The answer to your ailment may lie in the magic of essential oils
Candidiasis
Candida albicans is a harmless yeast (fungus) present in our bodies from birth. Occasionally it grows excessively and causes health problems. Thrush, an infection of the mucous membranes, is the most common symptom. It sometimes affects the mouth (especially in babies) but is more usually found in the vagina. Men can transmit thrush even though they may show no symptoms, so it is important to treat both partners.
As well as using the following blend, it is important to eat 750ml of yoghurt and take a multi-B vitamin tablet daily. Thrush in a baby’s mouth can be treated with yoghurt and gentle swabbing with chamomile tea.
Essential oils: Cedarwood, Eucalyptus globulus, geranium, helichrysum, lavandin, lavender, lemon, manuka, rosemary ct. verbenone, rosewood, tea tree
Douche: In a non-reactive bowl, combine 2 drops manuka, lavender or tea tree essential oil, 20ml plain yoghurt and 5ml water. Mix thoroughly. Insert into the vagina using a needleless syringe, or roll an unbleached organic cotton tampon in the mixture and insert into the vagina.
You can also double the recipe and freeze it in an ice-cube tray that makes small cubes. Be sure to wear a sanitary pad or panty-liner to catch the discharge. Follow with a shower.
Tip: You can find ice-cube trays online that make smaller, egg-shaped ‘cubes’ or water-bottle ice sticks.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis, in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows elsewhere in the abdomen, can be an acutely painful condition. Its numerous unpleasant symptoms include heavy and painful periods; internal bleeding; pain with sexual intercourse, ovulation and/or bowel movements; constipation, diarrhoea; infertility and more.
Aromatherapy treatments can often ease the pain and discomfort, but lifestyle changes – diet, more exercise, and vitamin and mineral supplements – are also advised.
Essential oils: Roman chamomile, clary sage, cypress, geranium, juniper, lavender
Sitz bath: A daily sitz bath, alternating between hot and cold water, will stimulate the pelvic region. Fill tub with enough hot water to cover your lower abdomen. Fill with cold water a basin big enough to sit in and place on the floor alongside the tub.
Meanwhile, in a small non-reactive bowl, combine 2 drops each geranium, clary sage and cypress essential oils and 5ml grapeseed oil.
Add to tub and agitate to disperse oils, then sit in bath for 10 minutes. Then sit in the cold water (with no essential oils added) for 5 minutes. Repeat.
If you would like to know more about endometriosis, please see here.
Fibrocystic breast disease
The symptoms of fibrocystic disease (which is not actually a disease but a common condition) are nodules or lumps in the breasts that can change in size and location. Sometimes there is soreness, swelling, pain and tenderness.
Lumpy breasts are often associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), as they appear to be caused by hormonal changes in the body. The lumps usually disappear at menopause (unless you are on a hormone replacement program). See your doctor for a breast examination and, if recommended, a mammogram.
Essential oils: Roman chamomile, cypress, geranium, lavender, patchouli, petitgrain, rose.
Breast massage oil:
30 drops lavender essential oil
20 drops chamomile essential oil
20 drops geranium essential oil
5ml passionflower oil
5ml jojoba oil
In a 10ml glass bottle, combine essential oils. Shake to blend. Add passionflower and jojoba oils and shake vigorously to combine. Store in a cool, dark place.
Menopause
Menopause is a normal condition of ageing. Symptoms may begin 1 to 3 years before periods and ovulation cease (perimenopause) and may continue for several years afterwards. Menopause is one of the biggest changes in a woman’s life.
When the symptoms – mood swings; hot flashes; night sweats; drying of the skin, mucous membranes and vagina; insomnia, anxiety; loss of libido – are coupled with other major changes, such as children leaving home, it can be a stressful and emotional time.
Thankfully, aromatherapy for women with many of these symptoms has proven to be helpful.
Hormonal balance blend:
30 drops borage seed oil
30 drops clary sage essential oil
30 drops geranium essential oil
23 drops bergamot essential oil
In a 5ml glass bottle, combine borage seed oil and essential oils. Shake to blend. (Discard any unused blend after 6 months.) Fill tub with warm water.
Meanwhile, in a small non-reactive bowl, combine 5ml milk and 4 to 6 drops of the Hormonal Balance Blend. Add to tub and agitate to disperse oil, then soak for 30 minutes, massaging any floating droplets of oil into your skin.
Dysmenorrhoea
Dysmenorrhoea means painful menstruation, often with disabling cramps.
Essential oils: Angelica, chamomile,. Clary sage, fennel, geranium, ginger, lavender, marjoram, myrtle (green or orange), rose, tea tree, yarrow
Prevent cramps blend:
15 drops marjoram essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops clary sage essential oil
In a 5ml glass bottle, combine oils. Shake to blend. In a small non-reactive bowl, combine 10ml grapeseed or sweet almond oil and 6 drops of the Prevent Cramps Blend.
Mix well and massage very firmly over your lower back, abdomen, feet and ankles. Apply twice daily.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
You may be agreeably surprised by the benefits you receive from using these essential oils along with appropriate herbal remedies and stress management techniques. Use this massage treatment for 8 to 10 days before your period is due.
PMS blend:
12 drops mandarin essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops geranium essential oil
1 drop rose essential oil
In a 5ml glass dropper bottle, combine essential oils. Shake to blend. In a small non-reactive bowl, combine 20ml grapeseed or sweet almond oil and 8 drops PMS Blend.
Mix well and massage over your body.
Nerys Purchon and Lora Cantele are the authors of The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness, from which this extract is reprinted with kind permission.
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