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Aromatherapy, a natural healing
modality, employs essential oils extracted from aromatic plants to treat
and balance the body, mind, and spirit.
An alternative therapy that is easy to use, aromatherapy may be
extremely beneficial during pregnancy. To use essential oils safely
during pregnancy, there are a few guidelines that should be followed.
Although there are very few reports of side effects, people vary widely
in their susceptibilities to substances, and any suspected adverse
effect should be reported to one’s physician immediately.
Since essential oils are very concentrated and volatile, they must be
diluted before use. A common dilution of aromatherapy blends used during
pregnancy is 2 percent, which equals about 10 drops of essential oil to
1 ounce or 2T (the most preferred) carrier oil. For an aromatherapy
pregnancy bath, you should add 6 to 10 drops of essential oil to the tub
and mix the oil well with the bathwater before getting into the tub. For
a compress, put 3 to 6 drops of essential oil into a bowl of warm water,
mix it well, then dip a washcloth into it and wring it out. For a steam
inhalation, use the same dilution in a bowl of steaming hot water. An
aromatic bath helps relax the taut pelvic muscles and prevent stretch
marks.
Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy
However, some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy. In
fact, during the first trimester of pregnancy, the use of essential oils
should be extremely limited or avoided altogether. Oils to avoid during
the entire pregnancy include basil, cedar, cinnamon, clary sage (use
only during labor), clove, hyssop, cypress (do not use before five
months), fennel, jasmine (use only during labor), juniper, lemon grass,
myrrh, parsley, and pennyroyal.
If you are pregnant and have been using any of these essential oils, but
you are not having any cramping or bleeding, then they most likely have
not had any negative effect. However, be sure to consult with your
doctor or midwife and discontinue the use of any essential oil that
should be avoided during pregnancy.
Essential Oils Recommended for Use During Pregnancy
The following oils will be beneficial for use during pregnancy. However,
be cautious if you have allergies or a family history of allergies. If
you feel you might be allergic to an oil, do a patch test first. Good
oils for pregnancy include bergamot, chamomile, cypress (after five
months), eucalyptus, grapefruit, frankincense, geranium (avoid in early
pregnancy), lavender, lemon, mandarin, neroli, patchouli, petitgrain,
rosewood, sandalwood, and tangerine.
Aromatherapy Benefits During Pregnancy
The following are some of the therapeutic effects of the essential oils
recommended for use during pregnancy.
Bergamot: Antiseptic, analgesic, uplifting, antidepressant, refreshing,
and helpful for cystitis.
Chamomile: Antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and
soothing for muscle pain, headaches, indigestion, and toothaches.
Cypress: After 5 months. Antiseptic, astringent, antispasmodic,
diuretic, and beneficial for swollen ankles, varicose veins, and
hemorrhoids.
Eucalyptus: Antiseptic, analgesic, antibiotic, anti-viral,
anti-inflammatory, and helpful with respiratory congestion.
Frankincense: Antiseptic, astringent, warming, and sedating.
Geranium: After 3 months. Antiseptic, astringent, antidepressant,
refreshing, uplifting, eases aching legs, and increases circulation.
Grapefruit: Astringent, lymphatic stimulant, digestive aid, and
diuretic.
Lavender: Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, relaxing, antidepressant,
healing, diuretic, soothes the aches and pains of pregnancy, and
encourages cell renewal.
Lemon: Antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, stimulant,
tonic, inhalant for morning sickness, and massage for varicose veins.
Mandarin: Antiseptic, tonic, refreshing, mild relaxant, and eases fluid
retention with leg and ankle massages.
Neroli: Antiseptic, antidepressant, relaxing, antispasmodic,
anti-inflammatory, promotes healthy skin cell regeneration and eases
nervous tension.
Patchouli: Antiseptic, antidepressant, nerve sedation,
anti-inflammatory, and eases confusion, apathy, and indecision.
Petitgrain: Antiseptic, antidepressant, refreshing, tonic, sedative, and
helps with pre- or postpartum depression.
Rosewood: Antiseptic and sedative.
Sandalwood: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, antidepressant, and
helps with cystitis.
Tangerine: Antispasmodic, calming, lymphatic stimulant, and helps
prevent stretch marks.
Tea Tree: Antibiotic, antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal, disinfectant,
and treats thrush.
Ylang Ylang: Antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, aphrodisiac, lowers
blood pressure and may be used as a restorative when tense or
overworked.
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