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Sunday, May 15, 2011

Essential oils during the childbearing years-Jasmine Oil

One study showed an increase in blood pressure, breathing rate, and oxygen saturation.  It also had an arousing affect.  Because of that, I would suggest using Clary sage or lavender to help with relaxation during labor instead of Jasmine.   This is a difference that I found between the research literature(which describe it as a stimulant) and other sources I've found on the web.  In either case, there are other reasons to use Jasmine other than relaxation.

This may be an oil that could be useful before getting an epidural to help counteract the effects of the epidural.  This may be something that is useful during the pushing stage to help decrease fatigue and increase oxygen in the mom.  Also, this may be an oil that could be used when the babies heart rate is dipping and may need more oxygen.  This could also help increase the mothers stamina during this time.

This may also be useful to help with post-partum depression or baby blues.

I think a blend of Jasmine and orange oil may be useful for all the situations described above.

Some anecdotal uses: It has been said to strengthen uterine contractions and helps relieve the pain.  This also may be useful afterwards to help contract the uterus and decrease the pain of afterpains.  It also is said to help increase milk supply.  I also read that it helps increase elasticity, so using it during pushing to decrease tears could be a plausible use.  It may also help your skin afterwards and decrease stretch marks.

If it helps to regulate contractions, this may also help move early labor along, while giving the mom more energy and stamina.

It is also said to be an aphordisiac, which makes sense if it increases alertness and decreases depression.  So for those who care about that, there you go.

One site I found also claimed that it increases metabolism and helped increase weight loss.

Jasmine oil also helps with painful or irregular periods as well as decrease other symptoms of pms.

Precautions:  Jasmine does not usually cause allergic reactions, but it could.  Also, this is not a good oil to use during pregnancy

References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20184043
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20184043
http://chemse.oxfordjournals.org/content/26/3/239.long
http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/jasmine.htm
http://www.essential-oil-goddess.com/jasmine-essential-oil.html
http://teaguidebook.com/the-medicinal-purposes-behind-jasmine-tea/
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-jasmine-essential-oil.html

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Birth is a Journey: Does it have to be life changing?


  • One woman might have to climb on an overfilled boat, risking her life and nearly dying as she escapes over the ocean to come to this land. This experience could certainly be life altering. It may very well color the rest of her life, positively or negatively. (I overcame this amazing struggle and here I am triumphant! OR Holy crap, that was SO hard I don’t know if I can go on! By the way, neither response is “right”. No one would judge the woman with the 2nd response.)
  • One woman may buy an airplane ticket, sit on a comfortable 747 and fly to America with a nice smooth flight and landing. She is happy to be in America. Those welcoming her are glad she is here safe and sound. She may only travel by plane 2-4 times in her life, so it is pretty memorable. But the journey itself probably wouldn’t be life changing; it would simply be a journey.
  • One woman may learn to fly an ultra-light plane to lead a flock of geese into America teaching them to migrate. This experience could certainly be empowering and life altering.