Join us for a guest post from Dr. Lindsey Elmore! Drawing from her distinguished background as a pharmacist, Lindsey shares her advice for getting the most from essential oils during the tough, rewarding nine months of pregnancy. Check out what she and five new and expecting Young Living mothers want new mamas to know!
Dr. Lindsey Elmore
For some people, it can be very hard to decide whether to use essential oils in pregnancy, and there are a wide variety of opinions on the matter. It is important to discuss usage with a medical professional experienced with essential oils and to be judicious with their use.
A few oils that should be avoided during pregnancy include:
- Sage
- Idaho Tansy or Hyssop
- Fennel
- Wintergreen
- Blends and supplements that contain these oils
In addition to avoiding these oils, there are few hard-and-fast rules. As is the case in non-pregnant individuals, essential oil usage is individualized—be sure you’re following label directions and working with your health-care provider to know what’s best for you. Some of Young Living’s products are well loved and well tolerated by pregnant and lactating women.
Here are a few tips:
- Mild essential oils such as Lavender may be used topically for healthy-looking skin during pregnancy.
- Frankincense, a favorite oil among EO enthusiasts, can be used once a day as long as it is diluted properly—one drop of Frankincense to one teaspoon of carrier oil or lotion.
- Clary Sage should be avoided during pregnancy but can be a great aid in the delivery room with the help of your doctor, doula, or midwife.
- Some oils are safe to use aromatically but not topically (like Lemongrass). Peppermint is a great topical and aromatic oil for pregnant women but should not be taken internally.
If you have never used essential oils and are pregnant, please consult with your health-care provider prior to use. I advise you to start low and go slow. Start with just a few drops of your best essential oils, and diffuse in a large area. If you tolerate it well, you may consider applying essential oils to the skin after diluting in V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex or inhaling the oil directly from the bottle.
Mallory P., Young Living Education and Training Team
I experienced severe nausea for about the first 14 weeks of my pregnancy. It started mostly in the afternoon—I don’t know why they call it morning sickness—and would last all night. I had a lot of aversions to smells and different types of food, which made working in an environment that smells like essential oils difficult sometimes. I really tried to stick to using oils that were familiar and fresh. One that really didn’t bother me was Peppermint, used topically or aromatically. I also liked to diffuse Citrus Fresh™ and Lemongrass oil to help me feel invigorated. Just remember that Lemongrass should not be used topically or orally during pregnancy!
I experienced fatigue and often found it difficult to complete daily tasks. I loved using oils and supplements to support my energy level. I felt like taking Lemon Vitality™ in my water really helped me feel refreshed. I took NingXia Red® on a daily basis, and that really supported my overall energy. I also took MultiGreens™* every day and definitely felt a difference. Just remember to consult with your health-care provider before ingesting or using supplements, food products, and oils.
At night, I swore by Tranquil™ Roll-On because its relaxing smell helped me unwind like nothing else. I just rolled it on the bottoms of my feet each night. I would also take baths at night and put a few drops of Lavender and Frankincense in my bathwater to help me unwind.
For me, something that really helped reduce the severity of morning sickness was exercise. I went to the gym at least 3-4 times a week, even if all I could manage was yoga or a walk. I was trying to have a very fit and healthy pregnancy, so it was important for me to have healthy options on hand at all times. I loved to snack on Slique™ Bars,* pretzels, fruits, and veggies. This way I could avoid all of those pregnancy cravings for junk food. I also made a point to have some sort of protein in the morning—eggs, nuts, or our Pure Protein Complete™. It kept me full, especially after a workout.
Erin S., Young Living Marketing Team
My three favorite Young Living products for pregnancy are Frankincense oil, Inner Defense™, and Slique™ Bars.* I used Frankincense topically every day. I either added one drop to my facial moisturizer or one drop to the lotion I rubbed on my growing belly. I loved the smell, and it helped keep the skin well moisturized.
Being pregnant can be challenging. Snacking regularly helped keep nausea at bay and my energy up. I kept fruit with me at all times and had Slique Bars* in my desk drawer. Those bars saved me on the days when I needed an extra boost between lunch and the drive home!
Delila E., Young Living Promotions Team
NingXia Red has always supported my mind and body’s energy levels. Throughout my pregnancy, I’ve made sure to drink a full serving of NingXia Red as often as possible. In the beginning stages of my pregnancy, I began taking Lemon Vitality internally. That oil really helped keep my tummy happy. I’ve also made sure to take wonderful prenatal vitamins and OmegaGize3*. OmegaGize3 has really helped support normal brain health for me through what some might call “pregnancy brain.”
Hiromi H., Young Living Diamond
There are a few Young Living products I’ve found particularly useful during my pregnancy. The fragrance of Sacred Frankincense™ helps comfort my spirit when I feel those ordinary anxieties and worries about pregnancy. It’s also a great addition to coconut oil or lotion to rub on my belly and hips to moisturize the growing skin.
I also love NingXia Red. It’s a healthy treat that also gives my body the nutrients it needs as it grows this new addition to my family. Other essential oil-infused supplements I’ve come to rely on are Essentialzymes-4™*, MultiGreens*, and OmegaGize3*.
Hi Shannon, Because Young Living’s products are not labeled to be used as drugs, they are not intended for use in the treatment or cure of disease or any abnormal function of the body, including ailments or injuries. Therefore, we are not able to recommend anything to help with Sciatica. We advise that you consult with a medical professional that has experience with Essential Oils on your specific issue. Thank you for stopping by.
Hi Miranda, As every person can have different individual sensitivities, we would recommend that she reach out to a Obstetrician that has experience with EO’s around those who are pregnant for more targeted advise. We would also suggest diffusing a small amount of the oil for short periods of time until she can determine if she has any sensitivity to it. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Monica, The amount of Fennel may be low enough that using it cautiously might be okay. However we strongly suggest reaching out to a prenatal health care provider who has experience with EO’s during pregnancy for more targeted advice. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Krysten! We recommend consulting with a health care provider who has experience with those who are pregnant for more targeted advice to determine what is best for you. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Hillary! As with any medical condition (including pregnancy) it is strongly recommended to seek the advice and recommendation of a health care adviser who is experienced in Essential Oil usage with those who are pregnant. Also keep in mind how individual sensitivities can vary from person to person. Thanks for stopping by!
Gentle Baby works wonders on the soles of a newborn’s feet. I’ve had 5 babies and used it on all of them.
Hello,
I have been reading many of the comments below and the Responses from Young Living and as someone who uses Essential oils daily and is trying to get pregnant can you please tell me why (Young Living) you suggested to stay away from RutaVala if trying to conceive and during pregnancy? This is the first time I’ve ever heard of staying away from this oil so any information would be greatly appreciated… Thanks In Advance
Hello! My Friend is having bad backaches now in her second trimester. But thinking of getting deep relief roll on for her, would it be safe for her to use??
Hello Chia, We do not recommend excessive use of Wintergreen while pregnant. Therefore, we recommend that your friend speaks to her healthcare provider prior to use for targeted advice. Thanks for stopping by with your question!
Hi there, I have been using Thieves oil in my diffuser. Is this still recommended as safe during my pregnancy?
Hello Tracy, There are varying opinions on using essential oils during pregnancy. It is important to discuss usage with your health care provider for personalized advice and to use your best judgement with their use. Thanks for stopping by!
Hello,hi.. I really hope you can answer my question. I wonder if essential oils can be consumed or not? I did looked at living young and doTerra’s essential oils and they have essential oils that can be consumed so, is it safe? and what is the most recommended % or drop of essential oils if we want to mix with our food/drink? Thank you.
Hello Azie, If you are pregnant or nursing it is strongly recommended that, prior to use of essential oils, you seek the advice and recommendation of a competent, trained health care advisor who is experienced in EO usage. Our Vitality® line oils are labeled for internal use as a dietary supplement. Our Claims Committee reviews all current scientific research to determine the label for each product. Federal regulations require sufficient scientific evidence to support the label of the product. This means that any Young Living® product will require sufficient evidence to determine usage and following the usage directions will help ensure the safety and efficacy of the product.
Hi,
I recently found out I am pregnant. I have been taking the thyromin supplement for 3+ years due to having Hashimotos. Is it safe to continue taking thyromin while being pregnant. Thank you!
Hello Miranda, If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, we recommend consulting a health professional prior to use.
I am 27 wks and am having cramps and aches in my upper back. Can i use panaway for this? I have used it before( (not PG) and love it. I hve asked my dr and she says they hve no medicinal purposes so she can not recommend. I am an OB RN and hve seen oils used many timea in labors. Also I am hoping to VBAc with this baby but cant be induced. What oils would you suggest to prepare for delivery as well as after delivery?
Hi Shana, As with any medical condition it is strongly recommended that, prior to use of essential oils, you seek the advice and recommendation of a competent, trained health care advisor who is experienced in EO usage. It is generally recommended to avoid overuse and excessive use of Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) as well as the blends and supplements that contain these oils. Do not use RutaVaLa™ or the RutaVaLa roll-on products if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or could possibly be pregnant.
Hello, is Ninxgia red okay to drink while pregnant?
Hello Ann, NingXia Red® is generally safe for everyone; however, if you have questions or concerns, we recommend you speak to your healthcare provider.
I’m pregnant 4wks I have a bad cough and flu..
Can I use breath again and RC….?
Hi Nor, Thanks for stopping by. As with any medical condition it is strongly recommended that, prior to use of essential oils, you seek the advice and recommendation of a competent, trained health care advisor who is experienced in EO usage. It is generally recommended to avoid overuse and excessive use of Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) as well as the blends and supplements that contain these oils. Do not use RutaVaLa™ or the RutaVaLa roll-on products if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or could possibly be pregnant.
I know Frankincense is safe to use (diluted) on babies, but what about Sacred Frankincense? My 8 month old nephew could really benefit from Frankincense but was unsure if sacred Frankincense was safe for his age. If so, would you recommend 1-3 drops per 1 Tablespoon of carrier oil?
Hi Morgan, Although we do recommend extreme caution when using essential oils for children, through our research and 20+ years of experience, we have found that essential oils can be safe and beneficial for people of all ages. However, due to the extreme sensitivities of children and the fact that individual reactions will vary, we do not have a list of specific oils that can/cannot be used with children available to provide. We suggest consulting a health care provider to determine what is right for your children. We recommend referring to the individual label directions for any age restrictions as well. Essential oils should be diluted for use on children. We suggest using a patch test procedure prior to ensure the oil is properly diluted for the child. To perform a patch test, apply 1-2 drops of EO to a patch of skin such as the forearm. Please refer to our post Essential Oils in the Nursery for dilution suggestions.