Saturday, January 16, 2016

Cesarean and Essential Oils

Before We Start:
Discuss the use of EOs with your OB. And as always, Do. Your. Research! Read here at the National Association Holistic Aromatherapy for some great information. Robert Tesserand, who is quoted on the NAHA page, also has a great blog.  Because of my reading not only the articles but the comments which he quite often replies to, all my recipes now have EOs diluted to 1% or smaller to be safe for pregnancy, breastfeeding and children.

What I Use:
There are many expensive EOs listed in the recipes used below. Use what you have and don't fret about spending hundreds to get them all in one go. My first recommendation would be to get frankincense, followed by helichrysum. 

 I started using Spark Naturals, but after finding Robert Tesserand's blog and seeing how "therapeutic grade" is thrown out by several users of different MLM companies, even the ones that do not have it trademarked, I would give some other stores a try. First was Appalachian Valley Natural Products and it is my favorite by far. Great range of products with a great price. Plus, you can get 3 free samples per order. The more expensive EOs do cost a small amount for a 3/10ML sample, but it would be a great way to try them out for any of these recipes! (That is how I am adding Manuka EO this time!) 

I also use some Plant Therapy which I can get many on Amazon Prime. And if I cant wait for two day shipping, I stop by our chiropractor who carries the NOW brand. 

EO That Benefit Cesareans: All these oils contribute to good moods through driving away feelings of depression or anxiety, promote relaxation, and often helps a person feel less worn out.

Myrrh is known for being all around helpful to your stomach. It will help stimulate your digestive system and helps relive gas (which in turn speeds up digestion.) This is a much needed benefit to c-sections moms! Myrrh helps remove access water which is great for those struggling with water retention. 

The biggest benefit, and why I use it in the spinal block itchy relief lotion is that I had read a couple places that it helps push anesthesia out of your system. I was hopefully but because I had only seen it a few places, I did not know if the information was accurate. I have no scientific proof, but the salve that I made last time took away the itchy feeling that comes from the anesthesia. I was not able to test if I was able to get up and walk fast because another health issue prevented me from trying, but I am excited to try it this next time!

Frankincense also helps receive gas and constipation. It also increases the effectiveness of other essential oils use in combination.

Helichrysum is an amazing oil for skin and wounds. It does everything. It is a Antispasmodic which helps muscle cramps like afterbirth pains, eliminates blood clots which is very important as you laying in bed for the next few hours unable to get your body moving, anti-inflammatory, speeds healing while reducing the visibility of scars, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and promotes a healthy spleen which in turns helps prevent against anemia.
Manuka oil has the same benefits as using Manuka honey on your skin. It is anti bacterial, anti inflammatory, speeds healing by promoting new cell growth, reduces appearance of scars, helps reduces pain in muscles (such as your freshly cut abs!) and even helps prevent itching. 

Melissa is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, relieves bloating and cramping associated with gas, helps sweat out toxins, boost immunity, and regulates blood pressure. 
Neroli is antiseptic, antibacterial, lowers blood pressure, relives gas, reduces scars, antispasmodic, boost immune system, and maintains proper circulation.

Rose is antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, and antibacterial. Helps to stop the flow of blood from wounds and cuts by contracting the blood vessels, speeds healing of wounds, purifies blood of toxins, and is a laxative. It of course, is also known for reducing scars and other wonderful skin effects.

Lavender is antibacterial, helps with after pains as your uterus shrinks down to size, helps in restoring hormonal balance, improves circulation, and improves intestine function by getting the food moving and helping with gas. It also speeds healing of wounds and helps the formation of scar tissues.

Calendula is only used as an infusion, but I thought I would include why I used it too. It is a antispasmodic and speeds healing while reducing the visibility of scars.

To infuse an oil, witch hazel or hyrosol, place dried herb in a bowl or mason jar. Do not use fresh ingredients 
because the natural moisture in the herb will be released and eventually cause the infusion to go rancid. Fill container 1 to 2" above the height of the herb, seal and let sit in a dark, cool and dry place for 2 to 6 weeks. I do a short amount of time for liquids and longer for oils. 







NOTES: 

*Original recipe found at Birch Hill Happenings.

*Great for prepping your skin for surgery too. Start 3 to 4 weeks for surgery. A simple alternative is just spraying a helichrysum hydrosol on the area.

*Use once wound has fully healed.

*For a less greasy formula, cut the coconut oil in half or replace with a lighter oil like apricot (though it will be a touch thinner as well.

*Combava Petitgrain Kaffir Lime is a cheaper alternative to Neroli.












NOTES:

*Lasts longer when stored in fridge so before and after my hospital stay I will store it there. Use it hourly while awake.

*Oils in this blend can help with cramps (after pains), gas and constipation, on top of healing your wound so use as need. I use it at least once per hour while I am awake.













NOTES:

*Use as needed to relive itch leaving at least 15 minutes in between uses. I sometimes used it frequently and other times went hours in between.



























Essential Oil Uses for Pregnancy and Birthing 

Masks

These are my most used masks. I do not always stick right to the recipe; sometimes I mix ingredients around, but I do not tend to move outside this list. 







Lotions, creams and salves

Healing Salve:
Based on Camp Wander's All Purpose Healing Salve for an 8oz wide mouth jar.


Ingredients
1/2 Cup Coconut Oil
1/2 Cup Carrier Oil
1/4 Cup Beeswax

Essential oils: (59 drops = 1%)
14 drops Lavender
10 drops Lemon
8 drops Melaleuca
6 drops Benzoin {protects open wounds from infections, prevents sepsis}
6 drops Sea Buckthorn {hemostatic, anti-inflammatory}
6 drops Manuka {strong antifungal and antiseptic}
4 drops Frankincense

Directions:
Melt coconut oil, olive oil and beeswax in double boiler. It also works to use a tall mason jar in a sauce pan. Melt slowly and stir occasionally. Once melted, remove from heat.  Let sit for a while, but not long enough for it to solidify. While waiting, put the essential oils in the 8oz jar.
Fill jar, stir, and cover with paper or dish towel over night. If you need it faster put it in the fridge or freezer. Store in cool dark place for the longest shelf life.


Whipped Body Butter:
Ingredients
1/2 Cup Cocoa Butter
1/4 Cup Coconut Oil
1/4 Cup Carrier Oil

Essential oils: (59 drops = 1%)
My favorite combos are...
25 drops Lavender and 15 drop Juniper Berry {Great for mental and physical relaxation.}
35 drops Jeddy's Blend or LRX and 15 drops Birch {Perfect for stiff and sore muscles, and migraines.}

Directions:
Melt oils and butter in double boiler. Remove from heat. Use mixer to blend all together, add EOs and give it a quick mix again. Put the bowl in the freezer to chill until the top layer has started to harden. Blend once more and put back into the freezer for another couple minutes. Blend again and put into jars.

Pump-able Lotion:
This combination is specifically for dry winter skin.

Ingredients
3 oz Carrier oil infused with Calendula
1 TBS E
mulsifying Wax
4 oz Liquid (I used N
eroli hydrosol and Witch Hazel with Rose)

Essential oils: (41 drops make 1%)
2 drops Helichrysum
2 drops Frank
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Melissa

Directions:
Melt oils and was in double boiler. Remove from heat and