that although allergic reactions are
rare, those with sensitive skin should
always undertake a patch test before
trying a new oil.
Don’t rub it in
The application method is also
important. Daniela stresses that
essential oils should never be taken
internally and should not be applied
neat to the skin during pregnancy
or on babies. One easy way to use
essential oils is to inhale them –
either using an oil burner, electronic
diffuser or personal inhaler. Daniela
recommends an inhaler specifically
for first trimester nausea that includes
a delicious-sounding cocktail of sweet
orange, ginger and peppermint oils.
Relaxing with a few aromatic drops in
a warm bath is another time-honoured
favourite in the lead-up to the big day
– though never use an essential oil in a
bath or birthing pool once your waters
have broken.
For some complaints, more benefit
can be gained by massaging essential
oils, diluted in a carrier oil or lotion,
directly into the skin (or convincing
your partner to!). “Inhaling oils has
an effect on your mood, on your sleep,
on your mental state, as well as on
your respiratory system. But if you
put oils on your skin, they go through
your bloodstream within 20 minutes.
You can reach the muscle where you
have physical pain, you can help your
digestion, you can help your endocrine
system, and more. So it’s actually a
very complete action through your
skin,” says Daniela. Massage is,
of course, particularly helpful for
muscle pain, and the addition of the
right essential oil – such as roman
chamomile, nicknamed “nature’s
Panadol” – can make a soothing
massage so much more beneficial.
It’s not just during the nine-month
wait that essential oils can be useful.
Susan points out that some clinical
studies have shown aromatherapy to
be helpful in managing labour pain
– particularly using frankincense
or lavender oils. Jasmine oil is not
considered safe during pregnancy
because it can cause the uterus to
contract. However, Daniela points out
that, “Jasmine will also help you to
push, and to expel the placenta. We
can then apply more jasmine for the
few days following the birth to make
sure the uterus starts to contract back.”
Benefits for babies
Once baby arrives, essential oils
can be used to calm nappy rashes,
aid sleep, alleviate colic, and more.
Daniela cautions, however, that no
essential oil should be used with
babies under three months. “Then,
from three months up to 24 months is
the most delicate stage, so I only use
the mildest dilutions of a very small
selection of essential oils and mainly
focus on cold-pressed oils.” Soothing
your little one with a fragrant massage
before bed is a lovely introduction to
carrier and essential oils for the new
mum. Avoid putting oils on babies’
hands though, as we all know that
hands usually find their way into eyes
and mouths!
Another important safety
consideration is the quality of the
essential oil, as some products may be
adulterated with synthetic components
or similar-smelling oils. Susan says,
“Always buy from a company that has
a good reputation for aromatherapy
products,” which includes knowing
what botanical species the oil comes
from and what the country of origin is.
In addition, Daniela adds, “Essential
oils are by-products of living plants, so
they have a shelf life. The first rule is to
check if it has an expiry date, usually
between one and three years. They
should also be in dark glass bottles
because the light and the heat will
change their chemical components.”
In the Hong Kong climate, essential
oils are best stored in the fridge with
their lids tightly shut. Crucially, they
must also be stored out of reach of
curious toddlers, who may be intrigued
by the teeny-tiny glass bottles, as some
oils can be toxic if ingested.
If you are interested in exploring
the fascinating world of botanicals
whilst in the throes of baby-building,
it’s best to speak to a qualified
aromatherapist as well as your regular
health practitioner. An aromatherapist
who belongs to an international
professional body should be able to
assist you in safely choosing the right
products for your budding babe, or for
bringing back your bloom.
November 2013
85
