h e a r t s c e n t
FERTILITY + Essential Oils
More and more couples are finding it challenging to conceive. Herbs and oils have been used for many years to reduce the stress around conception and to encourage a holistic approach to making a baby.
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h e a r t s c e n t
B A S I C S
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There are a number of reasons why we are seeing more and more challenges with fertility,
- women are waiting longer to have a baby
- we are bombarded in food, water and air with endocrine disruptors – hormone altering chemicals
- stress levels are definitely up
- or perhaps we are just more willing to talk about it
Self care is critical in enhancing conception. Reducing physical and emotional stressors is very powerful. One of the biggest physical stressors we experience is the bombardment of endocrine disruptors. These chemicals are everywhere in our life and can disrupt our normal hormone activity. Some examples include: pesticides, perfumes + body care products, laundry detergents, BPA and phthalates. Taking time to find these items and replacing with less dangerous ones is well worth your time. Check out EWG (Environmental Working Group) for more information.
The key hormones connected with female health are: estrogen (oestrogen), progesterone and cortisol. How do you know if your hormones are balanced? For the most part if you are balanced things run pretty smoothly. If you are not as fortunate, there are some symptoms of hormone imbalance you may be experiencing:
- weight gain – excess hip and/or belly fat
- pre-menstrual and menstrual pain
- irregular periods
- hot flashes and night sweats
- low mood
- anxiety
- poor sleep
- fatigue
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h e a r t s c e n t
F E R T I L I T Y
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It is important for a woman to be familiar with the changes in her body through the course of her cycle. These indicators are very helpful in timing conception. Key indicators of fertility include:
- BBT – Basal Body Temperature – charting your daily temperature will let you know that you have ovulated. One day after ovulation there is a jump in body temperature that continues for 12-16 days. Charting this over a period of months will give you a good idea of when you typically ovulate.
- Cervical Mucus – facilitates the movement of sperm and thus is very important for conception. Levels of estrogen and progesterone influence the consistency of the cervical mucus.
- Changes in the cervix – during the course of the month the cervix will move and change. About 4 days before ovulation, the cervix softens, opens and rises. Once ovulation takes place the cervix drops, hardens and closes.
- Breast tenderness may occur after ovulation. Just like BBT, this is an indicator after ovulation, but it does indicate you have ovulated. All of this information can be helpful when charted and used together.
- In some cases women will spot at the time of ovulation due to the egg being released from the ovary.
More information
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h e a r t s c e n t
ESSENTIAL OILS
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Essential oils that balance and support the female reproductive system in general:
- Carrot Seed – Daucus carota
- Coriander – Coriandrum sativum
- Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia
- Rose otto – Rosa damascena
- Vetiver – Vetiveria zizanoides
- Ylang ylang – Cananga odorata
Essential oils that reduce everyday stress and the stress associated with trying to conceive:
- Clary Sage – Salvia sclarea
- Grapefruit – Citrus paradisi
- Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia
- Mandarin – Citrus reticulata
- Roman Chamomile – Anthemis nobilis
- Sandalwood – Santalum album
- Sweet Orange – Citrus sinensis
- Ylang ylang – Cananga odorata
- Vetiver – Vetiveria zizanoides
Essential oils that enhance or support cervical mucus (fluid).
- Cardamom – Elettaria cardamomum
- Cedar – Cedrus atlantica
- Coriander -Coriandrum sativum
- Frankincense – Boswellia thurifera
- Geranium – Pelargonium graveolens
- Rose otto – Rosa damascena
Uterine Tonics
- Clary sage – Salvia slacria
- Jasmine – Jasminum grandiflorum
- Rose – Rosa damascena
- Myrrh – Commiphora myrrhanee
- Frankincense – Boswellia thurifera
- Cypress – Cupressus sempervirens
- Clove – Eugenia caryophyllata
Our FERTILITY Roller contains a number of these oils for your convenience.
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h e a r t s c e n t
S A F E T Y
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Avoid these essential oils if you have a history of estrogen-dependent cancer (ovarian, uterine, breast or prostate) –
- clary sage,
- cypress,
- geranium
- roman chamomile