Essential Oils and Fertility

10:40 AM Posted by jo




Increasing problem
Infertility is an increasing problem. There are a lot of factors involved that can be the cause of infertility. Poor nutrition, toxicity, and xenoestrogens are just a few things that can cause hormonal imbalance. Women pay thousands of dollars for medical treatments and many of them are not successful.

Essential oils may be helpful
Essential oils may be very useful for female concerns. In fact, aromatherapy is one of the most effective methods of dealing with problems of the reproductive system. Many essential oils have historically been used to help regulate hormone production. Some essential oil constituents have hormonal like behavior since their structure is similar to hormones. This means they interact with the receptors that identify hormones.

The powerful aroma
The aroma of an essential oil is very powerful. The fragrance can  directly affect our emotions as well as other functions in the body. Many oils are very useful for reducing stress-related tension. Essential oils may also increase circulation and boost the immune system. The essential oil aroma is inhaled and transferred to the limbic system where the limbic lobe activates the hypothalamus.The hypothalamus acts as the hormonal control center and it releases chemical messengers. The inhalation of essential oils is said to stimulate the production of hormones from the hypothalamus, as well as combating stress and emotional trauma. 

The following oils are said to have hormone like actions: 
Female infertility
According to Valeri Ann Worwood, these oils help with infertility:
Clary sage, geranium, fennel, cypress, Roman chamomile, thyme, nutmeg, and coriander.

Worwood lists the following oils to help with Male infertility: 

Thyme, cumin, sage, clary sage, basil, Cedarwood, vetiver and angelica.
 Anise seed oil is also said to have estrogenic activity. 
Uterine and ovarian tonics
Uterine tonics have a toning and strengthening effect on the whole system, on the tissue of the organs. Oils that are uterine tonics include jasmine, clary sage, myrrh, frankincense, rose, melissa, and geranium. 

Let’s focus on some of the most popular oils used for fertility: 
Geranium
Geranium has a balancing effect on the nervous system. It is considered an ideal oil to maintain homeostasis of the body. According to Battaglia, its stimulating effect on the adrenal cortex has a regulatory effect on the hormonal system. As mentioned above, it is also considered an uterine and ovarian tonic.
Clary sage
It balances the hormones. According to Gary Young, clary Sage contains natural phytoestrogen that mimics estrogen function. It is very calming and stress relieving. It is also an uterine and ovarian tonic.
Fennel
Fennel stimulates said to stimulate estrogen production. It has historically been useful in regulating the menstrual cycle.
Cypress
According to Battaglia, it said to stimulate estrogen production and has a regulating effect on the menstrual cycle. It strengthens an overburdened nervous system and restores calm. It’s an astringent and has traditionally been used to reduce abnormally heavy blood loss. 
Jasmine
It is a great oil for emotional problems, and it is a known anti-depressant. Battaglia says it is also helpful in childbirth and will assist in labor.  It’s hormonal activity is useful in menstrual problems. It may relieve spasms of the uterus.





Important
This information is for educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose or prescribe.  If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from a medical condition, consult with your health care practitioner prior to using essential oils. Be careful when using essential oils with hormonal activity and don’t hesitate to contact a professional. Make sure that you look over the safefy information before you start using essential oils.


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 contraindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. AlsoRead 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:
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 
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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 

Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.







 References 
The Complete Book Of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, Valerie Ann Worwood, New World Library, 1991 

Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide, Gary Young, ND, Essential Science Publishing, 2006 

The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Salvatore Battaglia, The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd, 1997





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