Natural Solutions During Pregnancy

Natural Solutions During Pregnancy

Lower back pain : In addition to yoga, massage the lower back. Add 16 drops each of Spike Lavender, Cajeput and Lemon to 4 ounces of a natural massage oil, lotion, or carrier oil of your choice.

Constipation : In addition to drinking 8 glasses of pure water daily and eating foods high in fiber, gentle massage of the abdomen in a clockwise direction can help alleviate constipation. To 4 ounces of natural massage oil, lotion or preferred carrier oil, add a total of 48 drops of any combination of these Essential oils for constipation : German Chamomile, Neroli, Black Pepper, Tangerine and Sweet Orange.

Flatulence : In addition to avoiding foods which contribute to gas production, gentle abdominal massage in a clockwise direction can be beneficial. Add up to 48 drops of an essential oil or blend to 4 ounces of natural massage oil, lotion or carrier oil of choice. Essential oils for flatulence : Dill, Ginger, Spearmint.

Hemorrhoids : Take steps to avoid hard stools and constipation (see above). Use cold Witch Hazel compresses to help shrink hemorrhoids. Combine 5 drops Cypress and 15 drops Geranium Rose essential oils to 1 ounce KY Jelly or other non-petroleum based gel, and apply to painful hemorrhoids as needed. According to Worwood, this treatment can also be used to prevent the development of hemorrhoids.

Morning Sickness : About half of pregnant women experience morning sickness. It is actually a good sign, in that it indicates the placenta is seated. (Please note that the absence of morning sickness is NOT a bad sign.) To help alleviate morning sickness, avoid fats, sugars, alcohol, caffeine, processed orange juice and cigarette smoke. Eating small frequent meals, and taking a Vitamin B complex and additional B6 and magnesium can help prevent it. Foods rich in Vitamin B6 and magnesium include brewer's yeast, torula yeast, wheatgerm, soy nuts, sunflower seeds, walnuts, brown rice, bananas, chicken, tuna and salmon. Cook with ginger as appropriate. Snack on plain whole grain crackers. Ginger, Red Raspberry and Peppermint teas can help with nausea. Diffusing Ginger and Tangerine essential oils or using a Ginger or Tangerine Aromatherapy Inhaler are also helpful.

Heartburn : Avoid spicy and greasy foods, coffee and alcohol. Eat several small meals during the day instead of larger meals. Try drinking one ounce of whole milk before meals to coat the stomach. Wait several hours after eating to lie down. Fragrant bath, diffusion or massage of the middle back and abdomen can be beneficial, using these Essential oils for heartburn : Roman Chamomile, Coriander Seed, Ginger, Lavender, Lemongrass, Tangerine. For massage, use up to a total of 48 drops of an essential oil or blend in 4 ounces of natural massage oil, lotion or carrier oil of your choice.

Leg Cramps and Swelling : Increase your intake of calcium-rich foods : yogurt, cottage cheese, almonds, sesame seeds, garbanzo beans, soybeans, sardines, salmon, bananas, grapefruit, oranges. Avoid highly processed foods and minimize added salt when cooking. Elevate your legs while sitting or sleeping, preferably above the level of the heart. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes and socks that fit properly (they may need to be larger than your normal size). Walk 2 miles daily, and avoid standing in one place for long periods of time. When experiencing a leg cramp, apply heat and pressure with your hand. Massaging the painful muscle with a natural massage oil or lotion with up to 2% dilution (48 drops in 4 ounces) of these Essential Oils for leg cramps and swelling : Black Pepper and/or Ginger (these are warming oils). A foot bath can also be beneficial, using Cypress 5 drops, Geranium 5 drops and Lavender 10 drops.

Hands and Feet Swelling : Avoid highly processed foods and limit the salt you use in cooking. Wear properly fitting shoes and socks. Enjoy a hand or foot soak with a few drops of any of these Essential Oils for swelling: Geranium Rose, Pink Grapefruit, Lime, Sweet Orange, Tangerine.

Fatigue or insomnia : In addition to creating a restful environment, and avoiding stimulating activities for an hour before bedtime, using essential oils in the bath, for relaxing massage or in a diffuser can be helpful. Bath : Combine 10 – 20 drops of single essential oil or blend with 1 ounce of milk and add to bath water.  Massage : Add a total of no more than 48 drops of essential oil or blend to 4 ounces of natural massage oil, lotion or carrier oil of your choice.  Diffuser : Follow manufacturer instructions. Note that only pure essential oils should go in a diffuser. Dilutions with carrier oils are not suitable for use in a diffuser, but Dilutions with another essential oil, such as Petitgrain can be diffused. Essential Oils for fatigue and insomnia : Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Neroli, Sweet Orange.

Skin Conditions : Common skin problems which can occur during pregnancy include pimples, acne, red marks and “mask of pregnancy”, which are dark blotches on the skin, often on the face. After childbirth these conditions will disappear on their own, however taking 5 mg of Folic Acid with each meal can help get rid of the “mask”. Avoid emotional and physical stress as much as possible. Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C supplements are recommended.  

Stretch Marks : Stretch marks can be prevented by using this unique massage oil on the areas of skin where they would normally occur : breasts, abdomen, buttocks and thighs. Base oil : 50 ml pure Avocado oil, 10 ml Apricot Kernel Oil, 10 ml Wheatgerm Oil. Add the essential oil option of your choice. Option #1 : Tangerine 20 drops, Neroli 5 drops, Lavender 5 drops. Option #2 : Frankincense 20 drops, Geranium Rose 5 drops, Lavender 5 drops.

Varicose Veins : Varicose veins are enlarged veins that are visible close to the skin, and appear as dark bulging twisted lines. They typically fade or disappear after childbirth. Avoid wearing high heeled shoes. Do not sit cross legged or stand in one position for long periods of time. Massage in the direction of ankles to thighs with this massage oil. Base Oil : Sweet Almond Oil 30 ml, Calendula-infused oil 20 ml, Wheatgerm Oil 10 ml. Essential Oils : Geranium Rose 15 drops, Lemon 10 drops, Cypress 5 drops.

Miscarriage : A common contributing factor to miscarriage is the failure of the placenta to take over the role of progesterone production at about the third trimester of pregnancy. The first symptom of miscarriage is bleeding, which may be accompanied by abdominal cramping. Small amounts of bleeding are not unusual during pregnancy, but if you are experiencing persistent or heavy bleeding, seek immediate medical attention. Understandably, the emotional trauma experienced during and after miscarriage can be overwhelming. Essential oils used after miscarriage address both the physical needs of the body as it returns to the non-pregnant state and the emotional and spiritual healing that needs to take place. Massage, fragrant baths and diffused essential oils can be invaluable during this time. Use any of the following Essential Oils for after miscarriage : Clary Sage, Geranium Rose, Frankincense, Jasmine, Rose Otto, Rosewood, Sandalwood. Bath : Add 10 – 20 drops total of the chosen oil or oils in 1 ounce of milk and add to bath water. Massage : Use up to 24 drops of any oil combination to 2 ounces of natural massage oil, lotion or carrier oil. Diffuser : follow manufacturer instructions.

References :

Battaglia, Salvatore, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Second Edition, 2003. The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Brisbane, Australia.

Cooksley, Valerie Gennari, Aromatherapy : Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate and Heal, 2002. Prentice Hall Press, New York, NY.

Worwood, Valerie Ann, The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, 1991. New World Library, Novato, CA.

Notice : This information is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease, and should not take the place of evaluation by a qualified health professional. Although we strive to provide information which is accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

Precautions : Pure essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. Do not use them undiluted, or in the eyes or mucus membranes. If applying an essential oil to the skin, always dilute it with a proper carrier oil and test on a small patch of skin before applying to a large area. Do not take them internally except under the direction of a qualified professional trained in Aromatherapy. Always familiarize yourself with the safety, contraindications and proper preparation of each essential oil before use. Note that when using essential oils for children and the elderly, very low concentrations should be used. Keep all essential oils away from children and pets.