What Are Essential Oils

Essential oils are organic compounds extracted from the bark, flower, fruit, leaf, seed or root of a plant or tree and have several healing properties. The oils in the plants are made up of very small molecules that can penetrate your cells, and some can even penetrate the blood-brain barrier. These oils are highly concentrated and have a strong aroma and can be used in aromatherapy and their benefits range from mental to physical healing.

Are Essential Oils Safe

Essential oils are generally safe to use and have very few negative side effect or risks associated with their use especially when used as directed. If you are trying to live a healthier, more natural lifestyle, they make for great alternatives to over-the-counter medications for both physical and mental health. Overall, there is good evidence that essential oils are both safe and can be a powerful healing tool in natural medicine.

Essential Oils NOT Safe for Pregnant Women

There are some essential oils that pregnant women should stand clear of all together. These essential oils can have stimulating effects on the uterus, pose risk to the fetus, affect blood pressure or simply, there’s not enough research conducted on the effects they may cause. Essential oils that aren’t safe for pregnant women include:

• Basil
• Birch
• Black Pepper
• Cedarwood
• Cardamom
• Cassia
• Cinnamon
• Citronella
• Clary Sage
• Clove
• Cumin
• Cypress
• Eucalyptus
• Fennel
• Geranium (not considered safe during first trimester)
• Hyssop
• Jasmine
• Lemongrass
• Manuka
• Markoram
• Melissa
• Myrrh
• Oregano
• Tea Tree
• Roman Chamomile
• Rose
• Rosemary
• Spikenard
• Thyme
• Wintergreen

Essential Oils Safe for Pregnant Women

There are essential oils that are safe for pregnant women to use. It may be best practice to diffuse the oils into the air so they don’t have strong effects like using on the skin or internally. Essential oils Safe for Pregnant women are:

• Bergamot
• Frankincense
• Geranium (after the first trimester
• Ginger
• Grapefruit
• Juniper Berry
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Orange
• Sandalwood
• Ylang Ylang

Summing It Up

Overall, essential oils are a safe, natural alternative and are great for natural medicine. Each essential oil can be applied in different ways, and if they are not used correctly, they can be harmful. All essential oils have their own benefits but they all may not be suitable for you or your loved ones. Be sure to read and follow all labels correctly and carefully. If you find that essential oils could become a staple in your household, dive into nature’s gifts to us.

Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! When is your due date? Let us know in the comments below.