February 7, 2018

Essential oils are not just nice scents in pretty little bottles. They have been used for centuries in holistic treatments for many ailments. They are very potent. Pregnant or lactating women need to be very mindful of the products they use as some are not safe for you during these very special times in your life. Most certified aromatherapists will agree not to use any essential oils in the first three weeks, but many others recommend to avoid any during the first trimester. MOST IMPORTANTLY .......CONSULT WITH YOUR OB-GYN BEFORE USING ANY ESSENTIAL OILS. 

I have a book I refer to a lot, and recommend any women who want to add essential oils during their pregnancy and breastfeeding should add to your library. It's called "Aroma Bump" by Lisa Heeney. I bought it on Amazon.

This list from thehippyhomemaker.com

Here is a list of several more commonly used essentials to avoid:

Lemon Basil (Ocimum x citriodorum) –Can be used at a low dilution, no more than once a day 

Birch (Betula lenta) Black Seed (Nigella sativa)

Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)

Carrot Seed (Daucus carota)

Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia)

Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomumverum)

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) – This should be avoided during pregnancy because it can bring on contractions, but it has been used quite effectively in the birthing room for just this purpose. It's safe for use during labor (under the guidance of a doula or midwife) as well as postpartum.

Eucalyptus, ALL (Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus maidenii, Eucalyptus plenissima, Eucalyptus kochii, Eucalyptus polybractea, Eucalyptus radiata, Eucalyptus autraliana, Eucalyptus phellandra, Eucalyptus smithi)

Frankincense (Boswellia papyrifer) –Can be used at a low dilution, no more than once a day

Lavender, French/Spanish (Lavandula stoechas)

Lemon Balm, Australian (Eucalyptus staigeriana) – Can be used at a low dilution, no more than once a day

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) – Avoid use during pregnancy, OK for use while nursing

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)

Nutmeg (Mysristica fragrans)

Rosemary(Rosmarinus officinalis)

Sage, Dalmatian (Salvia officinalis)

Sage, Spanish (Salvia lavandulaefolia)

Tea Tree, Lemon (Leptospermum petersonii) – Avoid use during pregnancy, OK for use while nursing

Thyme, Lemon (Thymus x citriodorus) – Can be used at a low dilution, no more than once a day

Verbena, Lemon (Aloysia triphylla) –Can be used at a low dilution, no more than once a day

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)

Essential oils SAFE for use while pregnant or nursing

This is not a complete list, as many essential oils really have never been clinically tested for use during pregnancy. Other essential oils not mentioned here may be OK for use if properly diluted and used sparingly.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) – Do not use topically before going out in the sun, diffusion and wash-off products are safe

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

Chamomile, German/Roman (Chamaemelum nobile, Matricaria recutita) –

Copaiba (Copaifera langsdorfii, Copaifera officinalis)

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Fir Needle (Abies alba, Abies sachalinensis, Abies sibirica)

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri, Boswellia frereana, Boswellia neglecta, Boswellia rivae, Boswellia sacra, Boswellia serrata)

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi) – Do not use topically before going out in the sun, diffusion and wash-off products are safe

Juniper berry (Juniperus communis)

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender, Spike (Lavandula latifolia)

Lemon (Citrus x limon) – Do not use topically before going out in the sun, diffusion and wash-off products are safe

Lime (Citrus x aurantifolia) – Do not use topically before going out in the sun, diffusion and wash-off products are safe

Marjoram, Sweet (Marjorana hortensis)

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

Neroli (Citrus x aurantium)

Orange, Sweet (Citrus sinensis)

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium)

Pine, Scots (Pinus sylvestris)

Rose, Otto (Rosa damascena) – is safe for use during the third trimester

Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora)

Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum)

Spruce, Norway (Picea abies)

Tangerine (Citrus reticulata)

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Thyme ct linalool (Thymus vulgaris)

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) – Use sparingly as this is very pungent, even to the nose of someone who is not pregnantEssential Oils