Posted by Les Mauvaises Herbes
"Can I use this essential oil during my pregnancy?"
This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions. And it's normal!
As soon as you get pregnant, a lot of restrictions arise. Many over-the-counter medications are now to be avoided, and even our grocery shopping changes to accommodate all recommendations.
Some professionals advocate avoiding the use of all essential oils during pregnancy, others argue that the external use of all essential oils is safe, while many fall somewhere in the middle.
It's not easy to navigate all these diverse and sometimes contradictory recommendations, is it? We must admit, writing this post was not simple. A real headache! But after several rereadings and rewrites, we present here what we have gathered from our research, hoping that it will enlighten you.
Read also: The use of essential oils in babies and children
*Thanks to Natacha Rouette, naturopath, for reviewing the information presented in this text! ❤
Essential oils and pregnancy: a controversial topic
The use of essential oils (EOs) during pregnancy is a rather controversial topic in the world of aromatherapy. It is not uncommon to read or be told that they should be completely banned during the first trimester, and that only a handful of them are permitted during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In fact, it is rather difficult to obtain conclusive data, since ethically, research on human models is quite difficult to conduct, and understandably so. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't volunteer for that kind of study, haha. There are a few studies on animal models, but often with isolated molecules, or with extremely high concentrations and dosages, making them difficult to reproduce in humans. The risks raised with certain essential oils are therefore essentially theoretical. Indeed.
This leaves room for many unknowns and extrapolations... but pregnancy being what it is, many health professionals lean towards the precautionary principle, which is the recommendation to completely eliminate essential oils during the entire pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is not bad in itself! You can choose to opt for this strategy if you wish to remain ultra-cautious. That being said, we believe that it is possible to relativize and safely use essential oils during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as long as one is well informed!
Double standards?
A drugstore shampoo full of synthetic fragrances, known to be endocrine disruptors, is not forbidden during pregnancy, is it? No! The famous watermelon-scented deodorant, with a list of ingredients as long as my arm, is not forbidden either? Nope! Yet, it might be wise to avoid them...
A natural shampoo, from a conscientious Quebec company, containing a small amount of essential oils, in cosmetic dosages, should not be forbidden either. Even less so. The same goes for your homemade product, with an appropriate essential oil dosage.
WELL, that's settled.
Two essential elements to consider
Dosage
Firstly, it's important to differentiate between COSMETIC dosage and THERAPEUTIC dosage. Two completely different things.
Here at Les Mauvaises Herbes, we primarily offer cosmetic recipes, meaning with dosages around 2%. Our recipes categorized as remedies sometimes have higher concentrations (e.g., mosquito oil), but these are products intended for occasional use, not daily use.
Basically, cosmetic use and therapeutic use are like comparing apples and oranges!
Usage
Speaking of which. Besides the concentration of essential oils, it is also important to consider how the products are used.
- Is it a product you apply directly to your belly?
- Is it a rinse-off product, like an exfoliant or soap?
- Do you use it every day or only as needed?
These pieces of information are important to consider when deciding whether or not to use products containing essential oils, and if so, which ones.
In fact, according to Tisserand and Young, the vast majority of essential oils would be completely safe throughout pregnancy, when used in proportions ranging from 1% to 4% in external application.
Admit it, that's a weight off your shoulders, isn't it?
Please note, I'm not saying you shouldn't worry about it at all. What this shows is that due to the rigid application of the precautionary principle, a certain amount of misinformation has spread regarding restrictions on essential oils. We have lost sight of dosage and usage, even though they are key.
For therapeutic uses (i.e., with higher percentages), yes, you really need to be careful and be guided by an aromatherapist. But for your whipped butter, mask, deodorant (we even have an adapted recipe right here) or serum, you can most likely rest easy, as long as you respect the dosages!
How to calculate the dosage of a recipe?
Here's how to calculate the concentration of essential oils in a cosmetic recipe, so you can check if it contains a safe dosage for you! Just use the good old rule of three.
The actual calculation is much more complex if you want an ultra-precise result (see the detailed file here), but we can still rely roughly on the following guidelines:
1 ml of EO = 20-30 drops
1 ml of EO = 0.9 g of EO
1 g of EO = 1.1 ml of EO
Let's remember that we calculate the dosage of essential oils relative to the weight or volume of the ingredients in which they are soluble only. We exclude starch, salt, baking soda, clay, etc. from the calculations.
You can refer to this dilution chart to help you calculate:
To make things even more concrete, here's an example recipe and the calculation to verify the essential oil dosage.
Whipped Shea Body Butter
- ¾ cup (187.5 ml) shea butter
- ⅛ cup (31.25 ml) coconut oil
- ⅛ cup (31.25 ml) liquid vegetable oil of choice
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vitamin E
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) arrowroot powder
- 20-30 drops of Indian verbena EO
- 5 drops of rose geranium EO
Total volume of the oil phase: 252.5 ml
+
Total volume of essential oils (if you choose to add 25 drops) = 1 ml
= 253.5 ml
Then establish what percentage of the recipe the essential oil occupies in the oily volume (or weight if the recipe is in grams) by applying the rule of three.
253.5 ml = 100%
1 ml = x
x = 1 x 100 / 253.5
x = 0.38%
Proportion of each ingredient in the recipe:
- 73.97 % cocoa butter
- 12.33 % coconut oil
- 12.33 % vegetable oil
- 1% vitamin E
- 0.38% essential oil
Total = 100%
CONCLUSION: This recipe would therefore be safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding, since the dosage of Indian verbena and rose geranium essential oils in the recipe is only 0.38%.
Small exception: in your creams or lotions (with emulsion), you can dose your essential oils according to their total weight.
Ultimately, are there essential oils to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Despite all I've just told you, there are indeed essential oils with which you need to be careful throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. Especially around the abdominal area and breasts. Don't worry, in any case, this list includes a majority of EOs that are rarely used, or that are easily replaceable.
What are they accused of? Some could have effects on the nervous, hepatic or renal system, in addition to being able to cross the placental barrier. Others are potentially teratogenic, meaning they could cause fetal malformations. While some are uterine tonic: they can cause contractions, which could lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Finally, some EOs could have an effect on the hormonal system. Well, all of this is scary, we agree, but it must be kept in mind that these effects have not been proven and usually involve unbelievably high dosages and concentrations. Really. And we trust you, you're NOT going to chug entire bottles of essential oils, are you? GOOD!
We would have liked to provide you with a clear, not too long list, with plenty of certainty. However, during our research, we found that several references in the world of aromatherapy did not have the same information. How to decide? Who is telling the truth?
Rather than playing judge, we finally chose to present you with a comprehensive list of essential oils to avoid according to three references:
- Tisserand and Young (Essential oil safety, 2014)
- Michel Turbide (L'aromathérapie pour les enfants et les femmes enceintes, 2012)
- Danièle Festy (Quelles huiles essentielles pendant ma grossesse?, 2016)
Sometimes, some oils proscribed by one are not evaluated by another. Other times, a proscribed EO may be considered safe by another. Nothing to make our task easier, eh? By presenting them to you in this way, it will allow you to make up your own mind and make an informed choice.
Before presenting the list, a few basic rules to follow for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding Manifesto
1. Follow the general recommendations for safe use of essential oils by consulting our article here, including the importance of using quality essential oils. Go read it carefully, that's an order.
2. Have a low-risk pregnancy. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, talk to your healthcare professional first.
3. Do not take essential oils internally, unless guided by a certified aromatherapist.
4. Avoid applying products containing essential oils directly to the abdominal area and breasts*, especially repeatedly.
5. Exercise greater caution during the first trimester.
6. Check the contraindications of the essential oils you wish to use.
7. DO NOT use prohibited essential oils (see list below).
*Some essential oils can be beneficial for healing sore nipples. Consult an aromatherapist for safe use for mom and baby.
Essential Oils to Avoid
Here is a list of essential oils to avoid for internal, external, and diffused use according to one or more references.
| Essential Oils | References | ||
| Tisserand and Young | Danièle Festy | Michel Turbide | |
| Liguria Yarrow (Achillea ligustica) | – | Avoid | – |
| Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) | Avoid | Avoid | Safe |
| Musky Yarrow (Achillea moschata) | – | Avoid | – |
| Calamus (Acorus calamus) | – | Avoid | – |
| Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi) | – | – | Avoid |
| Indian Dill (Anethum sowa) | – | Avoid | – |
| Star Anise (Illicium verum) | Avoid | Avoid | – |
| Green Anise (Pimpinella anisum) | Avoid | Avoid | – |
| Atractylis (atractylis ovata) | Avoid | – | – |
| Wild Araucaria (Neocallitropsis pancheri) | Avoid | – | – |
| Mugwort (Artemisia vestita, Artemisia afra, Artemisia genipi, Artemisia alba, Artemisia scoparia… basically, no mugwort, haha) | Avoid | Avoid | – |
| Elecampane (Inula helenium) | – | Avoid | – |
| Camphor Basil (Ocinum canum camphoriferum) | – | Avoid | – |
| Costmary (Chrysanthemum balsamita) | – | Avoid | – |
| Bergamot (peel) (Citrus bergamia)* | – | – | Avoid |
| Sweet Birch (Betula lenta) | Avoid | – | – |
| Buchu (Barosma betulina) (CT diosphenol and CT pulegone) | Avoid | Avoid | – |
| Cajeput (Melaleuca cajeputii) | – | Avoid | – |
| Calamint (Clinopodium nepeta) | Avoid | Avoid | – |
| Blue Chamomile (Tanacetum annuum) | Avoid | – | – |
| Camphor Tree (cinnamomum camphora ct camphor) | Avoid | Avoid | – |
| Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) | Avoid | – | Avoid |
| Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) | Avoid | – | Avoid |
| Carrot (seed) (Daucus carota) | Avoid | – | – |
| Caraway (Carum carvi) | – | Avoid | – |
| Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) | Avoid | Avoid | – |
| Himalayan Cedar (Cedrus deodara) | Avoid | Avoid | – |
| Wormseed Goosefoot (Chenopodium anbrosioides anthelminticum) | – | Avoid | |
| Lemon (peel) (Citrus limonum)* | – | – | Avoid |
| Turmeric (Curcuma longa) | – | Avoid | |
| Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) | Avoid | – | – |
| Blue Cypress (Cupressus arizonica) | – | Avoid | – |
| Cryptone Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus polybractea cryptonifera) | – | Avoid | – |
| Peppermint Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus dives Shau. piperitoniferum) | – | Avoid | – |
| Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) | Avoid | Avoid | – |
| Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) | Avoid | – | – |
| Savin Juniper (Juniperus sabina) | Avoid | Avoid | – |
| Cat Thyme (Teucrium marum) | – | Avoid | – |
| Clove (Syzygium aromaticum or Eugenia caryophyllus) | Uterine tonic. Used in aromatherapy DURING labor to stimulate contractions (seek guidance if interested). Avoid during pregnancy. Not among the main essential oils to avoid according to the three sources mentioned here, but it is according to Passeport Santé and other references. | ||
| Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) | To be avoided | – | – |
| Italian Everlasting (Helichrysum italicum) | – | To be avoided | – |
| Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) | To be avoided | To be avoided | To be avoided |
| Lantana (Lantana camara) | – | To be avoided | – |
| Butterfly Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) | To be avoided | To be avoided | To be avoided |
| Wild Mint (Mentha arvensis) | – | – | To be avoided |
| Peppermint (Mentha piperita) | Safe | To be avoided | Safe |
| Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) | To be avoided | To be avoided | – |
| Dihycrocarvone Spearmint (Mentha suaveolens dihydrocarvoniferum) | – | To be avoided | – |
| Horsemint (Mentha longifolia or Mentha sylvestris) | – | To be avoided | – |
| Spearmint (Mentha spicata) | – | To be avoided | – |
| Mustard (Brassica nigra) | – | To be avoided | – |
| Sweet Gale (Myrica gale) | – | To be avoided | – |
| Myrrh (Commiphora molmol, Commiphora myrrha or Commiphora abyssinica) | To be avoided | – | – |
| Anise Myrtle (Syzygium anisatum) | To be avoided | – | – |
| Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia) | To be avoided | To be avoided | – |
| Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) | To be avoided | – | – |
| Sweet Orange peel (Citrus sinensis)* | – | – | To be avoided |
| Compact and Common Oregano (Origanum compactum and Origanum vulgare) | To be avoided | – | To be avoided |
| Grapefruit peel (Citrus paradisii)* | – | – | To be avoided |
| Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) | To be avoided | To be avoided | – |
| Parsley (apiole) (sativum apioloferum) | – | To be avoided | – |
| Ravensara (Ravensara anisata) | – | To be avoided | – |
| Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) | To be avoided | – | – |
| Camphor Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis camphoriferum) | – | To be avoided | To be avoided |
| Verbenone Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis verboniferum) | – | To be avoided | – |
| Rue (Ruta graveolens) | To be avoided | To be avoided | – |
| Cotton Lavender (Santolia chamaecyparissus) | – | To be avoided | – |
| Mountain Savory (Satureja montana) | – | – | To be avoided |
| Sassafras (Ocotea pretiosa) | To be avoided | To be avoided | – |
| Lavender-leaf Sage (Salvia lavandulafolia) | To be avoided | – | – |
| Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) | To be avoided | To be avoided | To be avoided |
| Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) | Safe | To be avoided | – |
| Three-lobed Sage (Salvia fructicosa) | – | To be avoided | – |
| Saussurea costus | To be avoided | – | – |
| Nutgrass (Cyperus) | – | To be avoided | – |
| Marigold (Tagetes glandulifera) | – | To be avoided | – |
| Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) | To be avoided | To be avoided | – |
| Wintergreen: Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) and Fragrant Wintergreen (Gaultheria fragrantissima) | To be avoided | – | – |
| Western Red Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) | – | – | To be avoided |
| Hiba (Thujopsis dolabrata) | To be avoided | – | – |
| Thymol Thyme (Thymus thymoliferum) | Not listed as a primary EO to avoid by the three sources mentioned here, but it is by Passeport Santé and other references. | ||
| Zdravets (Geramiun macrorrhisum) | – | To be avoided | – |
| Zedoary (Curcuma zedoaria) | To be avoided | To be avoided | – |
*Note that Michel Turbide does not recommend photosensitive essential oils, such as citrus, as the skin of pregnant women is more sensitive. However, they are safe for the fetus.
Short list of essential oils considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding
As mentioned earlier in the article, apart from the essential oils on the previous list, the vast majority of essential oils can be used safely at cosmetic dosages (4% and less), throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. Yes, indeed. But if you wish to be on the safe side, we have compiled a list of oils that can be used with complete peace of mind, as they are considered safe by at least two of these references: Michel Turbide, Tisserand and Young, Stéphanie Plamondon, Aliksir or Passeport Santé.
- Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)*
- Lavender, true or fine (Lavandula angustifolia or officinalis)
- Roman Chamomile (noble) (Chamaemelum nobile)
- Ho Wood (Cinnamomum camphora ct linalol)
- Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora ct cineole)
- Petitgrain Bigarade (Citrus aurantium ssp. amara)
- Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
- Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)
- Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)*
- Lemon (Citrus limonum)*
- Neroli (Citrus aurantium ssp. amara)
- Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata)
- Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
- Grapefruit (Citrus paradisii)*
- Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
- Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
*Photosensitizing essential oils: preferably use in diffusion, or avoid sun exposure if using topically. The skin of pregnant women and children is more sensitive to photosensitizing essential oils.
Do you find this too restrictive and want to include more plants in your skincare routine? Turn instead to hydrosols and oil macerations, which are much gentler, less concentrated products and perfectly compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: the same precautions?
In most reference works consulted, there is a tendency to conflate pregnancy and breastfeeding in terms of precautions to take. It is suggested to prohibit the same essential oils during these two periods of life, since essential oil components could indeed pass into breast milk, but this will depend on several factors: dosage, use, absorption, contact surface, metabolization rate, etc. Should all essential oils listed in the table above be prohibited during breastfeeding? This truly becomes a personal choice, much like alcohol consumption. If you know Dr. Jack Newman, a doctor specializing in breastfeeding, here is his opinion (free translation) on medication use and breastfeeding.
“Does the addition of a very small amount of medication to a nursing parent’s milk make breastfeeding less favorable than formula feeding? The answer is: almost never. Breastfeeding, with the presence of a little medication in the milk, is almost always more favorable. In other words, being careful means continuing to breastfeed instead of stopping.” – Jack Newman, breastfeeding and medication
In our opinion, the external use of essential oils at cosmetic dosages is considerably less intense than medication, right? And you have the opinion of a doctor above regarding the recommendation to continue breastfeeding despite the presence of medication, in almost all cases. This could help you make your choice!
What about the impact of essential oils on milk production? Can some essential oils stimulate or reduce the quantity of milk produced? Unfortunately, little information is available on this subject. Peppermint essential oil might decrease milk production according to some people. Common sage has also been used to reduce milk production. However, no scientific studies have been conducted to validate this information.
Other plants could also reduce milk production, such as thyme, lemon balm, or yarrow, but again, research to support this information is lacking. See this KellyMom file for the complete list.
And for infants?
Babies' tiny noses, lungs, and livers are much more sensitive than those of an adult. Extra caution is necessary. In addition to being more fragile, our little ones cannot really clearly express their discomfort to us. It is therefore all the more important to be VERY VERY careful. Some recommend avoiding them completely before three months, others allow them, but with appropriate dilutions. Below is the dilution chart from Tisserand Institute.
| Age | Dilution |
| 0 to 3 months | 0.1% to 0.2% |
| 3 to 24 months | 0.25% to 0.5% |
| 2 to 6 years | 1% to 2% |
We are not telling you that essential oils are all dangerous for infants and that you should avoid them like the plague, but to think carefully before adding them to your products. Is there a real therapeutic need? Is the dilution correct? Is my oil of good quality? Can I do without it? These small considerations can undoubtedly help you make your choice. As for pregnant and breastfeeding women, one can always turn to oily macerations and hydrosols.
There you go. Hope this sheds some light, parents! Happy pregnancy!
Sources
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF PROFESSIONAL AROMATHERAPISTS (IFPA). Pregnancy guidelines: Guidelines for aromatherapists working with pregnant clients, 2014.
FESTY, Danièle. Quelles huiles essentielles pendant ma grossesse?, 2016.
PLAMONDON, Stéphanie. Aromathérapie efficace et sécuritaire pour femmes enceintes, mamans et bébés, Vitalité Québec, 2017.
TISSERAND, Robert and Rodney YOUNG. Essential Oil Safety, 2014.
TURBIDE, Michel. Aromathérapie pour les enfants et les femmes enceintes : les huiles essentielles comme un outil de soin, 2012.
Passeport Santé
Aliksir
https://verysafehands.co.uk/blogs/guides/everything-you-need-to-know-about-aromatherapy-in-pregnancy-labour?fbclid=IwAR33A56M73OBeqLoOAy3j956dOiZRFivFGeagHx_Q8wEIYvoL2xbulp8W5E
https://naha.org/index.php/explore-aromatherapy/safety/?fbclid=IwAR3XoWoMgL5q-d3PwexJiOtCwzN7srIydn7P9MiYWMQh90RhC8mM05O8dew
https://www.drugs.com/breastfeeding/sage.html
https://www.universtao.fr/2016/04/22/huiles-essentielles-poids-mesures/
