Tea Tree Oil

[mamatoliam]

Does anyone know if it is safe to use tea tree oil while pregnant?
Thanks,

[mnearthmomma]

it seems it should be avoided...

http://www.medicinenet.com/tea_tree_...al/article.htm

[kehliouise]

i have a lavander tea tree oil body wash so i hope it is okay.

[PiePie]

i think i read that it is bad. i think there is difference between using some commercial product scented with (very little of) it and using the essential oil itself.

[SheBear]

I'm curious to know why it's supposedly bad, and used in what way?

My MW says it is, in her opinion, perfectly safe to use topically, as on minor wounds, athlete's foot, acne, whatever. I've used it during all my pregnancies. I use it for everything--add it to a sink of water when i'm cleaning the kitchen cabinets and mopping the floor, etc. I've never heard any reason that it's considered "bad" other than the general "consult your HCP before use when pg or nursing".

Now, I certainly wouldn't ingest it, but who would?

Just very curious to hear some actual *reason* for avoiding it.

[Sabo]

There are some essential oils that can be detrimental to pregnancy, but tea tree is not one that is know to cause problems. The site listed in mnearthmomma's post is a medical site and they tend to be much more cautious about essential oils than necessary, just covering their butts.

I use it for cleaning and occasionally topically. I think the only real thing to avoid is taking it internally. I avoided all essential oils during the 1st tri and have only used lavender and tea tree during pregnancy.

[HarperRose]

I put it in my bath water. Never was told otherwise.

I know Clary Sage is one that should be avoided because it can induce contractions late in pregnancy? I think? I like the smell of it, but I'll just wait till the babe is born.

[Sabo]

Originally Posted by Justthatgirl

I know Clary Sage is one that should be avoided because it can induce contractions late in pregnancy? I think? I like the smell of it, but I'll just wait till the babe is born.

If you wanted to do some aromatherapy during labor and delivery, clary sage is supposed to be wonderful. It is supposed to be calming and Easing to muscle and nervous tension. I plan to use some for my birth.

But yeah, definitely don't use clary sage until you are gearing up to give birth.

[HarperRose]

Originally Posted by Sabo

If you wanted to do some aromatherapy during labor and delivery, clary sage is supposed to be wonderful. It is supposed to be calming and Easing to muscle and nervous tension. I plan to use some for my birth.

But yeah, definitely don't use clary sage until you are gearing up to give birth.

Oh, good to know! Thanks! I'll definitely have it on hand. I have 11 weeks left

[RachelSerena]

People have used it vaginally (like on a tampon, diluted with olive oil) to treat GBS colonization during pregnancy.

[mnearthmomma]

i think the caution is generally internally for MOST oils anyhow as some you wouldnt really ingest anyhow.

I couldnt find an herbal site, thus the medical site, though i did make a quick call to my herbal guy, dan, where i get oils from, and he also recommended avoiding using it internally and topically in the mouth.

[BUNGALOW10]

I've been using TTO in my laundry my entire pregnancy. I'm currently 30 weeks and no problems yet.