Valerie Ann Worwood's recommendation for morning sickness is to add 4-5 drops of spearmint to a bowl of boiling water. Put the boil on the floor by the bed. According to her, the aroma molecules will keep the stomach calm and gently do their work while you are sleeping. A drop can also be added to the pillow.
Battaglia suggests that 4-5 drops of spearmint and/or ginger be used as an inhalation to calm the stomach.
Cooksley suggests that lavender can be used to relieve nausea by inhalation. It can also be combined with oils like lemon and peppermint.
Cooksley suggests:
For inhalation:
4 part lavender to
1 par of lemon or peppermint
Put a few drops on a tissue, in an aroma lamp, or in a diffuser.
Lavender is also soothing to the nervous system while peppermint and lemon are refreshing.
Steven Horne suggests that drinking a pregnancy tea made of equal parts of red raspberry leaf, alfalfa, and peppermint, eating a healthy diet, and take plenty of minerals are the best preventions for morning sickness. Steven also says that taking Red Raspberry blend and digestive enzymes with meals, and taking enough fiber and water so the bowels move, may also rid the morning sickness.
Other things to consider:
- Avoid fats, sugar, salt, caffeine and processed orange juice.
- Avoid processed foods.
- Consider taking a B-complex with additional B6 and magnesium to control morning sickness. Foods high in B6 and magnesium are sunflower seeds, walnuts, bananas, brown rice, chicken, wheat germ and brewer's yeast.
- The herb ginger in capsule form or freshly grated. According to some, excess ginger can cause uterine contractions. Some herbalist suggests to use ginger with caution during pregnancy, but Steven Horne thinks it is all right to use. To be on the safe side, do your own research.
- For NSP members, according to Horne, LIV-J or Liver Balance can be taken to clean out the liver. Red Raspberry Blend and the digestive enzymes Proactazyme Plus can also be taken according to him.
My post Is Aromatherapy Safe in Pregnancy? has information about what essential oils to use when pregnant. As always, this information is for educational purposes and is not meant to diagnose or replace the advice of a physician. Use caution and consult with your physiscian.
Before you leave:
I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.
Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.
Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
- Topical Application
- Inhaling Essential Oils
- Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
- How to Dilute Essential Oils
- Vita Flex Technique
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.
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