**I would like to note that various sources recommend not using possible irritant oils, while others only have the toxic oils on their do not use while pregnant lists** _http://www.gems4friends.com/oils.html_ (http://www.gems4friends.com/oils.html) _http://www.essentialoils.co.za/pregnancy.htm_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/pregnancy.htm) _Aromatherapy_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/aromatherapy.htm) can be a great benefit during pregnancy and assists in minimizing some of the discomfort and aches. There are however some _compounds_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/components.htm) in certain essential oils that have hormone-like behavior because of their molecular structure and although there is no conclusive evidence on the effect of estrogenic oils it would be prudent to avoid anethole rich oils, like _ fennel_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/fennel.htm) and _ aniseed_(http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/aniseed.htm) during pregnancy. Although some oils are listed as _abortifacient_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/abortifacient_oils.htm) oils, it is mainly due to their _toxic_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/toxic_oils.htm) nature, and should in any case not be used in aromatherapy massage at any time. Some essential oils are however not toxic, but have _emmenagogue_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/emmenagogue.htm) action, which is to help to promote and regulate the menstrual flow (periods), and should be avoided during pregnancy. We have compiled a list below, in which we endeavored to list all the oils which we think should not be used for massage while you are pregnant. We have compiled the list from all known oils that may in some way or other interfere with this very special time, but give nor infer any guarantee or warranty of safety for any oil not included on this list. If you are unsure if an oil can be used, kindly refer it to your licensed medical practitioner for his or her advice and directions. Essential oils to be avoided in pregnancy: _Almond - bitter_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/almond_bitter.htm) Toxic _Aniseed_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/aniseed.htm) Anethole rich _Angelica_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/angelica.htm) Emmenagogue _Basil_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/basil.htm) Possible irritant _Birch_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/birch.htm) Possible irritant _Black pepper_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/black_pepper.htm) Skin sensitization _Boldo leaf_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/boldo.htm) Toxic _Buchu_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/buchu.htm) Liver hazardous _Calamus_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/calamus.htm) Toxic _Camphor_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/camphor.htm) Toxic _Cassia_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/cassia.htm) Skin sensitization _Cedarwood_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/cedarwood.htm) Emmenagogue _Chamomile_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/camomile.htm) Emmenagogue _Cinnamon_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/cinnamon_leaf.htm) Skin sensitization & emmenagogue _Clary sage_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/clary_sage.htm) Emmenagogue _Clove_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/clove.htm) Skin sensitization Elecampane Skin sensitization _Fennel_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/fennel.htm) Anethole rich Fir Possible irritant _Ginger_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/ginger.htm) Emmenagogue Horseradish Toxic _Hyssop_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/hyssop.htm) Could cause toxicity Jaborandi leaf Toxic _Jasmine_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/jasmine.htm) Emmenagogue _Juniper_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/juniper_berry.htm) Emmenagogue _Lemon_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/lemon.htm) Possible irritant _Lemongrass_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/lemongrass.htm) Possible irritant _Marjoram_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/marjoram.htm) Emmenagogue _Melissa_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/melissa.htm) Possible irritant _Mugwort_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/mugwort.htm) Toxic _Mustard_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/mustard.htm) Toxic _Myrrh_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/myrrh.htm) Emmenagogue Nightshade Toxic _Nutmeg_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/nutmeg.htm) Skin sensitization _Oregano_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/oregano.htm) Skin sensitization Parsley seed Apiol rich _Pennyroyal_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/pennyroyal.htm) Toxic _Peppermint_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/peppermint.htm) Emmenagogue _Pine_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/pine.htm) Skin sensitization _Rose_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/rose.htm) Emmenagogue _Rosemary_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/rosemary.htm) Emmenagogue _Rue_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/rue.htm) Toxic _Sage_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/sage.htm) High thujone content _Sassafras_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/sassafras.htm) Toxic _Savin_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/savin.htm) Toxic Savory Could cause toxicity Southernwood Toxic Stinging nettle Toxic _Tansy_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/tansy.htm) Toxic _Thuja_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/thuja.htm) Toxic _Thyme_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/thyme.htm) (both Red and Linalol) Possible irritant _Wintergreen_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/wintergreen.htm) Toxic Wormseed Toxic _Wormwood_ (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/wormwood.htm) Toxic LadyGarnetMoon@aol.com
		To childbirth page