Aromatherapy in Pregnancy

Aromatherapy can safely be used during pregnancy if you have a bit of know-how. Not all scents should be used during this time. Here is a good guide for you on using aromatherapy during pregnancy to ease some of the discomforts. 

Herbal Remedies to Ease the Discomforts of Pregnancy

While some mothers-to-be look and feel their best during pregnancy, this is unfortunately not the case for many of us. The tremendous changes our bodies undergo during pregnancy lead to many discomforts -- from morning sickness to stretch marks. And since nearly all medicines and traditional remedies are off-limits to expecting moms, natural methods come as a great relief to help ease these symptoms. In addition to proper nutrition and regular exercise, the use of herbs and aromatherapy during the latter part of your pregnancy can alleviate many of your ailments.

Except for the morning sickness remedy below, it is important that you do not use essential oils during the first three to four months of your pregnancy. Moreover, even if your essential oils come from natural sources and are certified pure (as they should be), that does not necessarily make them safe to use during pregnancy. In fact, if you are pregnant there are some herbs that should be absolutely avoided, including bay leaves, clove, basil, clary sage, sage, marjoram, oregano, thyme and wintergreen.

The following aromatic blends can be safely enjoyed after your first trimester to positively affect your overall physical and emotional well-being. Enjoy!

Morning Sickness
Select one of the following essential oils to alleviate nausea and queasiness. Inhale either directly from the bottle or pour up to 4 drops of one of the essential oils on a tissue and breathe in. Repeat as needed.

Peppermint
Spearmint
Lemon

Indigestion
To ease heartburn and gassy discomfort in your chest or abdomen, pour 5 drops of lemon essential oil on a tissue and inhale after your meal.

Stretch marks
While it's true stretch marks cannot be prevented, this recipe can help ease the itching and discomfort associated with them. Pour the oil essences into a 60-ml bottle, and add organic vegetable oil to fill. Massage the area each morning and evening.

3 drops Lavender
2 drops Geranium
2 drops Rosewood

Skin problems
What has been called the "glow" of pregnancy can often wreak havoc on your skin. Use the following recipes to aid your skin problems. Pour the oil essences into a 60-ml bottle, and add organic vegetable oil to fill. Massage the afflicted area.

Itchy skin
2 drops Roman Chamomile
2 drops Lavender

Inflamed skin
4 drops Roman Chamomile

Dry skin
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Geranium
1 drop Rose Otto

Back rub
Enlist your partner to massage your back with the following blend to ease muscle aches and tension. The recipe should be made by pouring the oil essences into a 60-ml bottle, and then adding organic vegetable oil to fill.

3 drops Lavender
2 drops Roman Chamomile

Fatigue
Need an added boost since giving up caffeine during your pregnancy? This blend will give you a refreshing lift. Pour the oil essences into a 60-ml bottle, and add organic vegetable oil to fill. Inhale during the day as needed. Anoint your solar plexus and the sacrum.

3 drops Grapefruit
2 drops Orange
2 drops Lavender

Edema
Swollen legs and feet, common in pregnancy and caused by the build-up of fluid, can be eased with a gentle massage of the following blend. Pour the oil essences into a 30-ml bottle, and add organic vegetable oil to fill. Gently massage the area. Be careful not to massage deeply, as some pressure points in the feet, ankles and legs can induce labor.

3 drops Lavender
2 drops Cypress
2 drops Juniper

Muscular cramps
Ease leg cramps and other muscle aches with this aromatic blend. Pour the oil essences into a 30-ml bottle, and add organic vegetable oil to fill. Massage the area. Again, be careful not to massage deeply, as some pressure points in the feet, ankles and legs can induce labor.

3 drops Lavender
3 drops Roman Chamomile

In Good Health,
Francoise Rapp
www.aromalchemy.com

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