Aromatherapy and Pregnancy

Aromatherapy is a natural healing science employing Essential Oils extracted from aromatic plant sources to treat and balance the body, mind and spirit. During Pregnancy, Aromatherapy can prove to be extremely beneficial and helpful alternative, while also being very easy to employ and use. In order to use Essential Oils safely during Pregnancy, a few extra safety guidelines needed to be followed. Though, there are reports of side effects, the user must be cautious enough to report any adverse effects to the physician immediately.

Essential Oils are extremely concentrated and volatile. Essential oil must be diluted before use. A common dilution for Aromatherapy essential oil blends during Pregnancy is 2 %, which would equal approximately 10 drops essential oil to 1 ounce or 2T carrier oil (this is the most preferred oil).

For an Aromatherapy Pregnancy Bath, add 6-10 drops of essential oil to the tub and mix well before getting in to the tub. 3-6 drops essential oil in a bowl of warm water wrung out in a washcloth works well for a compress. Use the same dilution of essential oil in a bowl of steaming hot water for a steam inhalation. An aromatic Bath is supposed to provide relaxation to the taut pelvic muscles and aid in avoiding stretch marks.

However, there are many Essential Oils that need to be avoided during Pregnancy. The following list contains Essential Oils that should be avoided during Pregnancy and Essential Oils that are recommended for use during Pregnancy.

Essential Oils to avoid during Pregnancy
Use of Essential Oils should be extremely limited or avoided during the first trimester of Pregnancy, but has many wonderful uses in the last two trimesters and especially during labor. Essential Oils to avoid during Pregnancy include: Basil, Cedar Wood, Cinnamon, Clary sage (during labor), Clove, Cypress (after 5 months), Fennel, Hyssop, Jasmine (during labor), Juniper, Lemongrass, Myrrh, Parsley and Pennyroyal

Essential Oils recommended during Pregnancy
The following Essential Oils will be comfortable for using 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, Cypress (after 5 mos.), Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium (avoid in early Pregnancy), Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli, Petit Grain, Rosewood, Sandalwood and Tangerine.

If you are currently Pregnant and have been using any of Essential Oils that need to be avoided, but are not experiencing any bleeding or cramping, then there most likely is nothing wrong. However, it is strongly encouraged you to consult your doctor or midwife and discontinue use of the “to be avoided” Essential Oils.

Aromatherapy essential oil benefits for Pregnancy
Listed below are some of the benefits and therapeutic effects of the Aromatherapy Essential Oils recommended for use during Pregnancy:

Bergamot
Analgesic, Antiseptic, Antidepressant, Uplifting and Refreshing. Helpful for cystitis during Pregnancy.

Chamomile
Antiseptic, Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory and Antispasmodic. Soothes pain from muscular Aches, Headaches, Toothaches and Indigestion.

Cypress (ok after 5 mos.)
Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Astringent and Diuretic. Helpful for Varicose Veins, Hemorrhoids and Swollen Ankles.

Eucalyptus
Antiseptic, Antibiotic, Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, Antiviral. Helpful with respiratory congestion.

Frankincense
Antiseptic, Astringent, Sedative, warming
Geranium (ok after 3 mos.) Antiseptic, Antidepressant, Astringent, Refreshing, Uplifting. Eases aching legs and is good for poor circulation.

Grapefruit
Astringent, Digestive Aid, Lymphatic stimulant. Helps with water retention.

Lavender
Antiseptic, Antibiotic, Analgesic, Antidepressant, Healing, Relaxing. Helps soothe aches and pains of Pregnancy, encourages cell renewal and helps with fluid retention.

Lemon
Antiseptic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Astringent, Stimulant, Tonic. Useful as an inhalant for morning sickness and in Massage for varicose veins.

Mandarin
Antiseptic, Refreshing, Tonic, mild Relaxant. Can ease fluid retention in leg and ankle massages.

Neroli
Antiseptic, Antidepressant, Antispasmodic, Anti-Inflammatory, Relaxing. Useful in Pregnancy to promote healthy skin cell regeneration and for easing nervous tension.

Patchouli
Antiseptic, Antidepressant, Anti-Inflammatory, nerve sedative. Eases confusion, indecision and apathy.

Petit Grain
Antiseptic, Antidepressant, Sedative, Refreshing, Tonic. Helpful in dealing with pre or postpartum depression.

Rosewood
Antiseptic, Sedative

Sandalwood
Antiseptic, Anti-Inflammatory, Antidepressant, Sedative. Helpful for cystitis during Pregnancy.

Tangerine
Antispasmodic, Lymphatic Stimulant, Calming, Sedative. Helps to prevent stretch marks.

Tea Tree
Antibiotic, Antiseptic, Antifungal, Antiviral, Disinfectant. Can be used to treat thrush during Pregnancy.

Ylang-ylang
Antiseptic, Antidepressant, Aphrodisiac, Sedative, lowers blood pressure. Restorative when overworked or tense.

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Aromatherapy Guide

Aromatherapy has been practiced for around for almost 3500 years and its application in daily lives is as old as our civilization itself. It is the exotic art, and science, of using oils extracted from aromatic plants and Herbs to enhance health, emotional well being and beauty. Apart from the physical benefits, Essential Oils can have soothing effects on the mind and emotions.

The Essential Oils taken from plants and employed in Aromatherapy have been described as their “critical factors” - they are needed critically for the plants’ biological process, as well as being the substance which gives them their scent and aroma. Synthetic oil, even if chemically similar, lacks all the natural factors, and that vital critical factor, that make Essential Oils so valuable.

Another reason why synthetic oils are not acceptable and desired is that the minor constituents are never identical in structure and composition. Essential Oils are extracted from flowers; Herbs; spices; woods and fibers, usually by distillation, expulsion and solvent extraction. Solvent extraction is only acceptable for Aromatherapy, if the solvent used is completely removed after the manufacturing process and no traces are identifiable.

Here are some of the most common uses that are associated with essential oils:

For Massage:
This is the most effective method of using the oils, combining their properties with the therapeutic power of touch. The oils should never be used undiluted, but should be diluted with an odorless carrier oil, such as grape seed, sweet almond or peach kernel.

A dilution of 3% essential oil to carrier oil is a recommended level. This is approximately one drop essential oil to two milliliters of carrier oil. Essential Oils are needed in very minute quantities. The skin is the largest surface part of the body and is designed to keep out contaminants from the skin layers.

For Bath:
Using oils in baths is a simple, effective and pleasant exercise to relax and receive the therapeutic and soothing effects. It is well known that water itself has therapeutic value, which further enhances the powers of the oils.

For daily bathing, add 6 to 10 drops of essential oil or a blend to the surface of the water, and then bathe yourself for about 20 minutes, whilst you deeply inhale the vapor. Be a bit careful about the quantum oil you use while bathing your children.

For Compressing
Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to 100ml of warm water then soak a piece of clean cotton in the water, wring out the excess and place the cloth on the affected part.

For Inhalation
Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil into a bowl of steaming water then place a towel over your head and the bowl and inhale the vapor for a few minutes. Feel yourself rejuvenated and free of tension.

For Vaporization
All Essential Oils are known antiseptic and evaporate easily, thus make very good air-fresheners. Different oils usually create different atmospheres. For example, relaxing Sandalwood or Clary Sage are good for ravishing parties; or cool Peppermint clears your mind when you need to work. Diffusers can be used to make oils diffuse slowly in your working room or living quarters.

As Perfumes
It is very easy to make your own distinctive perfume by skillfully blending different oils. Try blending with different combinations, which can be mixed with a carrier oil or non-fragrant alcohol. Do your own experiment.

Storing Essential Oils
Because Essential Oils are affected by sunlight and higher temperatures, they should be stored in dark glass bottles, with tight stopper caps. Cap should be secured properly and the bottle stored in an upright position. Maintain a uniform temperature and moisture. Never allow these oils to come in contact with children. Never store Essential Oils in plastic bottles. Good Essential Oils have a shelf life of several years if properly stored, though the oils derived from orange, lemon and lime will not keep as long. Patchouli is rare kind oil which actually gets better as it ages.

Mixing Essential Oils
Blending different oils in various proportions can yield you some fabulous products. You should have right knowledge and a will to experiment various combinations. It is strongly recommended that you use a good dropper so that you can measure the actual number of drops easily. Do not mix up oils as they are known to get unstable too quickly. Use a different dropper for different oil to avoid cross contamination.

Uses that are associated with aromatic Essential Oils are various; different oils have their own special applications and benefits. How ever, no single oil is exactly similar to another in its application, aroma, scent and appeal. It means any essential oil has its own charisma and special niche. Go ahead and enjoy the exotic presence of your own aromatic oil.

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