Aromatherapy Essential Oils and Pregnancy

The use aromatherapy essential oils in pregnancy is a highly debatable subject since studies have not been done to prove their safety.

However since studies that subject pregnant mothers and their unborn babies to potentially toxic substances are unlikely to be done, the chemical constituents of each essential oil can be used to guide us as to whether it can harm the mother and/or her baby.



Aniseed Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should avoid using aniseed essential oil.


Angelica Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid using angelica essential oil since it is has emmenagogue properties. This means that it increases the circulation on blood in the pelvis.


Basil Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should not use basil ct. estragole essential oil (Ocimum basilicum). This is due to the fact that it has emmenagogue properties which means that it increases the circulation of blood in the pelvis. 

Bergamot Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Experienced aromatherapists offer different opinions about whether bergamot essential oil should be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women. I therefore recommend avoiding it during pregnancy.

Non-pregnant women and men can use bergamot aromatherapy oil to:

1. Strengthen weak and damaged hair
2. Treat scalp psoriasis
3. Boosting creativity and creative writing

Birch Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should not use birch essential oil (Betula lenta).


Bitter Almond Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Bitter almond essential oil (Prunus amygdalus var. amara) should not be used by pregnant women or any other person since it is toxic in nature as it contains cyanide. 

Black Pepper Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid using black pepper essential oil since it can sensitize the skin.

Boldo Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Boldo leaf essential oil (Peumus boldus) should not be used by pregnant women or any other person since it is toxic in nature and can cause seizures.


Buchu Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women or any other person should avoid using buchu essential oil since it can damage the liver.

Calamus Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Calamus essential oil (Acorus calamus) should not be used by pregnant women or any other person since it is toxic in nature and it also contains asorone which is a carcinogenic or cancer causing substance.

Camphor Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Camphor essential oil (Cinnamomum camphora) should not be used by pregnant women or any other person since it is toxic in nature.

Cardamon Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Cardamon essential oil is listed by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy as one of the aromatherapy oils that appear to be safe for use during pregnancy.

Carrot Seed Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Carrot seed essential oil is generally considered safe but pregnant women should use its cautiously since its safety has not been medically established.

Carrot seed aromatherapy oil is used to:

1. Condition damaged hair

Cassia Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Cassia essential oil (Cinnamomum cassia) should not be used by pregnant women or any other person since it is a skin sensitizer.

Cedarwood Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid using cedarwood essential oil since it is has emmenagogue properties. This means that it increases the circulation on blood in the pelvis.

Cinnamon Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should not use cinnamon essential oil because of its emmenagogue properties. This means that it increases the circulation of blood in the pelvis. Cinnamon essential oil is also said to cause contractions of the uterus. It is also a skin sensitizer. 

Cinnamon aromatherapy oil is used for:
1. Increasing creativity

Clary Sage Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should not use clary sage essential oil. It is an emmenagogue which  means that it stimulates the circulation of blood in the pelvis and it is also said to cause contractions of the uterus. However it is used during the actual delivery process.

Clove Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid using clove essential oil. It is said to cause contractions of the uterus. Clover essential oil also causes skin sensitization.


Coriander Essential Oil in Pregnancy

Coriander essential oil is generally considered safe but pregnant women should use it cautiously since its safety has not been medically established.

Cypress Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid using cypress essential oil.

Elecampane Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid using elecampane essential oil since it causes skin sensitization.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid using eucalyptus essential oil.

Eucalyptus aromatherapy oil is used for:
1. Relieving physical and mental fatigue

Fennel Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid using fennel essential oil.

Fir Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid using fir essential oil.

Frankincense Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Frankincense essential oil is listed by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy as one of the aromatherapy oils that appear to be safe for use during pregnancy. However, other credible aromatherapy sources offer a different opinion. I therefore recommend avoiding it especially  during the first three months of pregnancy. 

Frankincense aromatherapy oil is used for:
1. Meditation and spiritual writing

Geranium Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Geranium essential oil is listed by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy as one of the aromatherapy oils that appear to be safe for use during pregnancy. However, other credible aromatherapy sources offer a different opinion. I therefore recommend avoiding it especially during the first three months of pregnancy. 

Non-pregnant women and men can use geranium aromatherapy oil to:

1. Moisturize dry hair
2. Balance oil production in dry scalps
3. Condition damaged hair
4. Treat lice infested hair

German Chamomile Essential Oil in Pregnancy
German chamomile essential oil is listed by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy as one of the aromatherapy oils that appear to be safe for use during pregnancy.


Ginger Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Ginger essential oil is listed by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy as one of the aromatherapy oils that appear to be safe for use during pregnancy. However other credible aromatherapy sources say it should not be used since it is an emmenagogue, which means that it increases the circulation of blood in the uterus. I therefore recommend avoiding it during pregnancy.

Grapefruit Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Grapefruit essential oil is generally considered safe but pregnant women should use it cautiously since its safety has not been medically established.

Grapefruit aromatherapy oil is used to:

1. Manage oily hair
2. Promote hair growth
3. Deodorize natural hair
4. Boosting creativity and creative writing

Helichrysum Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Helichrysum essential oil is generally considered safe but pregnant women should use it cautiously since its safety has not been medically established.

Horseradish Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Horseradish essential oil (Cochlearia armoracia) should not be used by pregnant women or any other person since it is a skin irritant and toxic in nature.

Hyssop Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should not use hyssop essential oil (Hyssopus officinalis).


Jaborandi Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid using jaborandi leaf essential oil since it is toxic in nature.

Jasmine Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should not use jasmine essential oil because of its emmenagogue properties. This means that it increases the circulation of blood in the pelvis. However, those who are actually giving birth can use it.

Jasmine aromatherapy oil is used for:
1. Enhancing creative expression
2. As an aphrodisiac for romance on Valentine's day

Juniper Berry Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should not use juniper berry essential oil since it can stimulate the muscles of the uterus. It is also an emmenagogue which means that it increases the circulation of blood in the pelvis.

Lavender Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should not use lavender essential oil especially in the first 3 months. 

Non-pregnant women and men can use lavender aromatherapy oil to:

1. Balance oil production in dry scalps

Lemon Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Lemon essential oil is generally considered safe but pregnant women should still use it cautiously since it is a possible irritant and its safety has not been medically established.

Lemon aromatherapy oil is used to:
1. Treat dandruff
2. Promote hair growth
3. Balance scalp oil production

Lemongrass Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should not use lemongrass essential oil since it can irritate the skin.

Marjoram Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should not use marjoram essential oil since it is an emmenagogue. This means that it increases the circulation of blood in the pelvis.

Melissa Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid using melissa essential oil since it is a possible irritant.

Mugwort Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Mugwort essential oil (Artemisia vulgaris) should not be used by pregnant women or any other person since in addition to being an abortifacient and inducing abortions, it is also toxic in nature.


Mustard Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Mustard essential oil (Brassica nigra) should not be used by pregnant women or any other person since it is a skin irritant that is also toxic in nature.

Myrrh Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should not use myrrh essential oil since it can act as a uterine stimulant. It is also an emmenagogue which means that it increases the circulation of blood in the pelvis.

Neroli Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Neroli essential oil is listed by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy as one of the aromatherapy oils that appear to be safe for use during pregnancy.

Neroli aromatherapy oil is used for:
1. Boosting creativity and creative writing

Nightshade Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid using nightshade essential oil since it is toxic in nature.


Nutmeg Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid using nutmeg essential oil since it can cause skin sensitization.


Oregano Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid using oregano essential oil since it can cause skin sensitization.

Parsley Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should not use parsley seed (Petroselinum sativumsince it is an abortifacient. This means that it can induce abortions. Parsley leaf essential oil should also not be used by pregnant and lactating women.

Patchouli Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Patchouli essential oil is listed by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy as one of the aromatherapy oils that appear to be safe for use during pregnancy.
Patchouli essential oil is used for:
1. As an aphrodisiac for romance on Valentine's day

Pennyroyal Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pennyroyal essential oil (Mentha pulegium) should not be used by pregnant women or any other person since in addition to being an abortifacient and inducing abortions, it is also toxic in nature.

Peppermint Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should not use peppermint essential oil. It is an emmenagogue which means that it increases the flow of blood in the uterus. 

Non-pregnant women and men can use peppermint aromatherapy oil to:

1. Hydrate dry hair. More on hydrating dry hair.
2. Normalize oil production by both dry and oily scalps
3. Promote hair growth. More on stimulating hair growth.
4. Soothe itchy scalps. More on soothing itchy scalps.
5. Mental stimulation and relieving mental fatigue

Petitgrain Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Petitgrain essential oil is listed by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy as one of the aromatherapy oils that appear to be safe for use during pregnancy.


Pine Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid using pine essential oil since it can cause skin sensitization.

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Roman chamomile essential oil is listed by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy as one of the aromatherapy oils that appear to be safe for use during pregnancy. However, other credible aromatherapy sources offer a different opinion due to the fact that it is an emmenagogue which means that it increases the circulation of blood in the pelvis. I therefore recommend avoiding it during pregnancy. 

Rose Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Rose essential oil is listed by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy as one of the aromatherapy oils that appear to be safe for use during pregnancy. However other credible aromatherapy sources say it should not be used because it can cause miscarriages since it has emmenagogue properties. This means that it stimulates blood flow in the pelvis. I therefore recommend avoiding it during pregnancy.  

Rose aromatherapy oil is used for:
1. Enhancing creative expression
2. As an aphrodisiac for romance on Valentine's day

Rosemary Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should not use rosemary essential oil. It is said to cause contractions of the uterus. It is also an emmenagogue which means that it increases the circulation of blood in the uterus.

Rosemary aromatherapy oil is used for:
1. Mental stimulation and relieving mental fatigue

Rosewood Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Rosewood essential oil is listed by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy as one of the aromatherapy oils that appear to be safe for use during pregnancy.


Rue Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Rue essential oil (Ruta graveolens) should not be used by pregnant women or any other person since in addition to being an abortifacient and inducing abortions, it is also toxic in nature.

Sage Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should not use sage essential oil (Salvia officinalis) since it is an abortifacient. This means that it can induce abortions.

Non-pregnant women and men can use sage aromatherapy oil to:

1. Balance oil production by dry scalps
2. Deeply cleansing the scalp
3. Treating scalp psoriasis

Sandalwood Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Sandalwood essential oil is listed by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy as one of the aromatherapy oils that appear to be safe for use during pregnancy.

Sandalwood aromatherapy oil is used for:
1. Meditation and spiritual writing
2. As an aphrodisiac for romance on Valentine's day

Sassafras Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Sassafras essential oil (Sassafras albidum) should not be used by pregnant women or any other person since in addition to being an abortifacient and causing abortions, it contains a carcinogenic or cancer causing substance known as safrole.


Savin Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Savin essential oil (Juniperus sabina) should not be used by pregnant women or any other person since in addition to being an abortifacient and inducing abortions, it is also toxic in nature.


Savory Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid using savory essential oil since it is thought to be toxic.


Southernwood Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women and all other persons should avoid using southernwood essential oil since it is toxic in nature.

Spearmint Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should not use spearmint essential oil because of its emmenagogue properties. This means that it increases the circulation of blood in the pelvis. 

Spikenard Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should not use spikenard essential oil.

Stinging Nettle Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women and all other persons should avoid using stinging nettle essential oil since it is toxic in nature.

Sweet Orange Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Sweet orange essential oil is generally considered safe but pregnant women should use it cautiously since its safety has not been medically established.

Sweet orange aromatherapy oil is used for:
1. Boosting creativity and creating writing

Tansy Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Tansy essential oil (Tanacetum vulgare) should not be used by pregnant women or any other person since in addition to being an abortifacient and inducing abortions, it is also toxic in nature.

Tarragon Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should not use tarragon essential oil (Artemisia dracunculus).

Tea Tree Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Tea tree essential oil is generally considered safe but pregnant women should use it cautiously since its safety has not been medically established.

Tea tree aromatherapy oil is used to:

1. Thoroughly clean the scalp and hair

Thuja Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Thuja essential oil (Thuja occidentalis) should not be used by pregnant women or any other person since in addition to being an abortifacient and inducing abortions, it is also toxic in nature.
Thyme Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should not use thyme essential oil. 

Wintergreen Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Wintergreen essential oil (Gaultheria procumbens) should not be used by pregnant women or any other person since in addition to being a skin irritant, it is also toxic in nature.

Wormseed Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Wormseed essential oil (Chenopodium ambrosioides) should not be used by pregnant women or any other person since it is toxic in nature.

Wormwood Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Wormwood essential oil (Artemisio absinthium) should not be used by pregnant women or any other person since in addition to being an abortifacient and inducing abortions, it is also toxic in nature.

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Ylang ylang essential oil is generally considered safe but pregnant women should use it cautiously since its safety has not been medically established.
Ylang ylang essential oil is used for:
1. As an aphrodisiac for romance on Valentine's day