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A carrier oil should have certain properties which make it suitable to be used during your skin and the intended use. Some of these requirements should be met absolutely, while others may be personal preference

Density – This refers to how solid the product is. Some oils are very liquid, while on the other extreme some may be more like a butter (for example Shea Oil/Butter)

Viscosity – Some oils have low viscosity. That means they flow easily on the skin. Higher viscosity may be less transparent and thicker

Absorb in a reasonable time – The oil should be absorbed into the skin, but not too quickly depending on the use. Some oils should stick around to get absorbed deeper.

Not too drying – Some base oils (hemp) and essential oils can exert a drying effect. They dry out much quicker than other oils, and may make the skin feel a tad bit dry. This is desirable in some cases.

Odor – Oils with strong odors are generally avoided when used with essential oils, unless absolutely needed.

Moisturization – how well does the oil seal moisture inside the skin. Oils that moisturize better keep skin hydrated and smooth for longer periods of time.

Purity of the Oil – the quality and purity of oil also matter. In general, filtered oils feel smoother to the touch, as they are more refined. Unrefined oils obtained directly from the cold press may feel a little greasy, which is avoided in some uses, yet desired in other.

Keeping you and your unborn child safe is the most important goal of any pregnancy. Knowledge is power and there-fore having the correct information always helps to develop a good plan to stay healthy. Below is a list of essential oils to completely avoid during pregnancy and a few reasons why.

Arnica (Hydrosol is ok), Birch (sweet), Bitter almond, Boldo leaf, Broom, Buchu, Calamus, Camphor (brown or yellow) Cassia, Cedarwood/thuja, Chervil, Cinnamon, Clary sage, Clove (bud, leaf or stem), Coriander, Costus, Deertongue, Elecampane Fennel, Horseradish, Hyssop, Jaborandi leaf, Juniper berry, Melilotus, Mugwort, Mustard, Nutmeg, Origanum, Parsley (large doses), Pennyroyal (Always avoid pregnant or not), Pine (dwarf), Rosemary, Rue, Sassafras, Savin, Savory (summer), Tansy (Even Blue), Thyme red (large doses), Tonka, Wintergreen, Wormwood.

Your baby is developing for 9 months, during the first trimester all essential oils should be avoided period. During the second and third there are some that can be used at small levels, because again your baby is developing. The essential oils listed above are to be completely avoided as they can cause minor to severe birth development issues, uterine con-tractions and miscarriages.

These essential oils below are ok to use during the second and third trimester but at much reduced levels. I would rec-ommend half the amount you would normally use to again protect the development and health of you and your baby:

Bergamot, Roman chamomile, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rose Otto, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Sweet orange, Tea tree, Ylang Ylang.

Provided you are not having any complications with your pregnancy you should be ok to use the above essential oils to help with any issues you would normally use them for.

A few recommendations for the essential oils for safety during pregnancy are as follows:

While diffusing the essential oils it is best to again as stated above to use a minimal amount and only run the diffuser for no more than 15 minutes per hour. This reduces the inhalation and potential for problems.

For massage oils to help with swollen ankles, backaches and nausea, you should only use 1/2 doses for your concen-tration levels. If a normal massage oil would contain 2.5% dilution I would recommend the following mixture 1 drop to each 5ml of carrier oil.

You can further your knowledge and comfort level with essential oils by going to www.amishcountryessentials.com and reading our essential oil page and learn how to dilute and the delivery methods that we suggest. While pregnant and even if your not, I would not recommend ingestion of essential oils unless you are under the direct supervision of a doctor or natural health professional, or combination of both.

Remember: Essential oils are highly potent extracts from plant matter through either steam distillation or cold press-ing. They are the life essence of the plant. Thousands of years of medicinal and cosmetic applications have been documented and care should be taken when engaging in the use of essential oils.

***This information is provided by Shane Cultice of Amish Country Essentials and is intended as information only we do not diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease.