Aromatherapy and Pregnancy

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Aromatherapy and Pregnancy, Part 1: Easing the Discomforts of Pregnancy

The following aromatic blends can be safely enjoyed after your first trimester to positively affect your overall physical and emotional well-being. Enjoy!

Morning Sickness

Select one of the following essential oils to alleviate nausea and queasiness. Inhale either directly from the bottle or pour up to 4 drops of one of the essential oils on a tissue and breathe in. Repeat as needed.

Peppermint
Spearmint
Lemon

Indigestion

Select one of the following essential oils to ease heartburn and gassy discomfort in your chest or abdomen. Inhale either directly from the bottle or pour up to 4 drops of one of the essential oils on a tissue and breathe in.

Peppermint
Cardamon
Lemon

Stretch marks

While it's true stretch marks cannot be prevented, this recipe can help ease the itching and discomfort associated with them. Pour the oil essences into a 60-ml bottle, and add organic vegetable oil to fill. Massage the area each morning and evening.

3 drops Lavender
2 drops Geranium
2 drops Rosewood

Skin problems

What has been called the "glow" of pregnancy can often wreak havoc on our skin. Use the following recipes to aid your skin problems. Pour the oil essences into a 60-ml bottle, and add organic vegetable oil to fill. Massage the afflicted area.

Itchy skin

2 drops Roman Chamomile
2 drops Lavender

Inflamed skin

4 drops Roman Chamomile

Dry skin

2 drops Lavender
2 drops Geranium
1 drop Rose Otto

Back rub

Enlist your partner to massage your back with the following blend to ease muscle aches and tension. The recipe should be made by pouring the oil essences into a 60-ml bottle, and then adding organic vegetable oil to fill.

3 drops Lavender
2 drops Roman Chamomile

Fatigue

Need an added boost since giving up caffeine during your pregnancy? This blend will give you a refreshing lift. Pour the oil essences into a 60-ml bottle, and add organic vegetable oil to fill. Inhale during the day as needed. Anoint your solar plexus and the sacrum.

3 drops Grapefruit
2 drops Orange
2 drops Lavender

Edema

Swollen legs and feet, common in pregnancy and caused by the build-up of fluid, can be eased with a gentle massage of the following blend. Pour the oil essences into a 30-ml bottle, and add organic vegetable oil to fill. Gently massage the area. Be careful not to massage deeply, as some pressure points in the feet, ankles and legs can induce labor.

3 drops Lavender
2 drops Cypress
2 drops Juniper

Muscular cramps

Ease leg cramps and other muscle aches with this aromatic blend. Pour the oil essences into a 30-ml bottle, and add organic vegetable oil to fill. Massage the area. Again, Be careful not to massage deeply, as some pressure points in the feet, ankles and legs can induce labor.

3 drops Lavender
3 drops Roman Chamomile

The following recipes are safe, enjoyable and easy enough to blend right at home, and will certainly make a difference in the way you feel. Combine these remedies, along with other activities you enjoy, such as walking, massage, reading, etc. Not only will your baby benefit from your uplifted spirits, but daddy will too!

Aromatic Blend to Ease Fears

It's not uncommon to have fears about pregnancy. You may wonder whether you are progressing normally, whether the baby is healthy, etc. Use this blend to bring comfort and reassurance when you feel you need it most. In a 10-ml bottle, pour the essential oils and then add organic vegetable oil to fill.

1 drop Roman Chamomile
1 drop Neroli

Massage the solar plexus. Pour a few drops of this aromatic blend into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Add several drops to your unscented lotion and massage on your body to soothe and moisturize dry skin and treat stretch marks.

Blend to Ease Anxiety, Nervousness

As the big day draws near, feelings of anxiety and nervousness about the labor and delivery are prominent. Use this blend to clear your mind and bring you peace. In a 10-ml bottle, pour the essential oils and then add organic vegetable oil to fill.

3 drops Lavender
1 drop Neroli

Blend to Bond with Your Baby

This blend quiets the mind and spirit, allowing mom to feel more in-tune with her baby. It is a wonderful blend for meditation, which can help bring a connection with the child. In a 10-ml bottle, pour the essential oils and then add organic vegetable oil to fill.

1 drop Rosewood*
1 drop Lavender
1 drop Neroli

*After the second trimester, replace the Rosewood in this blend with 2 drops of Rose Otto, which will help ease the fears and anxiety of the third trimester. Rose helps to calm your emotions and increases tranquility .

In the evening, set up a tranquil place to light candles and meditate. Massage your abdomen, sacrum and heart chakra. Pour a few drops of this aromatic blend into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Placing your hands on your belly, tune in to the baby's heartbeat, talk to the baby, open yourself to the many sensations your baby is experiencing. The purpose is to FEEL and let love embrace you.

Blend for Emotional Comfort

One moment you may feel overjoyed, while the next moment you feel uncertain. It's no wonder pregnant women often feel so frazzled and sensitive. Use this blend to enjoy more of the nurturing comfort you crave. In a 10-ml bottle, pour the essential oils and then add organic vegetable oil to fill.

2 drops Bergamot
2 drops Orange
1 drop Neroli*

*After the second trimester, replace the Neroli in this blend for the Rose essential oil (see above).

Massage the solar plexus, abdomen and heart chakra. Pour a few drops of this aromatic blend into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Add several drops to your unscented lotion and massage on your body to soothe and moisturize dry skin and treat stretch marks.

Blend to Bring Security

In the midst of the life-transforming state of pregnancy, we all need to feel grounded and secure. Use the following blend to bring you more confidence and security. In a 10-ml bottle, pour the essential oils and then add organic vegetable oil to fill.

1 drop Neroli
1 drop Roman Chamomile
2 drops Bergamot

Massage the solar plexus and the heart chakra. Pour a few drops of this aromatic blend into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Add several drops to your unscented lotion and massage on your body to soothe and moisturize dry skin and treat stretch marks.

Blend to Feel More Loved

As your pregnant body evolves, it's not uncommon to feel unattractive, uncomfortable and sometimes unloved. This blend will bring you comfort and tranquility to help you feel loved and nurtured.

1 drops Rosewood*
2 drops Bergamot
2 drops Lavender

*After the second trimester, replace the rosewood in this blend for the Rose essential oil (see above).

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Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist, Francoise Rapp, shares her expertise in using essential oils to heal and revitalize body and mind .