Dr. Lindsey Elmore is Young Living’s director of global education and health sciences. Drawing from her distinguished background as a pharmacist, Lindsey shares her advice for getting the most from essential oils during the tough, rewarding nine months of pregnancy. Check out what she and five new and expecting Young Living mothers want new mamas to know!
Dr. Lindsey Elmore
For some people it can be very hard to decide whether to use essential oils in pregnancy, and there are a wide variety of opinions on the matter. It is important to discuss usage with a medical professional experienced with essential oils and to be judicious with their use.
Some women choose to avoid excessive use of a few specific oils:
Clary Sage or Sage
Idaho Tansy or Hyssop
Fennel
Wintergreen
Blends and supplements that contain these oils
However, there are no hard and fast rules. As with use in non-pregnant individuals, essential oil usage is individualized—just be sure you’re following label directions. Some of Young Living’s products are well loved and well tolerated by pregnant women and women who are lactating. Mild essential oils, such as Lavender and Frankincense, may be used topically for healthy-looking skin during pregnancy.
If you have never used essential oils and are pregnant, please consult with your healthcare provider prior to use. I advise you to start low and go slow. Start with just a few drops of essential oils and diffuse in a large area. If you tolerate it well, you may consider applying essential oils to the skin after diluting in V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex or inhaling them directly from the bottle.
Mallory P., Young Living Education and Training Team
I experienced severe nausea for about the first 14 weeks of my pregnancy. It was mostly in the afternoon—I don’t know why they call it morning sickness—and would last all night. I had a lot of aversions to smells and different types of food, which made working in an environment that smells like essential oils difficult sometimes. I really tried to stick to using oils that are familiar and fresh. One that really didn’t bother me was Peppermint. I would just swallow a drop; it has a nice minty taste that is as pleasant as its smell. I also used DiGize™ on occasion after meals. I would just swallow a drop or add to a gel capsule and swallow with a little water. I also liked to diffuse Citrus Fresh™ and Lemongrass as well to help me feel invigorated.
I experienced fatigue and often found it difficult to complete daily tasks. I loved using oils and supplements to support my energy level. I felt like taking Lemon in my water really helped me feel refreshed. I take NingXia Red® on a daily basis, and that has really supported my overall energy. I also take MultiGreens™ every day and definitely feel a difference.
At night, I swear by Tranquil™ Roll-On because its relaxing smell helps me unwind like nothing else. I just roll it on the bottom of my feet each night. I will also take baths at night and put a few drops of Lavender and Frankincense in my bath water to help me unwind.
For me, something that really helped reduce the severity of morning sickness was exercise. I go to the gym at least 3–4 times a week, even if sometimes all I can manage is yoga or a walk. I am really trying to have a very fit and healthy pregnancy, so it’s important for me to have healthy options on hand at all times. I love to snack on the Slique™ Bars, pretzels, fruits, and veggies. This way I can avoid all of those pregnancy cravings for junk food. I also make a point to have some sort of protein in the morning—eggs, nuts, or our Pure Protein Complete™. It keeps me full, especially after a workout.
Erin S., Young Living Marketing Team
My three favorite Young Living products for pregnancy are Frankincense, Inner Defense™, and Slique Bars. I used Frankincense topically every day. I added it to my facial moisturizer, but I also added a lot—probably 8–10 drops—to the lotion I rubbed on my growing belly. I loved the smell, and it helped keep the skin well moisturized.
Being pregnant can be challenging. Snacking regularly helped keep nausea at bay and my energy up. I kept fruit with me at all times and had Slique Bars in my desk drawer. Those bars saved me on the days when I needed an extra boost between lunch and the drive home!
Delila E., Young Living Promotions Team
NingXia Red has always supported energized my mind and body’s energy levels. Throughout my pregnancy, I’ve made sure to drink a full serving of NingXia Red as often as possible. In the beginning stages of my pregnancy, I began taking DiGize and Lemon internally. Those oils really helped keep my tummy happy. I’ve also made sure to take wonderful prenatal vitamins and OmegaGize3. OmegaGize3 has really helped support normal cognition for me through what some might call “pregnancy brain.”
Hiromi H., Young Living Diamond
I haven’t avoided any specific essential oils during my pregnancy, but there are a few Young Living products I’ve found particularly useful. The fragrance of Sacred Frankincense™ helps comfort my spirit when I feel those ordinary anxieties and worries about pregnancy. It’s also a great addition to coconut oil or lotion to rub on my belly and hips to moisturize the growing skin.
I also love NingXia Red. It’s a healthy treat that also gives my body the nutrients it needs as it grows this new addition to my family. Other essential oil-infused supplements I’ve come to rely on are Essentializymes-4™, MultiGreens, and OmegaGize3.
Once I give birth, I plan to use Lavender, Frankincense, and Trauma Life™ on my baby right away. The calming aromas of these oils make them perfect for newborns and are great scents for a nursery!
Source: Young Living Blog, May 30, 2015
Silhouette Image: Wikimedia Commons