Often decried during pregnancy, essential oils have however virtues which allow to live this period in a calm and serene way. If an uncontrolled use of aromatherapy can be dangerous for the pregnant woman, this natural medicine is however of a precious help in complement of the allopathic treatments and the obstetrical follow-up of rigor.
What is an essential oil?
An essential oil is above all the volatile essence extracted from a plant by steam distillation. It is a natural product whose heating should be avoided if you want to preserve all its intrinsic values
.
An essential oil is liposoluble meaning you can use it in all kinds of vegetable oils but also creams, butters, honey or even alcohol. On the other hand, it is not water-soluble, i.e. it cannot be diluted in water, the density of the latter being higher.
Essential oils prohibited during pregnancy
Essential oils, whether administered orally or dermally, enter the bloodstream very quickly and therefore have an impact on the fetus. All essential oils containing ketones are prohibited during pregnancy. Indeed these biochemical molecules are very neurotoxic and may present an abortive risk triggering abortion. This is particularly true of Peppermint, Dill, Sage and Rosemary verbenone.
In addition, essential oils with a hormone-like action (which act like hormones) are to be banned.
As a precautionary measure, it is strongly advised not to ingest essential oils during the entire pregnancy especially the first three months unless you consult a knowledgeable and seriously certified professional in
aromatherapy.
Essential oils allowed during pregnancy.
However, there are about twenty essential oils authorized for use by pregnant women because their molecules have no known contraindications to date.
Par exemple l’huile essentielle (essence) de Citron s’avère une alliée efficace contre les nausées des trois premiers mois. La Lavande vraie et la Camomille romaine sont d’excellentes relaxantes et apaisantes quand le Laurier noble est idéal pour les maux de dos.
Cautions for using essential oils.
- During the first three months, the cutaneous and olfactory routes are to be preferred;
- It is not recommended to massage essential oils on the abdominal area and chest during pregnancy;
- Above all, do not self-medicate but seek advice from an aromatherapist, pharmacist or doctor;
- Choose quality essential oils, 100% pure and natural from organic farming;
- The diffusion of essential oils must be done with an adapted diffuser (ultrasonic wave diffuser or nebulizer).
To go further and in particular to take note of a more detailed list of essential oils contraindicated during pregnancy I advise you to read the dedicated article in click here.