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Aromatherapy During Pregnancy – Natural Remedies For Expectant Mothers

Aromatherapy is a healing form of therapy, making use of natural means such as essential oils extracted from plant sources. Aromatherapy during pregnancy can be highly beneficial in relaxing and soothing the mind and body. It can help in increasing the sense of well-being and improving general health in pregnant women. During pregnancy the mother's emotional and physical state bears a direct influence on the health of the child and hence it is important for expectant mothers to maintain a healthy state of mind.

Aromatherapy offers natural remedies through the use of flower essences, essential oils and herbs to soothe the mind and ease the many discomforts and ailments linked to pregnancy. However, it is wise to consult a professional aroma therapist to find out which essential oils must be used and which must be avoided. A few safety guidelines must be followed when using essential oils in aromatherapy during pregnancy. Since the essential oils used in aromatherapy are in an extremely concentrated form, it needs to be diluted in a safe non-allergenic carrier oil before use.

A standard dilution blend for use during pregnancy should be approximately 6 - 7 drops essential oil to 1 and a half tablespoons of carrier oil. It is important to use only blended oils in aromatherapy, especially during pregnancy as the concentrated form of essential oils can bring about skin irritations and other adverse reactions in pregnant women. Medical experts advocate that essential oils in its concentrated form must be avoided throughout pregnancy as they contain certain properties that may cause the blood to thin and induce cramping or even labor.

Essential oils that can be used during pregnancy and are useful in soothing the mind and body include: mandarin, bergamot orange, camomile, eucalyptus, frankincense, citrus paradisi, lavandula or lavender, neroli, patchouli, jacaranda, sandalwood, tangerine, tea tree oil and cananga odorata.
Essential oils that must be strictly avoided during pregnancy due to their side effects include: sweet basil, cedar, cinnamon bark, salvia clarea, cypress, geranium, clove, fennel, hyssopus, jasmine, juniper, lemongrass oil, sweet cicely, petroselinum, hedeoma oil, peppermint, rose oil, rosmarinus officinalis, sweet marjoram and thyme.

In order to adopt aromatherapy during pregnancy take the advice and help of a certified holistic practitioner or an herbalist to understand the use of herbs and its effects on pregnant women. Pregnant women or expectant mothers must include natural remedies as part of their lifestyle only in consultation with an expert and after the first trimester.

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