There is a lot of information out there about which essential oils to use and to avoid during pregnancy. Many different sites and aromatherapy books list essential oils to avoid during pregnancy, but unfortunately, much of this information is conflicting and unclear. Why does one list say a particular essential oil is okay, while another list says "avoid when pregnant?" Does the "avoid" mean internally or externally, too? The aim of this series of articles is to clear up the confusion and specify the particular risks involved with certain essential oils based on chemistry and toxicology data, and not just rumors and folklore.
Essential Oils Everyone Should Avoid At All Times, Internally and Externally
These essential oils contain dangerous compounds. Avoid them in aromatherapy, personal care products, and internally.
Cade (Contains Benzo[a]pyrene, a known carcinogen.)
Sassafras (Contains Safrole, a possible carcinogen.)
Ravensara anisata (Contains Estragole, a possible carcinogen.)
Basil (Contains Estragole, a possible carcinogen.)
Tarragon (Contains Estragole, a possible carcinogen.)
Camphor (Contains Safrole, a possible carcinogen, and contains Camphor [the compound] which is a neurotoxin and convulsant.)
Calamus (Contains Beta-asarone, a possible carcinogen.)
Tarragon (Contains Estragole and Methyleugenol, possible carcinogens.)
Snakeroot (Contains Methyleugenol, a possible carcinogen.)
Malaleuca bracteata (Contains Methyleugenol, a possible carcinogen.)
Bitter Almond (Contains Hydrocyanic acid, which is highly toxic.)
Armolse (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Sweet Birch (Contains Methyl salicylate, which is highly toxic.)
Boldo (Contains Ascaridole, which is extremely toxic.)
Buchu (Contains Pulegone, which is toxic to the liver.)
Cassia (Contains Cinnamaldehyde, a liver toxin and skin sensitizer.)
Cinnamon Bark (Contains Cinnamaldehyde, a liver toxin and skin sensitizer.)
Costus (Contains Costuslactone, a strong skin sensitizer.)
Elecampane (Contains Alantalactone, a strong skin sensitizer.)
Horseradish (Contains Allyl isothicyanate, extremely toxic and irritating to skin and mucous membranes.)
Lanyana (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Mustard (Allyl isothicyanate, extremely toxic and irritating to skin and mucous membranes.)
Pennyroyal (Contains Pulegone, which is toxic to the liver.)
Dalmatian Sage (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Tansy (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Thuja (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Wintergreen (Contains high amounts of Methyl salicylate, which is highly toxic.)
Wormseed (Contains Ascaridole, which is extremely toxic.)
Wormwood (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy, Externally or Internally
Balsamite (Contains Camphor, a neurotoxin and convulsant.)
Ho leaf (Contains Camphor, a neurotoxin and convulsant.)
Hyssop (Contains Pinocamphone, which is generally toxic, a neurotoxin, and convulsant.)
Indian Dill Seed (Contains Apiol, which is generally toxic, an abortifacient, and toxic to the fetus.)
Juniperus Pfitzeriana (Contains Sabinyl acetate, known to be an abortifacient.)
Parsley Leaf (Contains Apiol, which is generally toxic, an abortifacient, and toxic to the fetus.)
Parsleyseed (Contains Apiol, which is a generally toxic, an abortifacient, and toxic to the fetus.)
Plectranthus (Contains Sabinyl acetate, known to be an abortifacient.)
Sage (Spanish) (Contains Sabinyl acetate, known to be an abortifacient.)
Savin (Contains Sabinyl acetate, known to be an abortifacient.)
Annual Wormwood (Contains Artemisia ketone, which is possibly toxic and a neurotoxin)
Cangerana (Contains Safrole, a possible carcinogen.)
Lavandula Stoechas (Contains Camphor which is a neurotoxin and convulsant.)
Lavender cotton (Contains Artemisia ketone, which is possibly toxic and a neurotoxin.)
Oakmoss (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Perilla (Contains Perilla ketone, which is potentially toxic.)
Rue (Has a strong folk history of being an abortifacient with a small amount of clinical evidence to back it up. It is not known which compounds are to blame, but it is likely that its general toxicity is to blame for its possible abortifacient nature.)
Treemoss (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Essential Oils that are Safe for External, but not Internal Use During Pregnancy
Anise (Contains Trans-anethole, which displays weakly estrogenic activity. The amount absorbed through skin when used in a cosmetic item would not affect hormonal levels, however, an oral dose could have an effect.)
Fennel (Also contains Trans-anethole.)
Lavandin (Contains a small amount of Camphor. The amount that would be absorbed through the skin in a personal care product is 500 times less than the amount needed to cause a deleterious effect, so it is considered safe for topical use, but it would be prudent to avoid an internal dose.)
Lavandula stoechas (Also contains a small amount of Camphor. [See above.])
Nutmeg and Mace (similar chemically) (Animal studies have proven no ill effects to the mother or fetus when applied externally. There is one case study of a pregnant woman who ate a high amount of nutmeg in a cookie; she and her baby started having heart palpitations. Everything returned to normal after 12 hours. It is thought that the stimulant effect of the Myristicin in the spice was to blame. The amount of Myristicin that would be absorbed through a properly diluted personal care product containing nutmeg or mace would not be great enough to cause this effect.)
Rosemary (Contains a small amount of Camphor. [See lavandin.])
Spike lavender (Contains a small amount of Camphor. [See lavandin.])
Yarrow (Contains a small amount of Camphor. [See lavandin.])
Your Questions Answered
I have heard that lemongrass is not safe during pregnancy. Is this true?
Rumors about Lemongrass being unsafe started with a study about citral, the main component of lemongrass essential oil. Doses of citral were injected in to lab rats, and the rats became less fertile at a dose of .3 g/kg. This is equivalent to injecting around 30 ml (2 tbs) of lemongrass essential oil in to the abdomen every 4-5 days for 60 days. Wearing a lotion or product with lemongrass in it doesn't provide the dose to see any side effect.
Are there any essential oils I should avoid when I'm trying to become pregnant?
Follow the same guidelines and lists that I've outlined above.
Are there any essential oils that help increase milk production during lactation?
No. There is no scientific data to suggest that any essential oil used externally would increase lactation.
What's the truth about Lavender & Tea Tree? Are they really estrogenic?
They are not! Check out my previous article on the subject.
Some lists say citrus oils should be avoided during pregnancy. Is this true?
There is no reason to avoid citrus oils during pregnancy. The only side effect of a citrus essential oil is that it if left on skin in a high concentration and then exposed to strong sunlight, it can increase sunburn or cause a rash. This reaction varies from person to person and depends on their own sensitivities.
What about ________ essential oil? I've read it should be avoided during pregnancy.
Everything but those on the lists above are safe to use for aromatherapy purposes (lotions, soaps, in diffusers, etc) during pregnancy. All essential oils are very powerful substances. Essential oils should always be diluted properly (.5% to 5% depending on the oil) in a carrier oil. Do not use undiluted on skin. Always consult a reputable healthcare provider, herbalist, or naturopath before using any essential oil internally.
If there is a particular essential oil you're concerned about, write it in the comments below and I'll be happy to give you an analysis!
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41 comments:
thanks so much for this extremely helpful information!
No essential oils improve lactation? Huh. My friend swears by fennel EO.
Thanks for the info! I did not know wintergreen oil should be avoided!
@Ponnie Thanks!
@Charlotte--is she taking it internally or applying it on her skin?
Thanks so much for this important information. As an RN that works with 1st time Mom's and their babies it will be very useful!
Ever since you mentioned that you were looking into this topic I've been eagerly awaiting this post. Thank you so much!!!
Don't we eat the oils of basil when we use it as an herb? Is it toxic because it is so concentrated in the oil as compared to a leaf??
Re: Basil
Yes. It is because the basil essential oil is so concentrated. And with eating basil, there are other antioxidants in the plant that counteract the estragole.
I know that Jasmine oil is frequently used in the Labor and Delivery room in France. This would lead me to NOT use Jasmine during pregenacy.
Hi Stephanie,
Re: Malaleuca bracteata
Do you know of topical or internal/ingested products which contain bracteata? Is there concern that if one buys a tea tree oil product that, unless specified, it may contain bracteata instead of alternafolia?
Is Malaleuca alternafolia safe as a topical and/or internal (eg. mouthwash) ingredient?
Thanks! Excellent reference list.
I appreciate the work that went into these lists; however, I think that you need to check your facts. I found this info about cinnamon that contradicts what you are saying: www.appliedhealth.com/nutri/page8273.php
"The ingestion of large amounts of cinnamon oil can have dire consequences for the kidneys and liver. Ingestion of raw cinnamon bark or cinnamon 'toothpicks' can irritate the mucous membranes.
Cinnamon is nontoxic in therapeutic doses, and is generally regard as safe by the FDA."
This would be worth checking out. I've used herbs for many years, and I know that some herbs that are helpful (like goldenseal) can also be dangerous in large amounts or if taken for too long a period.
D. Douglass
Are there any essential oils you would recommend to boost fertility?
and now you know how to off someone with essential oils! ;p
Thank you Stephanie!
Does this mean eating fennel or rosemary is not safe during rosemary or only when used as an essential oil?
Based on the the one case study, should pregnant women avoid nutmeg altogether as well?
Sorry if the answers are obvious...I'm pregnant and my brain doesn't work very well : )
We've used bubble & bee products and are happy customers :-)
but... I have to say I'm a little skeptical with some of the statements in the posting. For example, in a few cases it states that an oil is 'possibly' toxic... This doesn't sound like we have enough solid evidence to say we need to avoid it, if it's only 'possibly' toxic.
As all good research needs reference and credibility, I'd like to see the source of your information. And, what sample size did they use? two drops or 50?
Anything at a high enough dosage is toxic.....even pure water :-)
@Huggyface Thanks for your support! This article is meant to be a quick synopsis, and there are too many sources to cite in this small space. Each essential oil has about five studies to back up the claim, so my list of sources would be longer than the article. However, per readers request, I can back up whatever I have posted and expound upon some of these essential oils and the claims here. Which essential oil in particular are you concerned about?
@Adriana I can't give you medical advice because I'm not a doctor, so always consult your ob/gyn if you make any dietary changes. But, I can tell you that from the studies I have available, you shouldn't have to avoid nutmeg, rosemary, or fennel in your diet, as long as they are small amounts.
re: boosting fertility--there is no solid evidence that any essential oils could boost fertility. However, there are some herbs like dong quai, cramp bark, and vitex that can support your reproductive system and balance hormones. (Flax seeds are another great way.) Usually, infertility and reproductive issues are caused by an excess of estrogen. These herbs can help create balance, along with an organic diet and avoiding xenoestrogens in your environment.
@D. Douglas Re: Cinnamon---I'm not seeing how the information you're linking to is contradicting the information I have posted...we're both saying that cinnamon essential oil can be toxic to the liver. I'm not saying to avoid cinnamon altogether (it can be very beneficial) just the essential oil of the bark because it is so concentrated.
@Andrea--I haven't heard of any problems with the essential oils being switched--but if there was a concern about it, contact the manufacturer of the product for verification. Melaleuca bracteata is known as river tea tree, and I have not seen it used before.
I've read that peppermint can cause contractions of the uterus - and I don't see it listed at all. I hope I'm wrong because it's such a great stomach soother, I'd love to be able to start using it again!
Hi, Thanks for the huge work on this! My husband uses a natural soap made with sassafras root and cinnamon bark (and other ingredients). The ingredient list doesn't mention them as essential oils, though. Should I be concerned? Thanks!
Hi Stephanie,
Do you think that we should avoid clove EO? Skin deep rates it as a 5. Thanks!
The only contraindications clove has is when used at high concentration it can be irritating to skin, and when taken internally it can prevent blood clotting in individuals taking blood-thinning drugs.
At concentrations lower than 2% on normal skin, it causes no problems of irritation. As long as it is diluted properly, clove can be highly beneficial as an antiseptic and aroma-therapeutic oil.
re: sassafras and cinnamon bark--I would e-mail the manufacturer and ask if it is the essential oil they're using or the actual herb. There is a big difference!
re: peppermint---no scientific evidence points toward peppermint causing miscarriage or uterine contractions. You are safe to drink peppermint tea during your pregnancy and use aromatherapy products (lotions, soaps, etc) containing peppermint.
WOW! Thank you for supplying so much information. I learn so much from reading your blog.
This is such a helpful list! Thank you!
Thank you for this list, is was really helpful!! But I have a question I've read that essential oils shouldn't be used during the first 3 months of pregnancy, does this claim apply to Aromatherapy only?? Because I don't think that essential oils (those that are in your list of safe for external use)used in personal care products should be avoided during the first 3 months of pregnancy, I mean they are blended with so many other ingredients that their effect would be really small, am I right?. I use only organic products but most of them contain essential oils (and there is a no a fragrance-free version of some of them) so what am I supose to do, avoid them during the first 3 months or what??
@Anonymous--You're right-you don't have to avoid all essential oils during your first trimester. And those that I've listed above as safe for external, but not internal, use when diluted properly in a personal care product, are safe, no matter what trimester.
Would you stay away from Lemon essential oil internally (in drinking water?)
Thank you
Ingesting small amounts of lemon essential oil isn't bad at all. But, in water, it's not going to dissolve, but sit on top of the water. Then, you could end up with straight lemon eo on your lips, and that could cause some irritation. For lemon flavored water, lemon juice is much better.
However, lemon eo in oil-soluble products is fabulous. I made an awesome coconut frosting for some scones once. It was sooo good. Organic extra virgin coconut oil, organic powdered sugar, 1-2 drops lemon eo..it was fabulous.
I see that spanish sage is listed in the "avoid during pregnancy" list. Does this also include common sage?
Common Sage, also known as Dalmatian Sage (latin name Salvia officinalis) does not contain sabinyl acetate like Spanish sage, however, it does contain camphor and thujone. I would avoid it not just during pregnancy, but in general. Looks like I need to add it to the list!
Oh wait--it's there on the list to avoid. Ok good.
Thank you so much for this list! I have had the hardest time finding organic (or even natural) face wash that had ingredients safe to use during pregnancy, and this list not only helped me narrow down the essential oils, but it lead me to Bubble and Bee's website where I found some face wash! Hooray! I hope it treats me well! ;) Thanks again!
Hi Stephanie! I am currently 23 weeks pregnant and unfortunately got lice from one of my kids. I had heard that rosemary oil is great in repelling them. I had used some undiluted in my hair a couple of times. I happened to read after that it is very harmful. My doctor said chances of something happening are rare. What are your opinions??? I am very nervous now. Thank you!!!
As you've found out, using essential oils straight on skin is not recommended. One of the problems, in addition to skin irritation, is a problem called sensitization, where if you're exposed to too much of one essential oil, it can make you allergic/sensitive to any exposure to it in the future. So, it's definitely something to avoid doing in the future. As far as some kind of permanent harmful hidden effect from putting it on your scalp--you should be just fine. The amount of camphor in rosemary is quite small, and the amount that you would have absorbed from applying it to your scalp is also small. It should not have caused any kind of permanent problem--your doctor is right.
Stephanie,
What about citrus oils being photosensitizers? I personally avoid every citrus oil, but I've seen they're freely used in many creams and body lotions, they might not be a problem on cleansers but in leave-in products... I also read in a place where I buy essential oils that they point on the description of most citrus oils that you should avoid sun exposure in the next 48 hours of application, so they're not even safe on night products.
What do you think?
Some citrus oils, as you mentioned, do have the potential to cause sunburn when applied to skin and then exposed to sunlight....however, a number of different factors come in to play.
First, photoreactivity is dependent upon the timing. The first 15 minutes after application are always the most active, and as time goes on, it becomes less reactive. Second, is each person's sensitivity to the ingredient. Some people can't use citrus oils at all; others can use them without problems. Studies have found that some people are more genetically predisposed to sensitivity to citrus than others. Third, as you know, is the concentration used. Fourth, is the presence of other compounds that may counteract the effects of the bergapten (the component of the essential oils that causes the sunburn) For instance, lipids (oils). Fifth is the essential oil itself, the constituents of which can vary from supplier to supplier, how the essential oil is extracted, and where it is grown.
The concentration of citrus oils we use in our products is well within the safe limits for the product as used. We are always keeping the safety of our customers in mind as we develop our products. Over the last three years and selling tens of thousands of lotion sticks, lip balms, and other products with citrus oils, we have had only one documented case of photoreactivity, and this was in the Sunflower lotion stick, It happened when a person used it not as directed. She applied the lotion stick as a lip balm right before she went in to a tanning bed and ended up getting a sunburn around her lips. Because she exposed herself to strong, direct UV light right after application, and used it on a part of her body that the product was not designed for, she had a reaction. Used properly on hands, elbows, and feet, with incidental daily exposure to sunlight, this product poses no risk. Perhaps if you were slathering it on all over right before sunbathing it wouldn't be a good idea. But, like I said, this has been the only single case of a problem.
When used as directed and properly diluted, citrus essential oils, in addition to smelling wonderful, can be highly beneficial. Numerous studies have found it to have free-radical scavenging abilities:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10995330
I know that the essential oils listed are not good for pregnancy or those who are trying to conceive, but what about the PHYSICAL plant? For example, i have lots of wormwood growing in my garden...is it safe to handle? This maybe a dumb question, I know essential oils are concentrated, but even so...better safe than sorry?
It should be fine to handle on an incidental basic, pulling weeds, trimming, etc.
Hi Stephanie,
Are floral waters such as rose geranium, rose, and neroli used as part of a cream, safe to use with pregnant and/or nursing moms?
I've made a couple of creams that my friends love - they shared the creams with their friends and well, you get the idea. Before I consider making these available to a larger audience I'd like to consult with a certified aromatherapist. How would I go about finding one?
I'm in Flemington, NJ. Thanks!
I suppose that would be dependent upon your purpose of the consultation. Are you looking to make arometherapy claims on your products, or just considering safety? Also to consider are challenge testing and stability testing, especially if you're looking at producing water-based products that require preservatives.
You may want to consider joining the Indie Beauty Network to speak with other small business owners and maybe even meet aromatherapists that could help you.
Thanks Stephanie,
The consultation would be for the purposes of safety, i.e. the effect of ingredients in combination and any potential side effects, warnings etc. Maybe I should try to find a chemist as well. Thanks for your sugestions - I'm going to pursue all of them!
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