Essential Oils
I have been using Young Living Essential Oils for more than 3 years now. While I was gathering my supplies for my first homebirth I knew I would be incorporating the use of them in my birth plan to aid me in my journey from early pregnancy through labor and the post-partum period.
Essential oils, known as nature’s living energy, are the natural, aromatic volatile liquids found in shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, and seeds. The distinctive components in essential oils defend plants against insects, environmental conditions, and disease. They are also vital for a plant to grow, live, evolve, and adapt to its surroundings. Essential oils are extracted from aromatic plant sources via steam distillation, and are highly concentrated and far more potent than dry herbs.
While essential oils often have a pleasant aroma, their chemical makeup is complex and their benefits vast—which makes them much more than something that simply smells good.
Historically, essential oils have played a prominent role in everyday life. With more than 200 references to aromatics, incense, and ointments throughout the Bible, essential oils are said to be used for anointing and healing the sick. Today, essential oils are used for aromatherapy, massage therapy, emotional health, personal care, nutritional supplements, household solutions, and much more.
Some common uses for essential oils are;
1) Applying topically
2) Taking internally
3) Diffusing in the air through a diffuser, or applying to a cotton ball
I have compiled a list of the oils I found benefit from during pregnancy. Remember to check with your care provider before using any herbs or essential oils.
Back Pain
PanAway- Apply directly to the area or dilute 1:1.
Valor- Apply directly to the area.
Aroma Siez- Apply directly to the area.
Blood Pressure
Balsam Fir- Apply to heart points on the wrist, or inhale.
Lavender- Inhale every 5 minutes until desired result.
Breast Infection/ Mastitis/ Milk Fever
Geranium, Lavender, and Rose 1:1:2. Combine the oils in 1.5 pints of water, dip a wash cloth into it and apply as a cold compress every hour.
If a fever is associated: Add five drops of Eucalyptus Globulus and ½ teaspoon of sea salt to a warm basin of water and soak feet. Repeat as often as every hour.
Melrose- Apply to clogged milk duct.
Breech Babies
Peppermint- Apply to the abdomen.
Dilation
To encourage: Clary Sage- Massage around the ankle bone, or ingest one drop every 15 minutes.
Headaches
Lavender- Apply to temples, back of neck and across forehead.
Peppermint- Apply to temples, back of neck and across forehead.
Heartburn
Peppermint- Ingest one drop.
Hemorrhoids
Rose ointment- Apply topically.
Blend: Peppermint, helichrysum, geranium, cypress 1:2:2:2. Mix with a carrier oil and apply topically.
Labor and Delivery
To halt early labor: Lavender- Apply to the belly to relax mom.
Peace and Calming- Apply one drop on the heart and chest or diffuse.
To encourage Labor: Jasmine- Apply as a perfume or inhale.
Clary Sage- Apply topically to ankle bones.
Lactation
To encourage: Fennel- Swallow two drops of the oil in a teaspoon of honey followed by a glass of water every 2 hours.
Nausea
Thieves- Add one to two drops in a glassful of water and drink. Apply to feet.
Peppermint- Apply on the tongue. Add a few drops to your hands and cup over your mouth and nose and inhale.
Perineum Care
This can be started a few weeks prior to your EDD.
Blend: Rose (2 drops) geranium (8 drops) Lavender (5 drops) Myrrh (1 drop) and mix with a carrier oil and apply topically.
Pubis Diastis
Rose ointment or oil- Apply to pubic area.
Umbilical Cord
Blend: Lavender, Frankincense, Myrrh 1:1:1 and mix with a carrier oil and apply topically.