Essential Oil Hocus Pocus for Anxiety?

MamaOlive · December 2015

I'm very skeptical of essential oils. I think they're glorified perfume and a bunch of malarkey. <<<<< There's my disclaimer.

I'm also a hypocrite. I was taking a very low dose of Elavil before getting pregnant to treat anxiety. I had severe PPA after the birth of DD and waited way too long to be treated but Elavil was my miracle drug. It's not safe for pregnancy so my doctor took me off of it.

She prescribed something else that made me feel like absolute crap so I threw it out after 1 day. My anxiety is manageable without drugs, but they definitely make life easier.

This week is really difficult on the anxiety front. I had a difficult first appointment and I'm scheduled for a follow-up ultrasound on Monday to see if this will be a viable pregnancy. I'm a basket case. I'm having a really hard time keeping it together.

My sister is the family hippie and she suggested this anxiety blend of essential oils. Is anyone here familiar with EOs? Are they safe for pregnancy? How exactly do you use them?

I'm skeptical but I think they're relatively harmless so I'm willing to give it a try.

jlgriff11 · December 2015

I don't pretend to know too much but I know that warmed lavender oil in a warmer is very relaxing to me. Some people like mint or chamomile. I think you can put a little in a warm bath too. Its too strong I think to put directly on the skin. I'd stick to traditionally calming scents, or scents that remind you of something you like, vanilla or cinnamon. I associate lavender with sleep and that's why I like it for anxiety or restlessness. I feel like you're not going to do any harm so may as well at least try it, you know? You shouldnt be worse off from it. I wish you luck, I think anxiety and similar issues don't get enough attention.

I don't know what is safe or not, I bet that you'll get some responses. Maybe certain brands are safer, but I would think as long as you aren't ingesting it it should be OK. I'm sure someone will know better though, so don't take my word for it.

MamaOlive · December 2015

Thanks for the response. I tried for far too long to brush off anxiety, but I'm a happier person and better mom when I'm treating it, or at least acknowledging its existence.

I know we're a long way off from PPA/PPD, but pre-partum anxiety and depression is also a common but ignored problem. I'm here if anyone else wants to chat about it. I'm always happy to share my own experiences.

I think adding an EO to a bath might be the thing I try. Thanks for the tip.

Kfelt18 · December 2015

I got a humidifier and I put a few drops of lavender in it and it definitely helps me sleep better. Got it from Young Living and they have oils called stress away and thieves. My mom uses the thieves (used to kill germs in the air) in her classroom and swears by it, and has noticed a huge decrease in kids getting sick since she started using it this year (also good for us to be moms who are massively limited in what we can take). I have no stock in this company nor do I usually use oils but I sincerely have noticed a difference and I need anything I can get stress wise because I'm at an all time high right now.

MamaOlive · December 2015

@Kfelt18 Do you use a regular humidifier or an EO diffuser?

jenkeale · December 2015

I agree with PP that lavender is really calming, I use a diffuser. I also like ylang ylang a lot. During pregnancy, you're not supposed to ingest or apply directly to skin and there are some oils you should stay away from. There was a thread on EOs awhile back and I remember someone posting something a lot more helpful than I can be. I was taking Xanax as needed before pregnancy, so I'm with you trying to find a safe alternative. Good luck!

stillcozy · December 2015

@MamaOlive so sorry you are struggling with your anxiety. I use Lavendar just because it calms me I never have used any other EO and thought I would give it a shot I've heard there are some that are more risky to use but I've heard Lavendar and peppermint are good!

When my anxiety is bad I like baths and have started putting in a couple drops of the Lavendar in it. On a non EO fix I've started listening to guided meditations since my anxiety gets bad before I sleep and it's helped me a lot

Hang in there and know you have got support!

noelietrex · December 2015

We have an essential oil defuser; you can get them at Natural Grocers or Whole Foods. If you prefer to avoid that cost, defusing in the shower or tub with super hot water before cooling it to bathing temperature works nicely as well. No idea or opinion on wether it's totally hocus pocus or legit, but when I close my eyes and the smell brings me back to every spa I've ever been to it's super relaxing for a fraction of the price! I also see a midwife who uses and recommends them and has assured me defusing is a-okay during pregnancy.

matryoshkadoll · December 2015

I do not use EO instead of medicine or anything, but I do love aromatherapy during pregnancy. I used to put a few drops in the bath water, but that bothered my skin. I just got a cheap diffuser from Amazon for myself for Christmas and it is great. I also put on recordings of prayers for pregnancy and listen to that during my bath. That whole routine really really helps my anxiety and keeps me from freaking out when I'm left to my own thoughts trying to fall asleep.

I went to a doterra EO "party" where they try to sell you stuff and they had a booklet with a list of EO safe/helpful for pregnancy and for which trimester. I think if you are going to apply any directly to your skin or ingest, definitely do your research about the specific blend and buy from a reputable company. Hope you find something that helps!

lillebowski23 · December 2015

I'm on board with EOs for aroma therapy. I use a citrus blend in a diffuser which helps with scent aversion and also lavender in the bath. Young Living has a blend called stress away that I mix with coconut oil and dab right under my nose. I don't think it literally takes the stress away but it sure does smell nice and I find it soothing.

I also have anxiety and ADHD and was using medical cannabis to treat but now nothing because well... the research on the effect of THC on a fetus is varied and inconclusive. My midwife, OB, and I agree: better to err on the side of caution.

My symptoms have gotten worse since I have been pregnant, but about 5 months ago I started (at the suggestion of my therapist) a meditation practice. I've found it more challenging of late but it is still super helpful when I have recurrent and obssessive thoughts. I use the Headspace app. I also continue with therapy.

Oops got of on a tangent there.... anyway, I say give the oils a try, but keep talking to your doctor and they will hopefully work with you and your symptoms. Sending you (non-obsessive) positive thoughts and best wishes!

afrazer521 · December 2015

Oils are safe to diffuse during pregnancy, small amounts added directly to a bath or bath salts. Certain types, ie Do Terra and Young Living, DO make certain oil blends that are meant to be applied directly to the skin for stress relief, pain relief, etc, but in my opinion I would always cut the oils with a carrier oil so not so much is being absorbed into your skin at once. Also peppermint is fine while pregnant, but I highly suggest cutting out ALL peppermint, (tea, oil, etc), close to your due date as it limits milk production. I found an interesting article on pinterest over the summer about a woman and all the oils she used during her labor and delivery. Different things like diffusing thieves to clear the air and having her SO rub a pain relief oil cut with a carrier on her lower back. It was a very interesting read as she talked about stress relief and calming oil practices as well. I wish I had saved it so I could post the link. If I find it I'll let you ladies know. In the mean time just have fun with it and use what feels right, that's what I've always done.

Croscrew · December 2015

A lot of hospitals here use EOs during childbirth. While I am not currently on the wagon, I do know a lot of people who receive benefits from it and I believe that the sense of smell is very important. Sorry I have no other advice on how to use.

sayerhart · December 2015

I use EO's for everything. I have cut down on certain ones that are not safe for pregnancy, and I have done a lot of research. There is a midwife named Stephanie Fritz and she has a book about pregnancy and EO's. They are very powerful (which is why I love them so much) so you are right to seek out information first. Lavender is good for anxiety, although for some people it can make them sleepy. Try citrus oils such as lemon, wild orange, grapefruit for anxiety. Even just smelling them from the bottle if you don't want to use them on your skin. Or use a diffuser. But I would not recommend putting oils in a humidifier. It's not meant for that, you'll ruin it! Also use a cold air diffuser as warming up oils will kill some of the compounds in the oils making them much less effective.

If you have any questions, let me know and I can try and steer you in the right direction!

edit: I forgot to mention that I am talking about pure oils. I would not recommend using any oils with synthetics or fillers.

msuzannah · December 2015

Lavender! I love it. I've also been told that cinnamon is one of the best to use for anxiety and it's worked for me! If you use cinnamon don't put it directly on your skin! You need to mix it well with a carrier oil or lotion because it will burn. I don't know if it's safe to put directly on your skin during pregnancy but I've never heard any precautions about diffusing it in a diffuser. I've also heard that if you have one of those warmers that you burn candle wax in if you put a carrier oil and an EO in that it's a good way to diffuse it. I've never tried it before though so I have no idea!

sayerhart · December 2015

Definetly want to limit cinnamon use during pregnancy. And you're right, not on your skin when pregnant.

As for warming them up, it will smell great but won't be as effective for treating anxiety. The heat ruins the compounds in the oils. Best way is using a cold water diffuser. Just for your information

msuzannah · December 2015

@sayerhart good to know!! I'm still figuring out all this essential oil stuff but I love it! Even if it is a little hocus pocus it still smells nice

MrsRo731 · December 2015

I bought a DoTerra starter kit back in May to help with my anxiety and it didn't help at all. I think I put too much stock into it. I was looking for something to be a cure all and they weren't for me. I also have chronic sinusitis and the oils ended up really f'ing up my sinuses. I wish I could say they worked/helped because I really wanted them to.

The only oil I really liked was the peppermint for headaches. To add, I was using a diffuser and while it they didn't help my anxiety, they did help me fall asleep faster at night.

Good luck - I can really relate to you on this. I was never medicated for my anxiety and I think I'm going to look into it after this pregnancy.

ladythrice · December 2015

MrsRo731 said:

I bought a DoTerra starter kit back in May to help with my anxiety and it didn't help at all. I think I put too much stock into it. I was looking for something to be a cure all and they weren't for me. I also have chronic sinusitis and the oils ended up really f'ing up my sinuses. I wish I could say they worked/helped because I really wanted them to.

The only oil I really liked was the peppermint for headaches. To add, I was using a diffuser and while it they didn't help my anxiety, they did help me fall asleep faster at night.

Good luck - I can really relate to you on this. I was never medicated for my anxiety and I think I'm going to look into it after this pregnancy.

Ahh @mrsro731, we have so much in common. I was never medicated for anxiety either but I truly believe I should have been. Unfortunately this realization didn't hit until my first OB appointment with 2.0... and of course its too late at this point unless things get, quote "really bad." I'm disappointed the EOs didn't help you. After seeing this post I was thinking of trying some myself. Bummer!

@Mamaolive, if you end up trying some out, let us know what does/doesn't work for you!

MrsRo731 · December 2015

@ladythrice - I hope I didn't talk you out of trying them! Personally, the oils didn't work for me but you never know. If you do decide to try them, I probably wouldn't buy a whole kit. It was pricey!

Good luck getting your anxiety under control - I truly understand how difficult it is. For me, my mind wanders when I'm not active/busy and that's the worst time for me. I'm hoping I can keep it under control the rest of the pregnancy and after LO arrives. I am definitely going to talk to my Dr. this time around instead of just living with it!

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