Oxford Handbook of Midwifery (36 page)

• Based on the theory of ‘like cures like’—whereby matching the symptoms to the correct remedy profile is crucial.
  
• Tablets are taken sublingually, allowed to dissolve or chewed or sucked between meals to ensure optimum efficiency of the remedy.
  
• When taking homoeopathic remedies strong tastes should be avoided for at least 15min before and after taking the remedy. This applies to: smoking, alcohol, toothpaste, spicy foods, coffee, and some essential oils. These substances are said to act as an antidote to the effect of the remedies.
  

  •
  Occasionally current symptoms can worsen before improvement is
  

  noted. This is usually only temporary and is an indication that the body has been stimulated into a healing response.
  

• Remedies should only be taken for when symptoms persist and then discontinued when they subside.
  
• Remedies should not be taken prophylactically
  
• It is safe to use homoeopathic remedies with orthodox medication, however, some drugs may have an antidoting effect. Preferably other medication should be avoided wherever possible to minimize this effect.
  
• Homoeopathic remedies cannot cause side effects due to the minute amount of the active substance used in their preparation.
  
• Homoeopathic remedies dosages come in a dilution factor—the higher the dilution the more potent the remedy. Common potencies for self- medication are 6c and 30c (centesimal = dilution of 1 part of original substance to 99 parts of dilutant). These are taken at frequent intervals until the symptoms subside. Potencies of 200c may also be used in which case only one or two doses are required.
  
• Homoeopathic remedies are prepared by a method of dilution and succussion (vigorous shaking) to the potency required. A 6c dilution is prepared as above followed by diluting 1 drop from the mother tincture with 99 parts of the dilutant (water and alcohol) and then succussed 100 times, this procedure is repeated another five times to arrive at a 6c (100) dilution.
  

HOMOEOPATHY

121

Example of treatment with homoeopathy

Constipation

Constipation is a common feature of pregnancy due to the effect of hormones in pregnancy, dietary changes, and may be the effect of iron therapy. Attention to diet is always important to help with the underlying cause. However, homoeopathic remedies have a lot to offer for relief of symptoms—in addition to physical symptoms the emotional disposition of the person is considered too:

Kali carb: large hard stool with pain prior to expelling stool. Profuse

micturition at night. Better for warm weather and during the day. Feels touchy, anxious, irritable and sluggish simultaneously.

Backache

Backache in pregnancy may be caused by physiological changes associated with the pregnant condition. Homoeopathy can be of benefit alongside other supportive treatments such as physiotherapy, transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS), chiropractic therapy and massage.

Heartburn

Homoeopathic remedies may provide an alternative to the conventional remedies for heartburn. Careful attention to matching individual symp- toms to the most appropriate remedy is important. For example: when are the symptoms worse (after eating, first thing in the morning etc.); the abdominal sensations experienced (bloated, burning sensation, empty feeling etc.).

Arnica

This remedy is the most commonly used homoeopathic remedy for physical and emotional trauma. Excellent for soft tissue bruising, falls, con- cussion, and before and after surgery. It can also be applied topically to bruised areas, provided the skin is unbroken.

CHAPTER 7
Helping women cope with pregnancy

122‌‌

Aromatherapy

The use of essential oils during pregnancy and childbirth constitutes the most commonly used therapy within maternity care, possibly due to the subtle therapeutic effects of the oils themselves together with the nur- turing aspects of some of the techniques used within aromatherapy.

Due respect to the potency of essential oils should be paramount at all times. Dilution, safety, and potential toxicity of essential oils is the key to safe administration in pregnancy. Some oils have diuretic and/ or emmenagogic
^*
properties which may limit the use of popular oils. Women should be encouraged to seek advice from their midwife or an aromatherapist if she wishes to use essential oils in pregnancy.

Many oils are contraindicated in pregnancy due to their strength and potential abortifacient properties, so when in doubt as to whether an oil is suitable, professional advice should be sought.

General principles

• Essential oils should never be taken internally.
  
• All essential oils should be diluted in some form prior to use, e.g. in a base oil or lotion, water, or vaporized or compress.
  
• Store in a dark locked cupboard away from children.
  
• Respect the storage and shelf life of essential oils.
  
• Adhere to recommended dosages for pregnancy.
  
• Adhere to cautions regarding pregnancy, epilepsy, hypertension, and other medical conditions.
  

  •
  Use sound, respected sources of oils and carrier oils to ensure
  

  therapeutic quality.
  

• Always enquire about potential allergies prior to use, some oils may cause skin reactions if used neat or in high doses—therefore exercise caution with women who have sensitive skin or a history of allergies.
  
• Be aware of the woman’s medical and obstetric history to ensure there are no contraindications to the use of essential oils or methods of administration.
  

  Administration of essential oils
  

  The two main routes for the administration of essential oils are the skin and the olfactory system. Studies have proved that traces of essential oils have been detected in blood, urine, sweat, and body tissues following therapy. The olfactory route is considered to be more quickly effective due to the chemical components of oils being taken directly to the limbic system via the olfactory bulbs. This also accounts for the effect oils have on the emotional aspects of well-being.
  

• The method of using oils will depend on the time available, the condition being treated, and the woman’s preference (she may dislike touch).
  
• The amounts of essential oils used in therapy in this country are well below toxicity readings.
  
• To ensure extra safety to mother and fetus, the amounts used may be less than the normal adult dosage.
  

  *
  Emmenagogue—an essential oil that contains properties which can induce or assist menstruation.
  

  AROMATHERAPY
  

  123
  

Debate about the essential oils that are considered safe for pregnancy and childbirth continues. Table 7.1 is not an exhaustive list of essential oils but reflects the most common oils used for pregnancy and childbirth. Some practitioners may well have preferences for other oils not listed.

Table 7.1
Oils for pregnancy and childbirth

Essential oil Properties Comments

Chamomile (Roman—
Anthemisnobilis
) (German—
Matricariachamomilla
)

Clary sage (
Salvia sclerea
)

Eucalyptus (
Eucalyptus globulus
)

Frankincense (
Boswellia carteri
)

Geranium (
Perlagonium graveolens
)

Antispasmodic antiseptic, calming, antifungal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory. Soothing for the skin, nervous, and digestive systems. Stimulates immune system

Anti-depressant, hypnotic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, uterine tonic—assists contractions. Mainly used as a massage or compress

Nasal decongestant, antiseptic, pain relief, urinary tract infection. Inhalation, massage, compress

Hysteria, hyperventilation, depression, genitourinary tract infections, decongestant

Balancing, analgesic, antispasmodic, decongestant, antiseptic, diuretic

Avoid use of Roman chamomile until late pregnancy.

German chamomile avoid in early pregnancy. German chamomile useful

for sensitive skin

Do not use in pregnancy. May cause drowsiness, care with driving and alcohol.

Oestrogenic properties. Reduces panic and lowers blood pressure

Avoid in epileptics and hypertension. May cause skin irritation. Clears head and cools emotions

One drop inhaled from tissue/taper to relieve hyperventilation. Slight emmenagogue—low doses during pregnancy, calming oil for labour

Heavy aroma, check acceptability prior to use. Regulates hormone

function. Eliminates waste and congestion. Useful for nervousness, fatigue, fluid retention varicose veins and cystitis

(
Continued
)

CHAPTER 7
Helping women cope with pregnancy

124

Table 7.1
(Contd.)

Essential oil Properties Comments

Grapefruit (
Citrus paradisi
)

Jasmine (
Jasminium officinale
)

Lavender (
Lavendula angustifolia
)

Antiseptic, analgesic. Good for massage during pregnancy

Analgesic, antispasmodic uterine tonic, pain, hormone balancing, sedative, aphrodisiac

Antiseptic, analgesic, pain relief, antispasmodic hypotensive

First aid oil

Gentle safe oil, light refreshing aroma, photo toxic. Shelf life—3 months Relief of stress headaches. Useful for colds and flu

Emmenagogue—not to be used until term. Very expensive. Aroma is over powering, caution with vaporizing, best used as massage in low doses.

Regulates and deepens breathing

Emmenagogue, use with caution in 1st trimester. Care with vaporization.

May cause headaches or drowsiness.
¹
Not to be used in combination with epidural anaesthesia or pethidine

Lemon (
Citrus limon
) Anti-anaemic,

antispasmodic bactericidal, circulatory

tonic, skin tonic, immune system stimulant

Minimal phototoxic effect, short shelf life. Vaporization or in combination with other oils for massage. Headache, candida, cleansing action

Lime

(
Citrus aurantifolia
)

Mandarin

(
Citrus reticulata
)

Neroli (
Citrus aurantium

or bigaradia
)

Sweet orange (
Citrus sinesis
)

Antiseptic, anti-viral anti- spasmodic, balances immune system, appetite regulator. Useful for sickness in pregnancy

Antiseptic, analgesic, hormone balancing, flatulence, anxiety, nausea. Gentle uplifting effect

Antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, induces peacefulness, uterine tonic, skin tonic

Antiseptic, skin tonic, relaxing, digestive disorders, anxiety

Gentle, relaxing, safe oil, phototoxic

Good all round oil with pleasant aroma. Special affinity for women and children. Excellent for stretch marks

Very expensive. Stretch marks, stress, depression. Hypnotic effect—care with driving

Phototoxic, possible skin irritation as with most citrus oils. Gentle versatile oil.

Suitable for nausea, vomiting, stress, oedema, hypertension

AROMATHERAPY

125

Table 7.1
(Contd.)

Essential oil Properties Comments

Petitgrain (
Citrus bigaradia
)

Rose (
Rosa centifolia or damascena
)

Sandalwood (
Santalum album
)

Tea tree (
Melaleuca alternifolia
)

Ylang ylang (
Cananga odorata
)