How Aromatherapy can Treat Problems During Pregnancy…

Pregnancy is a joy ride for some and is a rollercoaster for some. However be the ride smooth or rough every woman feels at some point if she could have medicine without giving second thoughts too soothe the discomforts arising out of pregnancy. But, as medicines, (mostly all) are banned during this phase Archana Darshan investigates on aroma oils that can be safely used to handle discomforts occurring during pregnancy. Read on…..

Backache–For pain of the lower back region, massage with four drops each of lavender and sandalwood oil in two tablespoons of base oil. Six drops of lavender in the bath will help to soothe away the aches.

Sore breasts–The breasts expand during pregnancy. Therefore, they need extra care and attention during this period. A gentle massage with three drops each of rose and orange oil diluted in sweet almond oil can seek relief. If breasts are swollen, make a cool compress using rosewater and place over the breasts while having an afternoon rest. Sweet almond oil on its own is excellent for sore and cracked nipples during breast-feeding. Never use pure essential oils on the breasts during this period as they can easily be transferred to the baby while feeding.

Constipation–Take plenty of fresh and high fibre foods and drink plenty of still water. It can be due to tension also for which you can try a relaxing bath with three drops of lavender and four drops of rose. Massage your abdomen and the small of the back with a blend of four drops of chamomile or orange in one tablespoon of base oil.

Sleep problems–In the last few months of pregnancy, it is often difficult to get a good night’s sleep due to baby kicking and other discomforts. Take a relaxing bath with neroli and rose and you can add ylang-ylang also for its calming, sedative effect–a maximum of eight drops in total. Two drops of rose or lavender on the edge of the pillows will help induce sleep.

Stretch marks–It is the problem which every woman faces during pregnancy. When the stretched skin returns to the normal shape, it leaves some scars. Do a daily massage around the hips and expanding tummy, using five drops of lavender in one tablespoon of jojoba, wheat-germ or evening primrose oil. Start around the fifth month of pregnancy and continue after the birth until your normal weight has returned.

Varicose veins–The blood flow to the legs is often slowed down during pregnancy, causing the veins to dilate. Lemongrass and lavender mixed with two tablespoons of apricot kernel base oil can be massaged gently over the legs for relief. If veins are prominent, then one of the best oils for the circulation is geranium, though this should always be very dilute for use in pregnancy. Add four drops to the bath or to one tablespoon of carrier oil to massage the leg with upward movements. Do not work directly on the veins or apply too much pressure on leg.

Swollen ankles–To soothe swollen ankles, take cool to warm footbath of benzoin, rose and orange. Add two drops of each directly to the bowl or mix with one tablespoon of base carrier oil such as sesame seed. Raise your feet on cushions or pillows and take rest.

Labour–For a relaxing atmosphere in the labour room, use a few drops of lavender in a fragrance, or try rose, neroli or yang-ylang. Any of these oils can be used in a massage blend for the lower back to help with contractions. If labour is progressing slowly, try marjoram as a massage oil or compress across the abdomen to stimulate contractions.

After birth–Around the third or fourth day after childbirth, there are “baby blues” or post-natal depression. Take a bath with jasmine and ylang-ylang or use a body oil of chamomile, geranium and orange (five drops to two tablespoons of sweet almond oil), which is a good mix for hormonal imbalance. For perineal pains, take bath with lavender. You can add tea tree also to heal internal wounds and stitches.

Oils that can be safely used during pregnancy– chamomile, geranium (low doses), lavender, lemon, neroli, orange, rose, sandalwood.

Caution–The following oils should be avoided during pregnancy (particularly the first five months) because of their tendency to induce menstruation.
•

Bay, basil, clary sage, comfrey fennel, hyssop, juniper marjoram, melissa, myrrh rosemary, thyme, sage.

Take extra care in handling essential oils during pregnancy. Ensure that the oils you are using are not adulterated.

• Refrain from using these oils– St John’s Wort, oreganum, pannyroyal, tansy and wormwood.

Inputs given by Dr Naresh Arora, Chase Institute of Aromatherapy

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