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Aromatherapy/aromatherapy in pregnancy

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Expert: - 8/26/2007


Question
i am really scared - i have been burning the cheap oils - white musk and chanel from the market - i have heard it could have harmd my baby - i am six weeks pregnant - please help me

Answer
Hi Kerri
Please don't worry about burning the oils you have mentioned.I imagine you have been burning them so that they help you relax and make the room smell nice. That is all they will do. Synthetic oils have no theraputic effect whatsoever.

The only way they might cause you some grief is if you take them internally - which I sincerely hope you aren't ! - or if you rub them onto your skin, in which case they would cause a skin irritation possibly, or they may give you a headache if you put too much into the burner at once....

You are right to be wary of using aromatherapy oils at such an early stage in the pregnancy, but again, only if you are applying them directly to the body in the bath or in a massage. Yes there are some oils that can increase blood flow and might affect you if you had a likelihood of miscarrying.Clary Sage. Rosemary. Jasmine would be some of the stronger oils to steer clear of during the early stages of pregnancy.

Burning aromatherapy oils will not harm your baby though.
Personally I would choose to burn aromatherapy oils rather than synethetic in your situation because they will help you relax and they taken from natural plants and just have a more healthy 'feel' to them.Your baby will not be harmed in this way, and will probably enjoy the lovely fragrances you are breathing in more than the synthetic ones.
Lavender oil is cheap and gentle and relaxing.
One or two drops only with water in the burner at a time, mixed with the same of citrus oil such as grapefruit or lemon you have a lovely refreshing room fragrance.
* Make sure you have plenty of water in the burner - this may be obvious but some people burn the oils direct in the burner without adding water, and this is not how they are intended for use. The steam is what carries the oils into the air.
Good luck with your pregnacy Kerri - and don't worry !
Very best wishes
Judy

PS
Later in pregnancy - after three months - you can use some aromatherapy oils to help you relax to very good effect. And there are some wonderful oils that will help you during the actual labbour. So please feel free to come back to me if you are interested.

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Judy Frayne

Expertise

I specialise in the mixing of oils. Every problem has a different solution depending on the underlying causes.A simple headache could be caused for a number of different reasons. Tracking down the origins of a problem is the first step. I can then advise on the correct oils to use,how to buy them and the methods with which they can be applied. I can also recommend other complimentary techniques for self help with many physical and emotional problems. Feel free to ask about: Skin disorders - eczema, psoriasis,atheletes foot Muscular aches and pains - arthritis, neck and shoulder tension. Painkilling - headaches, chronic pain, backache. Digestive disorders - IBS, constipation. Stress - depression, anxiety, grief, anger, concentration. Medicine cupboard - bites, stings, cuts, bruises,burns. Babies and childrens - tummy aches, colds, sleep problems. And many more !

Experience

I have been a qualified aromatherapist for twelve years, working in my own premises as well as mobile visiting. My clients have been varied - ranging from babies to the elderly and sadly,the terminally ill. Whilst many clients simply wish to use aromatherapy to promote a feeling of well being and keep themselves relaxed and healthy - I have had much experience of clients with specific needs. These are just as wide ranging - from skin disorders to back problems on the physical side - to the emotional and spiritual side of things and problems such as coping with grief and bereavement or helping combat anger and stress. I use a mixture of techniques including reflexology. I believe that aromatherapy is a very simple and natural method of self help that can compliment conventional techniques. I am passionate about passing on safe and sensible advice so that more people feel confident to try aromatherapy for themselves. Aromatherapy is not always a cure - but it's potency should never be underestimated. It can help, it can be life changing - and it's certainly worth trying

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