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In this newsletter we will try to help you further
your knowledge and use of essential oils.
Physical Ailments
Pregnancy and Motherhood
Spring is here and as we think of the rebirth of nature, of course, naturally, we think
of all mothers.
With Mother's day just around the corner, I thought of my first Mother's Day, (almost 30 years ago)!
Although our first son had not been born, I was 8 months pregnant in May 1976. I wish I had known about essential oils
back then. I suffered with morning sickness almost the entire pregnancy, developed stretch marks at the end, and had
swollen feet! What wonderful memories!! Really, they are. As I had no other problems during any of my pregnancies.
We are often asked about essential oils safe to use during pregnancy, labor and delivery, post partum, and while
nursing (breastfeeding).
First, I want to say is that most essential oils can be safely used during pregnancy. Just as they have been used
in perfumes, cosmetics and other bath and body products for centuries with no ill effects to mother or baby.
Pure essential oils in concentration though should be avoided until after the first trimester of your pregnancy,
as should any and all types of medications and chemicals. Your physician will let you know that prior to becoming
pregnant and in the first 3 months of your pregnancy, you should avoid taking any medications (unless prescribed of course)
or exposing yourself to strong chemicals.
Many expectant mothers cannot take strong smells or scents. The sense of smell seems to become extremely
keen during pregnancy. Certain smells will trigger varied emotions and several will become absolutely offensive.
By the way, expectant mothers should not be filling their automobiles with fuel. Smelling gasoline or diesel fumes is
not recommended. Likewise, strong cleaning solutions should also be avoided. And just another note of caution, Don't use
any of those commercial air deodorizers or air fresheners either, as many of them are made from petroleum products. All
of them can be detrimental to your baby. Of all things in nature, Essential oils are much safer to be exposed to
then those petro-chemicals!!
So, although most essential oils are GRAS (Generally recognized as safe). There are a few that you should avoid.
Any essential oil that is used in flavoring foods such as citrus generally can be used any time.
Below is a list of Essential oils you can use during pregnancy. As always, make sure your physician is aware you are
using essential oils.
If at any time you have an adverse reaction to an oil, whether pregnant or not, discontinue use.
During the first trimester use essential oils with caution and in limited amounts.
Essential oils can be safely used after the first trimester, in moderation.
SAFE OILS
Bergamot,
Roman Chamomile,
Geranium,
Lavender,
Lemon,
Mandarin,
Neroli,
Orange,
Patchouli,
Rose,
Sandalwood,
Tangerine,
Tea Tree,
Ylang Ylang,
The following oils can be used occasionally but please do not over use.
Cedarwood,
Clary Sage,
Cypress,
Ginger,
Jasmine,
Juniper,
Marjoram,
Nutmeg,
Peppermint,
Rosemary,
Spearmint,
There may be many other oils safe to use during pregnancy but the above oils should cause no problems during a normal
pregnancy.
These lists of oils were complied from research from several of the reference books from well known aromatherapy authors
and aromatherapists.
If an oil is not on the above list it probably should be avoided until you are no longer pregnant or breast feeding.
COMMON Complaints and suggestions
Morning Sickness - Please consult with your physician. Morning Sickness normally occurs in the first three months
and so make sure you ask your doctor if he or she feels it is okay for you to use a little of the following two
essential oils during your first trimester.
Smelling a little Peppermint may take off the edge of a queasy stomach.
Also, Ginger is a well known herbal remedy for upset stomach (think about Ginger ale) and so the essential oil
has helped other pregnant mothers too.
Both of these oils can be safely used after the first trimester.
Back Aches
Every pregnant woman at one time during her pregnancy will have a back ache. The ever expanding abdomen creates a lot
of stress not only on the front, but also the back. The muscles are growing and stretching too and if the expectant
mother is on her feet too much the weight of the baby will cause her balance to shift and the back muscles will
try to compensate. They may tire easily and cramps and aching muscles will result.
Now is the time to have some Massage lotion or oil available so the expectant father can help relieve the discomfort.
Also learning how to rub the back while the pregnant mother is on her side is important. As during labor, if the
labor is more in the back, massaging the back will be most welcome by the mother to be.
A blend of
Lavender - 5 drops
Ginger - 2 drops
Roman Chamomile - 2 drops
1 ounce carrier oil
mixed in a bottle and massage on the back as needed.
Or another blend of
Lavender - 5 drops
Roman Chamomile - 2 drops
Frankincense 2 drops
Eucalyptus - 1 drop
1 ounce carrier oil
Swollen Feet and Hands
As your pregnancy progresses many women will begin to retain unwanted fluids. Notably it will show in her hands and
feet. You won't need to be on your feet very long and your legs and feet will swell. Many women experience swelling
in the hands too.
To help with swelling, elevate the affected limbs as much as possible. Also a light
massage oil or
lotion with
the following essential oils.
Use no more than 10 drops total per 1 ounce of lotion or oil.
Choose up to three of the following oils to mix with your lotion or oil;
Lemon,
Orange,
Geranium,
Lavender,
Patchouli,
Petitgrain
When applying these to the swollen limbs always massage lightly and towards the heart.
LABOR and DELIVER
to Ease Pain, and promote Relaxation
The big day finally arrives. You are nervous, anxious and the contractions are getting stronger and more uncomfortable.
Several essential oils will help you to relax and to relax those around you. Everyone is excited.
We have a couple of birthing centers and women's health centers that have used the following massage blend
to help their mother's during labor. They have reported to us that the expectant parents and others in attendance
enjoyed this blend. Not only did it help the mother, but all those in the room were also put more at ease.
The added light scent was very welcome and added to the wonderful moment.
For 1 ounce of massage oil
Sunflower oils - 1 ounce
Lavender- 8 drops
Neroli - 3 drops
Rose 5% - 3 drops
Ylang Ylang - 1 drop
Blend all together and use as a massage oil during labor.
Although this is a very nice blend to use while in labor, anyone can use it anytime.
Emotional Concerns
Pregnancy and Motherhood
One minute you are laughing, the next you are crying. Your body is going through a tremendous
amount of change. Your hormones are raging, trying to keep you and your baby safe from all outside dangers in the
environment.
One minute you are happy, next you are mad. Again, your body is going through so many changes. You are feeling absolutely
exhausted, but so excited you can hardly sleep. You are worrying about this, that and every thing under the sun.
The pregnancy consumes you and everyone around you. You don't want to become obsessed but you can't help it.
For nine months you are nurturing one of the biggest miracles of life - Life itself!
No wonder you feel like you are going crazy, so many emotions and so much to think about.
Hopefully, you will be able to make it through those first three months, where you will then be able to use a few
more essential oils.
You can choose an oil or two that you really like from the above list and use it as part of your daily routine.
A little Lavender or other uplifting citrus oil may help you feel less anxious, help you to sleep better or to give
you a little pick me up when you are feeling down.
POST PARTUM
To Balance and Uplift your Emotions
After the excitement and anticipation of the big day and arrival of your newborn, again, your emotions
can be all mixed.
As your hormones and body adjust to the baby being outside instead of within you, your emotions will
once again be changing.
Many women have very little problems other than an occasionally day of the 'blues'. To help on those days,
simply use a blend of your favorite essential oils. Put a drop or two on a tissue or in your personal
inhaler. Take a few deep breaths, close your eyes for a few moments and think of beautiful happy thoughts.
Take a few more breaths and think of that wonderful little person that has arrived and changed your life forever.
After the Baby - a little Uplifter!
Nutmeg - 7 drops
Rosewood - 6 drops
Frankincense - 2 drops
Lemon- 9 drops
Rose - 6 drops
2 ounces of carrier oil
Blend well and massage a few drops into your temples or other pulse points.
Adapted from a recipe from The Complete Book of Essential oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood
Once a mother/parent, always a parent. Even when your children are all grown. They still will come to you for
advice and the caring nurturing that you have given to them from before they were born.
Happy Mother's Day to all!!
Beauty and Skin Care
Stretch Marks during Pregnancy and other times
Often times our skin is stretched beyond its normal capacities. Most often this is seen in expectant mothers. When this occurs our skins underlying
collagen and infrastructure breaks apart and stretch marks appear. Other people may experience stretch marks too. Children that grow quickly
or if one gains a lot of weight in a short period of time can develop stretch marks. There are several other disease processes that can cause
stretch marks to develop.
Nothing can truly repair the stretch mark (except surgical removal and this may not be practical or possible), but using oils and emollients
may help or prevent them from becoming worse. Some will help to lessen the discomfort that can accompany the development of these marks.
With time, the red lines will lighten and become less noticeable. The best is to prevent stretch marks before they occur.
The following Stretch Mark Oil blend can be used one or twice daily. This blend is safe to use during pregnancy in the last trimester -
the months where stretch marks are most likely to occur.
1 ounce Cocoa butter , melted (heat slowly just until melted)
1/2 ounce Evening Primrose or Borage oil
1/4 ounce Rose hip seed oil
1/4 ounceWheat germ oil
10 drops Lavenderessential oil
8 drops Neroli essential oil
4 drops Vetiver essential oil
Mix the first four oils together. After they begin to cool and thicken add the essential oils. Mix well and once cool can be used to
massage into your skin once or twice daily.
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BIRCH HILL HAPPENINGS NEWS
Hello Everyone,
We hope this month's newsletter has been helpful to many of you or someone near and dear to you.
Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers and Mother's to be!!
Just a quick reminder for those of you reading this before April 30th, don't forget our Anniversary sale is
still going on for a few more days. It will end at Midnight Central time on April 30th. So please keep this
in mind if you are ordering on Sunday evening the 30th. (You might want to order something special for yourself or
your Mother since Mother's Day is just around the corner!!)
Don't forget you may also qualify for free shipping when your total of items ordered is greater than
$100.00.
Click here for free shipping details.
We only have a couple sales a year and the next one is not until the fall. Check your supplies as
you might want stock up now for your spring and summer needs.
Thank you to all the Massage Therapists who responded to our request of how you use essential oils in
your practice. We will be passing them along at our presentation the first of May.
Don't forget to sign up for our "Special Deal for you!" . What is this?
The "Special Deal for you!" will begin in May and we are hoping to provide one product a week at a
SUPER savings of up to 50% off. But there is a catch. In order for you to 'hear' about this you will need to
"OPT IN" to receive the e-mail notice. You can always unsubscribe from the notifications at any time.
For more information and to sign up for this special program visit our
"Special Deals for you" page by Clicking here
The New diffusers have arrived!!
See the large selection by clicking on the following links.
For the NEW TEA LIGHT DIFFUSERS CLICK here
For the NEW ELECTRIC OIL WARMERS CLICK here
We have one new essential oil, one new carrier oil and two new Synergy blends.
The New 100% Pure Essential Oil that
we are happy to announce is:
Sweet Basil - ct - Linalool Eygpt Steam distilled from the leaf
Click here to order
Our new Carrier oil is Avocado. This rich oil from the fruit of the
Avocado's flesh is wonderful for use on dry, damaged and aging skin.
Click here to order
The first blend is called Courage
Click Here to go to the order page for Courage.
It is a wonderful blend of Spruce, Rosewood, Blue Tansy & Frankincense.
(This same blend is known by "Valor ®" from another company.
No we do not buy it from them.
We have our own supplier, who has their own chemists and blending expert.)
It is blended using excellent top quality essential oils and is not diluted
in any carrier oil. (If you want to dilute it, as the other company does though, that is up to you.)
The next blend is called Full of Life
Click here to go to the order page for Full of life.
It is a blend of the highest quality essential oils of
Orange, Frankincense, Patchouli, Clove, Ginger, Myrrh, Cinnamon and Spruce.
(This same blend is known by "AbundanceTM " from another company.
No we do not buy it from them either. We have our own supplier who has their own chemists and blending expert.)
Both of these blends are offered in Sample, 2 ml, 4 ml, 10 ml, 30 ml and 50 ml sizes. Offering
the different sizes makes these beautiful blends available and favorable for everyone's budget.
The Recipes Index has now been completely updated. I'm still working on developing new "Categories". But
hopefully now the recipe files will be a little bit more user friendly. To Visit the
New Recipe Index page Click here
As always, if we can help you with any aromatherapy question please
send us an E-mail at bhhinfo@birchhillhappenings.com
and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
‘til next month,
Yours in Aromatherapy,
Alan and Penny
E-mail us at bhhinfo@birchhillhappenings.com
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since 1999
