Aromatherapy Benefits and How to Soothe Pregnancy Discomforts

Aromatherapy for Body and Mind

Aromatherapy involves the therapeutic use of natural essential oils to enhance a person’s physical and mental well-being. Aromatherapy can be practiced through the inhalation of natural essential oils or the application of these oils to the skin during a massage or added to lotions and other skin care products. During pregnancy, aromatherapy can provide a natural way of relieving common pregnancy discomforts. Some common types of aromatherapy that can be utilized during pregnancy include using essential oils for massage, inhalation of oils and aromatherapy candles, and the use of health and beauty products infused with natural essential oils. Herbal teas made from specific oils and plants also provide benefits in many circumstances. Using aromatherapy in the home can be beneficial for pregnant women too. A soy-based aromatherapy candle can go a long way to calm a pregnant woman after a stressful day. You can also warm natural essential oils in a tart warmer, filling your home with healing fragrance.

Uses for Aromatherapy During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but sometimes it can be physically challenging. To complicate matters, the use of drugs to fight common pregnancy ailments is not advised. Aromatherapy is a great way to fight the discomforts of pregnancy in a natural way. The following pure essential oils can be used to relieve minor discomforts associated with pregnancy.

Peppermint is a good morning sickness remedy. Sip peppermint herbal teas to alleviate nausea associated with pregnancy. The inhalation of peppermint oil has also been known to be a good remedy for morning sickness. Lemon oil also has similar stomach soothing benefits.

Try chamomile for anxiety, stress, and tension. Lavender is also known for its calming and stress-relieving benefits. Rosewood is relaxing, with sedating qualities when inhaled. Relieve tension and anxiety with ylang ylang and neroli. Natural essential oils can be blended and used as a massage oil. To make a massage oil, mix up to 20 drops of essential oil to 1 oz. carrier oil, such as almond oil. Stress relieving essential oils can also be added to the bath. Aromatherapy candles make bath time even more relaxing for pregnant women.

Try citrus oils like grapefruit, orange, and lemon to relieve fatigue. Refresh yourself with bergamot. Eucalyptus oils can be inhaled as an all-natural remedy for stuffy noses.

Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy

While aromatherapy benefits are indisputable, not all essential oils are recommended for use during pregnancy. The following oils should not be used by pregnant women. This list includes some commonly used essential oils, but should not be considered an all-inclusive list.

Basil, cedar, cinnamon, clary-sage, clove, cypress, fennel, hyssop, jasmine, lemongrass, myrrh, parsley, pennyroyal, melissa, juniper, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and basil.

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Resources

1. Aroma Web: https://www.aromaweb.com/default.asp