9 Essential Oils For Nausea During Pregnancy

Essential oils have many uses and can be incredibly useful when used correctly. But what are they? Essential oils are active composites that are found in plants. These compounds are distilled into potent and pure oils. These oils encompass the powerful characteristics of certain botanical spices and herbs which can help for various ailments. 

Some of them help with eradicating bacteria, pain relief, relaxing muscles, enhancing digestion, or curing nausea. Since there are few side effects linked to them and they pose little risk, these oils have become more popular by the day for all sorts of beauty treatments and home remedies.

Just bear in mind, essential oils must not be ingested. Some are highly toxic. There are various ways to use essential oils and if you want to know more, keep reading. 

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How Are Essential Oils Used For Pregnancy?

As mentioned before, essential oils must never be ingested. They are generally inhaled or diluted with carrier oils to use topically. When they are applied as topical remedies, skincare products or massage oils, they are absorbed through your skin. When used in a diffuser, the molecules travel from your nose or mouth to your lungs, brain, and other sections of the body. 

Once these molecules entered your nasal cavity, chemical messages are transmitted to the section of your brain that impacts emotions. When you smell the essential oil, all sorts of responses are triggered in your body that directly impacts your wellbeing. This is why food smells can trigger hunger or even have a sexy appeal to some and get them in the mood.

When you are feeling ill or uncomfortable, your stress response is activated, and aroma could be the ideal tool to assist with rewiring the way you respond to stress. 

When you are pregnant, most medications are not allowed and using some essential oils could be an excellent alternative for making yourself feel better or more comfortable. Essential oils are natural with not many side effects. That is why more women are giving essential oils a try to alleviate certain pregnancy discomforts.

9 Essential Oils For Nausea During Pregnancy

Ginger Oil

Ginger oil is effective for treating motion sickness and nausea. Individual swears by it and research shows that it is true. Ginger oil can be used in a diffuser or applied as a topical solution to pressure points in your forehead and wrist, or directly on your stomach to relief nausea symptoms. Just remember essential oils must be diluted with a carrier oil when used topically. Ginger oil is considered safe for pregnant women when used correctly.

Peppermint Oil

An excellent remedy for nausea is peppermint tea, however, the essential oil has soothing effects as well. Researchers believe that peppermint essential oil acts as a relaxant for your gastric muscles which prevent them from cramping or over-contracting. A specific scientific review found that inhaling this oil can improve nausea symptoms and make you feel better fast. We suggest adding a few drops to a diffuser the next time you are feeling ill.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is well-known for its relaxing characteristics. Using this oil topically or in a diffuser can assist your mind with decompressing when you are preparing for bed. The same component is useful for effectively combatting nausea. If the nausea is the result of physical pain or anxiety, then the powerful effects of lavender is just the thing you need.

This remedy works well when a few drops is added to an essential oil diffuser and slowly inhaled when the aroma is released in the air. For nausea as a result of pregnancy, post-operative pain, or a virus, you may want to opt for other oils on our list first.

Lavender oil is also fantastic for reducing heartburn.

Cardamom Oil

Cardamom belongs to the same family as ginger but possesses its own characteristic features and aroma. This essential oil was used in conjunction with other essential oils during a clinical trial on patients with post-operative nausea. The study revealed that cardamom is a gifted anti-nausea agent when used with other oils. To use cardamom oil on its own or mixed with other oils, place a few drops in a diffuser. The lush, spicy aroma of cardamom might help you with feeling more relaxed which in turn lessens nausea and anxiety because of illness.

Spearmint Oil

Even though spearmint is less familiar as a nausea remedy, it is a relative of peppermint. Just like ginger and peppermint essential oils, spearmint oil can be rubbed on pressure points or gently over the intestinal area or your stomach. You can also add a few drops to a diffuser to help calm pregnancy nausea. The refreshing aroma paired with the menthol component of the oil can help you breathe better and feel more alert, despite your feelings of nausea.

Lemon Oil

You may not know this, but lemon in itself is an excellent remedy for morning sickness. You can lick a lemon slice, make lemon tea, or simply smell a lemon to relieve those unpleasant nausea symptoms. That is why it comes as no surprise that lemon essential oil is effective for reducing vomiting and nausea during pregnancy. You can dilute lemon essential oil with almond carrier oil and add it to a cotton ball.

Whenever you feel nauseous, simply inhale the aroma. This oil is an ideal choice if you are still new to the world of essential oils since it has versatile uses. You can use it repeatedly for diffusing or cleaning your home. The cheerful and fresh aroma of lemon is anti-microbial and anti-bacterial. 

Fennel Oil

Fennel is a popular remedy used by individuals as a digestive aid or constipation remedy. Fennel is known for relaxing the digestive tract, which is useful in preventing and aiding nausea. It is also used for bringing relief to an upset stomach or relieving bloating and gas. Using the essential oil has an equally powerful effect. It can be diluted with a carrier oil and rubbed into pressure points of your body or a few drops can be added to a diffuser to be inhaled. Fennel oil can be used a few times per day with hardly any risk. 

Mandarin Oil

Just like lemon, mandarin is another great oil for lessening morning sickness. This oil was also used in a study to evaluate the effects on post-surgical patients. Just about any fruit of the citrus family is effective in relieving nausea.

Black Pepper Oil

Black pepper oil is a popular remedy for treating cold and flu symptoms, stimulating appetite, and digestion. That is why it is the ideal companion to any tummy-aiding blend. Blend it with other oils to bring relief for stomach upset or nausea symptoms. 

How To Use Essential Oils

As A Topical Solution

Essential oil can be applied topically, but they are incredibly potent and must therefore be mixed with a carrier oil like coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil before rubbing it into your skin.

When mixing it with the carrier oil, the essential oil must only make up two to three percent of the mixture. This is about three to five drops that are added to 0.5 to one ounce of carrier oil. Certain people are allergic to some essential oils, so if you still experience skin irritation, it is best to stop using it all together. 

Diffusers

Typically, essential oils are used in a diffuser for inhalation purposes. The diffuser slowly releases the essential oil into the air at the right temperature. Whoever is in the room will breathe it in. 

Steam Inhalation

Another useful method of using essential oils, is through steam inhalation. This entails mixing a few drops of the oil into a boil of hot water. The person then dips a handkerchief or wash cloth into the bowl, followed by wringing it out and then placing it over the nose and mouth. When breathing normally, you then gently inhale the oil. 

Is It Safe To Use Essential Oils When You Are Pregnant?

The same rule applies no matter what you are planning to consume or use when you are pregnant. It is best to be safe than sorry, and ALWAYS consult with your doctor before trying anything new when you are expecting. 

The answer to our question depends on who you ask. Most doctors will not recommend aromatherapy due to the absence of randomized regulated studies to proof the effectiveness of these oils during pregnancy or illness. The topic of using essential oils during pregnancy remains controversial based on the limited research.

Essential oils are also not controlled by the Food and Drug Administration; therefore, the composition and strength can differ greatly. Essential oils can also interact with other drugs. Another concern is due to their nature, being organic materials, can infiltrate the placental wall and potentially affect the baby. Never buy essential oils from an untrustworthy source or take advise from random lifestyle experts or blogs.

Always consult with your doctor to provide you with suggestions for high-quality oils.

Essential oils during pregnancy must always be used with the guidance of a qualified professional, such as a midwife or medical practitioner.

Essential Oils That Are Not Safe To Use During Pregnancy

Always practice caution when using essential oils during pregnancy, and when you are allergic to specific ingredients, do not use them in aromatherapy. Some essential oils can be incredibly harmful during pregnancy since they can cause complications, like promoting uterine contractions. Some should not be used because uncertainty exists about the effects they might have on pregnant moms or their fetuses. These include: 

• Clary sage
• Marjoram
• Tarragon
• Thuja
• Caraway
• Wintergreen
• Mugwort
• Basil (estragole CT)
• Hyssop
• Parsley seed or leaf
• Cinnamon
• Tansy
• Birch
• Wormwood
• Aniseed
• Pennyroyal

Risks And Side Effects

The use of essential oils for nausea generally poses a low risk. However, there are individuals that should refrain from using them as a remedy for nausea.  In rare instance, over-exposure from the menthol content in peppermint or spearmint can be harmful to the skin. A more well-known side effect that is reported is dermatitis from lavender essential oil.

Always use a gentle carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil to blend with potent essential oils prior to rubbing it onto your skin. This will alleviate irritating or burning your skin when used topically. Three to five drops added to an ounce of carrier oil is the recommended ratio. 

Avoid direct inhalation of the vapor emitted by the oil diffuser or steam dispenser because it can cause irritation in your mucous membrane. If nausea symptoms continue over a period of forty-eight hours or you start displaying symptoms of dehydration, immediately discontinue the use of essential oils and consult with your doctor. 

These home remedies are meant for alleviating mild nausea. However, it will not cure the root cause of the nausea if you are having a viral or bacterial infection. And if you are pregnant or nursing and are looking for an aid to lessen morning sickness, it is always recommended to speak to your doctor or midwife before opting for alternative treatments. 

Important Notes Regarding The Use Of Essential Oils

It is essential to acknowledge that essential oils are not some miracle cure. There are ongoing studies about the effects of essential oils and not all remedies are yet fully understood. Keep in mind that the side effects are minimal when using them for nausea. It also helps to take a deep breathe to try and calm your body to get rid of the nausea or keep it from getting worse.

The use of essential oils is not monitored by the FDA. To make sure the product is safe and in its purest form, always conduct proper research of the company and the quality of the product before buying a particular brand. You can also ask your doctor or a certified aromatherapist for some suggestions. 

Always keep an eye out for any emergency or adverse symptoms even if you are feeling better and refrain from attempting to treat severe headaches, dehydration, or severe bleeding that is accompanied by the nausea. Your doctor is the best person to contact with regards to the causes and possible cures for any nausea that you are experiencing.

Essential oils are known to be effective for various ailments, but you should practice caution when using them, especially when you are pregnant.