Safe Essential Oils For Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Heather Dessinger

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Safe Essential Oil Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Is is just me, or is googling the safety of everything under the sun a major pastime during first pregnancies’? Petting Fluffy? Sure. Changing Fluffy’s litter box? Nope. Basil as an herb used in small amounts? Totally fine. Basil as an essential oil? Not so much.

As I mentioned in this list of essential oils that are safe for babies and children, there’s a lot of conflicting information out there regarding appropriate essential oil use with littles ones, and the mamas who grow and nurse them.

The list below was compiled based on information found in Essential Oil Safety, which was written by world renowned essential oil expert Robert Tisserand and his co-author, Rodney Young. Considered the most evidence-based resource available, Essential Oil Safety took 10+ years to write and contains over 4000 citations.

Tips For Using Essential Oils Safely During Pregnancy

“Essential oil constituents in general are likely to cross the placenta efficiently because of their favorable lipophilicity and low molecular weight,” writes Robert Tisserand in Essential Oil Safety. However, he adds that this “does not indicate a hazard per se which, for any substance, is determined by plasma concentration and toxicity.” (emphasis mine)

In other words, it’s about understanding that some essential oils are safer than others, knowing which ones to use, which ones not to use, and what usage methods are considered appropriate.

During the first trimester

According to clinical aromatherapist and Aromahead Institute founder Andrea Butje, “Since we’re assuming that essential oil constituents cross the placenta, it is generally suggested that the mother use very little essential oil during the first trimester, and only as needed at a 1% dilution. For anyone concerned about the use of oils they should be avoided completely during the first trimester.”

She adds that, “The more you use, the more you absorb… so don’t use essential oils every day during pregnancy. Reserve essential oil use for health support, such as relieving nausea, calming anxiety, or supporting sleep. By minimizing use, essential oils can be safely used in times of need.”

Methods of Use

  • Skin application – properly diluted – is a preferred method of use because the essential oils are slowly absorbed over time
  • Diffusion is another preferred method of use because the amount absorbed is relatively small
  • Steam inhalation is sometimes considered appropriate, but it should only be used for short periods of time
  • Internal, rectal, or vaginal use is not recommended
  • Absolutes and solvent-extracted oils should be avoided because they may have residues in them that could be harmful

What dilution is best for pregnant and breastfeeding mamas?

In general 1% (3 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil) is recommended for whole body use while pregnant or breastfeeding, and no more than 4% (12 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil) is recommended for smaller areas. (Source: Essential Oil Safety) Many aromatherapists recommend using essential oils on an as-needed basis rather than routine daily use.

essential oils breastfeeding

Essential Oils That Are Considered Safe For Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Quick note: If you want a printable list of these oils, I have created the option to download them at the bottom of this post. Also, many of these oils are also found on the list of essential oils that are safe for children and babies, which simplifies things if you’re pregnant/breastfeeding and also have other little ones in the house.

  • Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) – Bright, clean, uplifting citrus scent. Bergamot is phototoxic unless you purchase one that is filtered to be bergaptine-free. If not using bergaptine-free, a maximum dilution of 0.4% (about 5 drops in 4 tablespoons carrier oil) is recommended to avoid phototoxicity. (source: Essential Oil Safety)
  • Black pepper (Piper nigrum) – Helpful for relaxing muscles
  • Blue tansy (Tanacetum annuum) -Also called Moroccan blue chamomile, this oil has skin soothing properties. Calming. May also promote feelings of being clear-headed when pollen counts are high.
  • Catnip (Nepeta cataria) – Relaxing. Supports restful sleep. Also very useful in homemade bug spray.
  • Cedarwood Atlas/Atlantica (Cedrus atlantica) – Calming. Helpful for relaxing muscles
  • Cedarwood Virginian (Juniperus virginiana) – Lovely woodsy scent, relaxing and beneficial for skin. It’s also one of the recommended oils in my homemade vapor rub.
  • Chamomile/German (Matricaria chamomilla L) – Relaxing, helpful for sleep, may support clear thinking when pollen counts are high
  • Chamomile/Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) – Relaxing, helpful for sleep, helpful for relaxing muscles
  • Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) – Great addition to homemade bug spray. Can also be used to make outdoor citronella candles.
  • Copaiba balsam (Copaifera officinalis) – Supports healthy respiratory function and helps relax muscles
  • Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) – Can be helpful for soothing a mild upset tummy. Calms emotions.
  • Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) – Supports healthy respiratory function. Thought to have an emotionally grounding effect during challenging experiences.
  • Dill weed (Anethum graveolens) – Supports digestion and immune function.
  • Fir needle (Abies sibirica) – Supports healthy respiratory function
  • Frankincense carteri (Boswellia carteri) – Immune support, helpful for soothing cuts, bruises and other injuries, relaxing, also thought to promote youthful looking skin
  • Frankincense frereana (Boswellia frereana) – Immune support, helpful for soothing cuts, bruises and other injuries, relaxing, also thought to promote youthful looking skin
    Frankincense serrata (Boswellia serrata) – Calming, thought to promote youthful looking skin. Supports healthy respiratory function and digestion.
  • Frankincense sacra (Boswellia sacra) -Calming, thought to promote youthful looking skin. Supports healthy respiratory function and digestion.
  • Geranium bourbon (Pelargonium x asperum) – Very helpful in homemade tick spray, relaxes muscles
    Ginger root CO2 extract (Zingiber officinalis) – Helpful for soothing symptoms associated with nausea and heartburn, supports overall digestion. Relaxes muscles.
  • Grapefruit/Pink (Citrus x paradisi) – Uplifting. Can cause photosensitivity. Maximum recommended topical use is 4% (4 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil)
  • Helichrysum italicum (Helichrysum italicum) – Considered one of the top oils for promoting youthful skin, helpful for scars, and supportive of the immune system. Rare and somewhat expensive.
  • Juniper berry (Juniperus communis) – Calming, supports healthy respiratory function
  • Lavender (Lavandula augustifolia)- Calming, helpful for soothing bug bites, sunburns, and other skin irritations. Relaxes muscles, helpful for sleep.
  • Lemon/cold-pressed (Citrus x limon) – Mood lifting, supports immune function. Can cause photosensitivity (a heightened/abnormal reaction of the skin when exposed to light, especially sunlight). Maximum recommended topical use is 2% (12 drops in two tablespoons carrier oil)
  • Lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) – Mood lifting, supports healthy respiratory function, and can also be used in homemade bug spray
  • Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) – Calming
  • Marjoram/Sweet (Origanum majorana) – Relaxing, helpful for sleep.
  • Neroli (Citrus x aurantium var.amara) – Often used in skincare products due to it’s ability to promote beautiful skin. Thought to be helpful for easing emotional tension.
  • Orange, Blood (Citrus sinensis) – Mood lifting
  • Orange, sweet (Citrus sinensis) – Mood lifting
  • Patchouli (Pogostemon Cablin) – Thought to promote youthful skin. Great addition to men’s personal care products, like homemade deodorant or body wash.
  • Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)  Supports digestion and relaxes muscles. Okay for pregnancy but avoid during breastfeeding because it may reduce milk supply.
  • Petitgrain (Citrus x aurantium) – Thought to be beneficial for skin, especially oily skin.
  • Pine (Pinus Sylvestris) – Supports healthy respiratory function and relaxes muscles
  • Rosalina (Melaleuca ericifolia) – Supports healthy respiratory function (similar to eucalyptus), relaxes muscles
  • Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora) – Mood lifting, soothing for minor scrapes and skin irritations.
  • Sandalwood/Australian (Santalum Spicatum) – Calming, thought to be helpful for oily skin
  • Spearmint (Mentha spicata) – Helpful for digestion. Maximum recommended topical use is 1.7% (about 10 drops in two tablespoons carrier oil)
  • Spruce Black (Picea Mariana) – Supports healthy respiratory and immune function.  
  • Tangerine (Citrus reticulata) – Immune support. Bright, uplifting citrus scent
  • Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) – Immune support, helpful for cuts and scrapes. Also considered helpful for acne-prone skin.
  • Thyme linalool (Thymus vulgaris)
  • Vetiver (Vetivereria zizanoides) – Calming
  • Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) – Relaxing. Helpful when you’re in de-stress mode.

Essential Oils To Limit During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

According to Essential Oil Safety, use of the following oils should be restricted during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The maximum recommended dilution is based on the books recommendations for once-daily, whole body application.

  • Basil (lemon), Ocimum x citriodorum – Maximum recommended dilution is 1.4% (about 17 drops in 4 tablespoons of carrier oil)
  • Boswellia papyrifera – Maximum recommended dilution is 1.7% (about 10 drops in 2 tablespoons carrier oil)
  • Champaca (orange) absolute, Michelia champaca – Maximum recommended dilution is 17.5% (about 105 drops in 2 tablespoons carrier oil)
  • Lemon balm (Australian), Eucalyptus staigeriana – Maximum recommended dilution is 3.4% (about 41 drops in 4 tablespoons carrier oil)
  • Lemon leaf, Citrus x limon – Maximum recommended dilution is 1.2% (about 7 drops in 2 tablespoons carrier oil)
  • Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus – Uplifting, works well as an addition to homemade citronella candles. Maximum recommended dilution is 0.7% (about 4 drops in 2 tablespoons carrier oil)
  • May chang, Litsea cubeba – Maximum recommended dilution is 0.8% (about 5 drops in 2 tablespoons carrier oil)
  • Melissa, Melissa officinals – Calming and uplifting, supports immune function. Maximum recommended dilution is 0.9% (about 11 drops in 4 tablespoons carrier oil)
  • Myrtle (honey), Maleleuca teretifolia – Maximum recommended dilution is 0.9% (about 11 drops in 4 tablespoons carrier oil)
  • Myrtle (lemon), Backhousia citriodora – Maximum recommended dilution is 0.7% (about 4 drops in 2 tablespoons carrier oil)
  • Nasturtium absolute, Tropaeolum majus – Maximum recommended dilution is 0.26% (about 3 drops in 4 tablespoons carrier oil)
  • Tea tree (lemon-scented), Leptospermum peteronii – Maximum recommended dilution is 0.8% (about 5 drops in 2 tablespoons carrier oil)
  • Thyme (lemon), Thymus lanuginosus var. citriodorum – Maximum recommended dilution is 3.7% (about 22 drops in 2 tablespoons carrier oil)
  • Verbena (lemon), Aloysia citriodora – Maximum recommended dilution is 0.9%  (about 11 drops in 4 tablespoons carrier oil)

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This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Sheila Kilbane, MD, a board-certified pediatrician, trained in integrative medicine. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Safe Essential Oils For Pregnancy and Breastfeeding - This list was compiled based on information found in Essential Oil Safety, which was written by world renowned essential oil expert Robert Tisserand and his co-author, Rodney Young. Considered the most evidence-based resource available, Essential Oil Safety took 10+ years to write and contains over 4000 citations.

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About HEATHER

Heather is a holistic health educator, herbalist, DIYer, Lyme and mold warrior. Since founding Mommypotamus.com in 2009, Heather has been taking complicated health research and making it easy to understand. She shares tested natural recipes and herbal remedies with millions of naturally minded mamas around the world. 

Leave a Comment

52 thoughts on “Safe Essential Oils For Pregnancy and Breastfeeding”

  1. This is really cool! I’ve thought about trying some essential oils, but I’m still nursing and wasn’t sure. Glad that you made it so simple!
    I see that you link to plant therapy – are they similar to DoTerra/Young Living? I’m a little wary of MLM’s, but plant therapy’s prices seem to good to be true!

    Reply
    • Great question, Ashley. I spent about six months researching essential oil companies – including speaking with upper level executives at most of them – and I am confident that Plant Therapy is a high quality brand. Robert Tisserand – the expert I mentioned in the post – hand-picks the oils they carry. I also use and love a few other brands. Florihana is amazing if you’re looking for single oils, but they don’t carry pre-made blends.

      Reply
      • Robert Tisserand formulated the Kids Safe line for Plant Therapy. I don’t know that he hand picked the entire line of essential oils that Plant Therapy sells however, never seen this statement on Plant Therapy’s blog page, Facebook page or website.
        Plant Therapy essential oils are a very good quality, their customer service is tops and having several aromatherapists on staff is a big plus that many companies do not offer. Free shipping is a good thing too!

        Reply
  2. Thanks for the info! I took a birth kit CEU course from dailynectaressentials.com. Stephanie is an aromatherapist and her info was very helpful! There were different recommendations than Tisserand and she had lots of great recipes.

    Reply
    • Hi. I’m a nursing mom and was wondering on the effects of applying a drop or two of either Peppermint or Tea Tree oil directly to the skin? We live in an environment with a lot of insects, especially mosquitoes, during the summer and I have read that these oils act as a deterrent. I know that ingesting these oils can decrease milk production, but what about applying a small amount topically? Thank you!

      Reply
  3. Great info – I’ll recommend it to all mamas I work with! Thank you for your ongoing fab work 🙂
    Much Love, Esther

    Reply
  4. Hi! Thanks for posting this. There is not a lot of clear guidance out there.

    Two questions.

    1. Lavender is both on your list to avoid and safe list, however it seems to be different species of lavender. Is it the species difference that makes one safe versus the other or a conflict between sources?

    2. Do you know if eucalyptus oil is safe to use during pregnancy?

    Thanks again! Your site is a wealth of knowledge and tips.

    Reply
    • 1. Yes, one species is considered safe and the other is not.

      2. There are many, many varieties of eucalyptus. I can’t speak to all of them without taking the time to research, but I do know that according to Essential Oil Safety, the “low reproductive toxicity of 1,8-cineole, (+) limonene, linalool and x-pinene . . . . suggests that eucalyptus macarthurii oil is not hazardous in pregnancy.”

      Reply
  5. hello.
    Thank you for all your shared info. Its helped so much. I have subscribed to your newsletter and it wont let me download the link to print. There isnt an area to click. Was it removed? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Hi Tara! It sounds like my newsletter service is experiencing a glitch. I just emailed you a copy and will look into the issue now. Thanks for letting me know about it!

      Reply
  6. Hello!
    Thank you for the post!
    I was looking at my natural hand wash today and noticed it had litsea cubeba in it (last ingredient.)
    Should I be concerned at all, I’m in my first trimester.

    Thank you!!

    Reply
  7. This is a great list! I’m trying to find information about safe options for a bug-repellant during pregnancy. What would you use? The “shield-me” kid-safe blend from Plant Therapy is what I use for my family, but a few of the ingredients are not listed here as being safe for pregnancy. I live in Indonesia, so avoiding sprays is not an option.

    Reply
  8. Hello! Thank you so much for posting this article and list! I t has served as super helpful as I seek to learn more about the benefits of essential oils. Can you tell me of black spruce is safe for pregnancy and breast feeding? I did not see it on your list…..TIA

    Reply
  9. Hi!
    Thank you for all the great information.
    Just wondering if the same do’s and don’ts apply when the essential oils are in a product. For example I have body lotion and natural deodorant that have essential oils in their ingredients, would it be the same as listed above or is it too small a percentage and diluted? Does the list apply to only the pure essential oils?
    Thanks!

    Reply
  10. Hello. I was wondering about safety pertaining to using EOs for cleaning (like an all purpose spray, or room/linen spray). I am in very early pregnancy, and also have a 2 year old at home. Specifically, I want to put peppermint in a DIY cleaning spray because we live in an apartment building with a real mouse problem and despite our cleanliness, those pesky little guys are intent on finding a way into our apartment. Last night, my husband reported seeing one go in and out of my son’s room. I am freaking out. I heard peppermint keeps them away and wondered about the safety of using as a cleaner and room spray.

    Reply
    • My source is Essential Oil Safety, which was written by world renowned essential oil expert Robert Tisserand. Considered the most evidence-based resource available, Essential Oil Safety took 10+ years to write and contains over 4000 citations. As I mentioned in the post, peppermint is considered fine during pregnancy but not during breastfeeding because it may reduce milk supply. (Peppermint can also cause breathing issues around small children, which is why even if it didn’t reduce my milk supply I wouldn’t use it on myself when I was caring for my baby.)

      Reply
  11. I am interested to use thyme oil to cure group b strep during pregnancy, does anybody know if it’s safe to do this and how best to apply or intake the oil and to what dilution. Btw I’m also following the body ecology diet that has helped both my heartburn and carpel tunnel and bloating, in hopes to cure my GBS.

    Reply
  12. Hey there Heather! I have started dabbling in essential oils to nurse my babies 5,3, and 1 1/2. I have never used them on myself except for my migraines and that i use ‘Stop Pain’. It is a gel. I cant remember what is in it. But never during pregnancy. I am pregnant now and dont intend to start oils on myself. But how about the amount i use on the children. Such as rubbing diluted oils on their feet for fever? Would that be considered ok?

    Thank you!

    Reply
  13. Hi… I use essential oil on myself. Is it safe for baby to smell while breastfeeding? It’s already absorbed in my skin. I use fennel and clary sage. Thx in advance

    Reply
  14. I’m about to start using EO and all the info is just overwhelming if not intimidating. I just need help and/or advice with my stuffiness. Been stuffy since my last trimester and has gone worse post partum. I cant take OTC meds and my doc is out on holidays so I can’t get a prescription of the nasal spray safe for breastfeeding. Please please please help me I’m getting desperate. My stuffiness gives me very bad headaches which affects my caring of my 2 little ones. Sometimes I even can’t eat as I’m breathing through my mouth. Please tell me which EO can I diffuse around my 2yo and 4mo old kids. And as mentioned, i am breastfeeding too.

    Thank you

    Reply
  15. Hi, I’m in my third trimester and about to move into an apartment complex with tons of trees in a couple of weeks. The manager said that they would treat the apartment with a thyme-based spray–instead of a chemical spray–to avoid spiders. Would it be safe for me to inhale the thyme-based spray (I believe there will be a gap of a few days between the spraying and our move-in)?
    Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Without knowing the species of thyme and the concentration/application method used it’s hard to speak to that, but I personally would not be too worried about it if I couldn’t detect a scent upon move-in.

      Reply
  16. Hi Heather, great information thanks for sharing! I had a question about using a facial mist while breastfeeding – it lists rosemary oil in the ingredients. Is this safe while breastfeeding or not recommended?? Thanks again!!

    Reply
    • Rosemary essential oil is not recommended for use around young children due to its high content of 1.8 cineole, which can sometimes act negatively on the temperature receptors of children’s lungs and cause slowed breathing. However, trace amounts might be okay based on recommendations from Robert Tisserand regarding other 1.8 cineole rich oil – I cover those here.

      Reply
    • Hi Heather,
      This is a really helpful list. I am wondering if you know of any oils or other home remedies that can be used to increase milk supply?
      Thank you,

      Reply
  17. love that list! keep coming back to check , now pregnant with my second one, I ran into Idaho blue spruce to help with pain during labor and afterwards but I’m not sure if it’s safe to use mostly after with baby though I wouldn’t use it near the breasts of course but wanted to ask! thanks!!

    Reply
  18. Great info, thanks for sharing! I’ve scrolled up and down the entire post and can’t find the downloadable pdf link that I’d like to save to my phone for easy reference. Any did sign up for your newsletter as well but didn’t find it in there.

    Reply
  19. Love this article, can’t find the link to get a printable list of EO safe forPregnancy – did you take it down? My Daughter in law is expecting and we need to know what’s sage for her so I would love a printable copy.

    Reply