happypamama Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 Is peppermint oil okay for pregnancy? I don't know if it's the heat or what, but I keep getting headaches, and I'm really trying not to resort to caffeine. So I was thinking peppermint oil in a roller ball (with olive oil as the carrier). Is that pregnancy safe? (I'm ten weeks.). I know people recommend lavender oil, but I don't like the smell of lavender enough to want it near me. (I'm doing water and protein and a little salt, and I throw magnesium powder in my water too. But I'd like a little more help with these headaches.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 There's mixed opinions on it. Personally, I like the inhalation more during pregnancy. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 Ice packs? A bit of caffeine? Have you checked your blood pressure? Headaches in pregnancy can be worrisome. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted August 30, 2016 Author Share Posted August 30, 2016 Ice packs? A bit of caffeine? Have you checked your blood pressure? Headaches in pregnancy can be worrisome. I see my MW this week, so I am going to ask her. I don't think it's BP, although I will be keeping an eye on it. I think it's tiredness and/or dehydration/heat. I felt okay today but had a bit of a headache. It did go away after the combination of more water and a 15 minute nap. Caffeine absolutely helps, but I'd really like to stay away from that. But sometimes naps aren't possible, so I am trying to find a solution that helps. Ice packs -- maybe. I hate being very cold, so I don't know, but maybe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aura Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 Well, peppermint oil is generally contraindicated during pregnancy. It is pretty strong. PERSONALLY, I have used it during pregnancy, just not topically. Only through diffusers or sachet-type stuff. If you have any concerns, I would definitely avoid it. The worry alone is not worth it. Oils Considered NOT Safe During PregnancyAniseed, Angelica, Basil, Black pepper, Camphor, Cinnamon, Chamomile, Clary Sage (often used during labor by midwives safely), clove, fennel, fir, ginger, horseradish (should not be used by anyone), Jasmine, Juniper, Marjoram, Mustard, Mugwart (should not be used by anyone), Myrrh, Nutmeg, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Wintergreen. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momacacia Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 It can decrease milk supply once you're nursing, but you've got a while. Surely, there's some good online info out there on this specifically. There's a few sites that have a good list of safe and not safe oils for pregnancy. Google. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted August 30, 2016 Author Share Posted August 30, 2016 Thank you, Aura and momacacia -- that's what I wanted to know. Google seemed unsure, so I thought I'd ask people with more expertise. I might have to learn to tolerate lavender after all. I'm leery of diffusers because of our cats. That also means I need to check my germ fighting oil. The adult version looks like it will be out since it has several of those on the no list, I believe. I'll have to check the Kidsafe version that I use for homemade hand sanitizer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 Tisserand (Essential Oil Safety, 2ed) discussed EO use through pregnancy. Spanish Lavender is counterindicated because of camphor toxicity( p.152 and 155). Peppermint is discussed (p. 160 and elsewhere) but does not get blacklisted as an emmenogogue or as neurotoxic or abortifacient. He does recommend heavy dilution with carrier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwik Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 I used to carry it my labcoat pocket for when the smell got to me and it seemed OK for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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