Many experts — including aromatherapy and homeopathic practitioners — avoid the use of peppermint oil on pregnant people entirely.
Why is peppermint essential oil unsafe for pregnancy?
While it may be tempting to use lavender and peppermint oils to ease nausea and vomiting during your first trimester, many experts suggest avoiding essential oils altogether during that critical first 13 weeks of pregnancy, as there’s some risk—however small—that they could cause uterine contractions that may adversely
Is the smell of peppermint oil harmful to babies?
Peppermint used on children under 30 months of age can increase a risk for seizures. Don’t use oils near a heat source. Using essential oils near heat source can cause a fire. Don’t use essential oils near the eyes, ears and nose.
Can you smell essential oils while pregnant?
Finally, pregnant women should avoid ingesting and topically applying undiluted essential oils throughout pregnancy. Instead, try inhaling essential oils or adding them to a diffuser.
Is it safe to inhale peppermint oil?
Another 2016 study suggested that vapors from essential oils, such as peppermint oil, have antibacterial properties that may help alleviate some types of upper respiratory infection. Inhaling steam and vapors can be helpful for easing nasal congestion from colds and other upper respiratory infections.
Can inhaling essential oils cause miscarriage?
Regardless of their ability to promote menstruation, there is no decisive evidence that these oils are abortifacient in aromatherapy amounts. For instance, the whole plants of savin, pennyroyal, tansy, and rue can induce miscarriage and their oils were on the list of abortifacient oils at some point [7].
What essential oils are toxic while pregnant?
Essential oils to avoid during pregnancy
These include fennel, clary sage, marjoram, tarragon, caraway, cinnamon, thuja, mugwort, birch, wintergreen, basil (estragole CT), camphor, hyssop, aniseed, sage, tansy, wormwood, parsley seed or leaf, and pennyroyal.
What are the side effects of inhaling peppermint oil?
Side Effects of Peppermint Oil
Heartburn. Allergic reactions such as flushing, headache, and mouth sores.
What happens if a baby inhales peppermint oil?
Even diluted, oils can build up in your system if used frequently throughout the day. Don’t use peppermint oil on children less than 30 months old. Peppermint oil may increase the risk of seizures in younger children.
Can peppermint hurt my baby?
DO NOT give peppermint to an infant or small child. Peppermint oil applied to the face of infants can cause life-threatening breathing problems. In addition, peppermint tea may cause a burning sensation in the mouth.
What smells are sensitive to pregnancy?
Certainly, the biggest offenders are foods that linger and are already pungent, like onions, garlic, curry, etc. But there are also smells that you just can’t stomach for whatever reason including spaghetti sauce, fried foods, syrups that are heavily flavored.
What scent is not good for pregnancy?
Avoid anything with fragrance in it, as phthalates are commonly used in making fragrances. Look into handmade cosmetic and personal products that don’t use any chemicals (and skip the products entirely when you can). The Environmental Working Group has a database you can use to learn more about commercial products.
Can smelling fumes be harmful when pregnant?
It’s highly unlikely that painting or being around paint fumes while you’re pregnant will harm your unborn baby, as the risk from most modern household paints is very low.
How long does peppermint oil stay in the air?
First, each essential oil will stay in the air for a different amount of time. Top notes, like peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus typically evaporate within an hour or two.
How long does the smell of peppermint oil last?
Peppermint Oil Spray
Reapply the spray as the scent fades, usually after about two weeks.
Is it OK to put peppermint oil in your nose?
Peppermint oil contains menthol. This compound may affect the mucus receptors in the nose, helping to open the airways and clear mucus. Lab studies show that peppermint oil may fight bacteria, one of the triggers of sinus congestion. Animal studies demonstrate that it may also reduce inflammation.
Can peppermint cause miscarriage?
If you’re concerned about side effects, it’s best to avoid peppermint tea until your second trimester. But note that there’s no documented evidence that peppermint has ever caused a miscarriage. In fact, it’s considered a better choice over nonherbal teas such as black, oolong, and green teas that do contain caffeine.
Is it safe to inhale essential oils from a diffuser?
The answer is yes it is safe, but even more than that, breathing in essential oils can be good for you. Inhaling essential oils isn’t just pleasant because of their gorgeous scents and aromas they release, but it can actually positively affect your mental and physical wellbeing too.
Do essential oils cross the placenta?
Keep in mind that essential oils, being organic compounds, will cross the placental barrier and have the potential to affect Baby.
Can you diffuse too much peppermint oil?
If you’re using too much essential oil in your diffuser, you may start to notice that you’re getting headaches or migraines more often. You might find yourself getting dizzy or experiencing vertigo more often. And you may even get nauseous or start vomiting if you’re really going overboard with it.
Who should not use peppermint oil?
Peppermint oil has been used for stomach/intestinal disorders (such as upset stomach, cramps, irritable bowel syndrome-IBS). This product should not be used by children younger than 8 years. Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives.