The use of aromas during pregnancy can help an expectant mom in a variety of ways. This article lists the types of oils that can be successfully applied while a woman is pregnant, and contains warnings regarding scented oils that should not be used during pregnancy. The first three months of pregnancy are the most taxing for your body. Taking proper rest, eating properly and relaxing is very important during this period. A sudden increase in the hormone levels during pregnancy, activates the sebaceous glands, which increases the oiliness of the skin and hair.
There are many oils that can be used during pregnancy, provided that the expecting mom is not allergic to any one of these.
Bergamot - is very essential in promoting the body's ability to inner heal. Bergamot is one that can be used during pregnancy, and it has a variety of benefits to a pregnant woman. For example, a woman who breaths in the aroma of this particular essential oil will feel refreshed and uplifted upon doing so, which will possibly result in the reduction of depression or even physical stress symptoms. It can help control the pain and discomfort that a pregnant woman often feels as well.
Chamomile - is used as a mild sedative, and is good for insomnia as well as many other nervous conditions. The anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties make it good for painful swellings, intestinal and menstrual cramps, relieving gas pains, and a very mild but efficient laxative. Except for the small risk of allergy, Chamomile is also one of the safest herbs to use.
Cypress - is another excellent essential oil that is often used during pregnancy. It is most safe to use this particular one after the fifth month of pregnancy. This clear and fresh smelling essential oil is a great boon to use during times of major upheavals and changes in your life, as it restores calm, sooths anger and making your life flow better. It has a positive effect on excess fluids in general, thereby improving circulation, sorting out coughs and bronchitis. It assists with varicose veins and female problems and is definitely an oil to have around. Cypress oil has a calming and soothing effect on the irritable, angry and stressed-out person and has a valuable effect as a vasoconstrictor on varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It is beneficial in conditions of excess fluid, such as bleeding, nosebleeds, heavy menstruation, heavy perspiration, cough and bronchitis, hemorrhages and fluid retention. The antispasmodic action is very useful for asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis, emphysema and influenza. Furthermore, cypress oil soothes muscular cramps, helps to regulate the menstrual cycle, helps to ease arthritis and rheumatic pain and it is also beneficial to oily as well as congested skin and wounds.
Another common essential oil that is used is one that helps relieve congestion that results during the time of a cold or flu. This one is often used in many cold remedies-both homeopathic and over-the-counter-and it is called eucalyptus. It is also considered to help in a variety of other ways, such as counteracting certain types of viruses.
Lavender and frankincense are oils that have a similar effect that can also be administered during pregnancy. These both are known have a calming and soothing effect on a person, and they both act as a sedative, depending upon the individual person.
Additionally, frankincense is often used as an antiseptic and an astringent, and lavender is used in many healing recipes and aids in the reduction of fluid retention.
Quite a few other essential oils can be used during pregnancy as well. One of those includes lemon, which helps combat morning sickness, and is used for a variety of other purposes such as to treat varicose veins. It is considered an antibacterial agent as well. Patchouli is commonly used scented oil that helps eliminate symptoms such as confusion, indecision, and apathy. It also helps calm the nerves.
There are many other oils not mentioned yet that also serves a variety of purposes. Some of these includes:
tea tree (acts as a immuno-stimulant and increases the body's ability to fight off any infections, while it also is used to revive the mind and body after shock),
Tangerine oil (is soothing to the nervous system and has a tonic effect on the digestive system, while helping flatulence, diarrhea and constipation. It is also useful for the skin and is used to help with stretch marks, increasing circulation and reducing fluid retention.);
sandalwood (relaxing oil has a harmonizing and calming effect which reduces tension and confusion and is ideal for use in depression, hectic daily lifestyles and states of fear, stress, nervous exhaustion, chronic illness and anxiety.);
ylang ylang (has a euphoric and sedative effect on the nervous system and helps with anxiety, tension, shock, fear and panic, it is also useful with rapid breathing and rapid heartbeat, it can also help with reducing high blood pressure and useful for intestinal infections.);
neroli (helps insomnia, and as one of the essential oils with the most sedative effects is useful for treating depression, anxiety and shock and is also effective in calming heart palpitations, treating headaches, neuralgia and vertigo. It can help when a patient is convalescing and is a good general tonic. On the skin, neroli oil can help to regenerate skin cells and is a rejuvenating oil useful to prevent ugly scar tissue, promote a smoother skin, fighting stretch marks and broken capillaries.); and others.
There are also oils that should not be used during pregnancy that you should be aware of as well.
This paragraph does not include a complete list of all the oils that should not be used during pregnancy. However it covers many of the most commonly purchased ones that should be avoided. Some of those include the oils of basil, cedar wood, cinnamon, and clary sage. Likewise, clove, and cypress (okay after the fifth month) should be not used as well. In addition, fennel, hyssop, and jasmine (during labor), should not be used, as well as juniper, lemongrass, myrrh, parsley and pennyroyal.
Some oils that cannot be used during the first trimester may be acceptable and safe to use later on in pregnancy. One of those is said to be cypress, however, some difference of opinion may suggest differently. Some people believe it to be of great help towards the end of a pregnancy term. There are also some oils that can be used during labor and some that cannot be used during this time.
If a pregnant woman is reading this and is still not sure which oils are safe and which ones are not it is wise to consult the proper professionals. Medical doctors are the best source of advice as well as those who are aromatherapy specialists.
It is important to do as much research as possible before making the decision to use different scented oils during pregnancy. Expecting moms can consider themselves warned to not take this decision lightly at all. You should always consult your physician before utilizing any information provided.
