Hi y'all... I'm almost 10 weeks along w/ Baby#2, and DD and I have both had a cold. I've been using a vaporizer in her room to help w/ her congestion, but I read conflicting things about the safety of eucalyptus oil (inhaled or otherwise) during pregnancy. Some things I read say it's OK; some say not; and some say the safety has not yet been determined. WTF? Peace.
it's preferable, IMO, than taking any of the decongestants or antihistamines that are on the market and generally considered to be safe to take during pregnancy. My body reacts strangely to medications, and I can't take those sorts of drugs ever, especially not when I was pregnant. Eucalyptus oil works even better in combination with menthol crystals in your vaporizer (I just use a pot of water on the back burner of the stove).
whaaaa? I mean, this is true in certain instances, but there are herbs that are great alternatives to medications in pregnancy, and there are herbs you absolutely can't take in pregnancy.. but to say all herbs are dangerous! I have never heard anyone suggest that, it's equivilant to me saying "is that a pharmaceutical? Don't use them when you're pregnant, it's dangerous!" As for me personally I try to stay away from essentials oils lately as I feel they are wasteful, as in it takes so much to make such a tiny bit. As to the safety, I am unsure offhand about this particular essential oil, but I can check in my midwifery textbooks and see if they mention ones you should stay away from.
I know that for children, small children, like toddlers Eukalyptus can be a very bad thing, as the plant is very poisonous. The only animal that can eat it is the coala bear. There have been cases, where people thought that herbs are always ok, and always safe compared to pharmacauticals, and thus poisoned their chid with eukalyptus. This was not done by eating it, but with the essential oil.
I've just been letting myself suffer w/o taking anything. I've been drinking lots of water and hosing my nose out w/ saline. I was really just afraid to be in the dd's room too much at night since I've been using the vaporizer for her. It really seems to help her. Huh? Thanks very much for your input, but I think I'll have to agree with Advaya's response to that. Thanks, Advaya! That would be fantastic! I read on mothering.com that these should be avoided while expecting. Any more info you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Basil Cinnamon bark Clove Hyssop Marjoram Myrrh Origanum (oregano) Pennyroyal Savory Thyme Wintergreen Sage How was the oil used in these cases of poisoning? Did they drink the oil? Did they use a strong concentration on their skin or mucous membranes? I'd like to know more about this. Any herb or pharmaceutical can be harmful if used improperly or in too large a dose. I would love to read an article about this if you have one. Thanks to everyone for the input! It's nice to see such varying perspectives on things. Please keep the info coming. Be well!
the oil was used on skin. Like underneath the nose. there are several warnings. I only have a german article though. The warning is not only about eucalyptus, but also pepermint oil, and campher. They are all way too strong, shouln't be used on children below 6 years. They can cause shocks, where the child stops breathing.
well, that's why you put the oil in the vaporizer (or in the pot of water simmering on the back burner of the stove). You don't put it directly on the skin, and you certainly don't ingest it. You breathe the fumes. It really clears your nasal passages, and it's no more dangerous than eating a Hall's cough drop.
