WHAT IS INFERTILITY

Nearly every woman remembers her early days of being sexually active, when she lived in fear that any and all sexual experiences would result in pregnancy. It comes as a shock to find out later that conception can be difficult.

The truth is that human reproduction is an incredibly sensitive process that can be thrown off by many forces. So while it's natural to feel frustrated if you're having a hard time getting pregnant, you should know that fertility problems are both very common and in many cases reversible.

The first step is to educate yourself. As you'll see, infertility is a complex condition often caused by multiple factors. The more you understand, the better you'll be able to decide on a course of treatment.

This post defines infertility and outlines the various causes that can affect both women and men, from stress to environmental toxins, from nutritional deficiencies to sexual dysfunction. We set record straight on some of the myths about infertility, including the notion that it's strictly a question of hormones, eggs and sperm. And we discuss how fertility is inextricably linked to your overall physical and emotional health, as well as that of your partner.

The Facts About Infertility
The word infertility is commonly used, but little care is taken to define what it is - and what it isn't. Stated simply, infertility is the inability to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term. A diagnosis of infertility is generally made if, after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse (or insemination), conception hasn't occurred. Infertility also applies if a woman repeatedly conceives but can't maintain a pregnancy. Within medical circles, the words impaired fecundity are often used interchangeably with infertility. The term subfertile has a slightly different meaning, referring to the reduced fertility of a woman as they enter their late 30s.

Infertility, impaired fecundity, and subfertility should not be confused with sterility, which means that conception is impossible under any circumstances. Unless you've been told for a fact that you or your partner is sterile as a result of bilateral oophorectomy (surgical removal of both ovaries) or as a possible side effect of medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, you probably won't know that you have a fertility problem until you start trying to get pregnant.

Primary Versus Secondary Infertility
There are two basic types of infertility: primary and secondary. Primary infertility is diagnosed if a woman has never been pregnant and has not conceived after 12 months of regular intercourse. Secondary infertility applies if a woman has been pregnant before but is having trouble conceiving again.

As discussed in this post, it's important to remember with both kinds of infertility that the problem may be with either the man or the woman. In some situations, both partners contribute to conception difficulties.

GETTING PREGNANT THE NATURAL WAY

The Path To Fertility
It's a familiar scenario; after establishing careers and settling down, a couple decides to have a child. Six months pass, then a year, but the woman is still not pregnant. Friends and family offer advice, articles and books are consulted, and eventually a doctor's appointment is made. Tests are done, followed perhaps by a series of drug treatments and surgical procedures. What supposed to be a joyful process turns into an ordeal marked by anxiety, frustration, depression, and possibly physical discomfort.

As a health professional, I have witnessed firsthand the trials and tribulations of patients facing infertility. All health problems cause distress, of course, but the inability to get pregnant is one of the most traumatic experiences a woman can endure.

It's hard to pinpoint an exact moment when infertility became a household word. But there's no doubt that recently we have been made more aware that many couples have trouble conceiving a child. The issue seems to be everywhere - on TV talk shows, magazine covers, books, radio, the Internet. It seems as if the media is presenting the struggle to get pregnant as the norm and trouble-free conception as the exception.

In fact, there has been only a slight rise in infertility in the last few decades. The greatest single factor in this upturn is the trend to start families much later in life than in the past. Since fertility declines with age, particularly for women, couples trying to conceive in their 30s and 40s are more likely to encounter difficulties. The dramatic increase in sexually transmitted diseases has played a significant role in reproductive problems, and many scientific researchers believe that the proliferation of environmental toxins has also taken its toll on fertility.

Even if infertility is not spiraling out of control, it is a very real concern for a lot of people. Each year, more than a million of people all over the world pursue treatment for infertility. The majority consult conventional doctors, who do an infertility workup and then, depending on the diagnosis, usually recommend drugs and/or high-tech procedures such as in vitro fertilization.

Since the 1980s, great strides have been made in reproductive medicine. Thanks to a vast amount of research, physicians now understand far more about conception occurs and what can prevent it from happening. These advances have led to a boom in assisted reproductive technology. In addition, to in vitro fertilization, a range of options are now available, including gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), egg donation, and gestational carriers, among others. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is another possibility, as is surrogate pregnancy.

Unfortunately, despite the progress in understanding and treating infertility, only a minority of women who undergo high-tech procedures ultimately achieve the goal of pregnancy. Although statistics differ, it appears that the success rate is about 20%. Thus, four out five couples are left still wanting a child.

In recent years, more and more people have been turning to alternative or complementary medicine for answers to their health problem. Whereas small numbers of people have long sought out holistic practitioners, the '90s into the 21st century have witnessed a phenomenal explosion in the use of herbal remedies, acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic medicine, mind/body medicine, and a host of other therapies. These approaches are no longer hidden alternatives to conventional medicine but rather well-respected and well-researched treatment options that enhance health. Complementary medicine is now widely used for everything from colds and the flu to chronic fatigue syndrome to hypertension.

The application of natural medicine to infertility dates back thousand of years. Yet only in the last decade or so have a substantial amount of people begun to pursue alternatives treatments to improve their chances of conception.

If you are trying to have a child, there are several compelling reasons to explore alternative therapies. First and foremost, based on the clinical experience of hundreds of practitioners, these techniques can help you get pregnant. This is not to say that alternative health care offers some miracle cure; neither mainstream nor alternative medicine can promise a pregnancy. But infertility is a complex condition often caused by a multitude of chronic factors, and many of these respond to natural remedies. For example, hormonal problems are one of the main culprits in delaying conception. By altering diet, taking nutritional supplements, using herbs, and practicing relaxation exercises, many women are able to restore hormonal balance and eventually get pregnant.

Second, in addition to improving your fertility, alternative treatments will enhance your overall health. Indeed, these two outcomes are closely linked: in general, the better your health, the more likely you are to conceive. Consider the fact, that many of the greatest health risks - smoking, drinking, drug use, obesity, poor diet, stress - pose the biggest threat to fertility. By changing your lifestyle and supporting these changes with natural remedies, you will enjoy a higher level of physical activity.

Third, alternative therapies can give you more control over one of the most emotional issues anyone can face. While practitioners play an essential role in natural medicine, self-care is just as important. By forming a positive partnership with your physician based on mutual respect and responsibility, you and your partner can face the challenges of infertility with greater confidence and less anxiety.

Choosing a course of treatment of infertility is an incredibly personal decision. Some women who have difficulty getting pregnant are not interested in pursuing in vitro fertilization or taking another woman's egg into their body. Others are prepared to do anything to have a child.

This post offers many ideas for people in both categories. If you want to follow a natural conception program, the one described here will provide an excellent start. If your tried, are currently using, or are considering fertility drugs and high-tech procedures, many of the steps described here will also be helpful. Indeed, natural methods of enhancing fertility can complement conventional infertility treatment, giving you the greatest possible range of choices.

I have personally seen patients make incredible improvements in their health through holistic therapies. By changing their diet, exercising regularly, using herbs and nutritional supplements, and decreasing stress, they have regained vitality, which in turn has allowed them to get pregnant.

I believe very strongly that parenting starts long before the baby is born, even before conception. Partners are encourage to look carefully at their own life and make positive changes that will be of benefit both now and in the future.

This is a perfect time to take the steps necessary to enhance your physical and emotional well-being. By preparing for a successful, healthy pregnancy, you will also be planting the seeds for healthy children guided by loving, vital parents.

STRENGTHENING MENTAL HEALTH

Physical health problems, minor or major, can become a source of worry and anxiety for an aging person, and can affect their overall mental and emotional health.

Headaches And Migraines
The reason for these, especially in the elderly, is not always apparent. It is therefore a good idea to use tow or more essential oils, to make best use of the synergy. Put the relevant essential oils into your moisturizing cream and use twice daily. This helps both to relieve and prevent the problem, and will benefit the skin at the same time. If headaches persist throughout the day, try inhalation. If the headaches frequently recur, consider that it may due to a food allergy, such as caffeine. If home treatment is unsuccessful it may be worth visiting a qualified aromatherapist.

Shock
The emotional impact of shock can be particularly traumatic for an elderly person. Very often the shock is accompanied by fear, especially in the case of someone who lives on their own. Shock-induced trauma can be helped immediately by inhaling or applying essential oils with a sedative effect.















Lavender and sweet marjoram oils can help with grief and fear. Inhale them from a tissue.





Insomnia
Insomnia is fairly common amongst older people, and can get worse as age advances. Sometimes, there is no clear explanation for it - older people seem to need less sleep. However, the problem may be caused or exacerbated by anxiety and worry. Cramp in the leg muscles or arthritic pain during the night can also disturb the sleep pattern. The traditional essential oil used to help insomnia is lavender, although care should be taken with the dose, as too much will keep you awake. Lavender oil, used alone or in a synergy with two or three oils, has been used successfully by some hospitals to treat insomnia.













Oils for fear and anger can be a useful support for cancer patients. Use juniper, lemon and geranium in a base lotion and apply the mix to the hands and body.






Cancer
Aromatherapy cannot cure cancer but it can be used in a supportive role and can greatly improve the quality of life for many cancer patients. Fear of developing cancer can be a big worry for someone who has already lost a relative through the disease, and for cancer patients whose cancer is in remission. Use oils which are good for stress conditions (see Coping With Stress), and apply by inhalation, compress and direct application in a carrier lotion.

Dementia
Some people, more often in old age, suffer deterioration of their mental faculties, and are unable to think clearly or to concentrate for any length of time. The memory can become unreliable and confused, and some speech difficulties may develop (this is particularly true after a stroke). Alzheimer's disease may develop if the nerve tissue (which cannot regenerate itself) withers and dies in the brain. Try using essential oils which stimulate the mind and improve memory. Some oils are also thought to be able to trigger past experiences, which is helpful for people with Alzheimer's.













Persistent headache are debilitating and stressful. Massaging the shoulders with Roman chamomile and lavender will have a sedative and calming effect, while peppermint and rosemary will be energizing and uplifting.






Parkinson's Disease
The cause of this debilitating, progressive disease is unknown, but a lack of the chemical substance, dopamine, which is needed for co-ordination of the brain muscles, seem to be responsible for its symptoms. Parkinson's disease is characterized by tremors, muscular rigidity and emaciation, and causes difficulty in speech and movement. Strong drugs are available to replace the dopamine; these help for a while, but they gradually lose efficiency as the body gets used to them. This necessitates a regular increase in dosage levels as the years pass, until, finally, the maximum dose loses its effect, and nothing more can be done to help the patient.


Side effects of the drugs include nausea, insomnia and constipation, all of which can be helped by aromatherapy. One study has also shown that essential oils can alleviate muscular problems, occasionally reducing the degree of slurred speech and tremors. Daily application of a lotion containing essential oils, plus daily aromatherapy baths (where possible) were used in the study. The symptoms which cause the most problems seem to be anxiety, lack of energy, muscular pains and stiffness. Others are constipation, insomnia, cramp, rigidity, tremors and slurred speech. Choose essential oils on the basis of the symptoms causing the trouble.



For sufferers of Parkinson's disease, a hand and body lotion containing clary sage, sweet marjoram and rosemary can help the condition.

STRENGTHENING PHYSICAL HEALTH

In our sunset years, we have the time to look after our health. Now is the time to use essential oils as a safeguard against problems starting in the first place.

Circulatory Disorders
The regular daily use of hand and/or body lotion containing the appropriate essential oils will maintain a healthy circulation. Used early enough this could delay and, in some cases, prevent, many circulatory problems occurring.

After a stroke, the daily application of a lotion blend to legs and arms, in an upward direction only (to aid blood flow towards the heart), can help to regain movement in affected limbs.

Varicose Ulcers
These ulcers can originate from varicose veins, but they can also arise as secondary symptoms of diabetes, sickle-cell anaemia and rheumatoid arthritis. Essential oils dispersed in water and sprayed on to the area is the best method if the ulcers are too raw to touch. A compress is the next step, followed by application with oils in a calendula base as soon as the area can be touched.

Gentle exercise helps to keep arthritis at bay and maintain a healthy circulatory system.

Arthritis, Rheumatism And Osteoarthritis
The main symptoms of arthritis are pain and stiffness, and of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation and swelling around the joints, especially the knuckles, wrists, knees and ankles. Osteoarthritis is degeneration of the joint cartilage. A common site is the hip and, often, the only cure is to have an artificial hip replacement. Aromatherapy helps to alleviate pain and improve mobility in arthritic joints. The recommended treatment is the twice-daily use of a lotion containing relevant essential oils. SRT (see Swiss Reflex Therapy) is highly beneficial for arthritic hips and knees. Use overnight compresses for affected hands and feet.
















Lavender oil soaked into a warm compress can help to relieve the pain of arthritic joints.

Preparing A multi-Purpose Treatment Cream
It can be very useful to have a ready-mixed treatment to hand in case it is needed urgently. Choose an unperfumed base cream and add your choice of appropriate essential oils.





Use toothpick or the handle of a teaspoon to blend the oils into the cream. The prepared cream is ideal for use as a moisturizer or hand cream.

Add a few drops of a self-prepared

essential oil mix to your base cream.

Use 5 drops of essential oil for every

50ml base cream for a moisturizer.

Bronchial Asthma And Bronchitis

Many of the expectorant essential oils, which ease breathing, come from the conifer and melaleuca families, such as pine and niaouli. Try application of the oils in a carrier lotion, rubbed into the chest at bedtime. If a visit to hospital is necessary for any reason, take the lotion with you as it will help to prevent infections, such as pneumonia, which are often picked up in hospital. A daily foot massage using SRT (see Swiss Reflex Therapy) is also helpful.

Influenza

Many essential oils are anti-infectious and can be of great help against influenza if the y are used early enough: the sooner they are used after the onset of symptoms, the more likely they are to give a positive result. With the onset of a sore throat or fever, add the oils to water and use them as a gargle (see previous post). Try inhalations, aromatherapy baths, or direct application of the oils on to the body via a carrier lotion.

If it it not possible to take a full aromatherapy bath, a hand or foot bath can be as effective for arthritic hands and feet. Add a few drops of your chosen oils to warm water and soak your hands for ten to fifteen minutes.




Digestive Problems
The most effective way to treat digestive disorders with essential oils is by ingestion. Ideally, you should consult a qualified aromatologist. If you decide to treat yourself, it is imperative to use only genuine essential oils and to carefully follow the directions in this post.

Application of recommended essential oils can also give good results. The oils can be mixed in a carrier lotion and rubbed gently on to the abdomen in a clockwise direction, or applied on a compress and left on the abdomen overnight. Massage to the colon reflex on the feet (see Swiss Reflex Therapy), in a clockwise direction, can also be beneficial.

Indigestion
This can occur for a number of reasons: eating too much or too quickly, eating foods which are too rich, or through emotional causes such as worry, impatience and frustration. Essential oils are excellent for indigestion. Relevant essential oils can be used in an abdominal or SRT massage every 30 minutes before a meal.

Constipation
This may arise as a side-effect of medication or through emotional causes, such as fear and anxiety. Changes in environment and routine can also bring on constipation.

Diarrhoea
This may be due to anxiety, fear, infections, other medication or an overdose of laxatives taken to relieve constipation.

Diverticulitis
Small. harmless, thin-walled sacs can form on the colon in elderly people, through insufficient fibre in the diet. Diverticulitis is when these sacs become inflamed and painful, leading to occasional bleeding and chronic constipation. Switch to a fibre-rich diet, and use essential oils for constipation and other anti-inflammatory conditions.

Incontinence
This upsetting condition can be helped by gentle exercise to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Lying on your back, tense and relax your pelvic muscles, by raising your hips 10-20 times a day, at regular intervals. Astringent essential oils can also be useful, taken internally in a tea (see previous post).

Pressure Sores
If a woman becomes bed-bound she is at risk of developing pressure sores, which are notoriously difficult to heal. To prevent these, the patient should be moved every few hours so that she is not left too long in the same position. Rub a mix of essential oils in calendula into the buttock area every day. If weeping sores develop, prepare a mineral water mix (see previous post) with essential oils, shake well and use to spray on to the affected area.

AGING GRACEFULLY

Once the menopause is over women enter a new phase of life, sometimes referred to as "sunset years", before reaching old-age. During these years it is especially important for women to take care of themselves so as to prolong a happy, healthy and active life.

During the aging process, circulation slows down and the body's cells neither receive nourishment nor have harmful toxins eliminated as quickly as before. As a result, circulatory disorders are common: the hands and feet become cold, and wounds take longer to heal, for example. Digestive disorders in the elderly are also quite common. As the digestive processes slow down and the large intestine muscles weaken, constipation may occur. This is made more likely by inadequate roughage and fibre in the diet, and can also be seen as a side effect of other medicines. Eating while anxious or frightened can also bring on a variety of digestive disorders.

All cell renewal takes longer with age, the skin becomes dry and flaky, and the hair often becomes thinner. Because of this slowing down process, every organ of every system in the body is more susceptible to common illness, which are more difficult to shake off. Older people re particularly vulnerable to colds and flu, which can settle on the chest, causing or exacerbating respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma.

Extra care should be taken with a cold as it can develop into
bronchitis. Use pine and niaouli on a tissue and inhale throughout the day.

The joints gradually become less flexible and the muscles are prone to inflammation, and conditions such as arthritis or rheumatism may develop or get worse. As it is often first highlighted during the menopause, osteoporosis can become a problem, with the skeletal bones becoming more brittle: falls resulting in broken bones, such as the hip, are much more common in later years.

For many women, the prospect of old age is very frightening and creates tension and anxiety. Many women worry about the possibility of incapacitating illnesses, such as dementia, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease. Others suffer frequent headaches, migraines, insomnia and digestive upsets, which may be caused by the side effects of medical drugs that are being taken for other conditions. In fact, the side effects of medication can be responsible for many ailments apparent in older people. This can set up a vicious circle, where new medicines are prescribed to deal with the side effects of the original drug and which, in turn, can eventually lead to even more unpleasant symptoms.

These resulting afflictions are termed iatrogenic because they arise as the side effects of medication taken for the original disease or problem. Aromatherapy is now used in a growing number of hospitals to alleviate the more minor, but unpleasant, effects of iatrogenic disease: insomnia and digestive disorders are the most common, followed by pressure sores for those who are bedridden.

Aromatherapy In Later Life
For women in their later years the amount of essential oils to be used in any treatment depends on the state of their general health. For those in good mental and physical health, the normal number of drops can be used. For women who are run down, suffering ill-health or are on medication the dosage should be lowered, as follows (see previous post).

Dosage
in the bath 4-6 drops of oil dispersed or dissolved first in dairy cream or honey
for application to the body 8-10 drops in 50ml (31/2 tbsp) carrier lotion
for inhalation the number of drops here is not crucial as many of the molecules are carried away by evaporation.

When preparing oils for application, a lotion is the preferred choice for a carrier base: oil bases can cause bottles to become too slippery and messy, often resulting in oil stains. If you suffer from arthritis, for example, you can add the relevant essential oils to a base hand and/or body lotion, to make the treatment easier to administer.














Holding a cotton pad with a few drops each of sweet marjoram and melissa to your head can relieve a tension headache. If it persists, try adding a few drops of Roman chamomile.

USEFUL ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential Oil

hot flushes and sweating
Clary sage Salvia sclarea
treatment: antisudorific, oestrogen-like (sweating)

Cypress Cupressus sempervirens
treatment: antisudorific (excessive perspiration)

Peppermint Mentha x piperita
treatment: cooling

Pine Pinus sylvestris
treatment: antisudorific (sweating)

reputed sexual stimulants
Peppermint Mentha x piperita
treatment: neurotonic, reproductive tonic

Rosemary Mentha x piperita
treatment: neurotonic, sexual tonic

Rose otto Rosa damascena
treatment: neurotonic, sexual tonic

Thyme (sweet) Thymus vulgaris
treatment: cardiotonic, immunostimulant, neurotonic, sexual tonic

Ylang ylang Cananga odorata
treatment: reproductive tonic

low spirits (depression) and fatigue
Basil Ocimum basilicum var. album
treatment: neurotonic debility, mental strain, depression

Chamomile (Roman) Chamaemelum nobile
treatment: calming (nervous depression, irritability, nervous shock)

Clary sage Salvia sclarea
treatment: neurotonic (nervous fatigue)

Cypress Cupressus sempervirens
treatment: neurotonic (debility)

Frankincense Boswellia carteri
treatment: anti depressive (nervous depression)

Geranium Pelargonium graveolens
treatment: neurotonic (debility, nervous fatigue)

Juniper Juniperus communis
treatment: neurotonic (debility, fatigue)

Marjoram (sweet) Origanum majorana
treatment: neurotonic (debility, anguish, agitation, nervous depression)

Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis
treatment: neurotonic (general debility and fatigue)

fluid retention and cellulite
Cypress Cupressus sempervirens
treatment: diuretic (oedema, rheumatic swelling)

Geranium Pelargonium graveolens
treatment: decongestant (lymphatic congestion)

headaches and sleep problems
Chamomile (Roman) Chamaemelum nobile
treatment: antispasmodic, calming (migraines, insomnia, irritability)

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
treatment: analgesic, calming (headaches, migraines, insomnia-low dose)

Marjoram (sweet) Origanum majorana
treatment: analgesic, calming (agitation, migraines, insomnia)

headaches and migraines only
Peppermint Mentha x piperita
treatment; analgesic (headaches, migraine)

Rosemary Rosmarinus offcinalis
treatment: decongestant (headaches, migraine)

irritability
Chamomile (Roman) Chamaemelum nobile
treatment: calming (irritability, nervous depression, nervous shock)

Cypress Cupressus sempervirens
treatment: calming (irritability), regulates sympathetic nervous system

haemorrhage
Cypress Cupressus sempervirens
treatment: astringent, phlebotonic (broken capillaries, varicose veins)

Rose otto Rosa damascena
treatment: astringent, styptic (wounds)

EMOTIONS DURING MENOPAUSE

During the menopause, you may experience strong mood swings. Try to keep things in proportion and take pleasure from the simple things in life.





For women the menopause will coincide with their children leaving home. It can represent a new lease of life as a woman suddenly finds that she has more time for herself. However, as with any major life change, the menopause is often accompanied by mixed feelings, and a woman's new-found freedom may be marred not only by physical symptoms but also by emotional disturbances.

Stress-Related Headaches And Sleep Disturbances
These disturbances are not necessarily linked to the menopause, and may be stress-related. However, should either of them bother you, inhalation and application of the appropriate essential oils can help.

Weight And Diet
Appearance is often important to a woman throughout her life. It is not surprising, then, that poor self-esteem and a lack of confidence can be triggered by the physical changes happening in her body at this time.

Water retention can lead to bloating and weight-gain which, in turn, will exacerbate any feelings of low self-esteem. Tackle this with a positive frame of mind and healthy eating habits - these two things combined will improved self-confidence. Essential oils used for low spirits may help weight loss by stimulating the nervous system.















When you are feeling tired and irritable, a head massage can help you to relax and unwind.





EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCES OF THE MENOPAUSE

• Irritability
• Lack of confidence
• Anxiety and depression
• Poor concentration, forgetfulness and memory problems
• Decrease in self-esteem; through weight gain, lack of interest in sex, changes in physical appearance

Tips For Healthy Eating And Drinking

• Drink plenty of water.
• Limit alcohol intake to two units a day.
• Cut down on caffeine drinks.
• Cut down on, or avoid, sugary foods and foods high in fat.
• Eat more fish and less meat (especially red meat); eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, especially those rich in Vitamin C.
• Include foods rich in calcium.

Loss Of Sex Drive
For some women, the menopause is marked by decrease in sex drive (conversely, some women also report an increase in libido). The reduction in vaginal fluid can make intercourse painful, and this can lead to a change in sexual desire.

Several essential oils are reputed to help with sexual problems and to increase desire. These oils relax the mind, relieving it from pressures and tensions and, at the same time, can stimulate the emotions. Use the appropriate oils in a vaporizer for an hour before retiring, in both the living room and he bedroom. Alternatively, sprinkle a few drops of the oils on to your pillow and exchange a gentle back and shoulder aromatherapy massage with your partner.
















Emotional upsets are stressful and can lead to muscular tension. Rub oils on to your shoulders and neck to help restore your equilibrium.

Relationship Difficulties
The physical emotional difficulties of the menopause can put a strain on your relationship with your partner. If your children are leaving home, now may be a good time to re-define your partnership. It can help to blend stress-relieving essential oils with oils which correspond to your emotions, such as anger, fear or jealousy.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE

Although a large percentage of women have no problems with the menopause, many do experience some discomfort.

Night Sweats
These are best tackled through preventative treatment. Try taking an aromatherapy bath with the relevant oils each night before bedtime. Alternatively, try massaging the oils in a suitable carrier base into the body.

Peppermint and cypress are useful for hot flushes. Make up a mix and use it
in an atomizer.

Hot Flushes
Put 20 drops of the same blend of essential oils in 1 litre (13/4 pints) of spring water in a screw-topped bottle. Fit the lid, shake well and transfer some into a purse-size spray and some into a small bottle that you can carry around with you. As soon as you feel a flush coming on, drink two mouthfuls of the water and spray your face and neck. Vitamin E is also said to be effective.

Water Retention And Bloating
To reduce water retention and cellulite. the relevant essential oils should be added to a suitable carrier base and applied daily to the affected areas. The same oils can also be used neat in the bath.

Hair And Skin
The condition of the hair and skin can be affected by the hormonal changes of the menopause. Both will become thinner and drier, and it is a good idea to adapt your daily care regime to compensate.

Hair
For hair dryness, use a good conditioner. You may like to add appropriate essential oils to give extra shine. For thinning hair, try daily scalp massage with essential oils (see previous post).

Skin
This is not only becomes drier, but is more prone to wrinkles. Try product containing essential oils or prepare your own mix.


Haemorrhaging
Occasional and sudden bleeding can occur when you least expect it. Although essential oils can reduce the amount of blood loss, as as we know, they do not seem to stop it happening. As preventative measure, try using styptic and/or astringent essential oils if you are prone to haemorrhaging.





Rose otto can help with haemorrhaging. It is
also useful for both loss of libido and dry skin.








A refreshing lemon drink can give you a boost and relieve depression. As always, special care should be taken with oils for internal use.

If you are having difficulties sleeping,
a soothing cup of sweet marjoram and
chamomile tea in the evening can help.

Make your own beauty products by adding combinations of your favourite oils to quality base creams and lotions.

Heart And Circulation Problems
In developed countries, arterial disease is the commonest cause of death for women over 50, killing one in four. This is almost twice as high as the death-rate from cancer.

There are as yet no essential oils known to treat problems with the heart, and it is advisable to check with your doctor and your family history to see if you are at risk. In the meantime, you can help to prevent heart and blood-pressure problems by giving up smoking, avoiding fatty foods and drinks high in caffeine, eating a low-cholesterol diet and taking enough regular exercise. There are also some carrier oils reputed to reduce cholesterol levels.

Vaginal Dryness
This can cause both emotional and physical discomfort. There are no known essential oils to increase vaginal fluid. Vitamin E is reputed to improve vaginal secretion, and daily application of sunflower oil all round the vaginal opening may also help.

THE MENOPAUSE

The menopause is a major life transition. How we cope with it will depend to some extent on our mental attitude. Staying in touch with friends and leading an active life can help us to feel positive.

The word menopause derives from the Greek words for month, men, and halt, pausis. It refers to the end of menstruation, when a woman's ovaries no longer produce eggs for fertilization and her periods stop. The accepted average age at which the menopause occurs is 51, with around five per cent of women ceasing their periods before they are 45.

Menopause does not happen overnight. It is gradual process brought about by growing irregularity in, and gradual reduction of, the reproductive hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. Oestrogen is probably the most important hormone concerned with a woman's health: it helps to lower cholesterol levels, protect against heart attack and strokes, to preserve bone tissue and regulate mood and behaviour patterns. Instability occurs in the mental and physical body because of these reduced hormone levels. The early stages of the menopause can present similar emotional imbalances to PMS, and physical symptoms, to varying degrees of severity, may also develop.

As with menstruation, different women will be affected in different ways by the menopause. For women who have had a lifetime of period-associated problems, the menopause may come as a welcome relief. Once a woman's periods have stopped for a year, there is no longer any need to worry about becoming pregnant or, therefore, to practise any form of birth control. Some women experience few or no problems at all with the menopause, yet for others, this can be difficult time as their bodies adjust to a major life change.

Other physical changes may be noticed, affecting the skin and hair, the activity of the thyroid glands and the distribution of body fat. Some women may experience sudden haemorrhaging, headaches, dizzy spells and sleep disturbances.

Osteoporosis
One of the more serious potential side effects of the menopause is the development of osteoporosis, which is caused by lack of oestrogen production. This is when the bones of the body become increasingly fragile and brittle. The bones fracture easily, particularly at the more vulnerable points such as the wrists, ankles or hip joints in the event of physical stress, such as a fall.

Osteoporosis is also responsible for the eventual development of stooping shoulders in older women, often referred to as a "dowager's hump".

With the children grown up, you are likely to have more time for yourself. Now is a good time to catch up with family and friends.

Hormone Replacement Therapy
Advances in medical science now mean that synthetic hormone replacements can offset the symptoms of the menopause. Many women decide to try hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if they find that the discomforts of the menopause are affecting their quality of life. Hrt is not suitable for all women, however, and much will depend on the needs and medical background of the individual. Because HRT is still a relatively new treatment, its long-term effects are not yet fully known. Treatments are now available from your doctor which are made with natural progesterone. These are believed to be safer than treatments using synthetic oestrogen, and this will make them popular with many women.

Some menopausal symptoms can also be helped by aromatherapy. Clary sage is one of several oestrogen-like essential oils. It is worth using essential oils on a regular basis to see how your symptoms are affected before deciding on HRT.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF THE MENOPAUSE

Hot flushes

Night sweats

Depression

Sweating

Fatigue

Water retention

Vaginal dryness





Clary sage and cypress can help with night sweats. Prepare a mix and use it at bedtime.

Some women choose to spend more

time on gardening or other hobbies,
while others may decide to retrain
and embark on a new career.

USEFUL ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential Oil
hormone-like essential oils
Chamomile (German) Matricaria recutia
treatment: hormone-like

Clary sage Salvia sclarea
treatment: oestrogen-like

Niaouli Melaleuca viridiflora
treatment: oestrogen-like (regularizes periods)

backache
Basil Ocimum basilicum var. album
treatment: analgesic, antispasmodic

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
treatment: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic

Marjoram (sweet) Origanum majorana
treatment: analgesic, antispasmodic

constipation
Ginger Zingiber officinale
treatment: analgesic, digestive stimulant

Mandarin Citrus reticulata
treatment: antispasmodic, calming, digestive stimulant

Orange (bitter) Citrus aurantium var. amara
treatment: calming, digestive stimulant

Rosemary Rosmarinus offinalis
treatment: analgesic, digestive stimulant

nausea
Basil Ocimum basilicum var. album
treatment: digestive tonic, nervous system regulator

Ginger Zingiber officinale
treatment: digestive

Lemon Citrus limon
treatment: anticoagulant, antispasmodic, calming, digestive

stretch marks
Frankincense Boswellia carteri
treatment: cell regeneratice, cicatrizant (scars)

Geranium Pelargonium graveolens
treatment: cell regenerative, cicatrizant (stretch marks)

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
treatment: cicatrizant (scars)

fluid retention
Fennel Foeniculum vulgare
treatment: diuretic (cellulite, oedema)

Juniper Juniperus communis
treatment: diuretic (cellulite, oedema)

Lemon Citrus limon
treatment: diuretic (obesity, oedema)

varicose veins
Clary sage Salvia sclarea
treatment: phlebotonic (circulatory problems, haemorrhoids, varicose veins)

Cypress Cupressus sempervirens
treatment: phlebotonic (haemorrhoids, poor venous circulation, varicose veins)

Niaouli Melaleuca viridiflora
treatment: phlebotonic (haemorrhoids, varicose veins)

labour
Aniseed Pimpinella anisum
treatment: analgesic, antispasmodic, calming (gentle narcotic), emmenagogic, oestrogen-like uterotonic

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
treatment: analgesic, antispasmodic, calming (anxiety), sedative

Nutmeg Myristica fragrans
treatment: analgesic, sedative (narcotic), neurotonic, uterotonic

Peppermint Mentha x piperita
treatment: analgesic, antispasmodic, hormone-like (ovarian stimulant), neurotonic, uterotonic (facilitates delivery)

perineum
Geranium Pelargonium graveolens
treatment: analgesic, cicatrizant (wounds)

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
treatment: analgesic, antiseptic (bruises)

Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis
treatment: analgesic, anti-inflammatory

breast milk
Fennel Foeniculum vulgare
treatment: lactogenic (promotes milk), oestrogen-like (insufficient milk)

Geranium Pelargonium graveolens
treatment: decongestant (breast congestion-for too much milk)

Peppermint Mentha x piperita
treatment: antilactogenic (prevents milk forming)

cracked nipples or mastitis
Chamomile (German) Matricaria recutica
treatment: cicatrizant (infected wounds, ulcers)

Geranium Pelargonium graveolens
treatment: cicatrizant (burns, cuts, ulcers, wounds)

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
treatment: cicatrizant (burns, scars, varicose veins, wounds)

nappy rash
Patchouli Pogostemon patchouli
treatment: anti-inflammatory, cicatrizant (cracked skin, scar tissue)

Peppermint Mentha x piperita
treatment: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, soothing (skin irritation, rashes)

post-natal depression
Basil Ocimum basilicum var. album
treatment: nervous system regulator (anxiety), neurotonic (convalescence, depression)

Chamomile (Roman) Chamaemelum nobile
treatment: calming (nervous depression, nervous shock)

POSTNATAL BODYCARE

Essential oils can be used to help with the common emotional stresses and physical problems arising as a result of the birth.

Use 6 drops of the appropriate essential oils blended in 20ml (4 tsp) of calendula oil for application. Alternatively, use them on their own for inhalation or in the bath.

After a long and exhausting labour, and with a new baby to look after, make sure you get enough sleep. Burn lavender through the night to relax and refresh you.

Birth Wounds
During the birth, the perineum may be bruised and/or torn, and can be very painful afterwards. Using the three perineum oils, gently apply them several times a day. If the area is too painful to touch, use a compress (see previous post).

Breastfeeding Problems
Always apply the appropriate essential oils immediately after each feed, so that they are completely absorbed by your body before the baby's next feed is due.

Insufficient Milk: fennel oil encourages milk production. Fennel will also help to keep the baby's excreta normal and can help to relieve any wind.
Too much milk: 2 drops of peppermint oil with 4 drops of geranium oil can be used in a massage all over the breasts.
Cracked nipples or mastitis: use 2 drops of each essential oil listed opposite.

Emotional Difficulties
After birth, it will take a while before your hormones return to normal. This can be a stressful time as you have a new baby to care for just when you are feeling in need of care yourself. Fatigue, anxiety, despondency and emotional imbalances are common. Essential oils can help before post-natal depression sets in. Blend oils for use by inhalation, in the bath or by application.















Once your baby is born, pamper yourself and invest in some good quality skincare products.






The gentle action of mandarin makes it a
good choice for treating colic and
digestive disorders.
Treating Your Baby
Essential oils can help you and your baby cope with the everyday, minor ailments which many babies are subject to, such as indigestion, colic, constipation and/or diarrhoea, minor infections and nappy rash.

For nappy rash, use 15ml (3 tsp) base lotion with 5ml (1 tsp) calendula oil, mixed with one drop of peppermint and up to three drops of any other selected oils.

Babies can benefit from massage with essential oils. The massage will relax them and can help to strengthen the bond between mother and child. For application to babies, use one drop of essential oil per 5ml(1 tsp) carrier lotion or oil. For sleep problems, try tow to three drops of oil in a vaporizer in the baby's room, or try them on a tissue which is pinned to the baby's clothes or placed inside the pillowcase.

RELIEF TREATMENTS FOR LABOUR

There are some oils which are particularly useful in labour. In the past, these were limited to lavender and clary sage for their calming and relaxing effects. However, there are a few oils with womb-stimulant and analgesic properties, and these can help with contractions: aniseed, clove bud, nutmeg and sage. These oils are absolutely not advocated for the first four months of pregnancy and should not be used until the last week, when labour is about to begin. Used correctly, these oils can help to make the birth easier and quicker, especially for a first-time mother. They are used to relieve pain and induce sleep, and will have a soothing, dulling, lulling effect. Clove bud is particularly analgesic and nutmeg is an effective sedative.

Treatment
Try a mix of two drops each of any two of the oils with four drops of lavender on a tissue, and inhale between contractions. Some women like to put the tissue into the switched-off gas and air machine, which seems to have the psychological effect of making the oils more efficient.

Alternatively, blend three drops each of aniseed, nutmeg and peppermint with eight drops of lavender into 50ml (2fl oz) carrier oil, and ask your partner to massage your feet and lower legs every half hour. Apply the same mix to your own hands and shoulders, if preferred.

Lower back pain can be eased by massage. Ask your partner to rub the painful areas.

Peppermint and aniseed are analgesic and antispasmodic. Combined with lavender, a blend can be massaged on to the lower legs during labour to ease pain.

Inhalation is the fastest method for an oil's aroma to reach the brain. Aniseed and lavender are calming and can help with contractions.

Nutmeg is a very useful oil for the last stages of labour as it relieves pain and can facilitate delivery. Consult a qualified aromatherapist if you wish to use it.

ANTE-NATAL BODYCARE

To prevent stretch marks, geranium and
frankincense, in a calendula oil carrier, should be
massaged on to the abdomen area twice daily.
During the last trimester of pregnancy, it is a good idea to prepare for labour and to discuss with your midwife or doctor how you would like the birth to proceed. It is helpful to attend prenatal class, especially if it is the birth of your first child. The classes teach useful exercises to help you relax when the time for labour comes.

Preparing For Labour
Much of the pain childbirth, particularly with a first child, is due to the muscles at the neck of the uterus and the perineum being tense and/or inflexible, which means they can tear when stretched. This can be eased by the application of muscle-relaxing essential oils in a vegetable carrier oil. If application is begun daily from several weeks before the expected birth date, the are can be made supple and soft. This will prepare it for the enormous amount of expansion needed for the baby to be born.

Massage a little of the mix twice daily around the perineum area, and try inserting your fingers into the neck of the womb to stretch it, thus helping to prevent tearing.

As you get heavier, remember to keep increasing the area to which you are applying your essential blend to prevent stretch marks, taking your mix round the sides of your body, on the upper part of your thighs and above your breasts. It is also important at this time to rest your legs at regular intervals (from every five minutes to half an hour, if you suspect you are likely to develop varicose veins).

As the time for the birth approaches, you may experience conflicting emotions and mood swings. Using uplifting essential oils can give you inner strength to cope with all that is in store for you during this very exciting time in your life.

Make regular checks for oedema on your feet and ankles as your pregnancy progresses. If symptoms occur, a massage plan can help.

Massage the lower leg in an upwards direction to relieve aches and oedema.

USING AROMATHERAPY IN PREGNANCY

Essential oils can bring relief from the many minor troubles which can occur during pregnancy. Discomforts commonly experienced by women include morning sickness, backache, oedema (swollen legs and ankles), constipation, varicose veins, digestive problems (include heartburn), leg cramps and exhaustion. Coping with these discomforts can be especially difficult while the woman is working or if there is a small child or children to look after in the home. Essential oils are also useful during labour, to ease the pain and to facilitate delivery.

As pregnancy proceeds, you will feel your baby's first movements. Setting aside some time each day to relax and be with your unborn child can help the mother-child bonding process.


Morning Sickness

Nausea, which typically occurs in the morning, is often one of the first signs that a woman is pregnant. Inhalations with a vaporizer can be helpful at bedtime and first thing in the morning. The oils can be left to vaporize overnight in the bedroom. If the sickness persists through the day, prepare a tissue with the relevant oils, and keep it with you at all times.


A room vaporizer is a convenient way of inhaling oils. To help with morning sickness, vaporize a combination of lemon, ginger and basil at bedtime and when you wake up.





Add a few drops of bitter orange to a bowl of water and
make a compress to help constipation.

Constipation
This is also another early sign of pregnancy. Prepare essential oils in a suitable carrier base and apply them to the abdomen in a clockwise direction. Alternately, use the oils in the bath and/or on a compress. Eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water will help to reduce the risk of constipation.

Stretch Marks
By the beginning of the second trimester, your clothes will be feeling tighter as your abdomen swells. Halfway through this trimester you will be able to feel the baby's first movements (an exciting moment). Start using essential oils at this time to prevent stretch marks on the skin of the abdomen. Through the correct and diligent application of appropriate essential oils it is possible to maintain a supple and undamaged skin, and you will greatly appreciate your efforts after the baby is born.

Prepare a carrier base (include calendula oil) containing oils with regenerative and skin-toning properties. The mixture should be applied to the abdomen twice daily, morning and night. The area to be covered increases as the pregnancy proceeds, and will include the sides of the body, the groin and on and above the breasts.

Backache
As your baby grows, so the likelihood of backache increases. Sitting and standing with correct posture can go a long way to minimize backache, but it will usually occur at some stage and can be helped with essential oils when it does. Prepare a carrier base, then add the appropriate oils and ask a friend or your partner to give you a back massage, ideally at bedtime. Try using the same essential oils (but without the carrier oil) in the bath. Include basil and marjoram in the massage-mix; these can also be used if you suffer from leg cramps later on.

Backache is a common complaint of pregnancy. Ask your partner for a back massage, using basil and marjoram, before going to bed.





Your growing baby can cause painful heartburn.
Put two drops each of mandarin and peppermint
on a tissue and sniff throughout the day.
Heartburn
The growing baby may also put pressure on your stomach, causing indigestion and heartburn. For heartburn, add 2 drops each of mandarin and peppermint oils to 10ml (2tsp) carrier base and apply to the painful area. These oils can also be inhaled neat from a tissue or cupped hands, breathing deeply.

Varicose Veins, Swollen Legs And Ankles
It is as well for all women to watch out for early signs of these conditions throughout pregnancy. Resting with the feet and legs raised is beneficial for all leg conditions. Although the essential oils are different for each condition, the method of use is the same. prepare a carrier base and add the oils.

Apply the mixture to the whole leg, then bring your hands firmly from the foot up to the knee, before returning to the foot to start again. Massage only in an upward direction, to encourage blood flow to the heart. For varicose veins on the upper leg, massage upwards, going only from the knee to groin - not back again - several times.

PREPARING FOR PREGNANCY

Once the menstrual cycle begins, becoming pregnant is a possibility until periods end at the menopause. Once an egg is fertilized, the body's hormones begin to change and can give rise to many symptoms, some of which can be helped with essential oils.

Fresh flowers bring beauty into our lives and stimulate feelings of happiness and well-being

After Conception
A normal pregnancy lasts approximately nine months. It is divided into three periods of approximately three months, known as trimesters. Once you realize that you are pregnant, you may experience a variety of emotions, ranging fro joy and delight to fear and apprehension. Towards the end of the first trimester your breasts may feel tender and your appetite may increase. At this stage you may develop a heightened sense of smell, and this may start to affect your food preferences.

The second trimester is probably the most enjoyable, as you gradually become accustomed to the physical and emotional aspects of having a baby. During this time, you can benefit from using essential oils to help with some of the stresses and strains you may be experiencing as you adjust to the changes that are taking place in your body. Remember that any essential oils you use for yourself will also reach your baby, and they should be used with are with common sense if you are both to reap the benefits.

By the third trimester you will look well and truly pregnant and your body will start to feel heavy and cumbersome. During this time you need more rest, preferably with your feet up, and you will be starting to make preparations for labour.

Throughout the pregnancy be sure to eat well. You also need to look after your teeth: your baby will take from whatever nutrition he or she need and it is you who will be deprived of essential nutrients such as calcium and iron. Listen to your body: a food craving can often indicate your baby's and your own body's needs. For example, a craving for cheese could mean your body needs more calcium and protein.

Two essential oils can be mixed together in an easy-to-use dropper bottle for effective self-treatment at home.

Cautions During Pregnancy
You may not know you are pregnant until two months have already passed. If you are trying to conceive, you should use only the more popular essential oils, in general use, at this time. By the fifth month of pregnancy, the baby should be firmly attached to the uterus, and any essential oils can be used. All essential oils should be used only in the recommended dosage.

Some essential oils have components in them which may induce a period or which can affect the nervous system if overused. Some of these oils may help to stimulate the uterus into action,and they should be used only when labour commences, to relieve labour pain. Used correctly, essential oils can alleviate many of the minor discomforts of pregnancy. Many women also find them invaluable during labour to ease pain and to facilitate delivery. However, some controversy exists surrounding the use of some essential oils during pregnancy.

A cool lavender compress can ease a tension headache. Lie or sit quietly in a place where you won't be disturbed and apply the compress to your temples or forehead until relief is felt.

A few essential oils have the ability to stimulate uterine contractions, and could possibly cause miscarriage if taken in excessive amounts or taken internally during the first three to four months of pregnancy. Other oils can have effect on the nervous system and the liver, and could be toxic when taken in too high a dose.

When oils are used correctly, the risks are very slight because of the low dosage involved (generally, five to ten drops at any one time). Women who have a history of miscarriage may be most at risk but, in any case, it is always better to err on the side of safety. Use only those essential oils which do not appear in any literature as being hazardous during pregnancy. There are many oils which will do you no harm at all but, if you are in any doubt about using an essential oil while pregnant, you should consult a qualified aromatherapist.

Whether this is your first pregnancy or whether you are already a mother, preparing for a new baby is an exciting time for all the family.



Whether pregnant or trying to start a family, the important thing to remember is that anything taken into the body, whether it is food, drink, nicotine, alcohol or any other substance, will have an effect upon the system. Sensible eating with plenty of sleep and regular exercise is the best way to look after yourself and prepare your body and mind for motherhood.

OILS TO AVOID DURING THE FIRST HALF OF PREGNANCY
Although all essential oils are safe when used with care and knowledge, it is advised that you avoid the following oils, which can promote menstruation:

• aniseed Pimpinella anisum
• fennel Foeniculum vulgare
• nutmeg Myristica fragrans
• sage Salvia officinalis
• yarrow Achillea millefolium

In addition, avoid any essential oil that is new to you at this time.

USEFUL ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential Oil
hormone-like essential oils
Chamomile (German) Matricaria recutica
treatment: decongestant, hormone-like

Clary sage Salvia sclarea
treatment: decongestant, oestrogen-like

Cypress Cupressus sempervirens
treatment: hormone-like (ovarian)

Niaouli Melaleuca viridiflora
treatment: oestrogen-like (regularizes menses)

Peppermint Mentha x piperita
treatment: hormone-like (ovarian stimulant), neurotonic

Painful Periods and Backache
Basil Ocimum basilicum var. album
treatment: analgesic, antispasmodic, decongestant

Eucalyptus Eucalyptus smithii (not Eucalyptus globulus)
treatment: analgesic, decongestant

Geranium Pelargonium graveolens
treatment: analgesic, antispasmodic, calming, sedative, tonic

Marjoram (sweet) Origanum majorana
treatment: analgesic, antispasmodic, calming, neurotonic

Peppermint Mentha x piperita
treatment: analgesic, decongestant, hormone-like (ovarian stimulant)

Pine Pinus sylvestris
treatment: analgesic, decongestant

Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis
treatment: analgesic, antispasmodic, decongestant

Irregular, Scanty and/or Lack Of Periods
Mix a blend using the hormone-like essential oils (above). Other possibilities include:
Chamomile (Roman) Chamaemelum nobile
treatment: calming, menstrual regulator, nervous menstrual problems

Melissa Melissa officinalis
treatment: calming, sedative, regularizes secretions

Rose otto Rosa damascena
treatment: general reproductive system regulator

Heavy Periods
Cypress Cupressus sempervirens
treatment: astringent, phlebotonic, hormone-like (ovary problems)

Melissa Melissa officinalis
treatment: calming, sedative regularizes secretions

Fluid Retention
Cypress Cupressus sempervirens
treatment: diuretic (oedema, rheumatic swelling)

Fennel Foeniculum vulgare
treatment: diuretic (cellulite, oedema)

Juniper Juniperus communis
treatment: diuretic (cellulite, oedema)

Sage Salvia officinalis
treatment: decongestant, lypolytic (cellulite)

Low Spirits (Depression) and Fatigue
Basil Ocimum basilicum
treatment: nervous system regulator (anxiety), neurotonic (convalescence, depression)

Chamomile (Roman) Chamaemelum nobile
treatment: calming (nervous depression, nervous shock)

Clary sage Salvia sclarea
treatment: neurotonic (nervous fatigue)

Geranium Pelargonium graveolens
treatment: relaxant (anxiety, debility, nervous fatigue)

Juniper Juniperus communis
treatment: neurotonic (debility, fatigue)

Marjoram (sweet) Origanum majorana
treatment: neurotonic (debility, mental instability, anguish, nervous depression)

Pine Pinus sylvestris
treatment: neurotonic (debility, fatigue)

Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis
treatment: neurotonic (general debility and fatigue)

Tender, Congested Breasts
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus smithii (not Eucalyptus globulus)
treatment: analgesic, decongestant

Geranium Pelargonium graveolens
treatment: analgesic, decongestant

Headaches
Chamomile (Roman) Chamaemelum nobile
treatment: antispasmodic, calming, sedative

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
treatment: analgesic, calming, sedative

Marjoram (sweet) Origanum majorana
treatment: analgesic, antispasmodic, calming

Melissa Melissa officinalis
treatment: calming, sedative

Peppermint Mentha x piperita
treatment: analgesic, antispasmodic

Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis
treatment: analgesic, antispasmodic, decongestant

Insomnia
Basil Ocimum basilicum var. album
treatment: nervous system regulator (nervous insomnia)

Chamomile (Roman) Chamaemelum nobile
treatment: calming, sedative

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
treatment: calming, sedative

Lemon Citrus limon
treatment: calming

Melissa Melissa officinalis
treatment: calming, sedative

Irritability
Chamomile (Roman) Chamaemelum nobile
treatment: calming, sedative