Mid Life Mom's

Herbal Remedies to Ease the Discomforts of Pregnancy

While some mothers-to-be look and feel their best during
pregnancy, this is unfortunately not the case for many of us.

The tremendous changes our bodies undergo during pregnancy lead to many discomforts -- from morning sickness to stretch marks. And since nearly all medicines and traditional remedies are off- limits to expecting moms, natural methods come as a great relief to help ease these symptoms. In addition to proper nutrition and regular exercise, the use of herbs and aromatherapy during the latter part of your pregnancy can alleviate many of your ailments.

Except for the morning sickness remedy below, it is important
that you do not use essential oils during the first three to
four months of your pregnancy. 

Moreover, even if your essential oils come from natural sources and are certified pure (as they should be), that does not necessarily make them safe to use during pregnancy. 

In fact, if you are pregnant there are some herbs that should be absolutely avoided, including bay leaves, clove, basil, clary sage, sage, marjoram, oregano, thyme and
wintergreen.

The following aromatic blends can be safely enjoyed after your
first trimester to positively affect your overall physical and
emotional well-being. Enjoy!

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Morning Sickness
********************
Select one of the following essential oils to alleviate nausea
and queasiness. Inhale either directly from the bottle or pour
up to 4 drops of one of the essential oils on a tissue and
breathe in. Repeat as needed.

-Peppermint
-Spearmint
-Lemon

********************
Indigestion
********************
To ease heartburn and gassy discomfort in your chest or
abdomen, pour 5 drops of lemon essential oil on a tissue and
inhale after your meal.

*****************
Stretch marks
********************
While it's true stretch marks cannot be prevented, this recipe
can help ease the itching and discomfort associated with them.
Pour the oil essences into a 60-ml bottle and add organic
vegetable oil to fill. Massage the area each morning and evening.

-3 drops Lavender
-2 drops Geranium
-2 drops Rosewood

********************
Skin problems
*****************
What has been called the "glow" of pregnancy can often wreak
havoc on your skin. Use the following recipes to aid your skin
problems. Pour the oil essences into a 60-ml bottle and add
organic vegetable oil to fill. Massage the afflicted area.

Itchy skin
-2 drops Roman Chamomile
-2 drops Lavender

Inflamed skin
-4 drops Roman Chamomile

Dry skin
-2 drops Lavender
-2 drops Geranium
-1 drop Rose Otto

******************
Back rub
******************
Enlist your partner to massage your back with the following
blend to ease muscle aches and tension. The recipe should be
made by pouring the oil essences into a 60-ml bottle, and then
adding organic vegetable oil to fill.

-3 drops Lavender
-2 drops Roman Chamomile

******************
Fatigue
******************
Need an added boost since giving up caffeine during your
pregnancy? This blend will give you a refreshing lift. Pour the
oil essences into a 60-ml bottle and add organic vegetable oil
to fill. Inhale during the day as needed. Anoint your solar
plexus and the sacrum.

-3 drops Grapefruit
-2 drops Orange
-2 drops Lavender

******************
Edema
******************
Swollen legs and feet, common in pregnancy and caused by the
build-up of fluid, can be eased with a gentle massage of the
following blend. Pour the oil essences into a 30-ml bottle and
add organic vegetable oil to fill. Gently massage the area. Be
careful not to massage deeply, as some pressure points in the
feet, ankles and legs can induce labor.

-3 drops Lavender
-2 drops Cypress
-2 drops Juniper

******************
Muscular cramps
******************
Ease leg cramps and other muscle aches with this aromatic
blend. Pour the oil essences into a 30-ml bottle and add
organic vegetable oil to fill. Massage the area. Again, be
careful not to massage deeply, as some pressure points in the
feet, ankles and legs can induce labor.

-3 drops Lavender
-3 drops Roman Chamomile


Watch for continuing articles in this "Aromatherapy and
Pregnancy" series in the months ahead.

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Visit www.aromalchemy.com/aromatherapy/ouroils.html to purchase
or read more about the essential oils used in these blends.
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In Good Health,
Francoise Rapp
www.aromalchemy.com

This article was originally published by Françoise Rapp in "The
Arom'Alchemy Newsletter," a weekly ezine dedicated to healthy
mind, body and soul through the use of aromatherapy and flower
essences. To subscribe, visit www.aromalchemy.com/education/index.html