Essential Oils Not to Use When Nursing

Every essential oil is different from the other. So, stop using them in the same manner. Some are suitable for direct use and some are not. Being pregnant or as a nursing mother, you have to be extra careful while picking one for you. And never forget to consult your doctor or physician before using. Here is the list of the essential oils you must avoid while nursing.

Oregano: Oregano is not suitable for babies while nursing. It may affect the baby through the breast milk and may cause symptoms like fussiness in them.

Anise: Both internal and external uses of anise while breastfeeding can be risky for baby’s health. You ingesting anise can give an unpleasant odor to the breast milk. Excessive use also prove to be toxic.

Rosemary: This essential oil is not suitable for infants to the kids of about four years.

Clary Sage: Stop using when you are lactating. It’s a uterine stimulant and causes high blood pressure in pregnant women.

Panaway: Though it cures a lot of health issues but it is not considered safe for babies. It should be kept away from eyes mucus membrane and above all do not use it near sensitive skin.

Bergamot: It is commonly used for anxiety and stress related symptoms. But for babies of any age, it is not considered safe and may result in health-risking side effects.

Yarrow and Thyme: Both herbs affect the supply of breast milk. So, the mothers who are already facing issues with breastmilk, must not forget its essential oils to avoid while nursing.

Winter Green: Avoid it. It may have toxic effects on nursing babies.

Eucalyptus: It’s not one of those safest oils. It increases blood pressure and is considered harmful for both pregnant and nursing mothers.

Bitter Almond Oil: It may have severe toxic effects.

Onion: Onion and its oil are not considered safe for breastfeeding moms as it may cause 24 hours’ colic in babies and also affects the sweetness of breastmilk.

Mustard: It bitters the taste of milk.

Cinnamon: We do not recommend it for nursing moms in the form of essential oil, as it may change the flavor of breastmilk and babies would not like that.

Parsley: It is also one of those oils that are known as milk suppresser.

Garlic: It may pass into breast milk and causes a bitter taste. Even it is considered to be the cause of colic in new born babies.

Arnica: Stop the intake of arnica in any form when breastfeeding. It may cause hemolytic anemia in new born babies.

Peppermint: Peppermint is reported to decrease the production of breast milk in some women.

Saffron: Its artificial coloring properties may pass into your baby through your milk and may harm the baby’s health.

Here are a few points that all the nursing moms should keep in mind.

• For nursing moms, applying essential oils on skin or simply diffusing them are the safest ways. In diffusion, a very small and safe amount of oil reaches the pores.

• Steam inhalation of essential oils is not recommended for nursing moms and pregnant ladies.

• Nursing moms should always dilute to reduce the strength of essential oils, preferably to half strength.

• Nursing moms should avoid ingesting any of these essential oils. As it may cause the transfer of health-risking toxins in your baby’s body.

• Diluting the essential oil with a carrier oil (raw coconut, almond, hump seed) is highly recommended. Applying directly on the skin may prove harmful. 12 drops of essential oil are good enough in an oz. of carrier oil.

• Don’t use the essential oils on daily basis. Use them only when you come across any symptoms like nausea, insomnia, cough, headache, indigestion or stress.

• Internal or vaginal use of essential oils is not recommended.

• Make sure that you are not using solvent-extracted oils or absolutes. In both cases, there are great chances of residues. And that may be harmful.

• Last but not least, the essential oils you are using should be pure and not the synthetic or fragrant oils.

• Nursing mothers can freely use black pepper. It is considered a great source for relaxed muscles (nursing moms badly need that).

• Fennel oil ensures a healthy lactation.

• Basil oil can be used while nursing. But keeping it away from baby is highly recommended as it is stronger in essence.

• Lavender and Roman chamomile oil are good for sore nipples or mastitis. Apply it on affected area by mixing in raw coconut oil.

• Sunflower lecithin ensures a continuous and clog-free lactation.

• Geranium and myrrh is used for cracked nipples resulted after breastfeeding. Mixing with raw coconut oil brings the best results.

• German Chamomile oil is helpful in sleeping disorder.

• Dill weed boosts immunity and good digestion. And it is safe while breastfeeding.

• Fir Needle is a great way to strengthen your respiratory system.

• Coriander and ginger are great sources for relieving constipation.

• Blue tansy is surely not one of the essential oils to avoid while nursing. It’s really good for back ache. And every woman needs it while nursing.