Aromatherapy During Pregnancy There are three different ways of using Essential Oils.
1. Massage - Dilute essential oils for massage first. Mix one or two drops of your favourite essential oil with a teaspoon of base oil such as grapeseed or vegetable-based oil. Do a skin test 24 hours before applying any essential oils. If your partner is giving you a massage, ask your Aromatherapist about safe massage strokes for your stage of pregnancy.
2. Breathing In Essential Oils - Mix four drops of essential oil with a teaspoon of base oil, and add to an oil burner or a vaporiser.
3. Adding Essential Oils To Your Bath - The warm water helps your skin to absorb the oils, and the steam will help you to breathe in the vapour. You only need about four drops of essential oil for one bath, mixed into a teaspoon of base oil. Milk is a good carrier for essential oils as the fat in the milk helps to spread the oil throughout the water.
How Might Aromatherapy Help Me During Pregnancy?
Morning Sickness - If you’re feeling or being sick during your first trimester, try Lemon essential oil. Common Pregnancy Niggles – Try Sweet Orange for constipation, or Neroli (orange blossom) for Heartburn. Aromatherapy Massage – Research found that this helped pregnant women to feel less tense and anxious.
Oils That Are SAFE To Use During Pregnancy (assuming your pregnancy is without complications): Citrus Oils (e.g. Tangerine and Neroli) * German Chamomile * Common Lavender (see below) * Frankincense * Black Pepper * Peppermint * Ylang Ylang * Eucalyptus * Bergamot * Cypress * Geranium * Spearmint. Also Tea Tree Oil (not during labour itself).
Oils That Are NOT SAFE To Use During Pregnancy: Nutmeg, which may have hallucinogenic effects and react with pain-relieving drugs in labour. Rosemary, which is thought to increase blood pressure, and may cause contractions. Basil, which is thought to contribute to abnormal cell development. Jasmine and Clary Sage, which may trigger contractions. Sage and Rose, which may cause bleeding in your uterus (womb). Juniper Berry, which may affect your kidneys. Laurel, Angelica, Thyme, Cumin, Aniseed, Citronella and Cinnamon Leaf should also be avoided as they could stimulate contractions.
There is a lot of confusion over the safety of lavender essential oil in pregnancy. This is because lavender can be used to regulate periods. There has not been any research showing that lavender raises the risk of miscarriage. However, for ease of mind, you may want to wait until your second trimester before using it.
Jackie Garwood, Pregnancy Aromatherapist, Chamomile Therapies, Tel. 07969 044844
Editor, Helen McClorry, Babies on board Magazine. 2
Chamomile Therapies
Reflexology, Aromatherapy and Women’s Health
I specialise in women’s health and in particular stress related conditions and hormonal problems including fertility and conception, pregnancy, postnatal support and the menopause.
Treatments are bespoke and are tailored to support you physically and emotionally.
If you are interested in any of my treatments please do get in touch. Jackie: 07969 044 884
www.chamomiletherapies.com 10% discount when you mention Babies on board
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