Aromatherapy oils

7 replies

BigBellyCornflakeKid · 21/01/2007 21:23

I have been given an Origins destress thing you put on your pulse points but it contains peppermint - can I use it?

Also - can you use lavender in massage oil now and during labour?

I am 28 weeks.

Thanks!

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Original poster

BigBellyCornflakeKid · 23/01/2007 10:12

bump - anyone?

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Ettenna · 23/01/2007 11:29

I've always read that it depends on the concentration of essential oil to the carrier oil/lotion. I think lavender should be fine in moderate dilutions. It seems to be in lots of commercial pre-natal toiletries. In 'The Fragrant Pharmacy' she recommends something like 15 drops to 100ml i think - but please check, I'm not an expert. Is peppermint not a good idea or are you just being cautious? There are some oils that you absolutely mustn't use, clary sage for example and cypress.

Original poster

BigBellyCornflakeKid · 23/01/2007 12:31

Thanks - may pop into Origins and ask them about the oils - if not will see if Neals Yard have a leaflet.

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incy · 23/01/2007 14:23

I believe lavender should be avoided in the first 3 months as it can cause 'flow' and so could result in a miscarriage. As you are 28 weeks would not be a problem.

Also would agree that it would depend on the concentration of the oils - there are plenty of lavender products sold and rarely is it advised to avoid in pregnancy suggesting normal concentrations are so weak as to be not regarded as problematic.

fluffyslippers · 23/01/2007 15:52

I was at the Origins counter over Crimble and they told me that all their products were safe for use in pregnancy, but may be worth double checking yourself.

earthtomummy · 24/01/2007 19:37

Lavender oil is one of the best for labour - few drops in water on a cloth for sponging. burning in sa oil burner, and as a massage oil. It is analgesic, mildly antiseptic, relaxing and the smell is light enough. Jasmine is good in labour but NOT more than a wk before as it strengthens contractions and brings laboutr fwd more quickly. Also q. a cloying smell which I found hard to take in labour.

jofeb04 · 24/01/2007 20:10

Hiy,
If you want some info, email me on
jopowell1 at yahoo dot co dot uk as I am an aromatherapist who deals with pregnant women 80% of the time.

The reason I can't say alot on here is I do not know your background etc.

Flip