Thursday, March 6, 2014

essential oils and pregnancy.


i have had this post floating around in my head for a while now, especially since i am over that half way mark of my pregnancy and not only using various oils for different reasons, but starting to prepare physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually for the labor/delivery process.

there is truly so much information out there about essential oils and specifically essential oils during pregnancy. so, i have chosen to highlight only a few of the common issues and some of the suggested oils. as a general consensus, oils are considered safe for pregnancy when they are in their purest form and have not been adulterated with other ingredients, when they are a true therapeutic grade oil, when they are diluted and applied externally, and when they are used in moderation. my midwives actually gave me an entire handout on essential oils that they provide for pregnant mamas. they definitely encourage their use, with respect and moderation of course.

that being said, some single oils to avoid during pregnancy areBasil, birch, calamus, cassia, cinnamon bark, hyssop, Idaho tansy, laurel, lavandin, mountain savory, mugwort, rosemary, thyme, sage, tarragon, wintergreen. oils to use cautiously during pregnancy: Angelica, cedarwood, chamomile (German/blue), cistus, citronella, clary sage, clove bud, cumin (black), cypress, davana, fennel, laurel, marjoram, mountain savory, myrrh, nutmeg, oregano, peppermint, rose, spearmint, vetiver, yarrow.

when using essential oils pregnant, it is recommended to dilute each oil...a good rule of thumb is 1-2 drops of essential oils with a 1/2-1tsp of a carrier oil. common carrier oils include fractionated coconut oil (my favorite), olive oil, avocado oil, or almond oils. 

energy: Citris Bliss is a very invigorating and energizing blend. it can be applied topically or added to bath water and can also assist with postpartum depression. Another recommendation is to add 2 drops of Roman Chamomile, 2 drops of Geranium and 2 drops of Lavender to 2 tsp of a carrier oil and massage into the skin.

morning sickness: Ginger and Peppermint are both great for morning sickness. Dilute and apply 1-3 drops to on ears, down jaw bone and on reflex points on the feet. Diffuse the oils as well. Digestzen is another common oil for morning sickness, as well heart burn, food poisoning, the flu, and to add in after birth constipation. Simply dilute and massage into skin. Diffusing Peppermint or Grapefruit when you wake up in the morning may help to reduce overall nausea.

anxiety/tension: some recommendations are Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Melissa, and Myrrh. Diffuse or dilute and rub on back of neck, temples, chest, shoulders, back or reflex points on the feet. Balance is a blend that can aid in relieving nervousness and assist in emotional release. (and can even be diluted and massaged along a newborn's spine and bottoms of feet to aid in the release of the trauma of birth!) Serenity also helps with anxiety and promoting restful sleep, diffused or diluted and applied topically.

water retention and swelling: Lemon diluted and applied topically can be used for swelling...it is known as "liquid sunshine!" you can also dilute Lemon, Geranium, Ginger and Lavender and add to a roller bottle and roll on ankles and feet, especially at the end of the day. when massaging into the feet, massage in a upward movement towards the heart.  

low back pain/pressure and leg pain: Deep Blue and Aroma Touch can be used for massage. for sciatica, you can apply 1-3 drops diluted to the area in pain. Geranium is another recommended oil. 

labor (during): Clary Sage (along with Fennel) can be applied around ankles or on abdomen. you only want to use Clary Sage after 39 weeks! 

labor (after): Lavender or Geranium can be diluted and applied to the bottoms of feet, ankles and abdomen.

hemorrhaging: apply 1-3 drops of Helichrysum to the lower back to help prevent hemorrhaging. in addition, Helichrysum can help prepare nipples for nursing, reduce discomforts of abdominal stretching, and to regenerate skin and avoid scarring/stretch marks. 

delivery: Lavender or Clary Sage can be diluted and massaged onto hips, bottom of feet or abdomen. 

self-love: Elevation is a joyful blend that can be diffused into the air, applied topically or added to bath water. it is a wonderful oil to aid in postpartum depression as well. 

if i were to pick a few of my personal favorite oils to use during this pregnancy, they would be: 
Lavender to help with restful sleep, to promote healthy circulation, and to promote an overall calmness so that my body is a peaceful home for my girl. 
Frankincense is one of my favorite oils and while i use it for a wide variety of things, i know it will be especially useful to aid in the healing of inflammation after birth and for my baby specifically as she makes the transition to earth. 
Deep Blue for sore muscles...i'm sure i will also use it to aid with back labor as well as to soothe after-birth pains. 

**the information shared is purely from personal experience and research, and is not meant to be used to diagnose, treat, prescribe any disease, illness or injury. seek professional medical attention for disease, illness or injury.

**references and additional resources can be found here, here and here


4 comments:

  1. I clicked over to see your blog after reading your comment on my "weightless moments" post and I couldn't believe it when I saw your verse that you have highlighted... above all love deeply for love covers over a multitude of sins. Someone just sent me a postcard in the mail with that exact verse on it anonymously, and although I don't know exactly what Jesus is speaking to me through it I feel like he definitely highlighting it for me. I also was just invited to a class on essential oils use (which I know nothing about) and so I thought it was so interesting that you just posted on that. So fun to find people with similar interests and in the same stage of life. :)

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    1. Jessi!! So glad to have met each other through this blog world!! It is definitely so fun and such a blessing to come across people with similar interests! :) Thrilled you are learning about the oils...they have been life-chaning for us! ... I think it is so sweet how God speaks to us through different ways...that verse has been a life-verse for me for a while. Excited to continue following along with you! xo.
      Katie

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  2. Thanks for providing this important information about this. we will be very happy to know it. essential oils

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  3. This essential oil has good therapeutic activity.it is very much useful to pregnancy condition.

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