Essential oils - Safe to use?

[Cyclebump]

I'm 13+2 with my first and I have a really nasty cold.

Normally I'd have a boiling hot bath and a load of Lemsip but, as both are off the menu and paracetamol's doing nothing for my sinuses I thought I might put a drop of Eucalyptus oil in my bath to clear my nose or Lavender to help me sleep.

I'd only put a drop or two in a full bath but are they safe in pregnancy?

Usually the bottle will say if you can't use during pregnancy... i have to admit that I have used a variety of essential bath oils throughout my pregnancy (i'm now 33+1) and my doctor told me that the guidance tends to be VERY cautious. In France, pregnant women are told that they can use any essential oils on the skin, but to be careful about ingesting them. But read the bottle and ask your doctor/ midwife if not sure?

Buy some fresh root ginger. Peel and chop enough to make about a tablespoonful. Put in cup and pour on boiling water and steep for about 4 minutes (cover with a saucer) Add brown sugar if you have some, or ordinary will do. Breath in the steam and sip slowly.

You can do this as many times as you like - it really helps.

There are some essential oils you shouldn't use during pregnancy, but lavender and eucalyptus are ok afaik.

Thanks, I've done some research and Lavender and Eucalyptus seem to be on the safe list. Hmmmm

some are - some aren't. Lavender yes, Basil NO for example.

I used lots of different oils while pregnant - must make up a batch of belly rub soon for this pregnancy. Forgot what went into it though so will have to research all over again.

hi, i just checked in my pregnancy book called the pregnancy bible by anne deans. it says "avoid sage, rosemary, peppermint and pennyroyal"... no mention of lavender and eucalyptus, so they are probably ok to use in moderation. hope this helps and hope you feel better!

THanks everyone, at least one baby site lists oils that are safe and Lavender and Eucalyptus are on there. Basil sounds VERY naughty.

Ooh, but it says no to peppermint...

www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/isitsafeto/essentialoilsexpert/

I wondered about lavender oil a few months ago and looked up several sites - really odd coz some sites say it is perfectly safe and wonderful for relaxing and others say that because it promotes menstruation it should be avoided until at least 35 weeks (or around then). I guess a bit controversial - I avoided it! Sorry if that just makes it more confusing!

Up to you re: eucalyptus. I did some research on essential oils in general pretty early on and from what I recall only lavender and mandarin are 100% ok. In fact mandarin is meant to prevent stretch marks, I've mixed some in with my body shop olive oil spray and put it on my bump every day.

But back to ecalyptus, I was looking up olbas oil because I've had man flu* all week and I found this, so it's pretty much up to you. If you're cautious, then don't, but the chances are a little won't do much harm. Just don't use hourly!

*Although of course when men get man flu, they get drugs. Grrr. I MISS DRUGS!!!

Hmmm, it's all so confusing.

I took a risk and put a single drop of lavender on a tissue near me in the bed last night and slept all the way through the night for the first time in weeks. Maybe it was a coincidence but I feel fab!

Don't worry, ive been using lavender quite liberally all the way through cos i love the smell. I reckon if it was a real risk they'd put it in the NHS guidelines. I think there's a lot of old wives' tales around essential oils.

I found manuka honey was good for the cold, though?

i've been using essential oils all the way through so far - lavander is super safe so feel free to use to your hearts content! clary sage/sage is a no-no (used to help bring on contractions in early labour!!!!)

i've been drinking peppermint tea for indigestion with no ill effects.

for a cold make up a hot drink using ginger, lemon and honey (i find lemon and ginger teabags, ready done, are great for this with a spoon of honey).