Lavender Oil (21 page)

                               
  
Pain relief during labour can be aided by firm massage to the lower back using the following blend: 3 drops each of lavender and clary sage in 1 tbs carrier oil.

                               
  
During the birth, and in preparing to bring the baby into the home, the use of vaporized oils to scent the environment can be very conducive to creating an uplifting, relaxed mood. They also prevent the spread of airborne bacteria. Lavender has been used since Roman times to help facilitate childbirth and is the most traditional oil to vaporize in the room during labour.

                               
  
To help heal the perineum after the birth, add 5 drops of lavender to a shallow bath, and soak. Repeat each day.
²³

                               
  
Postnatal depression can be helped by the use of lavender in burners, baths and for massage.

Some essential oils should be avoided altogether during pregnancy, including basil, clove, cinnamon leaf, hyssop, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, sage and thyme. The following oils are also best avoided during the first four months of pregnancy: fennel, peppermint and rosemary.

The symptoms of PMT are various: on a physical level these may include fluid retention, tender breasts, headaches, nausea or a swollen abdomen; while on an emotional level symptoms commonly include depression, sudden mood swings, weepiness or unpredictable behaviour. Considering the overall ‘harmonizing’ or ‘balancing’ effect of lavender on the whole system, it is a very useful aid for women who suffer from PMT, both physically and emotionally.

                              
A married woman aged 26 found that she could no longer put up with her terrible PMT. Her moods were awfully black, she was very irritable, suffered from cramps in her abdomen and lower back, and of vomiting … I blended the following oils for her: chamomile, lavender, geranium and melissa (to be used in the bath and in a massage for two weeks before her period) … she has now had four periods and says that both mentally and physically it has been a huge success.
²⁴

                               
  
Use lavender in baths and in a vaporizer during the 10 days prior to menstruation, and throughout the duration of the period.

                               
  
A regular massage treatment with lavender can be very helpful. For self-treatment, mix 6 drops of lavender oil in 1 tbsp light carrier oil such as grapeseed, and apply gently to the abdomen and lower back.

                               
  
A nutritional approach to PMT has been developed over the past few years with excellent results. Supplements of Evening
Primrose Oil, vitamin B
₆
and the B complex have all proved invaluable.

                               
  
Other oils of benefit: rose, geranium, chamomile, neroli and clary sage.

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Leucorrhoea/Pruritis

The term ‘rheumatism’ is used medically to describe a whole range of disorders which involve pain in the muscles or joints, including the various forms of arthritis and gout. Generally speaking, however, rheumatism refers specifically to muscular pain, whereas arthritis and gout are associated with pain located within the joints themselves.

Lavender can help to ease rheumatic pain due to its analgesic qualities – it also increases local blood circulation and enhances mobility. Since rheumatism, like arthritis, is aggravaged by an accumulation of toxins in the system, diet and lifestyle should also be assessed (by, for example, a qualified nutritionist/ herbalist/aromatherapist).

                               
  
Massage is itself very helpful for rheumatic pains because it stimulates the circulation and helps remove toxins. Make up a concentrated massage oil by mixing 30 drops of lavender oil with 50 ml of a vegetable carrier oil. Apply twice daily.

                               
  
Add 8–10 drops of lavender oil to the bath water for pain relief.

                               
  
Other oils of benefit include chamomile, tea tree, marjoram and rosemary (best used in combination).