Wednesday, December 16, 2009

What Aromatherapy oils are safe and unsafe during pregnancy?

What about Lemongrass and teatree oil?


Sensible answers please! xxxWhat Aromatherapy oils are safe and unsafe during pregnancy?
Lemongrass and Tea Tree are okay. However, pregnant women are advised to USE ONLY HALF the usual recommended dose. And be aware that skin can be especially sensitive during pregnancy.





There are no scientific studies reporting actual cases where either mother or fetus have been harmed while using essential oils. However, the oils in the following list either have phytohormones or have a particularly powerful effect on the CNS.





AVOID THESE: Basil, Cinnamon, Aniseed, Fennel, Juniper, Marjoram, Rosemary, Thyme, Clare Sage, Oregano, Clove, Nutmeg, Bay, Pimento Berry, Cistus, Hops, Sage, Valerian, Spikenard, Black Pepper, Tarragon, Cedarwood (Leaf is okay), Hyssop, Myrrh, Peppermint, Mace, Cumin, Parsley Seed, Wintergreen, Birch.





I've known several women who've used Rosemary to treat headlice during pregnancy and had no apparent ill effect. They chose it over the toxic chemicals available, which are also contraindicated in pregnancy.





Jasmine is actually recommended during the 3rd trimester for stretch marks, and at birth to ease the process and for post-partum depression.





Cardamom, coriander, and ginger can be used for nausea. (Inhaled, room fragrance or diluted rub.)What Aromatherapy oils are safe and unsafe during pregnancy?
Here are some great articles about aromatherapy and pregnancy.





Aromatherapy in Labor and Delivery - http://www.aromatherapy-blends.net/aroma鈥?/a>





Aromatherapy in Pregnancy - http://www.aromatherapy-blends.net/aroma鈥?/a>





Gooluck!
As long as the oils you use are organic and of Theraputic grade, then they would be safe during pregnancy. My resource recommends Lavender, myrrh, geranium, ylang ylang or helichrysum, single oils, and Gentle Baby, Joy, Envision and Valor, blends.
check with your doctor to be safe
I don't have my book with me (I'm at work), but avoid jasmine and clary sage for sure. Both may induce contractions. Just remember that you (or whomever) is more sensitive during prenancy. Lemon and other citrus-y oils are photo-toxic. This makes you more sensitive to the sun. Pregnant women are already sensitive to the sun, so constantly using oils like that would not help. However, they will not harm the child. Things like lavender and chamomile are still ok. Umm...yeah, sorry. My list is at home. Feel free to drop me a line if you need some more help. :)
It is best not to ingest any essential oils during pregnancy. Generally speaking, the only essential oils we use on baby's skin is tea tree and lavender. Personally, I would feel comfortable with those two during pregnancy.





There are other safe remedies during pregnancy; specifically, you can take Curing Pills for nausea and Yin Chiao for colds and flu's. Just make sure they are remedies that have been tested for heavy metals and pesticides. Here is where you can find them:
I would stick with the gentlest oils. Lemongrass is out. Tea tree-one drop is fine on an infection. Use a 1% dilution (6 drops per 1 ounce of carrier-lotion or oil). Do not ingest or use any oil internally oils under any circumstances. Oils I would stick with would be Neroli, Mandarin, Lemon, Petitgrain, Sandalwood, Lavender (late pregnancy), Roman or German Chamomile(also late pregnancy). As always stay out of the sun with citrus oil :)
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