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can I use essential oils while nursing

There are essential oils that can be used safely while nursing but with some restrictions:

Essential Oils Generally Regarded as Safe for Nursing Moms (use in moderation):

  • Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) — calming, supports sleep and relaxation.

  • Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) — soothing, helps with anxiety or skin care.

  • Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) — grounding, emotional balance.

  • Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) — hormone support, emotional uplift.

  • Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) — gentle respiratory support and digestive aid.

  • Wild Orange (Citrus sinensis) — uplifting and gentle mood booster.

  • Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis) — very gentle anti-inflammatory support.

Always use diluted: around 1% dilution = about 1 drop essential oil per teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil if applying to skin. When making a 10ml roll-on blend, add 2 drops of essential oil, fill remainder with fractionated coconut oil.

⚠️ Use with Caution or Avoid While Nursing:

  • Peppermint (Mentha piperita) — can potentially reduce milk supply if used heavily.

  • Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) — can influence hormones; use cautiously and avoid in early postpartum if supply is a concern.

  • Sage (Salvia officinalis) — strong hormonal effects; avoid.

  • Wintergreen — high in methyl salicylate; avoid.

  • Eucalyptus (especially globulus) — strong; use very diluted if at all.

  • Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) — stimulant, may affect milk supply in some women.

Follow Best Practices when Using Essential Oils:

  • Dilute well: Essential oils should be diluted properly before applying topically. 1 drop per 5ml of essential oils. When making a blend, combine all the oils in a little glass container first, blend the oils, then with a pipette use one drop of that blend for each 5ml of carrier oil (best is fractionated coconut oil).

  • Avoid the chest and breasts: Especially avoid applying oils near the nipple area where the baby may come into contact.

  • Diffuse safely: Only use 1–2 drops in a diffuser, and don’t diffuse continuously — try 30 minutes on, then off.  Air out rooms regularly.

  • Only use highest-quality essential oils: Don’t know what that actually means? Click here for details. When labels say 100% pure you may be surprised what’s actually in them!

Like to Make a Gentle Mood-Boosting Diffuser Blend?

  • 1 drop Lavender

  • 1 drop Frankincense

  • 1 drop Wild Orange (don’t diffuse citrus around cats if you have a cat, make a roll-on blend instead)

This blend is calming, emotionally supportive, and very safe for both mom and baby.

Make a Gentle Mood-Boosting 10ml Roll-on Blend

Combine 1 drop Lavender, 1 drop Frankincense, 1 drop Wild Orange in a small glass container (I often use a shot glass), combine oils, use a pipette and add two drops to a 10ml glass roll-on bottle, fill remainer with fractionated coconut oil, pop in the roller ball top. Shake lightly to combine oils or roll glass bottle between your palms to combine oils. Use on your pulse points inside of wrists and neck several times a day to uplift moods. Apply to inside of palms, rub hands together, cup hands 6″ from face, close eyes, and inhale for a few minutes. Make sure to wash hands well before touching your baby or cat. Any questions please simply reach out.