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.

Here are a few other links you might find useful.
Essential Oil Use Postpartum - Part 1: for mama
20 Ways to Use Essential Oils for Pregnancy and Childbirth

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 Emulsifying Wax
4 oz Liquid (I used Neroli 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

Spinal Block Itchy Relief Salve

I had originally read that myrrh would be helpful in expelling toxins (aka drugs) out of your system after a c-section. Rubbing it on your legs, would help getting your feeling back so you could be up walking around faster. My hospital had me in compression boots, so I did not have the opportunity try it on my legs, but did find out that it worked wonders on my itchy stomach and back.

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. 

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

Spinal Block Itchy Relief Salve

1/4 Cup Coconut oil
1/4 Cup Olive Oil or other carrier oil
1 TBS beeswax
1/8 tsp Vitamin E
12 drops Myrrh
3 drops Frankincense

Melt the oils and wax in a double boiler (or a glass container set in a saucepan of boiling water). Pour into a glass storage container and add the vitamin E and essential oils. If you would like a thicker salve, use 2 TBS beeswax. I usually like my slaves thicker, however when using this, I enjoy a thinner mix that is easier to spread since I start using it while stuck in a bed after a major surgery on my abdomen. It is hard to reach all those itchy areas, so remember to ask for help!

I applied it hourly during the day but took an antihistamine at night so I could sleep without being interrupted to apply the salve. Antihistamines can decrease your supply, so be aware. I used Clary Sage to get my milk started and did not see an issue with the antihistamines while at the hospital.

Cure for Cancer

ESSENTIAL OILS IN THE NEWS

Found at BBC World News 2/9/2010

"Scientists have observed that there is some agent within Frankincense which stops cancer spreading, and which induces cancerous cells to close themselves down."
Frankincense breaks down into 17 parts, or active agents. The key is to find what specific part kills cancer cells and leaves the healthy ones alone. 

Peventing Bread Mold

ESSENTIAL OILS IN THE NEWS

Found at Well Being (Australia) 6/9/2014

"One of the preservatives used in breads has been calcium propionate. It is an agent that preserves bread by preventing the growth of mould. There has been concern raised about this substance, particularly in terms of its effect on children." 

In the study researchers put preservative free bread in edible plastic films that included Clove and Oregano EOs. They also stored bread that had propionate as a preservative without the treated covering. After 10 days the preservative had lost its effectiveness but the EO treated bag continued to keep that bread mold free.

They summarize that it still is better to make your own bread at home, but there is hope that EOs will continue to be a natural solution. Hopefully with more studies like this, EOs will become a larger part of our society!

EOs Used: Clove and Oregano 

Crown Rot in Bananas

ESSENTIAL OILS IN THE NEWS

Found at Fresh Plaza 6/6/2014

The study was testing the prevention of fungal development in the crown (top/stem) of bananas. They found that "the fungal development was reduced by 100% in bananas treated with thyme and cinnamon essential oil at 4% concentration"

EOs included: Cinnamon, Thyme, Bitter Almonds, Sweet Almonds