In a blog I wrote last year called “Handling & Storing of Essential Oils”, I touched lightly on safety precautions to be followed when using essential oils. Now I would like to give you some guidelines to keep in mind during pregnancy.
Firstly, do not use essential oils during the first trimester of your pregnancy. Massage blends should contain half the number of drops of essential oils compared to a normal blend. If you have a history of miscarriages, it is strongly recommended to avoid most essential oils. Also try to avoid essential oils that have a very strong odour and purifying effect like rosemary, sage, yarrow, myrrh, laurel leaf, fennel, juniper berry, sweet basil, tulsi, damiana, angelica root, lovage root, jasmine absolute and agnus castus.
Here is a list of essential oils that can be used in low dosage after the first trimester; geranium, ylang ylang, petitgrain, patchouli, chamomile, lavender, mandarin, grapefruit, bergamot, lemon, ginger, pine, peppermint and orange.
A pregnant woman’s sense of smell is heightened during pregnancy. Gentle aromatherapy can be comforting and promote a sense of well-being. A massage on the lower back can give you some pain relief and comfort. Another common complaint is tired and swollen legs and ankles so a firm pressure leg massage can relieve some of that discomfort.
Clearly Essential’s website contains detailed information on each essential oil we supply. Please make sure you read the safety precautions section first before placing an order.