Can pregnant women use Feng You Jing (medicated oil)?

Generally, pregnant women are not advised to use camphor oil. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Camphor oil is a commonly used topical medication, with primary ingredients including menthol, camphor, methyl salicylate, and others. These components have cooling, pain-relieving, and wind-dispelling effects. Notably, camphor has certain toxicity. When absorbed through the skin into a pregnant woman's body, it can cross the placental barrier and enter the fetal body, potentially affecting fetal growth and development. Additionally, the irritating odor of camphor oil may cause discomfort in pregnant women, such as nausea and vomiting, which could increase the physical burden on the mother. Moreover, if a pregnant woman has sensitive skin or a history of allergies, using camphor oil may trigger adverse reactions, and should therefore be avoided.

Pregnant women should consult their doctor before using any medication or topical products. Extra caution should be exercised regarding medication use during early pregnancy to avoid exposure to substances that might negatively affect embryonic development. During pregnancy, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, balanced nutrition, moderate exercise, and regular prenatal checkups are all beneficial for maternal and fetal health.