Although studies indicate possible health perks, the Food and Drug Administration does not oversee or certify the purity or standards of essential oils. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning essential oil use and investigate a brand’s quality. Always perform a patch test before using a new oil on your skin.
Scents wield influence — they can evoke memories and affect bodily systems. Don’t believe it? Try inhaling the aroma of pine or warm cookies and see if you don’t crack a smile!
It may feel like a stretch to go from smiling at a familiar fragrance to improving overall wellness and preparing your body for conception, but aromatherapy with essential oils might support those goals as well.
Essential oil safety considerations
Essential oils are potent extracts derived from leaves, stems, flowers, and other plant parts. They capture the plant’s “essence” — its scent or flavor.
Because of their concentration, essential oils are generally not intended for ingestion. Be cautious when applying them to skin: always dilute in a carrier oil (such as coconut, jojoba, or olive oil) before topical use. When diluted, essential oils can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled as aromatherapy.
Different essential oils are thought to offer distinct wellbeing benefits that might also support fertility. These range from hormone balance to enhanced relaxation, reduced anxiety, mood stabilization, and improved sleep. Below are several oils often suggested for fertility support.
Clary sage oil
If you suspect your hormones need balancing before conception, clary sage has been associated with estrogen regulation in a 2017 study. Estrogen plays a crucial role in getting pregnant.
That said, clary sage may not be suitable during pregnancy. Anecdotal — not scientifically proven — accounts suggest it could trigger uterine contractions. Until more definitive studies are available, it’s best to avoid it once pregnant.
Common uses include diluting clary sage in a carrier oil and using it for massage.
Citrus essential oils (orange, grapefruit, lemon)
Citrus oils like orange, lemon, and grapefruit may boost energy and lift mood. For instance, a 2015 study found orange oil reduced anxiety in women during labor. While you may not be at that stage yet, anxiety can negatively affect fertility, so including orange oil in aromatherapy might be beneficial.
Some citrus oils (lemon in particular) can also alleviate queasiness, according to a 2014 study, which can be handy once pregnancy begins.
A typical method for using citrus oils is dispersing them into the air with a diffuser.
Sandalwood oil
Sandalwood essential oil may be helpful for both men and women regarding fertility. It’s often suggested — though with limited scientific backing — that sandalwood may increase testosterone in men, potentially enhancing libido. For women, sandalwood is sometimes regarded as an aphrodisiac.
Sandalwood can be diffused or incorporated into creams and massage oils for topical application (always diluted first).
Geranium oil
Geranium, like clary sage, is another oil thought to support estrogen levels. At least one study reported geranium oil stimulates salivary estrogen. It’s also been associated with reductions in anxiety and alleviation of depressed moods, both of which can interfere with fertility.
Geranium is commonly used in diluted topical formulations or added to a room diffuser.
Ylang ylang essential oil
Ylang ylang is believed to possess aphrodisiac properties and may help relieve some menstrual cramp discomfort while you’re trying to conceive.
A small 2014 study suggests ylang ylang can promote euphoric sensations that boost self-esteem and mental wellbeing — useful supports during challenging stretches of the fertility journey.
Diffusing ylang ylang adds its romantic aroma to a space. For menstrual pain relief, apply ylang ylang diluted in a cream or massage oil to the lower abdomen.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint essential oil is invigorating and uplifting. Anecdotally — and in limited research — it may ease headaches and migraines, which have been linked to endometriosis, a common factor in infertility. Peppermint is also considered safe during pregnancy and can be useful for morning sickness, according to this 2018 study.
Peppermint oil can be used in a diffuser, blended into massage oils, or added to lotions.
Lavender oil
If stress around conceiving is a concern, lavender oil may help you unwind and lower cortisol levels, per a 2016 study. It also can support better sleep, leaving you more rested and able to focus on other areas of life.
Lavender works well in massage blends, as a pillow spray, in a diffuser, or simply inhaled briefly from the bottle for quick calming effects.
Oils to avoid while trying to conceive
Remember that “natural” doesn’t automatically equal safe. Essential oils can cause rashes, headaches, and other allergic reactions in some people.
Consider the wellbeing of others who might be exposed to diffused oils — particularly pregnant people, children, and pets, who can be especially sensitive.
It’s wise to consult a medical professional about your essential oil usage and report any adverse effects experienced after use.
While some oils may benefit fertility, others could pose risks due to potential:
- toxicity
- insufficient research
- inducing uterine contractions
- historical/folk use in high amounts to induce abortions
Essential oils you might consider avoiding when trying to conceive include:
- ginger (in concentrated medicinal amounts it may affect menstruation)
- rosemary
- basil
- aniseed
- birch
- hyssop
- camphor
- rose
- mugwort
- parsley (high doses may affect uterine muscles)
- juniper berry
- jasmine
- nutmeg
- sage
- pennyroyal
- tansy
- tarragon
- thuja
- wintergreen
- wormwood
The bottom line
More research is needed on essential oils and fertility. While we await stronger evidence, you can enjoy some oils that may help place you in an optimal state for conception.
Whether you’re seeking to balance estrogen, increase libido, relax, or improve sleep, a pleasant scent might be part of the solution — and for related remedies, consider exploring essential oils for heartburn as well.
If you’ve been trying to conceive for six months or more without success, talk with your doctor. They can recommend tests and procedures to help identify reasons you’re not getting pregnant. Bear in mind that while essential oils can be a helpful wellness tool, they work best alongside other healthy lifestyle practices.
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