by Eve Stahl

During pregnancy there are safety considerations worth heeding in order to protect the health and stability of the fetus.  Where the use of the essential oils of plants is concerned, there has been some confusion and some misleading information. 

The beauty of working with plants is that when chosen properly specific plants have an extensive range of skin care benefits. Certain herbs and flowers have magical balancing capabilities.  One plant is as likely to assist dry skin as it is to assist oily skin to find its proper balance while at the same time be beneficial for normal skin.   As unusual as this may seem, this is just one of the magical secrets of the world of plants. 

Additionally, a plant that is known for its sebum balancing properties may also specialize in toning, softening or improving the circulation of the skin.  In working with plants one steps into a rich world of natural phenomena.  Tuning in to how plants work synergistically is both a valuable art and a science.  This is the essence of the magic of Garden of Eve Skin Care products.

There are many diverse species of plants which support of our health.  We use them in a variety of ways  - from the vegetables that we eat whole; their oils that we eat and use in skin care products; the herbs and flowers that we use as medicine in the forms of teas and extracts and the herbs and flowers that we use in the forms of as extracts, essential oils and hydrosols in skin care.  Each plant has specific and diverse properties.  Used appropriately plants are safe and exceptionally beneficial to our health.

Pre- pregnancy and pregnancy is a special time to honor the health of a new life coming in.  Proper selection and use of herbs and flowers can enhance the health and strength of mother and fetus. Some plants’ functions are considered to be contrary to the optimal support of life during this precious time. Herbal plants are specialized foods. It is important to respect the specific functions of each herb. Some herbs function as emmenagogues which bring on menstruation. This is not a good choice while wanting to conceive or during the first trimester. Some herbs are beneficial during labor.   It is wise to learn about the plants that are cautioned and to avoid them during this time.  There are so many plant options available for whatever your chosen purpose may be that this need not be viewed as limiting.

Following is a guide to optimal safe plant selection for during pregnancy:

Bergamot, Calendula, Virginia Cedar, Roman and Moroccan Chamomile, Elemi, Fir, Frankincense - Boswelia Carterii,  Helichrysum, Lavender – Angustifolia,  Neroli,  Sweet Myrrh – Oppapanax, Patchouli, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Spruce, Ylang Ylang.

Cautioned plants to avoid during pregnancy:

Ajowan, Allspice, Anise, Angelica, Balsam Peru, Basil, Bay Laurel, Benzoin, Bitter Almond, Cajeput, Camphor, Cassia, Cedar – Atlas,  Carrot seed, Celery seed, Blue Chamomile (German), Cinnamon Bark & Leaf, Cistus, Clary Sage (OK during labor), Clove, Comphrey, Corn Mint, Cumin, Cypress, Dill, Douglas Fir, Eucalyptus, Lemon Eucalyptus, Fennel, Galbanum, Grapefruit, Hyssop,  Jasmine Grandiflora (OK during labor), Juniper, Labdanum, Spike Lavender, Lavender Latifolia, Lemon, Lemon Myrtle, Marjoram, melissa, Mugwort, Nutmeg, Oak Mosss, Oregano, Parsley seed, Penny Royal, Peppermint (and during breast feeding) , Scotch Pine, Rose Damascena, Bulgarian Rose, Chinese Rosa Rugosa, Rosemary, Sage, Winter Savory, Spikenard, St. John’s Wort, Tangerine, Tarragon, Thuja, thyme, Valerian, Wintergreen, Wormwood, Yarrow – Blue & Green.

Although the cautioned plant list is considerably longer than the safe plant list, when it comes to skin care most of the cautioned plants would not be considered as beneficial.

There are varying opinions on the safety of certain plants. Those plants I have listed in the section of plants that are cautioned.  As a point of information, I cannot leave this subject without mention that these are the essential oils that most Aromatherapy authors caution for use during pregnancy. However, it is the belief of world renowned aromatherapy expert Martin Watt, that “NO essential oils that used externally are proven as harmful to a developing foetus.”    Having said that, realize that we have a tremendous variety of plants available that are not considered to be suspect.  In fact, some plants on the safe list I find are of a nature stronger than I choose to formulate with for use during pregnancy.  Ultimately we all make our choices based on information and intuition.  When formulating for expectant mothers I choose to maintain optimal caution. These formulations are exceptionally balancing for all skin types.  

To view our Expectantly Lovely product line please click here.