from eyes
-Keepaway from heat and open flames
-Use inwell ventilated rooms
-Keep away from children
Top 7 Essential Oils for Pregnancy
1. Sweet Orange
Due to its high limonene content it is important for the essential oil to be stored properly (in a dark container, away from sunlight and heat, in a cold room). When limonene oxidizes, essential oils rich in this component can potentially cause dermal irritation. Sweet Orange has GRAS status meaning that it can be used internally in French Aromatherapy. (Internal application is not recommended during pregnancy). It is a great air purifier, used for indigestion, nervous stomach, insomnia, anxiety, depression, restlessness. Sweet orange is soothing and refreshing, it is one of the components in Honest & Pure Stress Relief synergy blend.
Buy Organic Sweet Orange Essential Oil
2. Lavender
I can’t think of any other essential oil that can be used in so many ways! Lavender can be used for hypertension, heart palpitations (from anxiety), muscular aches and pains, arthritis, joint pain and stiffness, insomnia, shock, headaches, migraines. I am planning to use Lavender oil during baby delivery as it is very calming. It can help reduce the severity of contractions (blended with Clary Sage). It is also used for perineal discomfort and repair following childbirth and wound healing from episiotomy. Lavender Essential Oil is also used for all kinds of skin conditions, including burns, cuts and wounds.
Buy high altitude Organic Lavender Essential Oil
3. Bergamot
Bergamot is a great anti-depressant, it’s uplifting, mood-balancing, cleansing, calming, soothing, reduces anxiety. It is also used to sooth digestive system conditions. Dilute 50% with carrier oil and apply several drops to solar plexus or abdomen.
Buy Organic Bergamot Essential Oil
4. Helichrysum
Helichrysum is considered to be safe to use undiluted (when necessary or indicated), it is first-aid remedy for bruises, strains, sprains and tissue trauma. Helichrysum essential oil is also used for varicose veins, bruises, broken capillaries, hemorrhoids, rectal fissures, joint pain, arthritis, skin conditions.
Buy Organic Helichrysum Essential Oil
5. Ylang Ylang
I just love the smell of it. It’s sedative, quieting, soothing, reassuring and strengthening. I diffuse it, apply it to skin and add it to my salt baths!
Buy Organic Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
6. Frankincense
Frankincense is a must have to support and boost immunity, for swollen joints, muscular aches and pains, arthritis. It is also used for bronchitis, sinus congestion, asthma, wrinkles, scar tissue, wound healing and eczema.
Buy wild Sacred Frankincense Essential Oil
7. Cedarwood, Atlas
Cedarwood is centering, grounding, antimicrobial, astringent calming and harmonizing. It is also used for skin conditions and hair loss. I’ve been enjoying the aroma of Cedarwood essential oils during this pregnancy like I never did before.
Buy wild, Organic Cedarwood Atlas
During this pregnancy I find tremendous relief in doing Epsom/Sea salt baths with essential oils I discussed above. Two things that have been causing discomfort are pains and aches in muscles and bones and tension. Salt baths with essential oils help me get rid of these very well and I plan on doing them until I give birth.
Written by Lena Isayev, B.A., C.A.