Essential Oil Use During Pregnancy

Essential Oils For Pregnancy

On our soapnut website we recommend using essential oils for quite a few of our soapnut recipes, and if you have read our blog article about essential oils, you will be realising how great they are! But as we said before when you are pregnant some oils are just not safe for use. So which ones are they then?

Oils to avoid during pregnancy

• Basil
• Cedarwood
• Cinnamon
• Clary sage (OK during labour)
• Clove
• Cypress (OK after 5 months)
• Fennel
• Hyssop
• Jasmine (OK during labour)
• Juniper
• Lemongrass
• Myrrh
• Parsley
• Pennyroyal
• Peppermint
• Rosemary
• Sweet marjoram
• Thyme

Now, that seems like a lot but there are loads of other essential oils that you can still use that are really great for other things as well…

bergamot - a soft citrus essential oil

Bergamot: Analgesic, antiseptic, antidepressant, uplifting, and refreshing. Great for: cystitis during pregnancy.

Chamomile: Antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Great for: muscular aches, headaches, toothaches and indigestion.

Cypress: (OK after 5 months) Antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent and diuretic. Great for: Varicose veins, haemorrhoids and swollen ankles.

Eucalyptus: Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral. Great for: respiratory congestion.

Frankincense: Antiseptic, astringent, sedative, warming.

Geranium: (OK after 3 months) Antiseptic, antidepressant, astringent, refreshing, uplifting. Great for: Aching legs and is good for poor circulation.

Grapefruit: Astringent, digestive aid, lymphatic stimulant. Great for: water retention.

A fave! Lavender essential Oil

Lavender: Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, antidepressant, healing, relaxing. Great for: Aches and pains of pregnancy, encourages cell renewal and helps with fluid retention.

Lemon: Antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, stimulant, tonic. Great for: inhalant for morning sickness and in massage for varicose veins.

Mandarin: Antiseptic, refreshing, tonic, mild relaxant. Great for: fluid retention in leg and ankle massages.

Neroli: Antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, relaxing. Great for: pregnancy to promote healthy skin cell regeneration and for easing nervous tension.

Patchouli: Antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, nerve sedative. Great for: confusion, indecision and apathy.

Petitgrain: Antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, refreshing, tonic. Great for: dealing with pre or postpartum depression. Rosewood Antiseptic, sedative.

Sandalwood: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, sedative. Great for: cystitis during pregnancy.

Tangerine: Antispasmodic, lymphatic stimulant, calming, sedative. Great for: preventing stretch marks.

Tea Tree: Antibiotic, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, disinfectant. Great for: thrush during pregnancy.

essential oils in your soapnut laundry

See?…So you can still add essential oil to your soapnut laundry or your soapnut liquid and not worry about any effects that it may have on you. But if you are still worried, do a patch test and/or consult GP or midwife.

Be safe and have fun!