Elizabeth A

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Elizabeth A. McCormack

Copyright 1999

Aromatherapy and the Treatment of the Reproductive System

The use of aromas for medicinal, spiritual and magical purposes can be traced at least as far back as the ancient Egyptians in 3,000 B.C., and perhaps even farther back to 5,000 B.C. as indicated by the Tassili cave paintings representing women wearing fragrant flower garlands. There still survives today much information on early treatment of many ailments, including ailments of the reproductive system. This includes the treatment of infections, and problems with menstruation, childbirth and pregnancy. The Roman historian Pliny, author of the 1^st Century AD Natural History mentions 32 remedies prepared from Rose, 21 from Lily, 17 from Violet and 25 from Pennyroyal. Famous Roman blends of the era included Susinon, which served as a woman’s anti-inflammatory tonic, and Amarakinon, used to encourage menstruation. Ancient Indians used Sandalwood for genito-urinary infections, and in one of Nostradamus’ lesser known works, he suggests Rosewater during the first and last months of pregnancy. Later, we have more detailed information regarding treatments provided by such famous herbalists as Nicholas Culpepper, 1652, Rycharde Banckes, 1525, Li Shih-Chen, 1578 and Joseph Miller, 1722. Following is a chart outlining some of the treatments suggested:

Essential Oil	Culpepper	Banckes	Li Shih-Chen	Joseph Miller
Basil	aids childbirth expels the placenta
Chamomile	brings on courses
Clary Sage	brings on courses expels afterbirth
Cypress	helps immoderate flux of the menses
Fennel	increases milk flow brings on courses	increases milk flow
Frankincense		cleansing of the womb		control bloody flux gonorrhoea, whites
Geranium	ulcers of the privy parts
Jasmine	warms the womb removes diseases of uterus
Juniper	"Fits of the mother" cramps
Lavender	provokes courses expels dead child and placenta
Marjoram	provokes courses griefs of the womb
Myrrh			uterine discharges
Peppermint		increases milk flow
Rose	overflowing of the menses	flux of the womb

There are also several references in ancient texts regarding the use of Aroma as aphrodisiac. The Kama Sutra suggests annointing the body with Blue Lotus and Jasmine oil for their sensual effects. Ancient Egyptians used Frankincense, Ancient Indians used Sandalwood and Jasmine. Cleopatra herself was said to use incense for its powerful seductive qualities. Many of these scents are still in use today for the very same reasons.

With the advent of the Gas Chromatograph we can now determine the exact chemical composition of essential oils. In addition, our knowledge of the workings of the human body has become very specific and detailed. This has revolutionized the practice of Aromatherapy in that treatments for particular ailments can be more specifically tailored, and more specific studies can be undertaken to facilitate the use of essential oils in ways they were never used before. Some of the most exciting studies that have been done recently are those exploring the similarity between certain essential oils and the female hormone Oestrogen. In order to properly treat ailments of the reproductive system, we must fully understand the workings thereof.

There are two distinct halves to the cycle of the female. The first is the Oestrogen cycle. At this time, the vaginal walls are lighter, thicker and slightly textured. Vaginal secretions are alkaline and the vaginal secretions during sex are sugary. At this time, the blood level of Estrogens is rising steadily. The second half of the cycle is known as the Progesteron cycle. The vaginal walls are darker, smooth and puffy. Vaginal secretion is bitter and acidic. At this time, the Progesteron level in the blood overtakes the Estrogen level and rises to a peak, after which time, approaching the menses, it falls drastically. (The menses are considered the beginning of the Estrogen cycle.) The hormones have distinct and different functions in the body in addition to working in tandem to regulate the menstrual cycle. The Estrogens are responsible for secondary sex characteristics such as enlargement of the reproductive organs, development of the breasts, appearance of pubic hair, increased deposits of fat beneath the skin, widening and lightening of the pelvis and the onset of the menses. Progesteron maintains the pregnancy, and prepares the breasts for milk production. The progesteron source during the pregnancy is the placenta, however, and not the ovaries.

In a perfect world, the hormones would fluctuate in perfectly orchestrated harmony to create a seamless transition from one part of the cycle to the next. Of course, we all know that this is not always the case. Many women experience great distress at certain points during their cycle, particulary directly before the onset of the menses, and during the bleeding time itself. There is many times an overproduction of progesteron and an under-production of estrogens directly before the menses which can cause cramping, emotional stress, nausea, and several other complications. In other words, the system is out of balance. There are other ailments peculiar to the female reproductive system and cycles that directly relate to the hormone production as well, such as several types of Estrogen dependent cancers including breast cancer and endometriosis (abnormal growth of the uterine wall). If we had a way of regulating the hormone production to correct any imbalance, or if we had an agent that acted upon the body as a hormone would act, we might be able to correct some of these problems. Well, one noted expert, Tony Balacs, has done extensive work in that specific area and has come up with many exciting findings. He describes the central tenet of his work thusly:

Both female hormones are steroids-chemical structures based on cholesterol which have the ability to interact with specific receptors on body tissues. Once this kind of interaction has occured, processes are set in train within the tissues which appear as the physiological effects of the hormones. Essential Oils constituents may have hormone-like acticity if their structure is similar enough to a hormone for them to interact with the same receptor.

Although no Androgen (male hormones) or Progesteron-like activity has been found so far in Essential Oils, there have been reports of Estrogenic activity. The chemical Oestrone has been determined to be a constituent in beetroot, yeast, potatoes, palm kernel oil, petroleum and peat. Anethole is a methyl ether of oestrone and has been determined to be a constituent of Fennel, Star Aniseed and Aniseed. It has been suggested that it is the plant polymers of anethole, such as photoanethole and dianethole which are responsible for the action. Polymerised anethole is similar to the lactation stimulant diethylstilboestrol.

Knowing the chemical constituents of these oils now enables practitioners to apply them to very specific problems. Since menstrual disorders, PMS, and menopausal problems are known to be caused generally by an underproduction of estrogen and an over-production of progesteron (barring some other physical ailment such as tumours or ectopic pregnancy or something else of that nature. We will concern ourselves primarily with hormonal imbalances for the sake of this illustration), we may utilize the Anethole-containing essences since it acts on the same receptors as estrogen and would supplement the actual hormone, creating a more acceptable blood level to balance the system. Progesteron levels surge directly before the menses, and then drop dramatically, with a rise in estrogen levels during the bleeding. Fennel has long been used as an emmenagogue. This is possibly because it effects the body the same way an increase in estrogen production would, and therefore the bleeding begins sooner. By the same token, Anethole-containing oils should be avoided during times when an increase in estrogen is ill-advised. During pregnancy, for example, the Progesterone level is critical to maintaining perfect conditions for the baby. Although hormone levels are so high in the body as to remain unaffected by the small hormonal action in the oil, it is still best to refrain from its use. Other contra-indications include any ostrogen-dependent illnesses such as endometriosis and certain cancers such as breast cancer. You don’t want to feed the illness. In addition, Fennel is often used to stimulate milk production by massage on the breasts. However, Fennel is lipid-soluble, and would appear in the baby’s milk, so it is not advised. There is some controversy as to whether pre-pubertal girls should use these oils. Perhaps it is best to be safe and refrain until further knowledge is available.

There are many treatments for the various reproductive ailments in addition to the hormonal ones described above. The anti-bacterial action of many oils is called upon for infections, the nausea-calming properties of others may be utilized as well. The practitioner must assess each client’s individual symptoms in order to create the perfect treatment. The hormonal oils may be used in conjunction with the others to treat each symptom and the core problem. Following is a chart listing various ailments and specific oils that will help relieve them. In order to come up with a treatment, a practitioner would list all of the individual symptoms and make a blend of the oils that appear to be the most congruous.

Abortificants	Carrot Seed
Abortificants	Juniper	Juniperus communis
Abortificants	Marjoram	Origanum majorana
Abortificants	Mugwort	Artemisia herba alba
Abortificants	Pennyroyal	Hedeoma pulegioides or Mentha pulegiumv
Abortificants	Sage	Salvia officinalis
Anaphrodisiac	Marjoram (Sweet)	Origanum majorana
Anorgasmia	Anise	Pimpinella anisum
Anorgasmia	Black pepper	Piper nigrum
Anorgasmia	Cardamom
Anorgasmia	Clary Sage	Salvia sclarea
Anorgasmia	Coriander	Corandrum saticum
Anorgasmia	Fir	(not specified)
Anorgasmia	Jasmine	Jasminum officinale
Anorgasmia	Juniper	Juniperus communis
Anorgasmia	Onion
Anorgasmia	Patchouli	Pogostemon patchouli
Anorgasmia	Rose Otto	Rosa centifolia
Anorgasmia	Sandalwood	Santalum album	hormonal
Anorgasmia	Savory	Satureia montana	physical
Anorgasmia	Ylang Ylang	Cananga odorata	emotional
Aphrodisiac	Black pepper	Piper nigrum
Aphrodisiac	Cardamom
Aphrodisiac	Cinnamon bark	Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Aphrodisiac	Clary Sage	Salvia sclarea
Aphrodisiac	Jasmine	Jasminum officinale
Aphrodisiac	Neroli	Citrus aurantium amara-flos
Aphrodisiac	Patchouly	Pogostemon patchouli
Aphrodisiac	Rose Otto	Rosa centifolia
Aphrodisiac	Sandalwood	Santalum album
Aphrodisiac	Ylang Ylang	Cananga odorata	psycho-somatic problems
Breasts (engorgement)	Peppermint	Mentha piperita
Breasts (engorgement)	Rose Geranium	Pelargonium graveolens
Breasts (induce milk)	Anise	Pimpinella anisum
Breasts (induce milk)	Dill	Anethum graveolens
Breasts (induce milk)	Fennel	Foeniculum vulgare
Breasts (induce milk)	Jasmine	Jasminum officinale
Breasts (stimulate growth)	Ladies mantle dew
Breasts (stimulate growth)	Rose Geranium	Pelargonium graveolens
Breasts (stimulate growth)	Vetiver	Vetiveria zizanioides
Breasts (stimulate growth)	Ylang ylang	Cananga odorata
Candida (thrush)	Bergamot	Citrus bergamia
Candida (thrush)	Cinnamon Bark	Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Candida (thrush)	Eucalyptus	Eucalyptus globulus
Candida (thrush)	Rose Otto	Rosa centifolia
Candida (thrush)	Rosemary	Rosmarinus officinalis
Candida (thrush)	Rosewood	Aniba roaeodora
Candida (thrush)	Sage	Salvia officinalis
Candida (thrush)	Savory	Satureia montana
Candida (thrush)	Tagetes	Tagetes glandulifera
Candida (thrush)	Tea Tree	Melaleaca alternifolia
Candida (thrush)	Thyme, Sweet	Thymus vulgaris
Cystitis	Basil (Sweet)	Ocimum basilicum
Cystitis	Cajeput	Melaleuca leucadendron
Cystitis	Chamomile (German)	Matricaria recutita
Cystitis	Clove Bud	Syzigium aromaticum
Cystitis	Coriander	Corandrum saticum
Cystitis	Juniper	Juniperus communis
Cystitis	Peppermint	Mentha piperita
Cystitis	Savory	Satureia montana
Cystitis	Thyme, Sweet	Thymus vulgaris
Emmenagogue	Angelica	Angelica archangelica
Emmenagogue	Anise	Pimpinella anisum
Emmenagogue	Basil	Ocimum basilicum
Emmenagogue	Cinnamon bark	Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Emmenagogue	Clary Sage	Salvia sclarea
Emmenagogue	Fennel	Foeniculum vulgare
Emmenagogue	Hyssop	Hyssopus officinalis
Emmenagogue	Juniper	Juniperus communis
Emmenagogue	Lavender	Lavendula angustifolia
Emmenagogue	Marjoram (Sweet)	Origanum majorana
Emmenagogue	Nutmeg	Myristica fragrans
Emmenagogue	Rose Otto	Rosa centifolia
Emmenagogue	Rosemary	Rosmarinus officinalis
Emmenagogue	Sage	Salvia officinalis
Emmenagogue	Tagetes	Tagetes glandulifera
Frigidity	Anise	Pimpinella anisum
Frigidity	Black Pepper	Piper nigrum
Frigidity	Chamomile (Morrocan)	Anthemis
Frigidity	Ginger	Zinziber officinale
Frigidity	Pine	Pinus sylvestris
Frigidity	Rose Otto	Rosa centifolia
Frigidity	Savory	Satureia montana
Frigidity	Ylang Ylang	Cananga odorata
Fungicide	Angelica	Angelica archangelica
Fungicide	Camphor
Fungicide	Cilantro	Coriandrum sativum
Fungicide	Cinnamon bark	Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Fungicide	Citronella	Cymbopogon nardus
Fungicide	Coriander	Corandrum saticum
Fungicide	Fennel	Foeniculum vulgare
Fungicide	Immortelle	Helichrysum italicum
Fungicide	Lavender	Lavendula angustifolia
Fungicide	Myrrh	Commiphora myrrha
Fungicide	Nutmeg	Myristica fragrans
Fungicide	Tagetes	Tagetes glandulifera
Fungicide	Tea Tree	Melaleaca alternifolia
Fungicide	Thyme, Sweet	Thymus vulgaris
Genital itching	Bergamot	Citrus bergamia
Genital itching	Chamomile (Roman)	Chamomelum nobile
Genital itching	Clary Sage	Salvia sclarea
Genital itching	Lavender	Lavendula angustifolia
Genital itching	Tea Tree	Melaleaca alternifolia
Genitals (mucus discharge)	Bergamot	Citrus bergamia
Genitals (mucus discharge)	Cedarwood	Cedrus atlantica
Genitals (mucus discharge)	Eucalyptus	Eucalyptus globulus
Genitals (mucus discharge)	Frankincense	Boswellia carteri
Genitals (mucus discharge)	Juniper	Juniperus communis
Genitals (mucus discharge)	Lavender	Lavendula angustifolia
Genitals (mucus discharge)	Myrrh	Commiphora myrrha
Genitals (mucus discharge)	Patchouly	Pogostemon patchouli
Genitals (mucus discharge)	Rose Geranium	Pelargonium graveolens
Genitals (mucus discharge)	Sandalwood	Santalum album
Genitals (mucus discharge)	Tea Tree	Melaleaca alternifolia
Gonorrhea effects	Benzoin	Styrax benzoin	extract
Gonorrhea effects	Bergamot	Citrus bergamia
Gonorrhea effects	Cedarwood	Cedrus atlantica
Gonorrhea effects	Eucalyptus	Eucalyptus globulus
Gonorrhea effects	Frankincense	Boswellia carteri
Gonorrhea effects	Garlic
Gonorrhea effects	Jasmine	Jasminum officinale
Gonorrhea effects	Lavender	Lavendula angustifolia
Gonorrhea effects	Lemon	Citrus limon
Gonorrhea effects	Parsley	Petroselinum saticum
Gonorrhea effects	Sandalwood	Santalum album
Heart, aching	Angelica	Angelica archangelica
Heart, aching	Champa
Heart, aching	Marjoram	Origanum marjorana
Heart, aching	Rose Otto	Rosa centifolia
Herpes	Bergamot	Citrus bergamia
Herpes	Eucalyptus	Eucalyptus globulus
Herpes	Lavender	Lavendula angustifolia
Herpes	Lemon	Citrus limon
Herpes	Lemonbalm
Herpes	Niaouli	Melaleuca viridiflora
Herpes	Rose Geranium	Pelargonium graveolens
Herpes	Sage	Salvia officinalis
Hormones (balancing estrogen)	Clary Sage	Salvia sclarea
Hormones (balancing estrogen)	Fennel	Foeniculum vulgare
Hormones (balancing estrogen)	Rose Geranium	Pelargonium graveolens
Hormones (balancing estrogen)	Sage	Salvia officinalis
Labour Inducing	Pennyroyal	Hedeoma pulegioides or Mentha pulegiumv
Labour Pain	Clary Sage	Salvia sclarea
Labour Pain	Fennel	Foeniculum vulgare
Labour Pain	Jasmine	Jasminum officinale
Labour Pain	Lavender	Lavendula angustifolia
Labour Pain	Nutmeg	Myristica fragrans
Menopause	Anise	Pimpinella anisum
Menopause	Chamomile (Roman)	Chamaemelum nobile
Menopause	Clary Sage	Salvia sclarea
Menopause	Cypress	Cupressus sempervirens
Menopause	Fennel	Foeniculum vulgare
Menopause	Lemon	Citrus limon
Menopause	Mandarin	Citrus reticulata
Menopause	Melissa	Melissa officinalis
Menopause	Peppermint	Mentha piperita
Menopause	Pine	Pinus sylvestris
Menopause	Rose Geranium	Pelargonium graveolens
Menopause	Rose Otto	Rosa centifolia
Menopause	Sage	Salvia officinalis
Menopause	Sandalwood	Santalum album
Mood swings	Benzoin	Styrax benzoin	inhale
Mood swings	Bergamot	Citrus bergamia
Mood swings	Clary Sage	Salvia sclarea
Mood swings	Fennel	Foeniculum vulgare
Mood swings	Frankincense	Boswellia carteri
Mood swings	Jasmine	Jasminum officinale
Mood swings	Rose Geranium	Pelargonium graveolens
Mood swings	Rosewood	Aniba roaeodora
Nausea	Cardamom
Nausea	Cinnamon bark	Cinnamomum zeylanicum	pregnancy
Nausea	Fennel	Foeniculum vulgare
Nausea	Ginger	Zinziber officinale
Nausea	Lavender	Lavendula angustifolia
Nausea	Melissa	Melissa officinalis
Nausea	Peppermint	Mentha piperita
Ovaries	Clary Sage	Salvia sclarea	stimulant
Ovaries	Cypress	Cupressus sempervirens
Ovaries	Rosemary	Rosmarinus officinalis	regulator
Ovaries	Sage	Salvia officinalis
Ovaries	Ylang ylang	Cananga odorata	stimulant
Periods (excessive blood)	Cinnamon bark	Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Periods (excessive blood)	Cypress	Cupressus sempervirens
Periods (excessive blood)	Frankincense	Boswellia carteri
Periods (excessive blood)	Rose Otto	Rosa centifolia
Periods (irregular)	Clary Sage	Salvia sclarea
Periods (irregular)	Melissa	Melissa officinalis
Periods (irregular)	Mugwort	Artemisia herba alba
Periods (irregular)	Rose Otto	Rosa centifolia
Periods (lack of)	Anise	Pimpinella anisum
Periods (lack of)	Chamomile (German)	Matricaria recutita
Periods (lack of)	Cinnamon bark	Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Periods (lack of)	Clary Sage	Salvia sclarea
Periods (lack of)	Fennel	Foeniculum vulgare
Periods (lack of)	Peppermint	Mentha piperita	Tonic
Periods (lack of)	Rosemary	Rosmarinus officinalis
Periods (lack of)	Sage	Salvia officinalis
Periods (lack of)	Tagetes	Tagetes glandulifera
Periods (lack of)	Thyme, Sweet	Thymus vulgaris
Periods (lack of)	Vetiver	Vetiveria zizanioides
Periods (painful)	Anise	Pimpinella anisum
Periods (painful)	Basil (Sweet)	Ocimum basilicum	congestion
Periods (painful)	Bergamot	Citrus bergamia
Periods (painful)	Caraway	Carum carvi
Periods (painful)	Carrot seed
Periods (painful)	Chamomile (German)	Matricaria recutita	congestion
Periods (painful)	Clary Sage	Salvia sclarea
Periods (painful)	Cypress	Cupressus sempervirens	congestion
Periods (painful)	Fennel	Foeniculum vulgare
Periods (painful)	Ginger	Zinziber officinale
Periods (painful)	Jasmine	Jasminum officinale
Periods (painful)	Juniper	Juniperus communis
Periods (painful)	Marjoram (Sweet)	Origanum majorana
Periods (painful)	Melissa	Melissa officinalis
Periods (painful)	Pennyroyal	Hedeoma pulegioides or Mentha pulegium
Periods (painful)	Peppermint	Mentha piperita
Periods (painful)	Pine	Pinus sylvestris
Periods (painful)	Rose Geranium	Pelargonium graveolens	congestion
Periods (painful)	Rose Otto	Rosa centifolia
Periods (painful)	Rosemary	Rosmarinus officinalis
Periods (painful)	Sage	Salvia officinalis	congestion
Periods (scanty)	Anise	Pimpinella anisum
Periods (scanty)	Caraway	Carum carvi
Periods (scanty)	Carrot Seed
Periods (scanty)	Chamomile (Roman)	Chamaemelum nobile
Periods (scanty)	Cinnamon bark	Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Periods (scanty)	Clary Sage	Salvia sclarea	hormonal
Periods (scanty)	Clove	Syzigium aromaticum
Periods (scanty)	Cypress	Cupressus sempervirens
Periods (scanty)	Fennel	Foeniculum vulgare
Periods (scanty)	Hyssop	Hyssopus officinalis
Periods (scanty)	Jasmine	Jasminum officinale
Periods (scanty)	Juniper	Juniperus communis
Periods (scanty)	Lavender	Lavendula angustifolia
Periods (scanty)	Lemongrass	Cympobogon citratus
Periods (scanty)	Marjoram (Sweet)	Origanum majorana
Periods (scanty)	Melissa	Melissa officinalis	hormonal
Periods (scanty)	Mugwort	Artemisia herba alba
Periods (scanty)	Myrrh	Commiphora myrrha
Periods (scanty)	Nutmeg	Myristica fragrans
Periods (scanty)	Oregano	Origanum vulgare
Periods (scanty)	Pennyroyal	Hedeoma pulegioides or Mentha pulegiumv
Periods (scanty)	Rose Otto	Rosa centifolia	hormonal
Periods (scanty)	Rosemary	Rosmarinus officinalis
Periods (scanty)	Sage	Salvia officinalis
Periods (scanty)	Sassafrass	Sassafrass albidum
Periods (scanty)	Tarragon	Artemisia dracunculus
Periods (scanty)	Thyme, Sweet	Thymus vulgaris
PMS	Chamomile (Roman)	Chamaemelum nobile
PMS	Clary Sage	Salvia sclarea
PMS	Lavender	Lavendula angustifolia
PMS	Melissa	Melissa officinalis
PMS	Neroli	Citrus aurantium amara-flos
PMS	Rose Geranium	Pelargonium graveolens
PMS	Rose Otto	Rosa centifolia
PMS	Sage	Salvia officinalis	congestion
PMS	Sandalwood	Santalum album
PMS (moodiness)	Bergamot	Citrus bergamia
PMS (moodiness)	Clary Sage	Salvia sclarea
PMS (moodiness)	Galbanum	Ferul galbanifera
PMS (moodiness)	Jasmine	Jasminum officinale
PMS (moodiness)	Neroli	Citrus aurantium amara-flos
PMS (moodiness)	Patchouly	Pogostemon patchouli
PMS (moodiness)	Rose Geranium	Pelargonium graveolens
PMS (moodiness)	Rose Otto	Rosa centifolia
PMS (moodiness)	Rosewood	Aniba roaeodora
PMS (moodiness)	Tangerine	Citrus reticulata
PMS (moodiness)	Ylang Ylang	Cananga odorata
PMS (water retention)	Agnus castus tincture
PMS (water retention)	Cypress	Cupressus sempervirens
PMS (water retention)	Fennel	Foeniculum vulgare
PMS (water retention)	Juniper	Juniperus communis
PMS (water retention)	Rose Geranium	Pelargonium graveolens
PMS (water retention)	Rosemary	Rosmarinus officinalis
PMS (water retention)	Spruce	Picea alba or mariana
Sexual Tonic	Black pepper	Piper nigrum
Sexual Tonic	Cinnamon bark	Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Sexual Tonic	Ginger	Zinziber officinale
Sexual Tonic	Rose Otto	Rosa centifolia
Sexual Tonic	Rosewood	Aniba roaeodora
Sexual Tonic	Sandalwood	Santalum album
Sexual Tonic	Savory	Satureia montana
Sexual Tonic	Ylang ylang	Cananga odorata
Sterility in women	Jasmine	Jasminum officinale
Sterility in women	Rose Geranium	Pelargonium graveolens
Sterility in women	Rose Otto	Rosa centifolia
Stretch marks	Carnation
Stretch marks	Helichrysum	Helichrysum italicum
Stretch marks	Jasmine	Jasminum officinale
Syphilis	Lemon	Citrus limon
Syphilis	Parsley	Petroselinum saticum
Syphilis	Sassafrass	Sassafrass albidum
USE	Oil (Common name)	Oil (Latin binomial)	special instructions
Uterine tonic	Frankincense	Boswellia carteri
Uterine tonic	Jasmine	Jasminum officinale
Uterine tonic	Melissa	Melissa officinalis
Uterine tonic	Myrrh	Commiphora myrrha
Uterine tonic	Rose Otto	Rosa centifolia
Vaginal discharge	Benzoin	Styrax benzoin	tincture
Vaginal discharge	Bergamot	Citrus bergamia
Vaginal discharge	Clary Sage	Salvia sclarea
Vaginal discharge	Eucalyptus
Vaginal discharge	Frankincense	Boswellia carteri
Vaginal discharge	Hyssop	Hyssopus officinalis
Vaginal discharge	Lavender	Lavendula angustifolia
Vaginal discharge	Marjoram	Origanum majorana
Vaginal discharge	Myrrh	Commiphora myrrha
Vaginal discharge	Rose Otto	Rosa centifolia
Vaginal discharge	Rosemary	Rosmarinus officinalis
Vaginal discharge	Sage	Salvia officinalis
Vaginal discharge	Sandalwood	Santalum album
Vaginal discharge	Tea Tree	Melaleaca alternifolia
Vaginal discharge	Thyme, Sweet	Thymus vulgaris
Vaginitis	Chamomile (German)	Matricaria recutita
Vaginitis	Chamomile (Roman)	Chamaemelum nobile
Vaginitis	Clary Sage	Salvia sclarea
Vaginitis	Lavender	Lavendula angustifolia
Vaginitis	Niaouli	Melaleuca viridiflora	infection
Vaginitis	Tea Tree	Melaleaca alternifolia	infection
Vaginitis	Thyme, Sweet	Thymus vulgaris

Utilizing this chart, a practitioner may come up with the following treatments for some common complaints:

1. PMS Treatments: Specific symptoms include swelling breasts, irritibility, water retention:

Massage: Rose Geranium(for swelling), Peppermint (for swelling) and Fennel (hormonal) for breasts, belly

and small of back.

Diffusor: Rose Geranium (irritibility)

Diet: No stimulants, plenty of Peppermint (irritibility) tea with Star Anise (hormonal)

2. Menstral Regulation: for unreliable cycle

Massage: Rose Otto (ind. for scanty or irregular menses) and Fennel (hormonal) on belly and small of back

Diffusor: Rose Otto (ind. for scanty or irregular menses) and Fennel (hormonal)

Diet: No stimulants, Tea with Peppermint (to reduce stress) and Star Anise (hormonal)

3. Menopause: hot flashes, nausea, dry vagina

Massage: Rose Otto and Fennel (hormonal) on belly and small of back and breasts

Diffusor: Rose Otto and Fennel (hormonal)

Diet: Fennel and Star Anise tea (hormonal)

Spritz: Peppermint and lemon oils for cooling hot flashes

4. Pregnancy: stretch marks, nausea

Massage: belly, thighs and breasts and vagina daily with cocoa butter, jasmine and carnation

Diffusor: Peppermint and Rose Otto for de-stressing

Spritz with Peppermint and Rose or Lemon oils for cooling

5. Infections and Diseases

(See Case Histories following for Yeast infection and Herpes treatments.)

Following are a few case histories recording the treatment of several minor ailments of the reproductive system. In all cases, Aromatherapy treatment has proven successful and free from any side effects.

CASE HISTORY

Methods and Results

(This form copyrighted by Jeanne Rose, 1995)

PROBLEM: Herpes

1. EO Tincture

Adult Dosage:

Child Dosage:

Inhaled

2. Massage

3. EO Capsules

4. Herbs L-Lysine 2000 mg. per day for 30 days, 1500 mg per day for 30 days, 1000 mg per day for six months

5. Food: During symptoms, simple fruit and vegetable diet with plenty of fresh water

6. Others: 1 oz. Distilled water with 20 drops Melissa, dabbed on sores and light blemishes with a cotton ball once after bathing in morning, and again right before bed each night.

How long was each of these methods used? Treatment is ongoing. Subject uses Melissa water as a facial toner nightly to prevent symptoms recurring.

What were the results? Symptoms were apparent at beginning of treatment on face, chest and groin. Symptoms began to fade after 2 weeks. Subject has continued treatment for 4 months so far with no recurrence of symptoms.

CASE HISTORY

Methods and Results

(This form copyrighted by Jeanne Rose, 1995)

PROBLEM: Yeast Infection

1. EO Tincture 10 drops Tea Tree oil in 2 oz. Distilled water

Adult dosage:

10 drops of this blend on a tampon, inserted into vagina. Change every 4 hours

3 drops of this blend on a cotton ball, applied topically to vagina right before bed.

Child Dosage:

Inhaled

2. Massage

3. EO Capsules

4. Herbs

5. Food: Fruit and vegetable diet until symptoms disappear

6. Others

How long was each of these methods used? The Insertion of the tampon was continued for 48 hours, with the last tampon of each evening being removed before bed. Right before bed, two evenings running, 3 drops of the blend on a cotton ball and apply topically to vagina. Fruit and vegetable diet was sustained for 2 full days.

What were the results? Symptoms (itching, yellow discharge) disappeared after the first application. I continued use for 2 days to insure the infection would not re-appear. Since treatment ended 14 days ago, the infection has not reappeared.

CASE HISTORY

Methods and Results

(This form copyrighted by Jeanne Rose, 1995)

PROBLEM: Severe Menstrual Cramps

1. EO Tincture

Adult Dosage:

Child Dosage:

Inhaled

2. Massage: 1 oz. Sunflower oil with 10 drops Jasmine, 10 drops Marjoram, and 5 drops Rose Otto. Massage on belly and back and breasts, every half hour as needed.

3. EO Capsules

4. Herbs Chamomile tea with 1 drop Peppermint oil per cup, drunk copiously as needed while symptoms continue.

5. Food: Watermelon and strawberries (red, watery fruits)

6. Others: Diffusor: Marjoram and Jasmine, 3 drops each in 1 tsp distilled water

Drumming a steady heartbeat on a low hand drum for 15 minutes every hour or so

How long was each of these methods used? All methods combined were used for 3 hours after cramps began. At first the cramps were so bad, subject couldn’t straighten out her body. Gradually the cramps became less severe, until after 3 hours they subsided completely. Chamomile tea with Peppermint oil, as well as the diet of Watermelon and Strawberries was continued until bedtime (about 4 hours later).

What were the results? See above

CASE HISTORY

Methods and Results

Extreme Frigidity

This information was reproduced for illustration purposes only from the Aromatherapy Global Online Research Archives

Client: "Rose" is in her mid fifties, and is post menopausal.

Physical Condition: Chronic illness, perhaps CFIDS (chronic fatigue immune deficiency syndrome) undiagnosed, diagnosis of organic depression, organic anxiety, possible petit mal, narcolepsy

Current Medications: Paxil, Premarin

Problem Presented: Extreme frigidity. "Rose" is involved in a close, loving relationship of five years duration with a very understanding, gentle, and patient gentleman. When the relationship started it was very passionate. For the past two years she has been unable to even contemplate making love to him, for no reason that she can find. Even the thought of making love brought chills to her. Meanwhile, the couple enjoyed hugging, snuggling, etc. It was the physical act of (or thought of) lovemaking that repulsed her.

Treatment: (there are here several descriptions of treatments which did not work for Rose, including a blend of Jasminum officinalis, Zingiber officinale, another blend of Angelica archangelica, Salvia sclarea, Santalum album. These blends were used in the bath and as massage. She also tried several douching blends. All to no avail.) Feeling at this point that there was nothing to be lost, Rose decided to try a vaginal douche, using Rosa damascena, 4 drops to a pint of distilled water, followed by the use of 2 drops of rose otto in the bath.

Within hours, Rose was able to invite her delighted lover to bed.

I’d like to stress that only distilled water was used. The essential oil and water was mixed and allowed to stand, and then filtered through a coffee filter, and warmed to body temperature. For occasional follow-ups, true rose otto hydrolat was used as an alternative.

For an internal use such as this, it is very important that only pure, unadulterated essential oils are used. Since rose otto is expensive, it is also frequently subject to adulteration. It is most important to know and trust your source.

Douching was continued for perhaps every week to 10 days at first, then reduced to once or twice a month.

I’d also like to mention that we cannot be certain whether it was the rose, or a placebo effect that made the difference. However, before using rose otto alone, the client had tried it in a blend, and had also tried other blends recommended in the book, that one might expect a possible placebo effect from.

Mankind has been treating illnesses with herbs and aromas for centuries. In modern times we are discovering not "if" they work (they’ve known that for years) but "why" and "how." And in gaining this knowledge, the benefits of Essential Oils can be put to greater and greater use. Imagine a perfectly organic substance distilled from a plant, acting as a hormone which can relieve so much discomfort, and that carries no side-effects. The mental and physical curative powers of these oils is a marvel. They are gentle, benevolent and a true gift.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Marieb, Elaine N.: Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Fifth Edition. Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company, Inc. 1997.

Nostradamus: The Elixirs of Nostradamus Ed. Knut Boeser, Moyer Bell, Germany, 1996. Orig. Pub. 1552

Price, Shirley: Aromatherapy Workbook. Thorsons, London and California, 1993.

Rose, Jeanne. Herbs and Aromatherapy for the Reproductive System. Frog Ltd., California, 1994.

Rose, Jeanne: The Aromatherapy Book: Applications and Inhalations. Herbal Studies Course/Jeanne Rose, San Francisco, and North Atlantic Books, Berkeley California1992

Tisserand, Robert: The Art of Aromatherapy. Healing Arts Press, Vermont, 1977

The Complete Kama Sutra, trans. Alain Denielou, Park Street Press, Rochester Vt., 1994

ARTICLES:

Online Article: "Extreme Frigidity" Taken From the Aromatherapy Global Online Research Archives

Article: "Hormones and Health" by Tony Balacs, from The Aromatherapy Home Studies Course by Jeanne Rose, Chapter 12.

Online Article "The History of Aromatherapy" by Kathi Keville and Mindy Green Excepted from Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art, Crossing Press 1995

Information for the reference chart compiled from

Price, Shirley: Aromatherapy Workbook. Thorsons, London and California, 1993.

Rose, Jeanne. Herbs and Aromatherapy for the Reproductive System. Frog Ltd., California, 1994.

Rose, Jeanne: The Aromatherapy Book: Applications and Inhalations. Herbal Studies Course/Jeanne Rose, San Francisco, and North Atlantic Books, Berkeley California1992

Tisserand, Robert: The Art of Aromatherapy. Healing Arts Press, Vermont, 1977

Author
beth mccormack. (BLISSLET@aol.com )
Web page: www.wyldeangelica.com