Ways to use lavender during pregnancy

 Inhaling lavender essential oil during pregnancy – use an essential oil diffuser to enjoy the subtle aroma of lavender during pregnancy. Lavender essential oil is a relaxing oil (in most instances) and you can use a diffuser either during the day in your home or burn one before you go to sleep at night, next to your bed. Use either a candle lit or electric diffuser and follow the instructions for use – or use a candle infused with pure lavender essential oil. Another way to inhale lavender before going to bed is to spritz some lavender essential oil (diluted in water) on your pillow before going to sleep. Using lavender as a massage oil – lavender essential oil can be diluted in a massage oil base, such as jojoba, sweet almond or apricot kernel oil, and used to relieve aching muscles and back pain during pregnancy. It can also be used to massage the back during labor, under the guidance and knowledge of a suitably qualified midwife.View the list »
 Kate Middleton started eating lavender shortbread to alleviate the symptoms of morning sickness.  Lavender shortbread is just one example of how lavender can be used in cooking and baking. Both lavender oil and lavender buds are added to cooking and baked items such as meat dishes, rice dishes, cakes, desserts, ice-cream, honey and fruit dishes. Lavender is an acquired taste – so test a little first before diving in.

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Shortly after the official announcement of Kate Middleton's royal pregnancy came the rumor that the Duchess of Cambridge had developed a pregnancy craving for lavender shortbread to help ease the symptoms of morning sickness. Whilst cravings during pregnancy vary, lavender can be used in a number of different ways during pregnancy.

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Using lavender oil in pregnancy

You can use lavender (and lavender oil) in pregnancy in the following ways:

  • in cooking or baked items (such as lavender shortbread)
  • in a massage oil to relieve back ache and other aches and pains
  • during labor in a massage oil (although consult a qualified and experienced midwife before using lavender in this way)
  • inhaling lavender oil through a diffuser or candle to help with insomnia.

Lavender oil is also suitable to use for both mom and baby, once baby is born, to help both get a good night's sleep!

A few things to remember when using lavender essential oil during pregnancy:

  • know the type of lavender essential oil you are using as there is more than one variety; for example, true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most common lavender oil but there are others too, including lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) and spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia). These different types of lavender oil may react differently. Lavandula angustifolia is the preferred lavender oil to use during pregnancy
  • make sure that you use a pure lavender essential oil and not a synthetic substitute, such as a fragrance oil, as such products don't possess the same therapeutic properties
  • avoid using lavender essential oil during the first trimester of pregnancy; consult a qualified aromatherapist and an experienced health care professional for further advice on your particular circumstances
  • always dilute the lavender essential oil in a base such as a massage oil or cream if you are applying it topically.

This is article is not intended as a substitute for medical advice and the advice given within it has not been assessed or evaluated by the FDA.

References

View the list
  •  Kate Middleton started eating lavender shortbread to alleviate the symptoms of morning sickness.  Lavender shortbread is just one example of how lavender can be used in cooking and baking. Both lavender oil and lavender buds are added to cooking and baked items such as meat dishes, rice dishes, cakes, desserts, ice-cream, honey and fruit dishes. Lavender is an acquired taste – so test a little first before diving in.
  •  Using lavender as a massage oil – lavender essential oil can be diluted in a massage oil base, such as jojoba, sweet almond or apricot kernel oil, and used to relieve aching muscles and back pain during pregnancy. It can also be used to massage the back during labor, under the guidance and knowledge of a suitably qualified midwife.
  •  Inhaling lavender essential oil during pregnancy – use an essential oil diffuser to enjoy the subtle aroma of lavender during pregnancy. Lavender essential oil is a relaxing oil (in most instances) and you can use a diffuser either during the day in your home or burn one before you go to sleep at night, next to your bed. Use either a candle lit or electric diffuser and follow the instructions for use – or use a candle infused with pure lavender essential oil. Another way to inhale lavender before going to bed is to spritz some lavender essential oil (diluted in water) on your pillow before going to sleep.
View the list
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, Women's Health Examiner

Sharon is a certified aromatherapist and qualified reflexologist living in Arizona; Sharon is particularly interested in women's health matters. Sharon owns Sedona Aromatherapie, writes an aromatherapy blog and worked both as a feature writer and topic editor at suite101. Contact Sharon at ...

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