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Aromatherapy and Pregnancy |
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Aromatherapy is a natural healing science employing essential oils
extracted from aromatic plant sources to treat and balance the body,
mind and spirit. During pregnancy, aromatherapy can prove to be
extremely beneficial and helpful alternative, while also being very
easy to employ and use. In order to use essential oils safely during
pregnancy a few extra safety guidelines will need be followed.
Though, there are reports of side effects, the user must be cautious
enough to report any adverse effects to the physician immediately.
Essential oils are extremely concentrated and volatile. They must be
diluted before use. A common dilution for aromatherapy blends during
pregnancy is 2 %, which would equal approximately 10 drops essential
oil to 1 ounce or 2T carrier oil (this is the most preferred oil).
For an aromatherapy pregnancy bath, add 6-10 drops of essential oil
to the tub and mix well before getting in to the tub. 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. An aromatic bath is supposed to
provide relaxation to the taut pelvic muscles and aid in avoiding
stretch marks. How ever, there are many essential oils that need to
be avoided during pregnancy. The following list contains oils that
should be avoided during pregnancy and oils that are recommended for
use during pregnancy. OILS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY Use of
essential oils should be extremely limited or avoided during the
first trimester of pregnancy, but has many wonderful uses in the
last two trimesters and especially during labor. Oils to avoid
during pregnancy include: Basil, Cedar Wood, Cinnamon, Clary sage
(during labor), Clove, Cypress (after 5 months), Fennel, Hyssop,
Jasmine (during labor), Juniper, Lemongrass, Myrrh, Parsley and
Pennyroyal OILS RECOMMENDED DURING PREGNANCY The following oils will
be comfortable for using during pregnancy. As always, use caution if
you have allergies or a family history of allergies. If you feel you
may be allergic to oil, do a patch test first. Good oils for
pregnancy include: Bergamot, Chamomile, Cypress (after 5 mos.),
Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium (avoid in early pregnancy),
Grapefruit, Lavender. Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli,
Petitgrain, Rosewood, Sandalwood and Tangerine If you are currently
pregnant and have been using any of the essential oils that need to
be avoided, but are not experiencing any bleeding or cramping, then
there most likely is nothing wrong. However, it is strongly
encouraged you to consult your doctor or midwife and discontinue use
of the "to be avoided" essential oils. Aromatherapy Benefits for
Pregnancy Listed below are some of the benefits and therapeutic
effects of the essential oils recommended for use during pregnancy:
Bergamot: Analgesic, antiseptic, antidepressant, uplifting, and refreshing. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy. Chamomile: Antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Soothes pain from muscular aches, headaches, toothaches and Indigestion. Cypress (ok after 5 mos.) Antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent and diuretic. Helpful for Varicose veins, hemorrhoids and swollen ankles. Eucalyptus: Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral. Helpful with respiratory congestion. Frankincense: Antiseptic, astringent, sedative, warming Geranium (ok after 3 mos.) Antiseptic, antidepressant, astringent, refreshing, uplifting. Eases aching legs and is good for poor circulation. Grapefruit: Astringent, digestive aid, lymphatic stimulant. Helps with Water retention. Lavender: Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, antidepressant, healing, Relaxing. Helps soothe aches and pains of pregnancy, encourages cell renewal and helps with fluid retention. Lemon: Antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, stimulant, Tonic. Useful as an inhalant for morning sickness and in Massage for varicose veins. Mandarin: Antiseptic, refreshing, tonic, mild relaxant. Can ease fluid retention in leg and ankle massages. Neroli: Antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, Relaxing. Useful in pregnancy to promote healthy skin cell Regeneration and for easing nervous tension. Patchouli: Antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, nerve sedative. Eases confusion, indecision and apathy. Petitgrain: Antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, refreshing, tonic. Helpful in dealing with pre or postpartum depression. Rosewood: Antiseptic, sedative Sandalwood: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, sedative. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy. Tangerine: Antispasmodic, lymphatic stimulant, calming, sedative. Helps to prevent stretch marks. Tea Tree: Antibiotic, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, disinfectant. Can be used to treat thrush during pregnancy. Ylang Ylang: Antiseptic, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, sedative, lowers blood Pressure. Restorative when overworked or tense. |
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About the Author: Find more great aromatherapy information at http://www.essentialaromatherapy.co.uk |