Unless you’re a trained aromatherapist, for most of us, we see essential oils and think “Ooo, healthy!” As it turns out, different seasons of wellness call for different oils -and some oils are actually unsafe at particular times. It’s not all that technical, but we invite you to lean-in and learn more about essential oils and your health!

Where the Conversation Started: Essential Oils & Pregnancy

To be completely transparent, this dialogue comes out of Dhana’s journey. Back in 2019 we found ourselves in the presence of fertility companies left, right and centre. Dhana already had a range of products suiting a toxin-free niche within which we were proud to be operating. See the carefully selected minimalist ingredient-list, from which Dhana creates its products.

The IVF journey, on which many friends were embarking, created an interesting opportunity to take toxin-free one step further and create 100% fertility-friendly products – it turns out we were already there, but first were led down a complicated journey, before realizing clarity in what we’d established, already.

Fertility experts were telling us we’d need to re-certify our products with fertility-friendly essential oils. Only, as it turns out there is inconsistency in the safety knowledge related to these plant oils. Rather than listening to other brands, claiming to be experts, we’ve taken this dialogue to the UK’s NHS, university health centres, and aromatherapy experts elsewhere to obtain a comparative and comprehensive essential oil report. With some information obtain from websites, and others from direct email correspondence, let us share the results:

Fortunately, Dhana’s formulas have never used Hyssop or Tansy (whatever they are?!) Anise, Wintergreen, Wormwood or Parsley, all commonly discussed as no-no’s. The list goes further… 

Sources of Information

UK: NHS Glasgow | Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS | Holistic Midwife | Baby Centre | 

USA: Moreland OBGYN Wisconsin | WebMD | Healthline | National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy | Parents.com | 

Elsewhere: Everlasting Comfort | Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists | Pregnancy Australia 

So, you’re pregnant, venturing into a journey involving IVF or looking for the purest of pure essential oils… Here’s what you need to know. 

Essential Oil No-No’s During Pregnancy

Listed in Order of Potential Toxicity

All sources agree – To Be Avoided:

Anise | Wintergreen | Tansy | Basil | Birch | Mugwort | Sage | Pennyroyal | Tarragon | Camphor | Hyssop | Wormwood | Parsley 

Disputed for their level of danger; Use with Caution:

Thuja | Juniper Berry | Cinnamon | Oak Moss | Oregano | Thyme | Rue | Clary Sage | Bitter Almond | Arnica | Pine | Clove | Sassafras 

Generally Safe: Potential adverse affects during pregnancy:

Marjoram | Fennel | Carrot Seed | Caraway | Horseradish | Nutmeg | Cypress | Geranium | Myrrh | Ravensara | Mustard | Rosemary | Savin | Summer Savory | Cedarwood | Tonka | Laurel | Angelica | Cumin | Citronella | Broom | Cassia | Deer Tongue 

*Note, some, but not all authorities contacted here mention different trimesters of pregnancy. We have chosen to leave this dimension of the conversation out, simply defining safe vs potentially and/or dangerous. 

*You can see from this information that there is inconclusive agreement even at the top health organizations regarding essential oil uses during the various phases of pregnancy. What’s most important is that you use your intuition and do what’s right for you when it comes to essential oils and your health.

How to Use Essential Oils

Dilution Safety

Whether during pregnancy or during another wellness journey, the dilution of essential oils is crucial to keeping your skin and health safe. Some people, after spot testing, will use the oil neat, meaning without dilution, but as we’re talking about during pregnancy here, the opposite is true.

During pregnancy the recommended dilution rate is 1% – equivalent to 1 drop into 5 ml (or 1 tsp) of carrier oils. A base or carrier oil could be fractured coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or any other you like to use. 

Application

There are two main ways essential oils can be used. They are topical (applied directly to the skin) and aromatic (inhaled). When diluted as mentioned above, either of these applications is safe and encourages wellness. 

Some health professionals may lead you to take essential oils orally, once very well diluted, but this is not recommended to do alone, due to their potency and often adverse affects. Professionals will explain why and how to do this. 

Friendly Fertility ProductS

You can trust us when we say Fertility Friendly! We’ve done our research (for years now!) and keep circling back to it, in case more research is added. We keep experts on-hand to stay in the loop! 

There’s just one caveat, the Against-the-Grain Facial Bar wasn’t designed for a pregnant mother. It’s deep woodsy cinnamon aroma helps bring about a soft shave, so let your significant-other enjoy it while you’re pampering yourself with the other scents you love! We’ve got a few options to spritz, soak and soothe you with…

Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

£8.50

A spritz here and a spritz there! Now just watch how quickly the zzz’s come tonight!

• Never lose a good night’s sleep again!
• Reliable sleep hygiene makes for restful nights.
• Wake up refreshed because you eased yesterday’s anxiety yesterday.

SKU: H4601D Categories: Natural Home Care, Products That Make Life Better Tags: dhana, dhanaselfcare, fertility friendly, gifts, Lavender, pillow spray, relaxation, ylang ylang

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Now, it’s your turn…

Whatever type of wellness journey you’re on, tell us your favourite essential oil. What do you use it for and how do you make use of it? We want to learn from your experience of how essential oils benefit your best health.