Can Essential Oils Help Enhance Your Pregnancy? We Believe So!
In a previous article on Essential Oils Safety during Pregnancy, we shared some research and guidance on key safety measures to observe while using essential oils when pregnant, as well as a list of essential oils to potentially avoid.
We also believe that certain essential oils (safely diluted and used according to directions) can be greatly helpful during pregnancy discomfort – from helping in stress relief boost energy levels (we understand that many are consuming reduced caffeine) to managing anxiety, and even nausea.
With that in mind, here are some of our favorite essential oils for use during pregnancy (in moderate, external doses!):
- Lavender: Calming, soothing and pain-relieving, lavender essential oil is useful for easing the pain of uterine contractions. It can be used for massage, inhalation and in baths when the membrane is still intact.
- Chamomile: Relaxing and anti-inflammatory, chamomile essential oil (safely diluted in a carrier oil) can be used for soothing eczema or other skin rashes.
- Frankincense: Frankincense essential oil can calm bouts of anxiety and hyperventilation.
- Rose: Rose oil is renowned for its mood boosting properties, improving circulation and easing tension or nervousness.
- Peppermint: Peppermint essential oil can be used during the transition to a more active stage of labor to combat nausea and headaches.
- Geranium: For use post-natally, geranium essential oil can regulate your hormonal balance, stimulate the lymphatic system and relieve fatigue.
Other essential oils that have mood boosting properties and appear to be safe include cardamon, ginger, neroli, patchouli, sandalwood, eucalyptus, lemon, and ylang ylang essential oil.
As noted in the previous article, but worth repeating here, three key measures to ensure that you are getting the most out of your essential oil experience (and doing so safely):
- Quality of Essential Oil and its Source:Essential oils should not be adulterated in any way for use, as it may increase the likelihood of an adverse response. It is imperative that you research the background of your supplier, even asking questions about the farming and extraction processes to ascertain that you’re buying the highest quality essential oils.
- Safe Dilution of the Essential Oil:To avoid sensitization of skin or allergic reactions, most essential oils must always be diluted before use in carrier oils (our favorites are jojoba, grapeseed and pomegranate!)
- Application: During pregnancy, it may be safer to avoid the internal consumption of essential oils, if you have never consumed them before. Try sticking to inhalation, and using them externally on the skin.
Keep in mind that, as with many other pregnancy discomfort remedies, essential oil usage is a very personalized therapy option, and should be tailored to your own comforts and needs for postpartum recovery.
This content is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease, or affect the structure or function of the body. The information herein does not constitute medical advice. Anyone suffering from a medical condition should consult with a physician. User reviews do not constitute a guarantee that you will achieve the same results – what works for one may not work for another.