ECO. Modern Essential Oils - FAQ
Essential Oils & Pets:
Essential oils can be toxic for pets. Never leave bottles open or in reach of animals. Each pet will differ, so please use caution when diffusing oils around pets. Watch out for changes in their behaviour, such as leaving the room while oils are burning or changes in eating habits. If you notice changes then we recommend to stop using that particular oil.
These oils are known to contain phenols and be toxic to cats/dogs: Peppermint oil, Citrus oils (including Lemon oil), Tea Tree oil, Pine oil, Eucalyptus oil, Cinnamon oil, Ylang Ylang oil.
The higher the concentration of essential oil, the greater the risk to your pet. If your pet ingests any oils accidentally, go to the veterinarian immediately.
Essential Oils & Pregnancy
Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils can be a great support for an expecting mother, with benefits including pain relief, calming, sleeping, energy and mental grounding. However there are also some warnings that you should consider before using essential oils in your pregnancy journey.
The golden rules of Aromatherapy during pregnancy
If you have had difficulties falling pregnant or if you have had a history of complicated pregnancies or miscarriages avoid using essential oils during the first trimester unless you are under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. Dilute essential oils to 1% in a massage blend. Low dilutions are recommended because the expectant mother may experience a heightened sense of smell and find a stronger blend too overwhelming. Secondly, there is good evidence to suggest that essential oil molecules can cross the placenta and some essential oils in large concentrations may not be healthy for the baby. Use your increased sense of smell to advantage and inhale each essential oil before use. You will know immediately if the oil is suitable for you as it will smell obviously wonderful or unpleasant. Note: essential oil preferences may change throughout your pregnancy.
COMMONLY USED ESSENTIAL OILS TOAVOID DURING PREGNANCY:
•Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)
•Basil
•Clary Sage*
•Eucalyptus
•Fennel*
•German Chamomile (Chamomillia recutita)
•Juniper Berry
•Marjoram*
•Myrrh
•Nutmeg*
•Peppermint*
•Rose*
•Rosemary
•Sage
•Spearmint
•Vetiver
•Wintergreen
•Yarrow
*Safe to use in the last few weeks of pregnancy and during labour if desired.
Essential oils can gently enhance an expectant mothers’ journey, both physically and emotionally, during this special time of change in her life. Aromatherapy can be used in all stages of pregnancy from easing morning sickness and aching muscles to labour preparation and support during the delivery. The oils listed below are considered safe and beneficial for pregnant women.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR PREGNANCY:
Bergamot, Black Pepper, Clove Bud, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon/ LIme, Orange, Mandarin, Neroli, Sandalwood & Ylang Ylang.
HELPFUL OILS FOR PREGNANCY CONCERNS:
Muscle aches: Lavender, Ginger, Black Pepper, Roman Chamomile, Frankincense, Clove
Constipation: Lavender, Black Pepper, Orange, Mandarin
Indigestion: Roman Chamomile, Mandarin, Ginger, Orange, Black Pepper, Lime
Morning sickness: Ginger, Lemon, Orange
Stress: Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium
Uterine tonic for labour preparation: Peppermint, Jasmine, Clary Sage, Clove, Palmarosa, Fennel, Nutmeg - massage abdomen and lower back during the last 2 to 3 weeks of pregnancy.
Labour pains and contractions: Lavender, Clary Sage, Black Pepper, Geranium, Marjoram, Clove, Nutmeg, Jasmine, Frankincense, Peppermint, Ginger
Why is there conflicting information about the essential oils I can use during pregnancy?
Even amongst very prominent and respected Aromatherapists there are different opinions about the safety of using certain essential oils during pregnancy. Some essential oils are thought to have the effect of promoting menstruation or regulating hormones and although there is no evidence to suggest that these oils would affect a pregnancy we cannot be sure, so for now avoiding these essential oils is prudent. For safe self-care choose essential oils from the list above. Please always seek medical advice for use of essential oils during pregnancy.