Essential Oil "Balm" - Safe?

Emerald27

I've heard mixed reviews about the safety of essential oils for pregnancy, since they're so potent, etc. There seem to be a lot of cautions out there for their use.

Well, my aunt sent me this belly "balm" stuff for pregnant bellies, and it smells SO STRONG that it almost knocks me out. It's a jar that came in a nest? with a poem (yes, you read that right), and the label indicates that it's for pregnant bellies. I wasn't using it much (the smell is just so super strong!), but my stretch marks are getting out of control, as is the itchiness factor, etc., so I put some on tonight before bed.

So my questions for you ladies are: if you know anything about essential oils and pregnancy, are lavender and lemon ok ones? What about their use in a balm or lotion that you rub on your tummy? If I bring this to my next appt to ask my midwife if it's safe to use, is she going to just laugh at me? ">

I swear I'm not a crazy paranoid pregnant lady. I just don't know a lot about this stuff and wanted to make sure it's ok to use before I cover the bump in it!



TIA! :x

MissMandyD

I use almond soap and shampoo with essential almond oil. Not sure if that helps.

MrsL2B

The Belli elasticity belly oil reeks of lavender and is a pretty popular product. I'm not sure which essential oils are safe and which aren't, though.

Saragoeswest

Please share the poem. And the nest. That is just too good. I had not heard anything negative about essential oils and pregnancy. I know normally you have to dilute several of them before they are safe for contact with your skin. But if it's in a balm it is probably already diluted. I think that's what the almond oil is for.

persephonerose

I don't know about the essential oils. I would ask to be sure. But I am snickering a little bit about it being made with the beef fat of animals that are only "grass" fed.

archi35

Saragoeswest said:

Please share the poem. And the nest. That is just too good. I had not heard anything negative about essential oils and pregnancy. I know normally you have to dilute several of them before they are safe for contact with your skin. But if it's in a balm it is probably already diluted. I think that's what the almond oil is for.

Um yeah this is the more interesting part for me by far!  

griffers

There are lists of unsafe essential oils for pregnant women on various websites. Not that the Internet is the best resource but I'm not sure where else to look. I've started making my own body and face butter. I put lavender oil in my belly butter and lemongrass and pamarosa oil in my face lotion. But I make sure to limit the amount to 10 drops or so as I understand essential oils are very concentrated. Even so my lavender one smells really strong and I think it partly has to do with the raw shea butter in it as that also smells pretty strong. Hope that helps a little!

MuffinMom14

I know next to NOTHING, so completely disregard and google for yourself, but I thought peppermint was the one to be super concerned about. 

I came up with this, but it doesn't appear to be super "official" or anything:

https://www.essentialoils.co.za/pregnancy.htm

Emerald27

Saragoeswest said:

Please share the poem. And the nest. That is just too good. I had not heard anything negative about essential oils and pregnancy. I know normally you have to dilute several of them before they are safe for contact with your skin. But if it's in a balm it is probably already diluted. I think that's what the almond oil is for.

Oh!! I already threw those away!! Darn.

The jar came in a small box and was in the center of a realistic looking bird's nest made of some kind of soft, fake branchy and mossy stuff (looked like this was what they used as packing material), and the poem said something about caressing the nest I've made for baby? I don't remember, but I did laugh at it a lot! DH just rolled his eyes.

yoyopez

in addition to the balms, looks like they sell dog treats and 'manure teas' (for plant fertilizer) as well... i know this doesn't help with the essential oils being safe question but i think it does add a little depth to the mystery of the product
https://www.lucky3farm.com/#!store/c23c9

yella726

That looks like a perfectly fine blend (albeit with a really strong smell)! Here are a list of essential oils known to be generally safe for pregnancy (second and third trimesters):

•    Bergamot
•    Roman chamomile
•    Eucalyptus
•    Geranium
•    Ginger
•    Grapefruit
•    Lavender
•    Lemon
•    Lemongrass
•    Lime
•    Mandarin
•    Neroli
•    Patchouli
•    Petitgrain
•    Rose Otto
•    Rosewood
•    Sandalwood
•    Sweet orange
•    Tea tree
•    Ylang ylang

(Sweet almond oil is used as a blending oil -- safe and moisturizing)

Emerald27

yoyopez said:

in addition to the balms, looks like they sell dog treats and 'manure teas' (for plant fertilizer) as well... i know this doesn't help with the essential oils being safe question but i think it does add a little depth to the mystery of the product
https://www.lucky3farm.com/#!store/c23c9

The poem was hand-written so I'm not sure whether it comes with all gifts of this nature or whether my aunt wrote it and asked them to include that as a note. I can't ask my aunt because I'll probably start giggling. She's very artsy but also serious about it...I'm a little more on the lighthearted and probably (to her, at least) uncultured side.

Now I'm off to shop their store! Manure tea sounds like the drink my tomatoes have been begging for...wonder how, and where, it's steeped?!

ETA: HOLY MOLY!! She spent $24 on this 4oz jar!! :-O

aboodtobe

yella726 posted the best ones for pregnancy. 

Source: I live in a super hippie town.

Saragoeswest

Hey @PurpleHippo19-- What are you going to use them for during labor? To smell? Or for your lady bits?

Saragoeswest

PurpleHippo19 said:

Saragoeswest said:

Hey @PurpleHippo19-- What are you going to use them for during labor? To smell? Or for your lady bits?

@Saragoeswest yep, basically.

Going to use some to help avoid episiotomy.  Going to diffuse an uplifting oil blend during labor to keep my spirits up (I got easily discouraged during labor last time and I'd love to avoid that this time).  I'll have some to make transition a little easier.  Put in a carrier oil (olive, fractionated coconut), oils can be rubbed on my lower back for pain, etc.

My plan is for a natural homebirth, so any natural help I can get is welcomed, lol!

Would you mind PM-ing me your cheat sheet when you make it? My knowledge of essential oils is very limited but those sound like great ideas.