Everything You Need to Know About Essential Oils & Pregnancy
We often receive questions from women regarding the use of essential oils during pregnancy. This can be a difficult question, as every person and every pregnancy is unique, and so we offer our advice as a conservative guide.
Julie is an aromatherapist and she has a conservative view on using essential oils during pregnancy and breastfeeding. She recommends using products with less essential oils (all of our products fit this criterion). If you are very sensitive to scents, we do offer unscented products and facial treatments, so you can still enjoy glowing skin during your pregnancy.
ESSENTIAL OILS DURING PREGNANCY
We suggest using products with lower dilution of essential oils or less for full face and body products.
Oils that are suitable for use during pregnancy are: Bergamot*, Chamomile German + Roman, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Rose Otto, Grapefruit*, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon*, Mandarin*, Neroli, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rose Otto, Sandalwood, Sweet Orange*, Tea Tree, Ylang Ylang. *Citrus oils are phytotoxic. We recommend verifying with your health care provider before using any essential oils and never use undiluted.
Certain essential oils are contraindicated due to the nature of their chemical components, which may be too strong (and unnecessary) for a pregnant client, bearing in mind that the skin is more delicate. Phenols are an example of a component group that is not usually suitable for use during pregnancy.
You will be happy to know that we do not use any of these essential oils in any of our skincare products.
The following essential oils should not be used during pregnancy, labor, or while breastfeeding: Aniseed, Basil, Birch, Camphor, Hyssop, Mugwort, Parsley seed or leaf, Pennyroyal, Rue, Oak Moss Sage, Tansy, Tarragon, Thuja, Wintergreen, Wormwood, Oregano, Thyme, Savoury, Clove, Cinnamon, Cumin, Aniseed, Fennel, Anise star.
USING OUR PRODUCTS DURING PREGNANCY
We offer so many products that are unscented or have 1% (or less) essential oils that are perfect for your whole 9 months:
Group One: 1% essential oil or less
All of these products have a safe amount of essential oils, 1% or less. Remember, less is more when it comes to essential oils :)
Moisturizing Oil Cleanser + Make-up Remover
Rejuvenating + Hydrating Face Serum
Nourishing + Revitalizing Moisturizer
Clear Skin Advanced Face Serum
Radiant Bath + Body Oil
Invigorating+ Balancing Toner
Group Two: More concentrated products
These products are more concentrated, and still safe. We recommend using 1-4 drops a day.
Clear Skin Advanced Spot Treatment
Full Brow Serum
Group Three: Unscented products
Super effective and unscented products that work all the time and when you are feeling sensitive to scents.
Regenerating + Stimulating Exfoliator
Detoxifying + Clarifying Clay Mask
Protecting + Restoring Face Balm
Hydrating Rescue Balm
Healing Eczema Balm
Sex Oil
USING OUR PRODUCTS DURING BREAST FEEDING
You can safely use all of our skincare products while breast feeding.
However, we do recommend not using our Wellness Roll-ons directly on the chest or breast area while breast feeding.
SUGGESTIONS FOR SAFE USES OF ESSENTIAL OILS
For post-partum depression and overall anxiety: we recommend diffusing these oils into the air, or applying to a tissue and breathe in deeply (please use away from your new born)
To uplift your mood and enhance joy: Lavender, Geranium and Bergamot
To relax the mind & to help induce sleep: Lavender, Rose or Frankincense
To reduce nervousness, stress and anxiety: Mandarin
To help give you a boost of energy and mental clarity: Eucalyptus and Sweet Orange
You can also give yourself a massage or take a relaxing + healing bath. Dilute 2-6 drops into 30 ml of carrier oil (sunflower, safflower or olive oil) and apply anywhere on your body. For fastest absorption apply to temples, forehead, or the back of your neck.
After the baby is born, we do recommend avoiding the use of essential oils (except a 0.5% dilution of Neroli oil) on them, until they are 6 months and older. Here is the small list of oils we would be comfortable using for babies that are 6 months old + older: Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Mandarin, Tea Tree, Vanilla, Neroli.
*There are many different approaches to pre-natal and child-care and this is our professional point of view. The information presented on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is the opinion of Julie Clark and Province Apothecary, it is not meant to substitute for medical advice or diagnosis provided by your physician or other medical professional. For more info, please check out the NAHA website and this article. The products offered on this website are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. Always consult your physician or health care provider before using any herbal products, especially if you have a medical problem.
Photo by Brooke Sykes