Aromatherapy and pregnancy

[rosealfanso]

During pregnancy, everything you eat and put on your skin filters through to your baby.
Essential oils can have a powerful effect on our bodies. Some essential oils contain plant hormones, while others strongly affect the central nervous system, which makes them unsafe for use during pregnancy. There are many different opinions regarding which essential oils are safe for pregnancy and which are not.

Avoid using these essential oils on your skin at any time during pregnancy: Basil, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Cypress, Fennel, Geranium, Jasmine, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Peppermint, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sage and Thyme.

[maestra]

Rose, welcome to BWOL. I'm in your 'hood... NE Wisconsin. Nice to have another BWOL member in my area!
As for aromatherapy and pregnancy, I have to say if the woman really wants aromatherapy I usually suggest a little bit of lavender or a citrus like lemon or lime.
But I like to steer pregnant women away from aromatherapy, because you never know when a scent that used to be their favorite will suddenly make them ill.

[rosealfanso]

Thanks maestra, i am glad to be here..

I agree, during pregnancy its better to stay away from aromatherapy, but i have heard that aromatherapy helps you to enjoy a calm, relaxed and pregnancy. For example take the one you mentioned Lavender, its an multipurpose oil that relieves pain, relaxes the body and mind.

[Dragonflies]

Avoid using these essential oils on your skin at any time during pregnancy: Basil, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Cypress, Fennel, Geranium, Jasmine, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Peppermint, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sage and Thyme.

Don't forget these oils still act on the body through the limbic system (smell) so it doesn't have to be just a topical application!

[rosealfanso]

Yes i agree, the smell is absorbed by the mucous membranes of the nose and moves directly to the center of our brain, where it influences our emotions, hormones, our nervous system and our perceptions.