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Aromatherapy for Pregnancy
Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy
By Vanessa Nixon Klein
Aromatherapy is a natural, healing modality employing essential oils extracted from
aromatic plant sources to treat and balance the body, mind and spirit. During
pregnancy, there are many instances when aromatherapy can be an extremely
beneficial and helpful option, while also being very easy to employ. In order to use
essential oils safely during pregnancy a few extra safety guidelines must be followed.
Lower Dilutions
Essential oils are extremely concentrated and need to be diluted before use. A
common dilution for aromatherapy blends during pregnancy is 2% - which would
equal approximately 10 drops essential oil to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil. For an
aromatherapy bath add 6-10 drops essential oil to the tub and mix well before getting
in. 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 in a bowl of steaming hot water for a
steam inhalation.
Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy
Use of essential oils should be extremely limited or avoided during the first trimester
of pregnancy, but they have many wonderful uses in the last two trimesters and
especially during labour.
The following list contains oils that should be avoided during pregnancy:
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Basil
Cedarwood
Cinnamon
Clary sage (OK during labour)
Clove
Cypress (OK after 5 months)
Fennel
Hyssop
Jasmine (OK during labour)
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Juniper
Lemongrass
Myrrh
Parsley
Pennyroyal
Peppermint
Rosemary
Sweet marjoram
Thyme
*Note: Since it would be highly unethical to test on pregnant women, the list of
essential oils to avoid during pregnancy is based on knowledge of the general
properties of each essential oil. For obvious reasons, during pregnancy it is
recommended to avoid essential oils which are known to thin the blood or cause
cramping or contractions. Used under proper dilution, most of these oils should not
cause any problems during a healthy pregnancy, but it is always best to err on the
side of caution.
If you are currently pregnant and have been using any of the "to be avoided" essential
oils but are not experiencing any bleeding or cramping, then there most likely is
nothing wrong. However, we strongly encourage you to consult your doctor or
midwife and discontinue use of the "to be avoided" essential oils.
About the author:
Vanessa Nixon Klein has been studying and using herbs, essential oils and
homeopathic remedies for the past 12 years. She has completed beginning and
advanced courses in medicinal herbalism and continues her studies in the many
modalities of alternative health care.
Vanessa is a wife and work at home mother to 3 young attachment parented children.
She owns and operates a business handcrafting natural cosmetics.
http://www.herbsofgrace.com/
The statements made on this website have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA . Our information is not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any
disease. Before starting any treatment, please discuss with your healthcare provider.
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2/27/2012 12:21 PM