Essential oils help you relax and calm you down. You might be used to putting them in the vaporizer, using them in the bath or for massaging the skin. It provides great relief if you have an aching body or mood swings, making it just what you want when you are pregnant. However, if you are not sure whether it is safe to use essential oils during pregnancy, we give you all the details to clear your doubts.
What is an essential oil?
An essential oil is a concentrated liquid extracted from plants. The oil is volatile and full of aroma. However, it is also very concentrated and made of molecules that are tiny enough to pass through the blood stream. They work the same way any drug would and can cause potential harm to your body when they are used in their highly concentrated form. Essential oils are supposed to be diluted in a carrier oil like almond oil, coconut oil or olive oil before application on the skin.
How to use essential oils?
A few drops of essential oils can be added to a warm bath for relaxation and for soothing your nerves. A couple of drops can be mixed with a tsp of carrier oil and can be used for massaging the body – to tone the skin or to soothe aching muscles. You can even add essential oils to your vaporizer to have a wonderful aroma wafting in your home. Some essential oils can also be ingested and can give digestive or muscular relief.
Also Read – Guide to Blending Essential Oils the Right Way Here
Do’s and don’ts during pregnancy
The aroma-therapeutic properties of essential oils can help you with your mood swings during pregnancy. You can add a few drops to your vaporizer and place it in your room for a soothing effect on your mind and body. Orange, lavender and ylang-ylang are great for this purpose.
Oils like cypress oil and eucalyptus oil can help you ease any respiratory troubles, can help reduce the swelling in your feet and relieve body pain.
Essential oils like neroli, patchouli and geranium help in boosting energy and improving circulation.
Remember to limit usage to 1 or 2 of essential oil for a tsp of carrier oil.
DO NOT ingest or consume internally any essential oil during your pregnancy.
There are some essential oils that are best avoided during pregnancy and after since they can be toxic to the fetus, can promote menstruation, trigger contraction or can limit milk production. They are bitter almond, basil, black pepper, cedar wood, cinnamon, clove, fennel, jasmine, lemon, lemongrass, nutmeg, rose, rosemary and thyme.
The oils that can be safely used are geranium, tea tree, lavender, ylang ylang, neroli, orange, bergamot, geranium, cypress and eucalyptus. However, ensure that the essential oils that you use come from a reputed brand and are pure. Steer clear of blends since you can never be too sure whats in them.
So can you use essential oils during pregnancy? Yes. Just skip using them in the first trimester when the fetus is rapidly developing and can be affected by any little external factor. Once you are 4-5 months into your pregnancy and the health issues associated with pregnancy come in, you can start using essential oils as a remedy. Remember that essential oils are an alternative medicine. Use them in moderation and wisely and they sure will ease your journey towards delivering your baby.
Also Read – Treating Anxiety & Depression – 5 Essential Oils You Should Try Here
