Some of you may have experience with essential oils, some of you may be questioning what essential oils even are. For me, a birth doula, a baby raiser, a workaholic, and much more, oils are magic for my busy life. I use essential oils in my home, with my family, with children, with my coworkers.....just about for everything. These plant based medicines are a perfect alternative for everyone!
Let's first touch the basics. Essential oils are highly concentrated forms of the natural oils that come from plants. The plants go through a distillation process, then creating a super oily and super potent version of the original plant. But how are they used? There are so many ways to use essential oils, its crazy. But you must always remember to be cautious when using them, especially with children. Diluting oils with a carrier oil is always the best recommendation. You can dilute these using carrier oils such as jojoba oil (my personal favorite), fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or olive oil. Here are some of my favorite ways to use them.
Disclaimer! I am not a doctor and I do not have a medical degree. I have been trained through the Brilliant Birth Academy in their Essential Oils Course for Birth Workers, and I have tested these oils/blends in my own home. (My two year old niece cannot go to sleep with out her "lavie", as she calls it, on the bottom of her feet.) Please be cautious when using oils, and always remember less is more.
For labor:
Nausea: Peppermint (in small doses), Lemon, or Rosewood. These are most effective when inhaled. A diffuser can be used or even a damp cloth or cotton pad under the nose.
Back pain: Peppermint (in small doses) or Lavender. Best when used with a carrier oil for a massage from partner or doula.
Stalled Labor: Clary Sage, Myrrh, or Jasmine. (all in small doses) These are best used in small increments with a carrier oil. Apply to ankles, or topically along the fundus. These oils are to be used little by little to insure the safety of the mother.
Uterine Discomfort: Lavender or Frankincense. Massage over fundus with carrier oil or soak cloth in warm water and oil then apply to uterus area.
Fear and Anxiety: Ylang Ylang, Lavender, Geranium, or Chamomile. Use in massage with carrier oil or diffuser to calm and ease tension.
Temperature Support: Patchouli, Peppermint, Lavender, and Frankincense. Dilute with a carrier oil and put all oils together in a roll on bottle. Apply to the feet and back of the spine. Perfect for kids!
Sleeplessness: Lavender or Chamomile. Mix with carrier oil in roll on bottle. Apply to feet. Kids think it's a fun time getting tickles to their feet before bed.
All-Purpose Cleaner: Lemon, Spearmint/Peppermint, and Rosemary. In a spray bottle with water and vinegar.
Makeup Remover: Lavender, Rose, or Chamomile. Mix with water, witch hazel, carrier oil, essential oil, in a jar with cotton pads.
Focus: Cedarwood, and Frankincense. Used best when inhaled. Or in roll on bottle with carrier oil, applied to the temples of the head.
Headaches: Peppermint. Used in a roll on bottle with carrier oil to the temples of the head.
Oils are most commonly used on the bottom of the feet, the temples of the head, the nape of the neck, the back/spine area, ankles, and behind the ears. Again, be very careful when trying essential oils. Start by testing small areas of the body with small amounts of oil to test before decided which oils will be best fit for you and your family. These magic oils have endless benefits. I strongly urge you all to look into the health benefits of these oils and the many uses for them!
xLove and Light Always,
Olivia
