Essential oil and pregnancy

Yang perlu di perhatikan mengenai penggunaan minyak atsiri / aroma terapi selama masa kehamilan. Bolehkah menggunakan minyak atsiri selama masa kehamilan? apakah minyak atsiri baik buat bayi? apakah minyak atsiri bisa mengatasi sulit tidur? Dapatkan jawabannya disini.

Can essential oils be used during pregnancy?
We used to advise not at all in the first three months, and then maybe only quite prudently, pointing to a long history of anecdotal reportage of safe use. However various regulatory bodies concerned with the toxicological effects of essential oils on both sides of the pond have pointed out that detailed evidence of the effects of essential oils on human reproductive toxicology is missing. We also know that foetal and infant detoxification mechanisms are under-developed and we understand them poorly. It would be the choice of (Safety Chair) therefore to err on the side of extreme caution and not use essential oils during pregnancy, although this policy might be considered rather extreme by some.

Are there any essential oils or aromatherapy products that should not be used during pregnancy?
Turning the question around, these well diluted oils arguably might have less potential for possible adverse effects: chamomile oils, geranium, jasmine, lavender, neroli, patchouli, sandalwood, ylang ylang.

Can essential oils be used during the birthing process?
Traditionally we have said that oils like lavender can help relax mom by scenting the air, when used as a back rub etc. However it has also been said that relaxants work counter to the process of giving birth. We are unaware of any studies done on the effect of oils such as lavender on the CNS (central nervous system) of a new born baby - personally it wouldn't be our choice (Safety chair) to administer psycho physiologically depressant substances to a new born baby. But again, this attitude might be considered extreme by some.

What about topical application of aromatherapy blend to the skin of the perineum before giving birth?
Not recommended.

Can essential oils be used for breast tenderness during pregnancy?
Yes very dilute massage with chamomiles/lavender perhaps.

Can essential oils be used during breast feeding or if mastitis occurs?
Not during the process, could interfere with baby sense of smell, finding mom, etc. For mastitis, compresses with anti-inflammatory oils may be useful after breastfeeding (only if your doctor agrees), but essential oil treatment is no substitute for medication. It is important that the oils are not used on the breasts when baby will come into contact.

I have heard that there are some essential oils that can help to increase the production of breast milk. Is this true? And if so, how would I apply the essential oils?
Folk law stories have it that this is the case (especially with farm and domesticated animals), but we know of no controlled clinical studies which substantiate the claim in humans.

What essential oils and or bases would be beneficial for stretch marks?
Cocoa butter has always been recommended, no oil will remove scars yet there are scar formulas all over internet. Massage during pregnancy will help reduce maybe….

Are there any essential oils that are useful for constipation during pregnancy? How would the oils be applied?
Don’t use essential oils for constipation, but a fixed oil massaged onto the abdomen may help

What essential oils are helpful for morning sickness from nausea?
Traditionally peppermint and chamomile (Roman) have been taken as a tea in traditional teabag form, not via essential oils in water.

Can essential oils be used in a full body bath and or foot bath for edema and swelling?
Full baths are not recommended near end of pregnancy: foot baths might be used to advantage.

I have heard that essential oils can be incorporated with a sitz bath to aid in healing of hemorrhoids as well as soothing the perineum after giving birth. If so, which essential oils would be useful?
Suggest cypress, sandalwood, and lavender.

Is aromatherapy useful for postpartum effects, like fatigue, depression and not sleeping well?
Of course, now is the time to use them! Use lavender for sleeping, and uplifting scents for fatigue and depression

Can I use essential oils on my baby for colic?
Some authorities say that essential oil flavored waters (e.g. gripe water) are not now recommended on safety grounds. We would recommend you to find alternative cures. Very dilute lavender could be used to massage cranky babies, and this may help relieve some tension in mom and baby

I've read your site on essential oils but is this for straight out of the bottle oils or is it safe to use skincare products with the oils in them. Such as face cleansers, toners, moisturizers, homemade real/castile soap. Are these safe for during pregnancy/nursing since there not straight/full strength?
In fact essential oils should not be used full strength on the skin. period. But I see what you mean - you could regard the essential oil content of these cosmetic products as coming 'prediluted'.

If you've read the Safety of Essential Oils Safety Data, and the concerns about the Methyl Eugenol Content of Essential Oils articles authored by myself, you will have some awareness of the issues involved. Although we are exposed on a daily basis to small amounts of essential oils & synthetic fragrance chemicals from many sources (e.g. soaps & cosmetics, perfumes, household & cleaning materials, space odorants, dental products, spiced food. medicated confectionary (cough sweets), muscle rubs, bath & sauna products etc. etc.), the direct application of fragranced products to the skin - even when diluted as they generally are - can represent a higher potential dose event per unit of body weight, than, say, breathing normally for a while in a slightly fragranced environment such as a hotel lobby room. Under our obligation of due diligence, we are therefore extra cautious when giving safety advice to clients of aromatherapists of child-bearing age, just because the potential dose of essential oils from this type of exposure could be over and above that normally encountered (although I should also say at this point that there are even toxicological investigations being conducted presently on indoor air quality, looking at the effect of background levels of aroma chemicals from incense, air freshener perfumes etc etc. on human health. So even background levels of fragrance in the home are presently being considered for Health & Safety risks). The advice about essential oils in our profession generally takes the form that, if at all possible, avoid or minimise exposure to essential oils in pregnancy, especially, some would say, in the first trimester. I would think that this advice holds good for fragranced cosmetic products also - and if it is seem by some as being over-cautious: then so be it - personally, I would rather err on the side of caution in this particular matter.

There are national guidelines for ingredients which can be safely used in cosmetics, and these are under constant review by bodies concerned with toxicological matters. Although the big names in cosmetics will almost certainly be aware of, and abide by, these regulations, it is a matter of conjecture as to whether smaller cottage industries are always 'up to speed' with these issues. Further, new regulations currently being introduced on both sides of the pond require that data on many more heavily-used essential oils is assembled for (amongst other things) any carcinogenic. mutagenic and reproductive toxicological properties, as well as their potential eco-toxicity. It probable that this data is incomplete in many respects, or is missing, for many major essential oils, and it is almost certainly missing for the more minor essential oils (say those produced at production volumes of under 1 ton/annum). The bottom line is that although up to now we (in aromatherapy) have assumed that certain essential oils are probably safe to use in pregnancy in the (best-practice) way that we recommend aromatherapists use them, it remains to be seen whether this view will change when we eventually have this new data.

In the meantime there is no reason why you should nor direct your question about particular fragranced consumer items to the appropriate cosmetics manufacturer - but make sure you are not 'fobbed off 'with a 'public-relations' type answer, and that you get a proper appraisal from the technical/regulatory department. In my experience, several of the larger cosmetics companies have well-qualified, knowledgeable staff who should be able to put any risk factor in context for you.

Tips For Buying/choosing Essential Oils

Buying essential oils can be a daunting task if you’re not quite sure what to look for. Unlike most items you purchase at a store or online, essential oils unfortunately don’t have an expiration date, at least it’s not printed on the bottles. Below are five tips to help take some of the guess work out of what you’re getting.

Tip #1: Do your research... Each type of essential oil has different therapeutic qualities. The scent of aromatic essential oils such as Chamomile is good for treating skin inflammation or relaxing the mind. However, the scent of Eucalyptus is stimulating and is used to relieve sinus and lung congestion.

Tip #2: Compare prices... Different types of essential oils demand different prices. If every bottle of essential oil is the same price, you may want to reconsider that purchase. Most exotic oils cost more than those that are more common. For instance pure Rose oil (Bulgarian) is extremely expensive and could cost upwards of $250 for a half ounce , whereas Clary Sage would cost about $5 for the same amount.

Tip #3: The bottle says it all… If the essential oil you’re attempting to buy is in a clear glass or plastic bottle, don’t buy it! Because light has a damaging effect on essential oil, they are stored in dark colored (usually amber or blue) glass bottles. Aromatherapy oils are never stored in plastic bottles because the chemicals from the plastic will contaminate true essential oil.

Tip #4: Check for dust... If the bottles have dust on the caps, avoid getting them. Dust usually means that the oil has been sitting around for a while and is probably old. While essential oils retain their therapeutic healing powers for quite a while, as they age the scent and healing power becomes weaker.

Tip #5: Be label conscious... If the bottle says “fragrance oil” or “perfume”, it’s not a pure essential oil. Fragrance oils and perfumes contain chemicals and therefore even if the bottle says “aromatherapy” you’re not getting a pure essential oil.

The above five tips on buying essential oils are somewhat universal. Keep them in mind when you’re out buying essential oils and it will make your shopping experience much less confusing and your aromatherapy experience that much more enjoyable!

What are Essential oils?

Essential oils are the fragrant oils that are present in many plants. Hundreds of plants yield essential oils that are used as perfumes, food flavorings, medicines, and as fragrant and antiseptic additives in many common products.

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years. The ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, more than 5,000 years ago, had machines for obtaining essential oils from plants. Essential oils were the primary source of perfumes for the ancient civilizations of Egypt, India, Greece, and Rome. Essential oils have been found in 3,000-year-old tombs in the Pyramids, and early Greek physicians, including Hippocrates, mentioned aromatic plant essences and oil massages for their healing and mood-enhancing qualities. The Romans associated essential oils and their fine aromas with wealth and success. Ayurvedic medicine, the world's oldest healing system, has long recommended essential oil massage as a health treatment for many conditions.

In modern times, essential oils are used in the manufacture of high quality perfumes, as additives in many common products, and in the healing practice of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy was begun in the 1920s by a French chemist named Réné-Maurice Gattefosse, who became convinced of the healing powers of essential oils when he used lavender oil to effectively heal a severe burn on his body. Gattefosse also discovered that essential oils could be absorbed into the bloodstream when applied to the skin, and had medicinal effects inside the body. Another Frenchman, Dr. Jean Valnet, used essential oils during World War II to treat soldiers, and wrote a major book on the topic in 1964 called Aromatherapie. European biochemist, Marguerite Maury, performed thorough studies of how essential oils influence the body and emotions, and popularized essential oil massages as therapy. In the 1990s, aromatherapy was one of the fastest-growing alternative health treatments.

Essential oils are produced using several techniques. Distillation uses water and steam to remove the oils from dried or fresh plants, and the expression method uses machines to squeeze the oil out of plants. Other techniques may use alcohol or solvents to remove essential oils from plant materials.

Essential oils are extremely concentrated. It would take roughly thirty cups of herbal tea to equal the concentration of plant essence in one drop of essential oil. Some essential oils made from rose plants require 4,000 pounds of rose petals to make one pound of essential oil, and are thus very expensive. Lavender is one of the easiest essential oils to produce, because it only takes one hundred pounds of plant material to produce one pound of essential oil. Essential oils are generally very complex chemically, containing many different substances and compounds. Some experts have theorized that essential oils are the lifeblood of a plant, and contain compounds that the plant uses to fight infections and drive away germs and parasites. Scientific research has isolated hundreds of chemicals in essential oils, and has shown many essential oils to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antiparasitic properties. Some essential oils contain more than 200 identified chemical substances.

Although there are hundreds of essential oils that are used regularly in healing treatments and perfumes, some of the more commonly used essential oils are lavender, chamomile, peppermint, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, geranium, jasmine, rose, lemon, orange, rosemary, frankincense, and sandalwood.

General Use

Essential oils are used in several healing systems, including aromatherapy, Ayurvedic medicine, and massage therapy. Essential oils are used for skin and scalp conditions including acne, athlete's foot, burns, cuts, dandruff, eczema, insect bites, parasites, sunburn, warts, and wrinkles. They are recommended for muscle, joint, and circulation problems such as arthritis, high blood pressure, cellulite, aches and pains, and varicose veins. For respiratory problems and infections, various essential oils are prescribed for allergies, asthma, earache, sinus infections, congestion, and colds and flu. Essential oils are also used to improve digestion, promote hormonal balance, and tone the nervous system in conditions including anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, and exhaustion.

Essential oils can be used as quick and effective mood enhancers, for increasing energy and alertness or reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Essential oils can be used as perfumes and lotions, and can be used as incense to improve the atmosphere in houses and offices.

In 2002, several reports were made on the benefits of tea tree oil in fighting infections. Although still preliminary, these reports will help pave the way to greater acceptance of essential oils in the mainstream medical community. In the case of tea tree oil, one small study showed its effectiveness in fighting orthopedic (bone, joint, and soft tissue) infections. Another recent study showed promising results for tea tree oil gel in topical treatment of recurrent herpes labialis.

Preparations

Essential oils work by entering the body in two ways, through the nose and through the skin. The nose is a powerful sense organ, and the sense of smell is connected directly to the limbic system of the brain, which helps control emotions, memory, and several functions in the body. Research has shown that aromas and the sense of smell influence memory recall, moods, and bodily responses such as heart rate, respiration, hormone levels, and stress reactions. Essential oils with their potent aromas can be used to enhance moods, promote relaxation, and increase energy levels.

Essential oils are also absorbed by the skin, and act medicinally once they are absorbed into the body. For instance, eucalyptus oil, long used in common cough and cold remedies, can be rubbed on the chest to break up congestion and mucus inside the lungs. Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil, lavender, and thyme, have natural antiseptics in them, and can be applied to cuts, burns, and sores to disinfect and promote healing.

Because essential oils are very strong and concentrated, they should be diluted with base oils before rubbing them directly on the body. Base oils are gentle and inexpensive oils, and common ones include almond, jojoba, grapeseed, sunflower, and sesame oil. Mineral oil is not recommended as a base oil. Essential oils should be diluted to make up 1–3% of a base oil solution, which is one to three drops of essential oil per teaspoon of base oil. For larger quantities, 20 to 60 drops can be added per 100 milliliters of base oil. Only a few essential oils can be rubbed directly on the skin without dilution. These are lavender, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and geranium, although people with sensitive skin should use them with care.

Allergic reactions are possible with essential oils. People with sensitive skin or allergies should perform a simple skin test when using essential oils for the first time. To do a skin test, one drop of essential oil can be added to a teaspoon of base oil, and a small amount of this solution can be rubbed on a sensitive spot on the skin, such as the soft side of the arm or behind the ear. If no irritation occurs after 24 hours, then the essential oil is non-allergenic.

Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways. They can be added to massage oils for therapeutic massages. Essential oil solutions can be used on the skin, scalp and hair as lotions, conditioners, and perfumes. A few drops of essential oils can be added to bath water or used in the sauna. Essential oil diffusers, lamps, and candles are available which use heat and steam to spread (diffuse) the aroma of essential oils in rooms. Essential oils can be added to hot-and-cold compresses for injuries and aches. Some essential oils, like tea tree, fennel, and peppermint oil, can be combined with a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar and used as mouthwash. For colds and congestion in the lungs or sinuses, essential oils can be inhaled by adding a few drops to a pot of boiling water, and covering the head with a towel over the pot and breathing the vapors.

Consumers should search for essential oils made by reputable manufacturers. Essential oils should be certified to be 100% pure, without chemical additives or synthetic fragrances. The highest quality oils are generally obtained from distillation and cold pressing methods.

Precautions

Essential oils should not be taken internally, by mouth, rectum or vagina, unless under medical supervision. Essential oils should be kept away from the eyes. If an essential oil gets into the eyes, they should be rinsed immediately with cold water. Essential oils should be used with care on broken or damaged skin.

Some essential oils have not been thoroughly tested and may be toxic. The oils to be avoided include arnica, bitter almond, calamus, cinnamon, clove, mugwort, sage, wintergreen, and wormwood. Pregnant women should avoid these and basil, fennel, marjoram, myrrh, oregano, star anise, and tarragon. In general, any essential oils that have not been tested or lack adequate information should be avoided.

Some essential oils may cause the skin to become photosensitive, or more sensitive to sunlight and more likely to become sunburned. Essential oils that are photosensitizing include bergamot, orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, and angelica root. These oils should be avoided before exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light such as in tanning beds. People with sun-related skin problems should avoid these oils.

Those with health conditions should use care with essential oils. Steam inhalation of essential oils is not recommended for asthma sufferers. The essential oils of rosemary, fennel and sage should be avoided by those with epilepsy.

Pregnant and nursing women should use caution with essential oils, because their skin and bodies are more sensitive and some oils may cause adverse reactions. Essential oils should not be used during the first three months of pregnancy, and after that they should only be used when heavily diluted with base oils. Women with histories of miscarriage should not use essential oils during pregnancy at all. Pregnant women should perform skin tests before using essential oils. Essential oils are not recommended for nursing mothers.

Essential oils should be used with care on children. They are not recommended for children under one year of age, and should be heavily diluted with base oils when used as a skin massage or lotion for children.

Essential oils should be stored out of the reach of children. Clean glass containers are the best storage vessels, and should be dark in color to keep sunlight from damaging the oil. Some essential oils can damage wood, varnish, plastic, and clothing, and should be handled with care.

Side Effects

Most readily available essential oils are safe if used in small doses, and side effects are generally rare. Possible side effects include rashes, itching, and irritation on the skin. Allergic reactions include watery eyes, sneezing, and inflammation. Some essential oils may cause nausea, dizziness, or gastrointestinal discomfort when used in excess or by those with allergic reactions. Some essential oils, particularly those derived from citrus fruit plants, can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight and increased risk of sunburn.

Interactions

Essential oils are not recommended for those taking homeopathic remedies, as essential oils are believed to interfere with their effectiveness. Essential oils are often blended together to enhance their healing effects, and mixtures can be tailored to individual preferences and conditions. Aromatherapists specialize in creating essential oil blends for individuals and health conditions.

Jasmine Essential Oil (Minyak atsiri melati)

Jasmine essential oil is in common use. Its flowers are either extracted by the labour-intensive method of enfleurage or through chemical extraction. It is expensive due to the large number of flowers needed to produce a small amount of oil. The flowers have to be gathered at night because the odour of jasmine is more powerful after dark. The flowers are laid out on cotton cloths soaked in olive oil for several days and then extracted leaving the true jasmine essence. Some of the countries producing jasmine essential oil are India, Egypt, China and Morocco.

Essential Oils

An essential oil is a concentrated, hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. They are also known as volatile or ethereal oils, or simply as the "oil of" the plant material from which they were extracted, such as oil of clove. An oil is "essential" in the sense that it carries a distinctive scent, or essence, of the plant. Essential oils do not as a group need to have any specific chemical properties in common, beyond conveying characteristic fragrances. They are not to be confused with essential fatty acids.

Essential oils are generally extracted by distillation. Other processes include expression, or solvent extraction. They are used in perfumes, cosmetics and bath products, for flavoring food and drink, and for scenting incense and household cleaning products.

Various essential oils have been used medicinally at different periods in history. Medical applications proposed by those who sell medicinal oils range from skin treatments to remedies for cancer, and are often based on historical use of these oils for these purposes. Such claims are now subject to regulation in most countries, and have grown correspondingly more vague, to stay within these regulations.

Interest in essential oils has revived in recent decades, with the popularity of aromatherapy, a branch of alternative medicine which claims that the specific aromas carried by essential oils have curative effects. Oils are volatilized or diluted in a carrier oil and used in massage, diffused in the air by a nebulizer or by heating over a candle flame, or burned as incense, for example.