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The joy of bringing a baby into the world is overwhelming a most exciting period in many lives. It is also a time of changing emotions, body shape and the unknown for first time mothers. Aromatherapy can be very important during this time.

When considering the use of aromatherapy during pregnancy there a several oils that should be avoided as they could harm both the mother and the baby.

Ensure that the oils you are using are pure essential oils, as adulterated blends or synthetic oils can have a less predictable effect.

OILS TO AVOID:

Any oil that has toxic in the description, along with the list below.

Arnica, Aniseed, Basil, Bay, Birch, Camphor, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Comfrey, Cypress,

Fennel, Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper, Marjoram, Melissa, Mugwort, Myrrh, Origanum, Pennyroyal,

Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Savoury, St John’s Wort, Tansy, Thyme< Wintergreen, Wormwood.

These oils aside, aromatherapy can be used very safely and be extremely beneficial to maintain the general health of the expectant mother, to aid in minimising the discomforts associated with pregnancy as follows.

MORNING SICKNESS:

Choose chemical and preservatives free fresh food. Eat small portions often during the day. Avoid heavy meals late at night and junk food. Ginger tea herbal infusion is a safe and effective remedy.

Peppermint tea is better avoided.

BACKACHE:

Lower back pain is common as the pregnancy advances due to the increase in weight of the baby and changing body shape. A massage with essential oils will bring great relief and help to tone the muscles. The lower back should be massaged lightly during the first four months, during this time though back ache is not always a problem, it is usually after the six month period and then a firm massage is perfectly safe.

Neroli or Mandarin oil at 2% to a base oil say Almond, Apricot or Olive Oil or Stretch Mark Oil can be used which contain these essential oils along with a rich cocktail of base oils that penetrates deep into the skin.

TENDER BREASTS:

As the breasts expand during pregnancy they need extra care and attention. Use a gentle massage again with Stretch Mark Oil or a base oil with 2% essential oil, Neroli or Mandarin. If breasts are swollen, make a cool compress out of rosewater and place over the breast while resting.

BREASTFEEDING:

Essential oils can be very helpful in easing some of the discomforts of breastfeeding. Insufficiency of milk and cracked nipples are two of the main reasons that many mothers abandon breastfeeding. Engorgement can sometimes be the cause as well. To promote th flow of milk Fennel, Caraway, Dill and Aniseed is widely used mostly in the form of herbal tea infusions, fennel being the most popular choice.

To reduce the milk flow Peppermint oil can be used on cold compresses – Use a basin of water with 4-5 drops of essential oil use clean fabric or a washer and immerse in the water, wring out then place on the painful area.

It is IMPORTANT to wash off all traces of essential oils before feeding the baby. It is dangerous to give the oils to the baby internally even relatively safe oils.

CRACKED NIPPLES:

Can be extremely painful and slow to heal. Calendula is the most healing plant known for this condition. Some Nipple Butters contains Calendula and is safe to use whilst nursing. Apply the butter immediately after feeding so that the nipples have the maximum time to absorb the beneficial properties prior to the next feed.

Products containing lanolin are often used for cracked nipples but some tests have discovered traces of toxins in the lanolin from sheep dipping, so wise to avoid these products.

HEARTBURN:

Avoid rich, spicy foods and heavy meals. A Peppermint, Fennel or Chamomile tea infusion can speed up relief. A gentle massage of the stomach with a soothing oil such as Lavender, Chamomile or Marjoram will assisst.A hot compress using one of these oils can be placed over the stomach as often as needed. Just 2-3 drops in a basin of water for compress and the same with 50ml base oil.

SLEEP PROBLEMS:

The baby kicking and other discomforts in the last few months of pregnancy makes it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. A relaxing bath with stretch mark oil 10mls or a total of 6 drops of either Neroli or Rose pure essential oil in a bath before bedtime. The water should not be too hot as this is stimulating rather than relaxing.

An aromatherapy massage with stretch mark oil, the combination of gentle therapeutic touch and relaxing essential oils will work both on the mind and body to reduce the level of stress, and sleep will follow quite naturally.

CONSTIPATION:

Eating of high fibre foods, including plenty of fresh garlic and drinking ample filtered or bottled water is important during pregnancy to avoid constipation.

Aromatherapy treatments are complicated by the fact that many of the oils used in the treatment of circulatory problems are those to avoid during pregnancy. However, lemon essential oil at 2% dilution can be used to gently massage. Tension can also be a contributory factor, so try a relaxing bath using stretch mark oil or 6 drops total of neroli or rose.

STRETCH MARKS:

Massaging daily is an excellent way to reduce the risk or intensity of stretch marks during

pregnancy, Massage provides stimulation of the tissues underlying the superficial layers of the skin, using gentle strokes it is both effective and safe in pregnancy. Gently make small repetitive circles all over the tummy, thighs and breasts using a stretch mark oil regularly.

Continue massaging these areas after the birth for at least four months until your weight has returned to normal. Avoid stretch mark oil on the nipples if breastfeeding.

SWOLLEN ANKLES:

Swelling (Oedema) of the ankles and legs is often a problem in the latter months of pregnancy. If severe you should consult your Doctor in case there is a kidney problem, but mild puffiness of the ankles usually after standing or at the end of the day, can be effectively relieved by massaging the legs with one tablespoon of base oil to 2 drops of Geranium. Ideally this would be more beneficial carried out by a professional but you or your partner can apply the oil with firm strokes always moving from the ankles towards the thighs.

A cool to warm foot bath with 2 drops each of Benzoin, Orange and Rose can help reduce the swelling.

Rest the feet higher than the head on raised cushions or pillows.

Avoiding salt, stong tea, coffee will also help to reduce swelling, drinking plenty of bottled or filtered water is also advisable.

VARICOSE VEINS:

During pregnancy the bulk and weight of the growing baby can cause pressure on the veins and arteries of the lower abdomen, causing circulatory problems and the veins to dilate. One of the best oils for circulation is Geranium, but this should be very dilute for pregnancy. No more than 4 drops to one tablespoon of carrier oil, massaging the legs with a gentle upward movement. Do not work directly on the veins or apply too much pressure. You can also add 4 drops to your bath.

LABOUR;

To create a relaxing atmosphere in the labour room, use several drops of Lavender in an atomizer or Rose, Yang-Ylang or Neroli to fortify you as the labour progresses. Any of these oils can be used in a massage blend for the lower back to aid contractions.

POST NATAL:

Some women can suffer from post-natal depression for up to a year after childbirth, some more severe than others. A bath with jasmine and ylang-ylang can help them feel better 3 drops of each. Or a massage with 5 drops each of Geranium, Orange, Chamomile..

To ease perineal pain Organic Bath Herbs, a collection of wound healing and anti-bacterial natural ingredients and essential oils with powerful antiseptic and healing benefits for internal wounds and stitches.

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

The simple touch of massage movements can help to relieve many of the stresses and discomfort of pregnancy, back massage in particular is very welcome during labour.

Aromatherapy techniques can be used very safely and beneficially to maintain the general health of the expectant mother. It aids with various discomforts during this time.

The positions to work in need to be adapted to suit her comfort, she needs to be well supported.

- Check the oils to be avoided

- Use lower concentrations of essential oil to base oil 1/2 to 1% is desired.

- Stokes should be lighter than usual for a massage.

- The back – massage can be done on a chair after the fourth month of pregnancy as it becomes uncomfortable to lie on her stomach, a chair or a pillow wrapped in a towel for her to hold in front for support.

- The abdomen – as the weight of the uterus can constrict the important blood vessels is the pregnant women is laying flat on her back, so she must be supported with plenty of pillows, bolsters or rolled towels to make her comfortable. Under the knees should be supported with cushions. After four months a gentle massage all over the abdomen can be very soothing, very often the developing baby responds to the massage given to the mother. Very often if the baby is lively and kicking causing discomfort to the mother will calm down and be quite for some time after. Babies whose mothers have received regular massages during pregnancy are usually very peaceful when they are born.

- The legs – Gently stroking the legs from the ankles to the knee to begin, then continue with firmer pressure is very soothing. It can relieve swelling, varicose veins or cramp. (See varicose veins for further information). Gentle stroking around the ankles is also appreciated. Avoid any reflex movements on the feet.

- Head – With both hands at the back of the neck at the base of the cranium, apply slow, light, circular pressures with your fingertips in an upward direction to release tension and to finish the massage.

Allow a 15 minute rest and then gently help her get up.

Claire O’Dwyer the person behind the product leads our panel and comes with a wealth of knowledge in all facets of the professional spa, beauty and aromatherapy industry. Aromatherapy being an integral part, the science, the art of using essential oils in treatments.

Claire is a highly successful trainer of beauty therapists and others seeking to use aromatherapy. Her holistic perspective to treatments demonstrated in her workshops, teaching specialised treatments of all aspects of the beauty salon and spa.

Before founding Maraju in 2002 Claire O’Dwyer owned and operated salons and days spas for over 18 years. She then did further training in London and the USA, worked with the Cunard luxury cruise ship line as Spa Manager where she noticed that demand for natural plant products and natural/native therapies far out weighed the traditional treatments.

Returning to Australia and knowing that Australia had many unique oil bearing plants, she set about with her partner a chemist, in formulating a range of native Australian skin care products.

After many requests for natural skin care for pregnancy the latest range of maternity products was formulated keeping in mind that during pregnancy a women also wants to feel femine and attractive.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Claire_O_Dwyer

View the original article here

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Return to Alternative Herbal Medicine Tags: pregnancy, Aromatherapy, Aromatherapy, Benefit

Leading sports brand Reebok claim that their Reebok Easytone trainers can tone your hamstrings, calves and bum nearly 30% more than regular trainers just by walking in them. They claim the trainers can “train muscles your trainers never knew you had.”

With this concept, Reebok claim that it increases the activation of calf muscles by 11% and gluteus maximus muscles by 28%. The idea is to give your legs and bum a workout without actually doing much exercise, apparently from the advert it even works while cleaning the house!

John Porcari PhD, who led the tests, agrees that the trainers should work in theory as they make the muscles work harder by creating instability that the body attempts to counteract. The shoes are based on a curved sole which creates an unstable surface which forces the wearer’s body to constantly struggle to find equilibrium.

The model says she enjoys swimming, walking yoga and dancing. An avid member of dance and fitness classes, she was the perfect candidate for this exercise range aimed primarily at women.

The trails were also conducted with a group aged 21 to 27 and both groups were tested with regular trainers to compare. The first results were not impressive, using the Reetone trainers did not increase caloric expenditure or heart rate and only produced aching of the muscles.

The results declared an increase in muscle activity for the subjects wearing the Easytone trainers in the muscles specified, but not to the degree Reebok claimed. The verdict is that although the trainers do provide a small degree of extra muscle usage, they are fairly expensive and it would depend on the individual consumer as to whether they believed it was worth it. Judging by the perky models featured in the advert, the campaign is likely to be very successful in convincing consumers of this.

Consumers can get their hand on the easytone trainers in stores and online and there is rumour of a extended Reebok easytone due next year.

Return to Alternative Herbal Medicine Tags: workout, training, shoes, Women

A large percentage of the population is turning to the use of herbs for hemorrhoids. This is not surprising since there is also a large percent of the population affected by this condition. In the US alone, there are about 50 to 70 % of Americans reported to have hemorrhoids.

What exactly are hemorrhoids? This is the term used to describe the blood vessels that comprise the anus. If there is pressure on the lining of the rectal area, this weakens the muscles that act as supporters to the hemorrhoid vessels. This condition causes the vessels to become enlarged and can result in protrusion in the internal hemorrhoids (rectal canal) or under the external hemorrhoids (skin around the anus).

Hemorrhoids can happen to anyone at any time. However, as we get older we are highly susceptible to this condition. Other causes of hemorrhoids include:

- habitual suppression of bowel movement
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- coughing
- sneezing
- pregnancy
- low fiber diet
- prolonged sitting
- anal intercourse
- overweight
- too much lifting of heavy things

A person suffering from hemorrhoids experiences rectal itching. They may also notice blood on their stool or a soft lump at the opening of the anus. They can also have difficulty emptying their bowel or finishing their bowel movement.

If there is excessive bleeding from the rectal area, it is best to go for a check-up. This maybe caused by an underlying and more serious disorder. Your doctor can do rectal examinations to diagnose your condition.

You can do a few self-care tips to relieve this condition. Among these self-care tips are having warm bathtub baths, topical application of petroleum jelly or cream specifically for hemorrhoids. You can also try taking aspirins or acetaminophen.

Along with these, it is also helpful to take herbs for hemorrhoids. These herbs can actually help alleviate the suffering brought about by hemorrhoids.

Aloe Vera. This herb from the cactus family can help relieve pain and discomfort in the anal area.

Calendula. This particular herb can reduce inflammation and pain if used topically.

Dandelion. By taking Dandelion in tea, tincture or capsule form, your liver can function well and the bile distributed can help soften hard stools.

St. John’s Wort. This herb can help the swelling and inflammation caused by hemorrhoids.

Horsetail. This is very helpful in treating the bleeding in the rectal area.

Psyllium Seed. To soothe the lining of the bowel, the essential oils from psyllium seed can be beneficial.

If these herbs for hemorrhoids are difficult to procure, you can just purchase a manufactured natural remedy with safe and herbal ingredients that are helpful in relieving hemorrhoids.

A product called Anal Itch Assist can help you in your condition. This product is a homeopathic remedy that can help reduce the itching, pain and burning discomfort in the anal area.

Unlike herbal remedies, Anal Itch Assist contains biochemic tissue salts that are guaranteed to promote healthy anal lining tissues without any risk of side effects. This product has even gained the approval by the Food and Drug Administration or FDA so you can be assured of its efficacy and safeness.

This rivals the efficacy of herbs for hemorrhoids. The only difference is that with Anal Itch Assist, there is convenience. When it comes to your overall health, you need the safest and most effective remedies that the market today can offer. Secure the right treatment.

There’s no quick fix to cellulite. The best way to reduce it is to fight it with a combination of a healthy diet, exercise, cellulite cream and treatment. Visit my website at http://www.bodycellulite.com for more information.

Return to Alternative Herbal Medicine Tags: Hypnosis, Alternative Treatment

 

Alternative herbal medicine is one of the best ways to cure chronic or other disease, in many cases. The major benefit of herbal medicines is that it is 100% natural and does not have any side effects, if taken according to the advice of a competent doctor. Look for and use organic herbs when ever possible.

Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA) is the wonder medicine made from primrose, borage or currant seed oil that is extremely effective for treatment of alcohol addicts. Alcohol intake in huge amounts has the chances of slowing down your brain cells. This particular effect of alcohol can be checked by Valerian herb. Another effectual herbal medicine for people suffering from emotional or physical stress is Skullcap.

The alternative herbal remedies for stress, anxiety or depression are St. John’s wort, ashwagandha, valerian and hops ginseng, and Motherwort.

If one is suffering from any degree of sleeplessness, the most helpful herbal medicines are lemon balm, linden, chamomile and ginger tea. For quick relief from common ailments like the odd headache, you can go for eucalyptus or peppermint oil and lavender while for rapid pain relief or inflammation, one can take meadowsweet or willow bark instead of chemical painkillers.

Salicylic acid, the chief component of the pain – killer aspirin, is found in its salicin form in willow bark and meadowsweet. The salicin is reacted upon in the stomach and transformed to salicylic acid, which grants you instant relief from pain. Ginger, which reduces the prostaglandin levels in the body, is another useful pain reliever.

Thanks to the hectic modern style of present day living, most of us suffer from stress in different forms. Herbal medicine is a great way to counter this. Ginseng and Siberian ginseng are two of the most potent stress relievers. Herbal medicines like gingko biloba, ginseng, Siberian ginseng and gotu kola are also successful in curing partial memory loss. Hawthorn, ginseng, motherwort, valerian and pineapple are the wonder herbs that help in curing angina or irregular heartbeat.

Most herbal medicines are prepared from the major herbal ingredient along with other contents. At present, almost 80% of all the medicines have some herbal ingredients.

Although herbal medicines have been extremely successful in treating many diseases, prescription drugs still hold the fort when it comes to treating critical diseases. Thus, one should not consider alternative herbal medicine to be a competitor of prescription drugs, but as a new and effective form of medicine that works in tandem with prescription drugs to treat certain illnesses.

Another benefit of herbal medicines is that it is accessible to most everyone. Herbal treatment is not at all expensive and the herbs can even be grown in your backyard! In fact, prescription drugs are much more expensive and associated with a greater amount of risk.

Alternative medicine is cheap, effective and most importantly, natural and free from any side effects.

Samuel Oliver has a site HerbsTips.com where your can discover info and tips all about herbs and herbal use for health and wellness Herbal Remedies

Zandra Jones, RN BBA is an alternative health advisor and owner of Alternative Herbal Treatment

Return to Alternative Herbal Medicine Tags: herbal treatment, Alternative Treatment, alternative herbal treatment