by Elizabeth A. McCormack
Copyright 1999
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 1st 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.
|
USE |
Oil (Common name) |
Oil (Latin binomial) |
special instructions |
|
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 |
Melaleuca 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 rosaeodora |
|
|
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.
(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.
(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.
(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
PROBLEM: 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.
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
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
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
beth mccormack. (BLISSLET@aol.com
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This article was apparently incompletely formatted and not indexed when it was originally written. I have finished the formatting and provided an index to the local case histories:
-Michel Vanhove
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