There are a lot of uses and benefits of using essential oils. Some may be beneficial even during pregnancy while some may harm you or your baby. Use of essential oils during pregnancy should be done with great caution as any negative reaction with the body can adversely affect the baby. Most expecting women have queries about which essential oils are safe and which harmful, on how to use them and what are their benefits.
Essential oils have been in use for thousands of years in various cultures for medicinal and health purposes. Essential oil is used for a number of purposes ranging from aromatherapy to household cleaning products, and personal beauty care to natural medicine treatments.Essential oil has immense antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These healing oils are growing in popularity as they function as natural medicines without any side effects.
Essential Oils which are Safe During Pregnancy:
As long as you have no complications or abnormalities in your pregnancy, it is alright to use some of the available oils. A few essential oils safe for pregnancy are-
Citrus oils, such as tangerine and neroli
- German chamomile
- Common lavender
- Frankincense
- Black pepper
- Eucalyptus
- Lavender
- Tea tree oil
- Geranium
- Spearmint
Those were some of the essential oils safe for pregnancy. These have general as well as pregnancy related benefits when put to use.
Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy:
Listed below are some of the essential oils that are best left unused during pregnancy, along with their side effects.
- Nutmeg: These may have hallucinogenic effects if used during pregnancy. They also react with pain-relieving drugs in labour.
- Rosemary: It is thought to increase blood pressure, and may cause contractions during the phase of pregnancy.
- Basil: It is thought to contribute to abnormal cell development.
- Jasmine and clary sage: They may trigger contractions before labour.
- Sage and rose: They may cause bleeding in your uterus which can prove extremely harmful for the baby.
- Juniper berry: It may affect your kidneys if used during the period of pregnancy.
- Laurel, angelica, thyme, cumin, aniseed, citronella and cinnamon leaf are also to be avoided as they could stimulate contractions.
Furthermore, if you have a history of miscarriage, have had case of vaginal bleeding in this pregnancy, epilepsy, heart problems, diabetes, blood clotting problems, and problems with thyroid, liver or kidney, you should avoid using most essential oils during pregnancy.
Uses and Benefits of Essential Oils:
1. As a cleanser:
Three drops each of lemon oil and tea tree oil need to be added to some warm water to use it as a natural disinfectant. You can also try diffusing cinnamon essential oil in the air to clean the air and enjoy its anti-microbial properties.
2. As a Sunscreen:
Pregnancy can lead to acquire a higher tendency to get tanned. But a little amount of sunbathing is also important to stay active through the day. Try mixing coconut oil, zinc oxide, shea butter, helichrysum oil and lavender essential oil together to make homemade toxic-free sunscreen. Store in a squeeze bottle and use to protect yourself from the harsh sunlight.
3. Eliminate Stress:
Pregnancy can make expectant women very anxious and stressed, leading them to feel weak and dizzy all day long. You should try diffusing lavender as an essential oil for pregnancy around your home to reduce feelings of stress and tension. Breathe in the beautiful smell and let your nerves calm down. You can also try to relieve anxiety by using a single drop of lavender oil on your hands, rubbing together, and cupping your hands to your nose and letting the smell flood your senses.
See More: peppermint essential oil pregnancy
4. To Cure Mouth and Body Odor:
You can use a drop of peppermint essential oil for a natural way to freshen your breath. Also, you can try to combine coconut oil, beeswax and your favorite essential oils to make natural deodorants for body odor. Cedar wood and clove oil may be used for men while lavender and tea tree oil may be used for women.
5. Get Rid of Headaches:
Pregnancy is accompanied by various discomforts including severe headaches. You can try combining a few drops of lavender oil and peppermint oil and apply to temples to help relieve you from headaches and migraines.
6. Improving Digestion:
Having improper digestion and an upset stomach is common during pregnancy. As a remedy for this, take ginger oil, peppermint oil and fennel essential oil and mix them together. Use the mixture to cure digestion problems and healing issues like diarrhea etc.
See More: oregano oil in pregnancy
7. Reducing and Treating Fever:
You may suffer from frequent fevers and general sickness during a pregnancy. Although it is nothing to worry about, it may be taken care of naturally using certain essential oils. Add 1-3 drops of eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender oil to a cool piece of cloth. Sponge the body with this cloth to reduce temperature of the body and to treat fever naturally.
8. Improving The Immune System:
The immune system weakens drastically during pregnancy leaving the body prone to many diseases and illnesses. You may try to boost your immune system naturally by mixing a drop of oregano oil with four drops of carrier oil and rubbing on the bottom of your feet.
9. Reducing Morning Sickness:
Morning sickness is among the first signs of pregnancy and generally lasts for a long period of it. You can relieve yourself from the everyday suffering by adding a few drops of wild orange, lemon or ginger oil to a handkerchief and inhaling the aromas deeply.
See More: clove oil during pregnancy
Pregnancy essential oils have quite a number of uses and health benefits. Some may prove harmful while others can do wonders for you. Take the benefit of essential oils for pregnancy and treat yourself naturally with beautiful aroma around you. Lavender and citrus oils are among the favourite pregnancy essential oils that you can put to good use.
