Find out what oils are most beneficial for pregnancy and labour.
Pregnancy
Neroli
Extracted from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree, the sweet fragrance of neroli is uplifting and useful in treating anxiety, mood swings, tension and insomnia. It is also used to prevent stretchmarks and other skin problems.
Mandarin
Mandarin is a refreshing and gentle oil and can help constipation, heartburn, fatigue and insomnia. Blend with neroli or lavender.
Lavender
Lavender blends well with most essential oils and is favoured for its antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal and calming properties. It is used for depression, insomnia, skin problems, headaches and to soothe aches and pains. One drop on a pillow at night will help you sleep. Lavender differs from the other essential oils in that it can be applied neat to the skin. It soothes the itchiness and reduces swelling of insect bites. The healing effect that lavender has on burns has to be seen to be believed. It immediately soothes the pain and within days, the burn heals with no scarring.
Stretchmark Blend
You or your aromatherapist can mix a blend specifically for stretchmarks. Apply this daily at home from 16 weeks onwards. Massage the abdomen gently using clockwise circular movements moving down to the hips and buttocks.
Recipe for home blend (one application):
- 5 mls base oil (almond/grapeseed/coconut)
- 1 capsule vitamin E oil
- 1 drop neroli essential oil
- 1 drop mandarin essential oil
Labour
Jasmine
Jasmine is noted for its properties in preparing the uterine muscles for labour. AVOID using jasmine during the first eight months of pregnancy then use daily as a massage oil on the abdomen and lower back. In the delivery room it will help to promote focus and strength.
Whereas rose is regarded as the queen of aromatherapy oil, jasmine is the king. The oil is extracted from millions of tiny flowers hand-picked before dawn.
Labour Blend
- 50 ml base oil (grapeseed/sweet almond/coconut)
- 2 drops jasmine essential oil
- 2 drops rose essential oil
- 2 drops neroli essential oil