Jo's Health Corner: Pregnancy

Essential Oils Especially For Women

Essential oils can be very useful for female concerns. In fact, aromatherapy is one of the most effective methods of dealing with pregnancy, menopausal, and menstrual problems. Many essential oils have been used to help regulate the hormone production and they can relax or uplift. Many oils are also very useful for reducing stress-related tension which may make the symptoms worse.

According to Battaglia, jasmine and rose may be used to relieve specific complaints, such as menstrual problems, since they have a general strengthening effect on the female reproductive system.

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. According to Battaglia, estrogenic activity has been found in oils such as sweet fennel and ansiseed.

According to Salvatore Battaglia, oils with these properties are considered useful in treating conditions associated with the reproductive system:

Antispasmodics
Essential oils such as clary sage, Roman and German chamomile, sweet marjoram, and lavender may be used for conditions like menstrual cramps and labor pains.

Emmenagogues
According to Salvatore Battaglia, essential oils with emmenagogue actions have the ability to promote menstrual discharge, and they have may be used to treat amenorrhea and scanty periods.
Oils with emmenagogue actions are basil, German and Roman chamomile, clary sage, sweet fennel, lavender, juniper berry, sweet marjoram, rose, rosemary, myrrh, and peppermint.

Galactagogues
Galactagogues are used to increase milk flow. Galactagogue essential oils include aniseed, jasmine, sweet fennel, dill, and lemongrass.

Uterine 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, and rose.

Parturients
Oils with parturient properties help induce labor by stimulating contraction. Essential oils that are parturient are jasmine, nutmeg and rose.

Antimicrobial
Essential oils with antiseptic and antibacterial properties may be used to treat vaginal pruritus and thrush, as well as leucorrhea. Antimicrobial oils include eucalyptus, bergamot, myrrh, German chamomile, rose, sandalwood and tea tree.

My favorites

Geranium
Geranium essential oil has a wonderfully uplifting, calming, flowery scent. Geranium has a balancing effect on the nervous system. It is considered an ideal oil to maintain homeostasis of the body. According to Battaglia, it stimulates the adrenal cortex, which regulates the hormonal system, and therefor geranium is traditionally recommended for where fluctuating hormones are a problem. Battaglia, says it useful in treating PMS and menopause problems.
According to Battaglia, geranium also dilates bile ducts for liver detoxification.

Clary sage
(Salvia sclarea) essential oil contains natural phytoestrogens. It has a mellow, warm, herbal scent that is uplifting and relaxing, making it a perfect choice for supporting a normal, healthy attitude during PMS. It is also supportive for menopausal women.

Roman chamomile
(Chamaemelum nobile) has a warm, sweet, herbaceous scent that is relaxing and calming for both mind and body. Its gentleness makes it especially valuable for restless children. Soothing to all types of skin, it is used extensively in Europe in skin preparations. Roman chamomile is also beneficial when added to massage oil for relief of muscle discomfort after exercise. Roman chamomile was one of the Saxons' nine sacred herbs.

Jasmine
is a great oil for emotional problems. Jasmine is a great oil for emotional problems, and according to Battaglia it is an anti-depressant. He also says it has historically been helpful in childbirth. Battaglia says if it is massaged in the back and the lower abdomen, it may relieve pain in the lower abdomen and strengthen the contractions.

According to Battaglia, jasmine has historically been used to assist in the expulsion of the placenta. Its hormonal activity is useful in menstrual problems. According to Battaglia, jasmine has traditionally been a good oil for for the skin and may help in conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and dry aggravated skin.

As always, 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.

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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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.

Source:

Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

This post is linked up to:
Monday Mania, WFMW., Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, Mama Moments Monday, Homemaking Link Up

10:21 AM | Read more...

Essential Oils And Pregnancy - Morning Sickness

Roughly 50% of pregnant women experience nausea during the first three months of pregnancy. It is recommended to eat small frequent meals and snacks. According to Steven Horne, the primary reason for morning sickness is because of toxicity in the liver or digestive tract. Low blood sugar can also contribute to morning sickness.

Valerie Ann Worwood's recommendation for morning sickness is to add 4-5 drops of spearmint to a bowl of boiling water. Put the boil on the floor by the bed. According to her, the aroma molecules will keep the stomach calm and gently do their work while you are sleeping. A drop can also be added to the pillow.

Battaglia suggests that 4-5 drops of spearmint and/or ginger be used as an inhalation to calm the stomach.

Cooksley suggests that lavender can be used to relieve nausea by inhalation. It can also be combined with oils like lemon and peppermint.

Cooksley suggests:

For inhalation:
4 part lavender to
1 par of lemon or peppermint
Put a few drops on a tissue, in an aroma lamp, or in a diffuser.
Lavender is also soothing to the nervous system while peppermint and lemon are refreshing.

Steven Horne suggests that drinking a pregnancy tea made of equal parts of red raspberry leaf, alfalfa, and peppermint, eating a healthy diet, and take plenty of minerals are the best preventions for morning sickness. Steven also says that taking Red Raspberry blend and digestive enzymes with meals, and taking enough fiber and water so the bowels move, may also rid the morning sickness.

Other things to consider:

Avoid fats, sugar, salt, caffeine and processed orange juice.
Avoid processed foods.
Consider taking a B-complex with additional B6 and magnesium to control morning sickness. Foods high in B6 and magnesium are sunflower seeds, walnuts, bananas, brown rice, chicken, wheat germ and brewer's yeast.
The herb ginger in capsule form or freshly grated. According to some, excess ginger can cause uterine contractions. Some herbalist suggests to use ginger with caution during pregnancy, but Steven Horne thinks it is all right to use. To be on the safe side, do your own research.
For NSP members, according to Horne, LIV-J or Liver Balance can be taken to clean out the liver. Red Raspberry Blend and the digestive enzymes Proactazyme Plus can also be taken according to him.

My post Is Aromatherapy Safe in Pregnancy? has information about what essential oils to use when pregnant. As always, this information is for educational purposes and is not meant to diagnose or replace the advice of a physician. Use caution and consult with your physiscian.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

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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5:38 AM | Read more...

Is Aromatherapy Safe in Pregnancy?

A question that often comes up is if aromatherapy is safe for pregnant women. Essential oils can provide many benefits for pregnancy. An aromatherapy treatment may reduce stress and ease discomfort felt during pregnancy. Essential oils can provide a positive and relaxing feeling for the expecting mother.

There are some things that needs to be taken into consideration though.

Essential oils should not be administered topically, including baths, orally, or vaginally before 24th week of pregnancy. If the oil is not contraindicated, it may be used in a diffuser.

Only a 2% dilution should be used when pregnant. Check out the dilution chart to make sure you know what is safe for you.

Any oil that is considered toxic is contraindicated to mother or fetus. All oils with high thujone, pulegone, menthol or apiol content should be avoided during pregnancy. Avoid oils that have hormone like actions.

Essential oils that may demonstrate hormone like actions are aniseed, basil, cypress, Roman Chamomile, fennel, geranium, nutmeg, and clary sage (Tisserand recently questioned clary sage's hormonal activity) shall be avoided.

However, some of these oils are suggested for certain conditions by experts like Wormood, Battaglia and Cooksley. For example, Roman Chamomile and geranium shall be avoided in the first trimester but can be used later on in the pregnancy. This include using the oils in a diffuser. Clary Sage is an uterine tonic, and Battaglia lists it as one of the oils to use for the delivery room.

Cypress oil is also recommended by Worwood and Battaglia for certain conditions. I feel it is best to leave cypress alone, unless you are following a recipe or recommendation by someone who knows their oils.

You will come across different suggestions of what is suitable or not for pregnancy once you read more sources. I prefer to take a more conservative approach when I share advice.

Here is some suggestions regarding what oils to use or not to use. If the essential oil is not mentioned here, it is probably best to avoid unless suggested by a professional.

My List of Oils to Use

Tangerine, mandarin, grapefruit, geranium (avoid first trimester), Roman Chamomile (avoid first trimester), jasmine, lavender, lemon, neroli, orange, patchouli, sandalwood, bergamot, ylang ylang (According to Cooksley and Worwood).

Use With Caution

According to Cooksley caraway, cypress, juniper, lavender, rose, rosemary (avoid first trimester) and peppermint ( avoid first trimester) can be used with caution.

Oils to Avoid

Cinnamon, basil, black pepper, bay leaf, anise, clove bud and leaf, ginger, oregano, Immortelle (Helichrysum), elecampane, citronella, fennel bitter, birch, Cedarwood Atlas, marjoram, lemon balm, hyssop, clary sage, myrrh, pennyroyal, sage, rue, parsley seed, camphor, bay leaf, garlic, pine, Rose Attar, wintergreen, thyme, tansy, sassafras, wormwood, mugwort, cypress, thuja, pennyroyal and nutmeg.

As always, you want to check out my safety page to make sure of the safety and contraindications. There are certain conditions where some oils shouldn't be used. Also, check with your physician to make sure aromatherapy is safe for you.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

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