There is a general perception that if something is natural like essential oils that it is safe to use at all times and that you really can't overdo it. However, this is not the case. One reason why traditional medical doctors prefer to avoid aromatherapy products is that each person has differing reactions to the same oil. It’s hard to recommend anything that can cause side effects on who knows how many of your patients, especially if they are pregnant. But, when you are pregnant, traditional medicines can often be too harsh for the growing baby. Can you use something more organic, like peppermint essential oil for pregnancy?
Depending on what aromatherapist you talk to or what aromatherapy book you read, peppermint oil is either a blessing or bane for pregnant women. Some say it is only safe for the first trimester, some for the first two trimesters. Some pregnant women say they were greatly comforted by peppermint oil and nothing bad happened to them or their babies. How to decide?
If you’ve never used it before, do not use peppermint essential oil for pregnancy aches and pains. If you’ve used peppermint essential oil before for other reasons and have never felt any ill effects, you can try using it, but not put it on your skin after the second trimester. Peppermint essential oil can cause sometimes cause contractions. This is why it can be frowned upon. If you’re still not sure, just avoid use at all.
The main way women have been helped by peppermint essential oil is just sniffing the oil on a tissue or handkerchief when they are nauseated. Ever have peppermint tea or some kind of mint after a big dinner? The peppermint relaxes the digestive muscles and makes you feel not so sick or full. Sniffing peppermint oil for pregnancy can be a safe cure for those women affected by motion sickness. Keep in mind that some doctors think sniffing peppermint essential oil for pregnancy symptoms can cause contractions.
Another mostly safe use of peppermint essential oil for pregnancy is burning it alone or in combination with other favorite oils to produce a tranquil, happy scent in your home. Stress for the pregnant mother is thought to hurt the developing baby, so when you can, relax. If you decide to use peppermint essential oil in the bath, even a foot bath, use ONE drop only.
You can help make using peppermint essential oil for pregnancy safer by choosing a therapeutic or medicinal grade essential oil in a dark bottle. The Latin name on the label should be Mentha piperita. Also, the smell of peppermint should trigger happy and calm feelings to help you distress during pregnancy.
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