Essential oils to Avoid throughout Pregnancy, Labor, and while Breastfeeding
The use of essential oils during pregnancy is a controversial topic and one that is yet to be fully understood. The main concern during pregnancy appears to be the risk of essential oil constituents crossing over into the placenta. Due to the lack of clear information regarding the toxicity of essential oils during pregnancy, it would be best to adhere to general safety guidelines. According to Tisserand and Balacs, the following essential oils should not be used during pregnancy: wormwood, rue, oak moss, Lavandula stoechas, camphor, parsley seed, sage, and hyssop. Essential oils that appear to be safe include cardamon, German and Roman chamomile, frankincense, geranium, ginger, neroli, patchouli, petitgrain, rosewood, rose, sandalwood, and other nontoxic essential oils. It would also be prudent to avoid the internal or undiluted application of essential oils throughout pregnancy.
Essential oils to Avoid throughout Pregnancy, Labor, and while Breastfeeding.
| Essential Oil | Latin Name |
| Aniseed | Pimpinella anisum |
| Basil ct. estragole | Ocimum basilicum |
| Birch | Betula lenta |
| Camphor | Cinnamomum camphora |
| Hyssop | Hyssopus officinalis |
| Mugwort | Artemisia vulgaris |
| Parsley seed or leaf | Petroselinum sativum |
| Pennyroyal | Mentha pulegium |
| Sage | Salvia officinalis |
| Tansy | Tanacetum vulgare |
| Tarragon | Artemisia dracunculus |
| Thuja | Thuja occidentalis |
| Wintergreen | Gaultheria procumbens |
| Wormwood | Artemisia absinthium |
