Does Fengyoujing (essential balm) affect pregnant women?

In general, if a pregnant woman uses essential balm only occasionally and in small amounts, and is not allergic to its ingredients, the impact of essential balm on her may be minimal or nonexistent. However, if a pregnant woman uses essential balm for prolonged periods, in large quantities, or is allergic to its components, it may have adverse effects. The specific analysis is as follows:

Small amounts of essential balm evaporate quickly, with only limited ingredients being absorbed into the pregnant woman's body, thus having little effect on fetal development. Even so, pregnant women should still avoid using essential balm whenever possible to ensure safety and stability during pregnancy.

However, prolonged and excessive use of essential balm, or an allergy to its ingredients, may cause irritation to the pregnant woman's respiratory tract, leading to symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. Components absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream may affect normal fetal development, potentially resulting in serious consequences such as fetal malformations, miscarriage, or premature birth. In addition, the strong odor of essential balm may cause discomfort in pregnant women and increase fetal restlessness.

To protect the health of both mother and fetus, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid using essential balm during pregnancy.