Essential Oils for Women, Pregnancy, Childbirth and Children of all ages

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©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2007 LLC

Women have always played a central role in the care of nurture of others. Caring for the sick was one of the most important domestic skills that was passed from one generation of women to the next. Caring for others seems to be an innate gift of femininity that can bless our lives and the lives of those around us. It is our role as women to create new life and then to protect and bless those lives in every way that we can. It seems to come naturally to most women to put the needs of others first, even at the expense of their own health. There is much to be learned in the world of essential oils about service and honoring oneself and the balance between the two. The fact is, that a woman must care for herself if she is to have the strength and energy to give as much as she wants to the others that are so dear to her.

Many of the normal functions of a woman’s body, such as menstruation and pregnancy, have been treated for too long as abnormal or just plain dirty/evil. This is changing in our time as more women learn about how their bodies and minds works and take responsibility for their own physical and emotional health.

Nevertheless, and not withstanding that these are normal functions, they can take a heavy toll on a woman’s energy and general health. The bearing of and caring for children, while enormously rewarding, is an enormous task. The demands of our fast paced society, in which many women juggle family life and work, while often times rewarding and exciting, only adds to the daily stress. As women, we sometimes add to our own stress by negative feelings about our physical selves and overemphasizing the importance of the outer self while ignoring our own inner beauty and wisdom.

Essential oils - and all other aspects of natural health care - can make a significant difference in the lives of modern women and their families in caring for both emotional, spiritual and physical needs.

Hormones out of balance can affect every aspect of a woman’s existence - her reserves of physical energy, general sense of well-being, emotional and spiritual state, efficiency and ability to concentrate and even the kind of wife and mother that we are.

Puberty - moving into womanhood

Adolescence is a time of great physical changes as well as a period of intense intellectual and emotional development. The young woman is often struggling to find her own personal balance between independence and staying safely close to her support system and finding a balance between her parent’s advice, her own inner voice and the clamor of her peer group.

Energetically, this is cycle of ‘Spring’ energy and comparison with the ‘terrible twos’ is not that far off the mark. Many of the same essential oils that are recommended in Chapter 8 page 5 are appropriate here, with the addition of those that are specifically appropriate to hormone balance and the emerging attitudes and attributes of womanhood.

A balanced Gall Bladder and Liver Meridian system is essential here but, often, the diet of the teen-age girl is far less than adequate to her needs. As an incentive to your teen-age daughter to eat better, you might point out that a compromised gallbladder causes fats to accumulate in the bloodstream and in the tissues - usually exactly where they don’t want extra fat.

The out-of-balance emotional aspects of this phase include the things that all parents dread - sudden swings from a delightful little girl to an angry, annoyed, rebellious, sassy, weepy, over-sensitive ‘almost woman’.

Recommended essential oils:

Emotional: LeBelieve, LeMillenia, LeWhispering Hope, LeTranquility, LeUnity, LeAngel, LeLetting Go, LeAcknowledge, sweet orange, sandalwood, vanilla

Hormone: LeWoman Wise and/or LeEndo Relief, frequently, on the feet in the area around the ankles or in the bath

Skin usually the result of poor diet and the widely fluctuating moods that result from hormones out of balance; clay foot soaks with an appropriate essential oil is usually very helpful

Additional oils to use during the period itself or at various times throughout the month: LeBaby Me, LeMy-graine, ylang ylang

These can be used around the ankles, areas of particular glands on both body and feet lower back, abdomen and along the spine

Often women will tell me that they were happy and healthy as children, but have never really been well since puberty and the ‘kicking in’ of their hormones. This is so sad. The proper diet and the use of essential oils and herbal remedies has changed this for many women.

Some artificial sweeteners inhibit the body’s production of estrogen, which contributes to many of the hormone related problems of women today. There are also many hormones injected into and fed to the cattle and chickens that we eat and the cows that produce our milk supply.

Menstruation

All things related to reproduction and birth are part of the Earth element/meridian phase. Many of the earth’s natural processes are cyclical in nature. Our physical femininity is a reflection of our connection to ‘mother earth’. Menstruation is only one of these cycles in our lives. Our attitude towards ourselves as women and towards our monthly cycle has more of an effect on the comfort and ease with which we move through it than is often supposed.

The essential oils recommended in the next several sections for hormone imbalance related problems are often the same ones that are contra-indicated for pregnancy. The time should always be taken to study and ponder on the use of these oils during the child-bearing years.

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation. Agents to assist are called emmenagogues

Recommended emmenagogue essential oils: 

LeWoman Wise, basil, clary sage, hyssop, lavender, marjoram, rose, rosemary, sage

Menorrhagia is abnormally heavy or extended menstrual flow. It may refer to irregular bleeding that occurs at odd times throughout the month. This is occasionally a sign of something serious, so if it doesn’t clear up quickly, consider the advice of a health care professional.

Suggested essential oils:

LeMillenia, cypress, geranium, chamomile Roman, bioplasma homeopathic and cayenne tincture

Dysmenorrhea is the term given to painful periods and the symptoms of PMS

Recommended essential oils:

LeWoman Wise, LeEndo Relief, clary sage followed by basil, cypress, jasmine, lavender, marjoram, peppermint, chamomile Roman, rosemary, sage, yarrow

During the Period

LeWoman Wise and clary sage rubbed around the ankles or on the abdomen for balancing the hormones and LeDeeper massaged into the abdomen or onto the back for pain and cramping

Some symptoms of PMS and suggested essential oils:

Headache

LeLetting Go, LeMygraine, LeWoman Wise, clary sage

General aches and pains and backache

LeDeeper

Constipation/diarrhea

LeInside Out

Nausea, vomiting

LeEZ Traveler, sweet orange

Hypoglycemia

LeRevitalize, LeEndo Relief, LeGrateful Heart, LeWake Up, dill, ylang ylang

Tension, mood swings, panic attacks

LeBeloved, LeHeart Song, LeUnity, LeTranquility

Pre-conception

A child’s pattern of health begins with the egg and sperm that contain the genetic blueprint for the child’s entire future. I wish that there was a way to impress upon every teen-ager that, for the sake of their future children, they cannot afford to damage their health with poor eating habits during these critical years.

The four months prior to conception are vital for the development of the sperm and egg that will eventually become a baby. Both ova and sperm can suffer from the effects of poor nutrition, toxic metals, environmental chemicals, viruses, and some drugs before conception has even taken place.

Most women who are pregnant don’t realize it until they are six to eight weeks pregnant. Much of the crucial development of the baby’s nerves, organs and bone structures has already taken place by this time. A nutritional deficiency that is causing little or no symptoms in the mother can be critical for the rapid developing embryo.

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant material and, as such, contain a wide variety of nutrients which are absorbed into the body through the skin. The regular use of essential oils can help to fill nutritional needs and give a woman planning to conceive and additional margin of safety.

The use of hormone balancing oils such as LeWoman Wise and LeEndo Relief can also make a major difference to the pregnancy and to the developing baby.

Fertility, Infertility and Conception

Fertility requires good general health and well-balanced hormones in both the man and the woman.

Recommended essential oils:

LeEndo Relief for general endocrine and glandular health, LeVitality for circulatory and vein health, LeWoman Wise for hormone balance in the woman and LeBalance for hormone balance in the man.

Miscarriage and the Prevention of Miscarriage

Miscarriage is far more common than generally supposed. It is estimated that 1 in 2 very early pregnancies miscarry and appear to be only a delayed or extra heavy period and that 1 in 6 women who have a positive pregnancy test suffer miscarriage. It is also estimated that with proper care and the use of natural remedies, over half of ‘threatened miscarriages’ can be successfully brought to a successful conclusion.

Some women have spotting or even light periods regularly throughout their pregnancies. This does not indicate an impending miscarriage. However, at the first sign of bleeding - especially if it is accompanied by cramping or softening of the cervix - measures should be taken.

LeMillenia to tighten the uterus and cervix, realign everything structurally and energetically; False Unicorn and Lobelia - not oils, but herbals - taken in either tincture or capsule form. The ratio should be 3 parts False Unicorn to 1 part Lobelia. This combination taken as soon as spotting begins has saved many a pregnancy. The reason is a protective covering over the ovum called the corpus luteum which fails to dissolve promptly after fertilization. If it does not dissolve, the ovum is unable to implant in the uterine wall and the hormone changes that are triggered by the developing embryo fail to occur. The uterus empties and a miscarriage has occurred.

Following a Miscarriage

LeMillenia causes the uterus to fold and return rapidly to a pre-pregnant state. This is the best way to deal with any excess bleeding. LeMillenia also helps the woman look forward and cope with the myriad of emotions that miscarriages create. LeHeart Song and LeWhispering Hope can also be helpful.

Return to a lifestyle that includes a good diet, exercise and a program for overall hormone balance.

Pregnancy

Many of the blended essential oils listed below contain oils which, by themselves, are contra-indicated for pregnancy. Because they are part of a blend and the recommendations are for only a drop or two at a time, they are generally considered safe. Caution and common sense on your part are expected; if you feel that the oil is likely to or is causing any problem, however, slight, quit using it immediately!

Minor (and not so minor) Ailments of Pregnancy:

The oils that may be needed during a pregnancy or during a labor and delivery are as individual as every mother. The ones listed below are personal favorites or ones that have worked well for several women in the past.

Morning Sickness/ Nausea

Sweet orange - place a drop behind each ear; put a few drops on a cotton ball in a small plastic bag, carry with you and sniff throughout the day. Peppermint - it is the aroma that helps so place a few drops on a cotton ball much the same as directed with the orange oil above, geranium - is for hormone balance and relaxation. Massage a few drops diluted with almond oil on the feet or place 2 - 3 drops in the tub and enjoy a quiet and relaxing bath. LeInside Out - on the abdomen or feet; jasmine or rosewood - diffuse; wear on the body or sniff it as needed.

Ambivalence or none-acceptance of the pregnancy

LeAcknowledge - acceptance and ability to connect with the developing child; LeWhispering Hope - particularly when feelings are deep despair, almost suicidal; LeHeart Song - depression, lack of joy and anticipation.

Fear Surrounding pregnancy or delivery

LeTomorrow or LeTrust - place on sternum, wrists or diffuse for the aroma

Stretched or Striated Abdominal Wall (and elsewhere) Muscles

LeBaby Me - dilute with a carrier oil (vitamin E or something with jojoba works well) and apply to the affected areas; increase the nutritional value of the foods being eaten and supplement with a natural Vitamin E; mild exercise to strengthen these muscles and a faithful exercise program when the pregnancy is complete.

Stretch Marks

LeBaby Me - dilute with a carrier oil (vitamin E or something with jojoba, apricot or avocado works well) and apply to the affected areas; increase the nutritional value of the foods being eaten and supplement with a good Vitamin E.

Anemia

The use of LeMillenia often helps the body uptake nutrients in a more efficient manner.

Constipation

Constipation is the natural consequence of hormones that relax the muscles (of which the intestine is one) so that the stretching that needs to be done can be accomplished. Solutions: always obey nature’s urges immediately; drink lots of water; eat correctly to get proper nutrition for muscle and skin elasticity; use LeInside-Out applied to the abdominal area and the bottoms of the feet.

Leg Cramps

Often an indication of poor absorption of calcium; poor calcium absorption is sometimes a factor in the prevalence of false labor contractions in the later stage of pregnancy; LeWarm Down massaged into the calf muscles helps relieve these cramps.

Spider Veins or Varicose Veins

Helichrysum - regenerates damaged tissue and dissolves clots and pooled blood in and around the vein; Cypress layered with Helichrysum - to heal while improving circulation; LeVitality - to improve circulation; LeWarm Down - dilute and massage into leg muscles to relieve pain and heavy sensation; LeVisibility - specific for the small, spidery veins

When large, swollen veins are present, always massage above the vein and moving upward

Xyphoid Process Pain

The Xyphoid Process is the triangular bit of bone at the base of the sternum. Often the pressure of the full uterus pushing upward displaces this bone and causes varying degrees of pain. LeBaby Me - dilute and apply topically to the area.

Misalignment or Mal-presentation of the Baby

LeMillenia - dilute and apply over the abdomen and back. This needs to be done in the final 3 weeks before term, but not during the labor itself. LeMillenia, during labor will keep the cervix from opening and even cause it to close to quite an extent.

Toxemia and/or High blood Pressure

LeVitality - if related to heart & circulation and there are high levels of protein in the urine; lavender, rose, LeHeart Song - for relaxation, stress and general fears.

This is a serious condition and can cause death or impairment in both mother and child if left unchecked. If the oils do not make a significant difference very quickly, seek professional help.

Pre-term Labor

Lavender - for relaxation; Clary sage - this one is also used post-term to get labor going, demonstrating natural remedy’s ability to ‘balance’ and return the system to a normal state.

Avoiding an Episiotomy or Tear

LeBaby Me - massaged with olive, or vitamin E oil onto the perineum in the weeks prior to delivery.

Labor and Delivery

Early labor

The following 5 oils can be diluted and applied, usually to the ankle, the bottoms of the feet, or the abdomen. They may also be diffused or sniffed for a moment or two. 

Clary sage - aids cervical dilation; Marjoram - relaxes muscles, easing the pain of contractions while allowing them to work more efficiently; Geranium - stimulates circulation, eases breathing, regulates pulse and blood pressure; Fennel - for pain relief; Nutmeg - supports adrenals & nervous system, helping with fatigue and blood sugar levels.

The following 6 oils can be placed on the body but are most often diffused or sniffed by the mother. I usually prefer to have the woman smell an oil because sometimes an oil that is needed and smells good one minute is offensive, or even nauseating, a few minutes later when the need for it has passed.

Lavender - relaxes muscles and skeletal structure, takes the edge off pain; Jasmine - for lack of progress, stalling our of labor, emotional support; Rose - diffused at a birth can greatly improve everyone’s emotions and confidence and ability to focus; Rosewood - for lack of progress, rear or tension; Chamomile German - this oil is relaxing, uplifting, calming; - LeWisdom - for the mother who seems to lack concentration and focus or seems to be concerned with and focused on things other than the labor and the coming baby.

Transition Stage

LeWhispering Hope, LeUnity - these oils are best just sniffed as this stage is usually short and something else will be needed in a moment or two.

Post-Partum

Retained Placenta

Basil - rub on abdomen; angelica or jasmine - sniffed. Often the best thing to do is get the mother up and have her move around a little bit.

Hemorrhage

Ylang ylang, helichrysum - dilute and rub on the abdomen to cause the uterus to clamp down; geranium - aids contraction of uterus, pulls together stretched and dilated tissues, heals endometrium, constricts abdominal blood vessels; LeMillenia - helps fold and firm the uterus, realign hips and pelvic structure. This one is amazing. Use only after the placenta has delivered as it works very quickly and can close the cervix and prevent proper discharge of the placental tissue.

Post-Partum Depression (Baby Blues)

LeHeart Song, LeTranquility, LeTrust, LeUnity, geranium, jasmine. These oils can be diluted and applied to the body, 2 or 3 drops placed in the tub for a relaxing bath, diffused or sniffed.

Nursing & Breast Care

Clary Sage - to bring in milk; fennel or basil - to increase milk supply; peppermint with cold compress - to decrease milk supply. Caution: Fennel should not be used for more than 10 days as it will excessively increase flow through the urinary tract.

Chamomile German, LeBaby Me - sore or cracked nipples;

Be sure to wash the breast thoroughly before nursing the baby whenever essential oils are applied.

Breast Infections (Mastitis) - comes on swiftly and can be devastating to breast tissue; there is a really good herbal poultice that has proven itself many time. Use good herbals to fight the infection and help cope with the attendant fever, headache and chills

Babies and Children

When working with babies and children, always dilute especially well and use only a very small amount. More will not be better; often a small amount of an oil is soothing and calming but a larger amount will cause agitation and fussiness. Premature babies have such delicate and almost transparent skin, that it is best to avoid the use of essential oils until the skin has achieved more maturity.

Many of the blends mentioned here contain oils that are often considered too strong for babies and children. You must use these at your own risk, understanding that because they are blends there is not a high percentage of contra-indicated oils in them. If you chose to use them, please always dilute extremely well and use only a drop or two of the diluted mixture. Never apply an oil undiluted to an infant or small child and certainly keep your essential oils out of the reach or children!

Colic

LeInside Out, LeTranquility, bergamot, mandarin, chamomile Roman, rosemary, ylang ylang - dilute and apply to stomach and back

Constipation

Ginger, mandarin, sweet orange or rosemary. Dilute one of the oils and massage stomach and feet

Cradle Cap

LeDelicate - dilute with almond oil, apply to the head, after a few moments use a soft bristled brush to remove the crusts.

Diaper Rash

LeBaby Me, 1 drop lavender and 1 drop Chamomile Roman mixed with carrier oil

Dry Skin

Rosewood or sandalwood, well diluted and applied

Earache

Lavender, tea Tree, chamomile Roman, thyme or garlic (dilute all of them very well, especially the garlic as it can burn the ear if too strong or not stirred well enough) Place a diluted drop or two on a piece of cotton ball and place in the ear; rub a little bit of diluted oil behind the ear.

Fever

Lavender - dilute with carrier oil and massage the baby. Cover the back of neck, feet, behind the ears, etc. (The right homeopathic can also be very useful here.)

Jaundice

Geranium, lemon, lime, mandarin, or rosemary. Dilute and apply on the liver area of the feet or on the baby’s abdomen.

Teeth Grinding

Lavender, LeTranquillity - rub on feet or diffuse.

The ‘Golden Years’

Menopause

LeEndo Relief, LeBalance, angelica, cypress, sweet orange, Roman chamomile, rose, nutmeg, rosemary, sage. Apply diluted oils to ankles, lower back and pelvis.

Osteoporosis

(Considered a disease related to calcium absorption; more properly understood as beginning with hormone imbalance - consider all the oils listed above for menopause.) LeWarm Down seems to aid calcium absorption; LePaine, LeTranquility, LeDeeper, birch, Roman and German chamomile, hyssop, lemon, nutmeg, pine, spruce, rosemary, wintergreen dilute and use as a massage oil or put 2 - 3 drops in the tub; rub on feet.

Bone Spurs

LeAspire using arnica oil as the carrier, massage into the areas several times a day. Will relieve the pain and, eventually, dissolve the spurs. Work on improving the body’s absorption of calcium

Disclaimer

We are not medical practitioners and do not diagnose, treat or prescribe in any shape, manner or form. Always discuss with your medical practitioner before using any alternative medicines, such as essential oils. All information, content and product descriptions contained within this site are for reference purposes and are not intended to substitute advice given by a pharmacist, physician or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information for treating a health problem or disease or to make a self-diagnosis. Butterfly Express products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition or disease

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2007 LLC