Pregnancy is an exciting and special time when a woman really needs to place an emphasis on self-care, nourishing her body and growing baby. It is also a time when many women become more aware of potential dangers from the foods they eat or products they use on their bodies. Natural plant remedies provide a convenient option for pregnant women who need help dealing with some of the more uncomfortable side effects of pregnancy and the early days of parenthood.

Peppermint

Any pregnant woman who has struggled through a cold or flu without the aid of over the counter medication would welcome a natural solution to clearing a stuffy nose. Peppermint is wonderful for opening up the respiratory system and a drop of peppermint in water or under the tongue can help clear airways. It is crucial however, that the essential oil used is 100% pure and labelled as safe for consumption. Peppermint & ginger are also incredibly helpful for morning sickness and can provide a welcome relief from nausea in those first few weeks of pregnancy. In the later stages of pregnancy those same oils can help with heartburn and digestive upset. Peppermint is one of the first essential oils I recommend for pregnancy as applying it topically is also great for headaches which makes it a useful & natural alternative to a headache tablet. Peppermint can however decrease milk supply which breastfeeding mums should factor in when using.

Wild Orange

Pregnancy is both an exciting and tiring time for a woman, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. Wild Orange can help with the fatigue associated with pregnancy and when used aromatically can help with energy levels. The uplifting properties of this citrus oil also help to lift mood and ease anxiety. Diffusing or inhaling wild orange can prove particularly useful in the days following the birth of a baby when new mothers can experience a rollercoaster of emotions and are more susceptible to low moods. Wild orange can also be helpful to calm emotions when diffused during labour.

Ylang Ylang

Choosing essential oils with sedative properties like Lavender or Ylang Ylang can help with insomnia or sleep problems associated with pregnancy. Ylang Ylang has a wonderful sweet smell and can help reduce high blood pressure, ease depression and encourage emotional balance.

Lavender

Incredibly practical oil for any mum to be, Lavender used topically can help with sore muscles/swelling and breast tenderness. Applying Lavender to the back of the neck & temples also helps with headaches and inhaling it or adding it to a bath helps combat feelings of depression. Lavender has antibacterial and soothing properties which also makes it ideal oil to use postpartum to promote healing. Diffusing lavender in a room can help calm both mother and baby. Breastfeeding mothers will find Lavender useful if dealing with mastitis or pain from feeding.

Fennel

Fennel has antispasmodic properties and can help with nausea and diluting it and applying it topically can help with colic. It is also well known as a natural way to increase milk supply which is welcome news to breastfeeding mums who don’t enjoy the taste of fennel tea. Fennel can also help ease cramps and to balance emotions.

‘Swelling Relief’

2 drops Lavender

2 drops cypress

3 drops ginger

2 teaspoon coconut oil

Combine essential oils with coconut oil & massage into legs & feet

Essential oils can be used aromatically to affect mood and open airways; topically for quick absorption into the body through the skin, and internally for immune & digestive support. It is important to select therapeutic grade oils free from synthetics.

Essential oils are a great way to improve your health easily and quickly. Drop me a line if you’d like to learn more about using essential oils or where to purchase 100% pure oils.…

caroline@honestabouthealth.com