6 Amazing Health Benefits Of Using Rosemary Oil During Pregnancy

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Essential oils are generally extracted from medicinal plants and used in aromatherapies.But some of these oils, for example, the use of rosemary oil during pregnancy, may require expert consultation. Although rosemary oil imparts many health benefits, such as stress relief, muscle relaxation, pain reduction, and alleviation of respiratory issues and skin ailments, you may need to be extra careful about its use during pregnancy(1).

Read on to know more about rosemary oil for pregnant women, including its pros and cons and tips to use it safely.

What Is Rosemary Oil?

Rosemary essential oil is derived from the leaves of the rosemary herb. The herb is also known as Rosmarinus officinalis.

Uses Of Rosemary Oil

Not only does rosemary oil have aromatic properties, but you can use it as a medicinal herb to cure various ailments. It is also a very famous culinary herb in Mediterranean regions, and its oil is added to various dishes to add flavor.Romans used the herb in many of their religious ceremonies as well.

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Rosemary oil has been around for ages, ancients used it for various purposes, and it can be used to alleviate many ailments. Here are some common benefits below.

1. Effective Mouthwash:

Rosemary oil is a brilliant disinfectant and therefore used as mouthwash(2).

2. Alleviates Respiratory Problems:

If you have throat congestion, you can use Rosemary oil for relief. The oil helps alleviatesore throat, allergies, and cold(3).

3. Stress Relief:

When you are stressed, the glands secretecortisolⁱXHormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulate stress, blood pressure and sugar, metabolism, and reduces inflammation.If the amount of cortisol in the bloodstream increases, you are likely to feel more anxiety. Moreover, stress causeshormonal imbalance. So, if you are in stress, you can inhale a drop or two of Rosemary oil to reduce stress levels(3).

4. Boosts Immunity:

If you want a robust immune system, then go for aromatherapy that includes rosemary oil massage(3).

5. Prevents STDs [Sexually Transmitted Diseases]:

Some studies reveal that Rosemary oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce inflammation caused due to theherpesⁱXAn infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) that spreads through oral or sexual contact and affects the mouth and genital areavirus(3).

6. Reduces Pain:

If you have pain in your muscles, headache,joint painor sprain, then massage that area with Rosemary oil. It stimulates blood circulation and reduces pain. Also, it helps quicken the healing of wounds(3).

Some Other Benefits Of Rosemary Oil Include

• Prevents Indigestion
• Boosts hair growth
• Provides skin nourishment and helps with skin care
• Can be used in aromatherapy as a mood enhancer

Is Rosemary Oil Safe During Pregnancy?

You tend to be a bit doubtful about using a product if you are pregnant, considering the safety of your growing baby. Consider the health-related issues before using not just Rosemary oil but any other aromaticessential oilas well. Check with your physician before using any such oil during your special months.

Rosemary oil, in particular, is considered unsafe during pregnancy due to the following reasons(4):

• It containscamphorⁱXA white crystalline substance used in making plastic, mothballs, and numerous medications.

• It is a uterine stimulant. Thus, expecting moms shouldn’t consume large amounts of it as it canlead to miscarriage.

• It is adiureticⁱXA substance that enables the kidneys to produce more urine and get rid of the excess fluid from the bodyand also emmenagogue in nature i.e. it causes menstruation and depletes amniotic fluid essential for fetal growth.

Also, use it in dilute form and don’t consume or apply the concentrate. Consuming the herb in small amounts does not impede or negatively affect fetal growth.

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