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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Essential oils for the childbearing years- using clary sage postpartum

One of the biggest reasons to use Clary sage oil afterbirth is to help with depression.  Some studies have shown that Clary Sage oil may have the ability to reduce symptoms of depression.  A long bath at the end of the day with some Clary Sage added, may help those who are looking for non-medical ways to treat their depression.

Because Clary Sage helps with contractions, I would think it would be useful for afterpains.  It could help the uterus contract while providing some pain relief.  This could be defused or place a small amount in a carrier oil on the soles of your feet.   You could also make a warm compress and place on your abdomen for even more comfort.

Some studies have also shown Clary Sage oil to be effective as an anti-fungal.  While it has not been tested in yeast infections during or after pregnancy, it may be something you could try before trying other medications.  Try mixing a few drops of Clary Sage with a carrier oil and put some where you have the yeast infection.  (If you are using it for a yeast infection on your nipples, make sure to clean it off before you breastfeed). 

Some sources have said that Clary Sage helps with varicose veins.  I am a little skeptical because vericose veins are caused by valves that do not function properly in the vein.  I'm not sure how Clary Sage could help with this.  I could see it helping with pain associated with varicose veins, though, and it may be useful to try with this.

One of the reasons that some say that Clary Sage helps with varicose veins is that it helps with circulation.  Particularly high blood pressure.  For this reason, using Clary Sage to help decrease blood pressure could be useful in preventing varicose veins as well as many other complications.  Some women who have pre-eclampsia will continue to have problems with blood pressure after the baby is born.  Clary Sage could be used to help with some of these problems.

Clary sage should not be used during pregnancy.  For some women, it has also decreased milk supply, so use it with caution while breastfeeding.  On the other hand, I have found some sites that will say it helps increase milk supply.  I have found varying opinions on this point, so just try and do what is best for you.



http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20441789
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-sage-essential-oil.htm

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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.