4 Pregnancy Symptoms You Can Calm Using Essential Oils
Essential oils during pregnancy can be a lifesaver. Your pregnancy is a wonderful time in your life and taking care of yourself is more important than ever. However, as you know, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. If you are suffering from many of the symptoms of pregnancy, you are not alone.
Expectant mothers (like most people) are increasingly looking for more natural remedies for their symptoms. Essential oils have been shown to help relieve many of the symptoms you suffer and they are a natural solution with very few risks or drawbacks when used properly.
The research on essential oils is generally on the effects of aromatherapy. This means that the method of administration is typically to use essential oils in a diffuser. An essential oil diffuser will humidify the air and distribute the scents and their beneficial compounds into the air in your room.
Warnings: Ingesting essential oils is often a bad idea, particularly for expecting mothers. Some oils can be ingested or applied to the skin when mixed with a carrier oil, but this should only be done under the supervision of a qualified aromatherapist.
Morning Sickness and Nausea
Nausea is the hallmark symptom of pregnancy that most expectant mothers experience. The research on essential oils and nausea indicates that essential oils of ginger, peppermint, spearmint, and cardamom—alone or in combination—may be effective. Some of these studies were conducted with post-cesarean section patients. Essential oils are a great option in those cases because standard medical treatments can interfere with breastfeeding.
Anxiety
Worry is a natural part of pregnancy and it will not end once the baby comes. There is evidence that essential oils can be effective treatments for anxiety though. Lavender and orange essential oils have the most evidence behind them. A specific blend of lavender, roman chamomile and neroli essential oils was shown to reduce anxiety, increase sleep and stabilize blood pressure.
Pain
Unfortunately, all kinds of aches and pains accompany pregnancy and of course, the birthing process. The largest study of essential oils within a healthcare setting was on aromatherapy and midwifery. The study found that clary sage and chamomile were particularly effective at relieving pain. Moreover, the use of those oils reduced the need for opioids in treating pain.
Depression
In addition to its effects on anxiety, lavender essential oil has also been show to generally improve the mood. It has also been investigated specifically with women at high-risk for postpartum depression. One study found that among these high-risk mothers, four weeks of treatment with lavender oil significantly reduced their scores on a measure of depression. Yet another great use that replaces treatment that would otherwise involve pharmaceuticals.
Final Thoughts
Those are four proven remedies for some of the most common symptoms of pregnancy. All of them are safe, pleasant to use and extremely affordable, particularly when compared to pharmaceutical treatment that might otherwise be employed. Have you tried essential oils for any of your pregnancy symptoms? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below.
