COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS FOR WOMEN

The heady yet gentle aroma of rose is a favourite with almost every woman. Rose helps to lift the spirits and promote feelings of well-being.










There are several relatively common health problems which can occur at any age and with varying degrees of severity. Stress generally makes all these conditions worse.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
This disorder of the lower bowel usually occurs between 20-40 years of age. The usual symptoms are colicky pains, diarrhoea and/or constipation, and distension of the abdomen, giving rise to noisy rumblings and wind. Emotional factors can play an important part in this disorder, and those who are anxious and over-conscientious are the most likely sufferers. Symptoms can be worse just before a period, especially if PMS present.

It is useful to experiment with diet. Exclude cow's milk and its product and monitor the result. Foods which contain wheat can also cause problems, as can the caffeine in tea and coffee. Try essential oils which balance the digestive system, used in a variety of ways: by ingestion, by application of oils in a carrier base, rubbed on to the abdomen twice daily in a clockwise direction and by compresses placed over the abdomen.




An application of fennel, peppermint and/or rosemary can be helpful with IBS. Use in a carrier oil or compress applied to the abdomen area.













Cystitis
This is a common problem that can occur after sex and during pregnancy. Cystitis is an infection and inflammation of the bladder and urethra. It is characterized by a frequent, painful urge to go to the toilet. Treatment is with antibacterial and antiseptic essential oils which have an affinity to the kidneys. Cystitis has been treated successfully using a tea with the relevant essential oils added and by application of the same oils in a carrier base to the abdomen and lower back.

Sinusitis
Inflammation of the sinus area around the nose/or eyes can occur at any time in life after puberty and is often difficult to cure, even with an operation. It causes chronic congestion, catarrh and sometimes headaches. Fortunately, sinusitis can be helped easily an successfully by adding the appropriate essential oils to your regular moisturizer. Allergic reactions or colds can exacerbate the condition, in which case neat essential oils should be inhaled on a tissue or used in the bath. Pressing on the sinus-pressure points on the feet (see Swiss Reflex Therapy) every night while symptoms persist is also helpful.

Peppermint is useful for relieving nasal congestion and treating general sinus problems.

Vaginitis
Inflammation of the vagina, with accompanying irritation, can be caused by leaving a tampon in too long or through use of the contraceptive pill. The most frequent cause is when yeast-like substance, called Candida albicans, a normal inhabitant of the mouth and bowel (and, in women, of the vagina) becomes infected. When symptoms first appear, immediate treatment with essential oils will help. Provided a tampon was not the cause of the inflammation in the first place, try a tampon with 2 drops of tea tree oil inserted into the vagina and left in overnight. Alternatively, taking regular sitz-baths for ten minutes at a time, using a synergistic mix of appropriate essential oils, can also help.

Thrush
Infected Candida albicans can show as white ulcerous spots inside the mouth (thrush), which can be dealt with using a mouthwash including anti-infectious essential oils. The vagina can also be affected with thrush, giving rise to itching and discomfort. Thrush usually affects women with a low immune system, where it can be due to stress, the overuse of antibiotics or diabetes. Additional symptoms which can present themselves at this time include cystitis, depression and headaches.

With thrush it is helpful if the intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates in the diet is reduced immediately. If the condition worsens, an effective form of aromatherapy treatment involves eating live yogurt containing suitable essential oils: 20 drops of oil to 100ml (6-7 tbsp) of yogurt and, if possible, inserting some of this mixture into the vagina with a tampon applicator.

Endometriosis
This condition is when tissue similar to that of the lining of the uterus is found elsewhere - mostly in the ovaries. The tissue swells and bleeds, causing severe pain before a period and excessive blood loss during it. Conventional treatment may recommend removal of the ovaries (and therefore the hormone production)so that the uterus is no longer stimulated to produce the extra tissue. The contraceptive pill is often prescribed but this is not always successful.



Some women prefer to avoid surgery if possible, in which case it is worth trying hormone-like and decongestant essential first, as they have been known to help. If surgery is inevitable, the oestrogen-like essential oils will help the body to readjust itself to the loss of the ovaries.

A compress of clary sage and cypress can be used for problems associated with the ovaries