The Use of Rue Essential Oil in Pregnancy

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Can rue essential oil be taken in pregnancy?

The use of rue essential oil in pregnancy is hotly debated on the web and among essential oil users. But what is the bottom line? Is it dangerous? Is it safe? Can it used in small amounts, or should be it avoided entirely?

I reviewed evidence related to the issue:

  1. Rue the plant (not the oil) is used as an abortifacient in South America because this plant contains high concentration of pilocarpine. Pilocarpine is a cholinergic agent that may act as a uterine stimulant. Importantly, pilocarpine is not distilled extensively into the oil therefore the potential risk during pregnancy is reduced.
  2. The FDA considers rue safe for human consumption and has suggested additional teratogenicity studies before determining if rue oil carries a risk in pregnant women.
  3. There are isolated, obscure reports from the 1930s of rue as a uterine stimulant; however, how this applies to modern pregnancy is unknown.
    Image result for rue plant
  4. In massive oral doses (>3 mL/kg or 210 mL in an average adult), there have been reports of harm to both mom and baby, as well as some anecdotal reports of spontaneous abortion in humans. At more reasonable doses (<820 mg/kg), there have been no studies that I found to demonstrate any maternotoxic, embryotoxic, or teratogenic effects.
  5. Animal data may not directly apply to humans because drops of oil were directly dropped onto an exposed animal uterus.

When asked “Can I use rue oil in pregnancy?”

My answer is, “I don’t know, can you? I know what I would do, and you have to do what is best for you.”  Everyone can make the best decision for themselves. There is no one correct way to use essential oils. That is what makes them so special; we choose how we want to use them according to our own judgment and intuition. I encourage you to consult the product label and with a health care professional skilled in the use of essential oils if you are unsure how to use a product.

References

Want to read more on this subject? I cover it thoroughly in my book, Essentials: 75 Answers to Common Questions About Essential Oils and Supplements.

There is also a video on safety of essential oils during pregnancy inside . Go on! Check it out yourself!

Lavender Oil and Breast Swelling in Young Boys: Should I be concerned?

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I’ve heard that lavender oil can cause breast swelling in young boys? Should I not use this on my son?

Researchers have been very hotly contesting the data regarding lavender oil and gynecomastia (breast swelling) in young boys. This is evidenced by the significant number of response comments in New England Journal of Medicine. A response article entitled “Lack of Evidence that Essential Oils Affect Puberty” published in the Journal of Reproductive Toxicology also indicates this.

The Data

Three case reports claimed to link lavender and tea tree oil to gynecomastia. However, the authors of these case reports didn’t note the full list of ingredients in the products cited. Neither did they account for xenoestrogenic contaminants including plasticizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Then, in experiments they obtained lavandula officinalis from a chemical company not from an essential oil company. Additionally, to determine if the lavender oil was estrogenic and androgenic in cell culture, they diluted it in DMSO and cultured it in polystyrene plates. Both of these modulate both estrogens and androgens. They also selected to do a cell culture instead of a uterotropic assay (a test to determine if uterine lining grows in response to a chemical). Researchers also widely criticized this because uterotropic assays are considered the gold standard testing method. The authors themselves admit that they needed more research to determine causality.

My Conclusion

In my professional opinion, lavender oil and gynecomastia is a consideration, but would not preclude me from using it on a young male.

References

UPDATE: There is new evidence! Check out this post for what it is and my thoughts on it.

Want to put your lavender essential oil to use? Check out this blog post.

For more of my oily education, Join The Club! While your at it, check out my book, Essentials: 75 Answers to Common Questions About Essential Oils and Supplements, for answers to all of your essential oil and supplement related questions.

Homemade Deodorant

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Get away from propylene glycol, aluminum, and artificial chemicals and try out your own homemade deodorant in whatever scent you want!

Ingredients

1 heaping tablespoon each shea butter, beeswax, and coconut oil

1/2 milliliter vitamin E oil

2 tablespoon aluminum free baking soda

20 drops total essential oils (I used lavender and frankincense, and clove and lemon, but others could be used too: lemongrass and rosemary, Idaho blue spruce and copaiba for the guys, etc.)

Empty Deodorant Containers

Directions

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  1. Over medium-low heat combine shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax, and vitamin E oil in a saucepan. Melt slowly, stirring constantly.
  2. Once completely melted, turn heat off and add baking soda. Stir with a spatula until combined.
  3. When starting to cool (but not hardened at all) add essential oils of choice. Don’t be shy! It takes a good amount to get the smell.
  4. Immediately pour into empty deodorant containers. Keep another glass container near by to pour off any remaining mixture that will not fit into the containers.
  5. Clean up can be tough; be cognizant not to put shea butter and coconut oil down the sink (unless a clogged sink sounds fun). To clean utensils, remove all excess oils with hands and place in trash can. Use plenty of dish soap to clean dishes and rinse extensively with plenty of HOT water.
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Want to amp up your essential oil scent and get away from the chemicals of perfumes and body mists? Check out my essential oil perfumes here!

 
 
 
 
 
 

Essential Oil Hair Tonic

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Getting new, chemical free hair care with essential oils is easy! This is a product that I have been using for five years, and absolutely love it. Spray it on while hair is still wet and before any other styling products.

Why Make a Hair Tonic?

I have used tonics and sprays to hydrate and smooth for years, and I like to apply them before either blow drying or air drying. Over the past few months I have been exploring new options for living a chemical free lifestyle. I have done well with food and medications, but I have hesitated with cosmetics and hair care.

I looked for a blow dry spray, but could not find anything that I liked that was chemical free. Therefore, I started to read the labels of some of the products that I have liked in the past. They all had one thing in common: essential oils and small amounts of fatty oils.

This gave me the confidence to try it myself! My first attempt at a hair tonic was a huge success. My hair is softer than it ever was with the chemically laden products. An added bonus is that this homemade product smells divine.

Ingredients

16 oz water

10 drops tea tree essential oil

6 drops lemongrass essential oil

5 drops rosemary essential oil

4 drops peppermint essential oil

4 drops vitamin E oil

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a glass spray bottle. Shake well before each use, and apply to wet hair daily.

For another great non-toxic DIY recipe, check out these Essential Oil Hairsprays.