Stretch marks are caused by rapid and excessive weight gain and are commonly associated with pregnancy. The truth is that anyone who experience rapid growth or weight gain can get stretch marks. Over time the reddish stripes turn white and they will be less noticeable. Unfortunately they are permanent, but there are things you can do to minimize the chance of them appearing in the first place.
Here are just some suggestions that according to several aromatherapy experts will prevent stretch marks from appearing in the first place. However, as always, what works for one may not work for someone else.
Salvatore Battaglia in his book "The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy",
suggests that stretch marks can be prevented if a mix of base oils and essential oils are applied on places where stretch marks would normally appear. He recommends mixing base oils like wheatgerm, apricot kernel, and avocado oil with the essential oils of lavender and tangerine. Rosewood and frankincense are other oils recommended by Battaglia.Valeri Ann Worwood writes in her book, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, that she has treated many pregnant women and none of them had stretch marks. Worwood states that the base oils are just as important for the tummy rub as the essential oils. She recommends to use base oils like wheatgerm, borage seed, and carrot seeds. Lavender, tangerine, or Rose Bulgar oils are the essential oils she recommends to use with the base oil blend. Use the blend to massage on the typical areas where stretch marks appear, the lower and upper abdomen, buttocks, and thighs.
Vitamin E and zinc may help prevent stretch marks, so increase foods high in zinc and Vitamin E. You can also add vitamin E to your massage oil. Virgin coconut oil is high in vitamin E and and has traditionally been used for stretch marks as well.
Other things you want to consider is to keep your body well hydrated by drinking lots of water. Eat food that is high in vitamin A, C, E. Aloe vera, jojoba, shea and cocoa butter have also been used.
These are just some suggestions. I'm curious, what has worked for you?
If you are pregnant and plan to use essential oils I recommend that you read my post, Is Aromatherapy Safe in Aromatherapy? As always, you should check with your physician before you use essential oils if you are pregnant or suffer from any medical conditions.
Before you leave:
I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.
Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.
Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
- Topical Application
- Inhaling Essential Oils
- Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
- How to Dilute Essential Oils
- Vita Flex Technique
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.
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This post is linked up to WFMW.