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Pregnancy and the use of essential oils in aromatherapy.

There are some divided ideas on the dangers of certain essential oils used in aromatherapy during pregnancy, but since this time should be a time to enjoy and to prepare for the upcoming birth of your child, it would be wise to rather give some essential oils a miss.

pregnancy essential oils

Aromatherapy can be a great benefit during pregnancy and assists in minimizing some of the discomfort and aches.

There are however some compounds in certain essential oils that have hormone-like behavior because of their molecular structure and although there is no conclusive evidence on the effect of estrogenic oils it would be prudent to avoid anethole rich oils, like fennel and aniseed during pregnancy.

Although some oils are listed as abortifacient oils, it is mainly due to their toxic nature, and should in any case not be used in aromatherapy massage at any time.

Some essential oils are however not toxic, but have emmenagogue action, which is to help to promote and regulate the menstrual flow (periods), and should be avoided during pregnancy.

We have compiled a list below, in which we endeavored to list all the oils which we think should not be used for massage while you are pregnant.

We have compiled the list from all known oils that may in some way or other interfere with this very special time, but give nor infer any guarantee or warranty of safety for any oil not included on this list.

If you are unsure if an oil can be used, kindly refer it to your licensed medical practitioner for his or her advice and directions.

Essential oils to be avoided in pregnancy

Almond - bitter

Toxic

Aniseed

Anethole rich

Angelica

Emmenagogue

Basil

Possible irritant

Birch

Possible irritant

Black pepper

Skin sensitization

Boldo leaf

Toxic

Buchu

Liver hazardous

Calamus

Toxic

Camphor

Toxic

Cassia

Skin sensitization

Cedarwood

Emmenagogue

Chamomile

Emmenagogue

Cinnamon

Skin sensitization and emmenagogue

Clary sage

Emmenagogue

Clove

Skin sensitization

Elecampane

Skin sensitization

Fennel

Anethole rich

Fir

Possible irritant

Ginger

Emmenagogue

Horseradish

Toxic

Hyssop

Could cause toxicity

Jaborandi leaf

Toxic

Jasmine

Emmenagogue

Juniper

Emmenagogue

Lemon

Possible irritant

Lemongrass

Possible irritant

Marjoram

Emmenagogue

Melissa

Possible irritant

Mugwort

Toxic

Mustard

Toxic

Myrrh

Emmenagogue

Nightshade

Toxic

Nutmeg

Skin sensitization

Oregano

Skin sensitization

Parsley seed

Apiol rich

Pennyroyal

Toxic

Peppermint

Emmenagogue

Pine

Skin sensitization

Rose

Emmenagogue

Rosemary

Emmenagogue

Rue

Toxic

Sage

High thujone content

Sassafras

Toxic

Savin

Toxic

Savory

Could cause toxicity

Southernwood

Toxic

Stinging nettle

Toxic

Tansy

Toxic

Thuja

Toxic

Thyme both Red and Linalol)

Possible irritant

Wintergreen

Toxic

Wormseed

Toxic

Wormwood

Toxic

Other pages of interest

Underneath, please find a list and hyperlinks to essential oils, carrier base oils as well as specialized blends manufactured by us.
Essential oilsSpecialized blendsCarrier / base oils

Information on essential oils not sold by us

SPECIAL AFRICA OILS

Information on carrier oils not sold by us


 
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