Herbs and Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy

Can you tell me which herbs and essential oils to avoid during pregnancy?

Don’t use aloe vera because it can cause miscarriage and birth defects.

It is in all kinds of skin creams, even those for stretch marks and bruises.

As a skin cream, it is fine. It is drinking aloe vera as a laxative that is dangerous.

Don’t take angelica or black cohosh because they can trigger early labor. It was even used to jumpstart childbirth.

And as an early abortifacient.

Caraway and celery seed can have the same effect. But given everything going on, I could rest easy if I can find a way to use the same remedies I use to stay healthy.

Lavender oil and chamomile essential oils can be used when you are pregnant without even being diluted.

I’ve heard of some people diluting essential oils with other oils like coconut to use during pregnancy.

Many essential oils from citronella to oregano to parsley to rosemary need to be avoided during pregnancy.

Avoid oregano and parsley? Now I can’t eat Italian.

Spices used in cooking are a small portion of the meal, while the chemicals they carry are far more concentrated in the essential oils.

So my healthy living regimen gets put on hold until I have the baby.

You can’t just jump back into using essential oils after childbirth. Peppermint oil can decrease your milk production.

Someone told me that I can’t have ginger during the pregnancy, yet that is one of the standard herbs to control nausea.

You can have ginger ale for nausea. You shouldn’t use ginger essential oil.

Are oats safe during pregnancy?

Sure. Oatmeal is a great way to treat constipation during pregnancy.

I meant oats as an herb.

You can certainly take a bath in oatmeal to treat skin rashes, if they arise, even if pregnant.

I would rather take a bath in calamine.

It is probably safe, but if in doubt, ask your doctor.