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

Using Essential Oils For Anxiety/Stress During the Childbearing Years

Research Supported and Anecdotal Uses

Lavender is probably the most studied essential for help for anxiety.  Some research has shown that it helps reduce the symptoms of anxiety just as much a lorazapam, a drug given to those with anxiety.   Part of what makes lavender oil appealing, is that is does not have the same side-effects as other drugs used to treat anxiety.  For instance, it does not have a sedative effect like many other drugs used(though it does help improve sleep).
"Lavandula oil preparation had a significant beneficial influence on quality and duration of sleep and improved general mental and physical health without causing any unwanted sedative or other drug specific effects. Lavandula oil preparation silexan is both efficacious and safe for the relief of anxiety disorder not otherwise specified. It has a clinically meaningful anxiolytic effect and alleviates anxiety related disturbed sleep." http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20512042

Beyond just the medical diagnosis of anxiety, Lavender has also been show to help with situations in which women may feel more anxiety.  Some studies that have been done have been in the dentist office, while taking tests, or watching high stress movies.  In all of these stress and anxiety were reduced.  It has also been shown to reduce anxiety both before and after surgery.

Research also been done that suggests that orange oil contributes to decreased anxiety levels.  Some studies have also shown a more positive mood and higher levels of calmness when orange oil was defused in a room.

Peppermint oil has not been studied much for anxiety purposes, but research has shown a link between peppermint and cognitive function.  Peppermint oil can help with stress and anxiety when mental fatigue is involved, and perhaps restlessness.  This would be an oil to use when fatigue is contributing to your anxiety and stress state.

Jasmine is another oil that may help with anxiety and stress are due to fatigue as it has been found to have stimulatory effects as well help uplift mood.

Rose oil also has a anti-anxiety effect, similar to lavender oil.

How to Use Essential Oils for Anxiety

It is hard to say which way of application is best, as most research has not looked at that.  Some of the ways in which it has been used in the studies mentioned are by inhalation, absorption and ingestion.  Most people will advise against ingestion due to preparations that are not pure.

A diffuser is a good way to use essential oils via inhalation, but you can also put a drop behind your ears or on your chest.  Doing this will allow you to both inhale the oil and absorb it through your skin.  Baths are also a good way to do this.

If you find that one oil does not work, experiment with different application methods and dosages.  But don't use too much, often there is a reverse affect if too much is used.

One study suggested that if used for long periods of time, the effects of the oil decrease, so it might be best to rotate which oil you are using.

Safety During Pregnancy/Lactation


You will find conflicting views on this due to the fact that it has not been studied much.  As Jasmine and Rose oil have been used to strengthen contractions, it is advised that you don't use this during pregnancy.  Peppermint also relaxes smooth muscle.  The uterus is a smooth muscle and some people will advise against using this during pregnancy for this reason.  Some also advise against using this during lactation because it may decrease milk supply.  Lavender and Orange oil are usually accepted as safe during pregnancy and lactation. 


Remember to enter my giveaway to get you free 1mL vials of four different oils specifically for anxiety.


Other Posts on These Essential Oils


 http://thebeginningofmotherhood.blogspot.com/2011/05/essential-oils-during-childbearing_30.html
http://thebeginningofmotherhood.blogspot.com/2011/05/essential-oils-during-childbearing_22.html
http://thebeginningofmotherhood.blogspot.com/2011/05/essential-oils-during-childbearing_14.html
http://thebeginningofmotherhood.blogspot.com/2011/05/essential-oils-during-childbearing_13.html
http://thebeginningofmotherhood.blogspot.com/2011/05/essential-oils-during-childbearing_09.html
http://thebeginningofmotherhood.blogspot.com/2011/05/essential-oils-during-childbearing.html


References


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21125006
http://www.jbc.org/content/285/31/23985
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14751465
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17689573
http://www.livestrong.com/article/445955-peppermint-oil-for-anxiety-depression/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18041606
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18041606
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11134689
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20211673
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21170695
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20614803
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19968674
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19962288
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19962101
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19382124
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19077833
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16095639
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15764002
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15587240
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12442972
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2575924

Essential Oil Giveaway

I've got one anxiety kit left that I have been selling.  I thought I'd offer it to you guys as a giveaway.  For those who want to enter, there are three things you can do.

1. Click Like on my facebook link on the right side of my page.
2. Start following my blog.
3. Post a link to my blog on your site.

Then post a comment telling me you what you did.  Pretty easy:)

The kit includes peppermint, orange oil, lavender and a blend with rose and jasmine oil in it.  You will get 1 mL of each of these.  Check back tomorrow because I'll be posting info on these oils too.

Essential oils during the childbearing years-Ginger Oil

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties.  Thus it may be good to use for a swollen perineum.  This can be added to a sitz bath afterwards along with lavender.  This may also be good to apply to a c-section wound to help reduce inflammation.

In one study I found, Ginger also decreased the length of the second stage of labor.

Ginger is safe to use in early pregnancy for morning sickness, but may need to be reapplied every 20m until symptoms subside.

Precautions:  May be irritating to sensitive skin.  It also can cause photosensitivity.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20149584
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19061005
http://books.google.com/books?id=QGqkHpUM6MMC&pg=PA223&lpg=PA223&dq=Ginger:+an+essential+oil+for+shortening+labour?&source=bl&ots=uXZJXsz_N6&sig=8AchDlX9OpDR1mfTn3eXIieTKmA&hl=en&ei=civTTfWaKbPTiALmpdjkCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CCEQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=Ginger%3A%20an%20essential%20oil%20for%20shortening%20labour%3F&f=false
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11694755

Essential oils during the childbearing years-Rose Oil

Rose oil appears to have the opposite affect of Jasmine.  It will decrease blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and breathing rate.  This suggests that it would be most useful to use as a way to relax or calm a mother.  This might be useful to use during transition or if a mother is feeling out of control.  Just having a drop in breathing rate will trigger a response that will help to decrease anxiety and feelings of fear.

Because of it's calming properties rose oil would be another good one to use for depression or anxiety after the baby is born also.

Anecdotal information says that rose oil helps to loosen ligaments which allows them to expand for more room in the pelvis.

Precautions:  Because of it's ability to decrease blood pressure, I would be careful if your blood pressure is dropping.  This would be an oil to avoid while getting an epidural also.  Some sources list this as an oil that you shouldn't use during pregnancy.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19370942
http://www.doterraoil.com/essentialoilsbirth.html
http://www.yourchildbirthguide.com/essential-oils-for-labor.html

Essential oils during the childbearing years-Orange Oil

Not much research has been done on orange oil, but most sites that I've looked at believe orange oil is safe in pregnancy and there is some anecdotal uses for it that I think are useful.

While peppermint is great for nausea during labor, it's not good to use during pregnancy as it may cause contractions.  Orange oil, on the other hand, is safe to use(though I would not recommend using it internally until it's safety has been verified during pregnancy), and one of it's uses is for nausea.  This makes it a good oil to use for morning sickness(along with a few others that I'll mention later).  Place a few drops of ornage oil on your pillow to help alleviate symptoms.  I would recommend using a vaporizer as that can be used more consistently throughout the day as needed.  During labor, it may be useful to mix orange oil with peppermint to get the added benefits of both oils.

It may also be useful for water retention.  So for those that tend to retain water, this could be used throughout the pregnancy.

One of it's most useful properties is the ability to bring about a sense of well being and help with stress.  Some studies have also shown a more positive mood and higher levels of calmness when orange oil was defused in a roomThis would be one that I would use for the second stage of labor or for a tired mom at the end of the day to help rejuvenate them.  Taking a warm bath with orange oil at the end of the day may be a good stress reliever.  Some research has been done to suggest that orange oil helps reduce stress, but other research has shown no difference.

This is another one that is useful for hypertension.  For those who have problems with high blood pressure, I would try orange, or clary sage before moving to more medical procedures.

This oil has also been purported to help with insomnia related to stress.  This is one that I would use when you wake up at the 3am hour and start worrying about the day:)

Precautions:  the main problem with orange oil is that it is photosensitivity.  Here's a good definition:
Photosensitivity: Some oils can also cause skin reactions if used on skin that is then exposed to ultraviolet light. These reactions are known as phototoxicity or photosensitivity and can vary in severity from mild brown blotches to severe burns. Reactions depend on ultraviolet light, rather than sunlight itself, and so exposure of the skin to daylight, even on a cloudy day, may well be enough to trigger a reaction. http://www.naturalhealthcourses.com/Reading_Room/contraindications.htm

http://www.karmakerala.com/ayurveda/pregnancy-therapy.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11134689
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21125006
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20211673
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16095639
http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/orange.htm
http://www.purelinatural.com/SweetOrangeOil.html
http://www.jessicawild.com/angel/?page_id=25
http://www.livestrong.com/article/433505-benefits-of-essential-orange-oil/

Essential oils during the childbearing years-Clary Sage Oil

Clary sage oil has an antidepressant effect.  I would find this useful for post partum depression.  It also helps to decrease feelings of stress.  Again, this would be useful in the postpartum stage as well as during labor.  This might also prove useful if a stressful situation arises during labor.  Like Lavender, it may help decrease stress and anxiety and therefore provide a better oxygenated environment for the baby.

Clary sage has also been found to be effective in alleviating labor pain.  I feel like it may also be beneficial for afterpains as it is said to help increase uterine contraction, while decreasing pain.  The woman can place a few drops on her hand and inhale it during contractions.

Another place Clary sage might be useful is during prelabor.  It might help a woman relax or get her labor into a more productive pattern.  A warm bath with clary sage and lavender might be useful at this time.  To help a woman get into a more productive labor pattern, try rubbing the oil on acupressure points to help in labor and put pressure on it.



It has also been found effective in treating menstral cramps.

Some antedotal uses I've found:
It helps bring about a feeling of peace and calm.  I thought this might be especially useful for those planning on useing hypnobirthing and have a harder time relaxing.  This may also help with post partum depression or just the baby blues.

Induces a feeling of relaxation...may be useful if a woman has had a long labor, or during predromal labor, to help her sleep.

It may also be useful if you are having problem with high blood pressure and get your circulation moving.

It may possibly help with infertility.

Precautions:  Clary sage is said to help stimluate the uterus and should not be used during pregnancy.  Use in moderation as it may produce symptoms of euphoria and headaches.  Clary sage and alcohol have a narcotic effect, so don't use both of these together.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T8D-5009P75-1&_user=10&_coverDate=07%2F06%2F2010&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=gateway&_origin=gateway&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=9d7b6fa186f6ad1e55907c2b62515477&searchtype=a
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11033651
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16884344
http://www.kgstiles.com/moreinfo/clarysage.htm
http://www.kgstiles.com/ResearchStudyStressICUNursesUsingLavender&ClarySageEssentialOilsPubDateSpring2008.pdf
http://lotusartswellness.com/blog/?p=1

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

Essential Oils during the childbearing years-Peppermint Oil

Peppermint works on the smooth muscles of the digestive tract to help relieve stomach pain and nausea/vomiting.  This may also help relieve these symptoms during labor without some of the side effects that other drugs may produce.  3-6 drops taken internally is what was used in research trials.  This is a lot to take unless you put them in caplets.  I would suggest inhalation of this amount, or putting six drops on the foot or behind the ear.  I have found that just using one drop in a glass of water or on the tongue(careful it feels like it burns sometimes).  Even inhalation of the oil helps relieve symptoms.  You may have to experiment with yourself to see what works the best.  Take every 20-40 m as needed until symptoms subside.
This may not be convenient for some bouts of nausea, so take this into consideration.  This is usually sufficient for nausea felt during labor.  If you are feeling really sick during labor, inhalation by diffusion may be the best idea.  Just set the diffuser to go off every 20-30 min or so(depending on when your symptoms return).

Smooth muscles also line the respiratory tract and may help relieve feeling of breathlessness along with lavender.  I would use this also if the babies heart rate is dropping.  This will help with anxiety for the mom, so she is not releasing stress hormones that shunt blood away from the mom as well as open up her respiratory tract to increase oxygen intake.

This may also be appropriate before an epidural as the epidural tends to drop blood pressure.  If you make sure that the blood supply to the uterus is good and that optimal oxygen is coming in, then that may help to offset that problem.

Peppermint also has a cooling sensation that may help if the woman is feeling hot.  It lasts longer than a wet clothe.  But might work best when applied by mixing water and 5-10 drops of oil and placing cloth over the forehead.

Peppermint oil along with eucalyptic oil showed an increase in cognative ability, had a muscle relaxing ability and helped people to relax mentally.  All of these may be especially useful during labor when a woman is needing more stamina or is feeling worn down.  I think of this being particularly useful during pushing, especially if it is prolonged.

It may be useful for pains like back labor.  A small amount could be rubbed on the back while using counter pressure.

Another use may be tension headaches.  Some studies have shown that topical application may also help just as much as Tylenol.  It may be useful to mix lavender with this also.  Just a note-this may not work as well with other types of headaches, but I have found that it does help to relieve the pain some.

Side effects: heartburn, cooling sensation, allergic reactions, dermatitis.  You need to be careful taking this during pregnancy because the uterus is also a smooth muscle and that may stimulate that muscle also.  It has been used to start menstration, so this is something I would be careful with unless you are term.  The amount used in teas and over the counter medications is safe.

Just something interesting...over 100 components of peppermint oil have been identified... menthol has been the main one studied.  This is found in Vicks, chapstick, toothpaste.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20488237
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3033541/pdf/GH-06-705.pdf
http://www.racgp.org.au/afp/200912/200912pirotta.pdf
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20233551
http://harvardpartnersinternational.staywellsolutionsonline.com/HealthNewsLetters/69,W0709f
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/0401/p1027.pdf
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1778324/pdf/archdisch00700-0014.pdf
http://archfami.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/7/6/598
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8805113

Essential Oils during the childbearing years-Lavender oil

Lavender Oil

More and more research is coming out on the ability of lavender oil to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and agitation.  In some studies, about 2 drops of lavender oil has been shown to be as effective as lorazapam, a common anti-anxiety drug.  If you look at the list of side effects from lorazapam, you can see why finding something different might be useful.

During labor, one study showed that lavender oil did not decrease the pain, but those who used it described more satisfaction with their pain control.  This may have to do with the ability of lavender oil to decrease anxiety levels.

Lavender oil can be used to help with anxiety or agitation before labor as well as during labor.  It might also help to promote sleep(agian related to it's ability to decrease anxiety).  To apply lavender at this time you can either use a diffuser, apply 2 drops on the soles of the foot(repeat about every 20m until symptoms pass), or put 5-7 drops of oil in a bathtub.

It also has been studied in the use of episiotomies.  In one small study 25 out of 60 women who used lavender oil reported no pain 10 days postpartum, versus 17 out of 60 who used providine-iodine.  Redness and inflammation were less in the group who used lavender oil which may suggest that it helped heal better.  Lavender oil can be used in a sitz bath, and it would also have the added benefit of decreasing anxiety in the new mother, which iodine does not.  Iodine has also been questioned as to it's actual ability to heal wounds.  Lavender oil is also an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.  Again, something that would be useful for wound healing.  It also has some use in relieving minor pains and discomforts.  To use in a sitz bath, use 5-7 drops of lavender oil in 4 L of water twice a day.

Some other uses for lavender(not researched based)
Stretch marks-apply oil three times a day and it helps to lighten the stretch marks.
Helping to calm a fussy baby.
Nipple soreness.

The major side effect of lavender oil is irritation to the skin or allergic reactions.  One way to decrease this is to keep the lavender oil in a sealed bottle when not in use and expose it to the air as little as possible.

Another important thing to note about lavender oil is that tends to act like estrogen.  Not a lot of research has been done to show what the effects of this may be, but there have been case studies that have linked the use of lavender oil and tea tree oil to prepubertal gynecomastia .  Not much is known, but I would bet that they used excessive levels on a daily basis.  

References:

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2318/10/49

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19125719

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21170695
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15144499
http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/1744-3881/PIIS1744388110000381.pdf
http://www.brighterdayfoods.com/PDFDocs/j/JRMU0UJ26H3H8PDWUGS7PDXMLJSS1JW4.PDF
http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2318-10-49.pdf
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16418554
http://hormones.gr/preview.php?c_id=691

Essential oils during the childbearing years

One thing that I have been becoming more interested in, is the use of essential oils during our childbearing years. I am teaching a class on this and thought I'd add info to this site as well.

Oils affect our bodies in a couple of different ways.  One way is just through the aroma.  Here's a good explanation of how this works.   

"Mechanisms of action of each essential oil is related to its

complex active substances. One of the means of action is the aroma of

these oils sent as a signal to the olfactory bulb which has close

anatomical ties to the limbic system. The limbic system is the

emotional center of the brain, where all major emotional expressions

are generated. The limbic system influences the endocrine and the

autonomic nervous".   http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/1744-3881/PIIS1744388110000381.pdf

Oils can also be absorbed through the skin.  It takes about 20-40 min for this to take effect.  Essentially that is about the same amount of time it takes for a Tylenol to work.  One of the best places for an oil to absorb is the foot since there are numerous pours that allow better absorption.

Ingestion is also a possibility, but I like to play it safe and not use this one unless I know a little bit more about the oil and how to use it.

The other thing to take into account is that essential oils are in and out of your system fairly rapidly, in about 60-90m.  Thus they may need to be reapplied frequently to have an effect.  The effect of essential oils is also dependent on how pure the oil is.  While more expensive, therapeutic grade oil should be used.

I'll be adding more posts on specific oils, so stay tuned....

I occasionally research the safety of alternative medication, including essential oils, so I've decided to post what I've found at my website. I'm not a doctor; although I make every attempt to ensure that the information here is accurate and up-to-date, please read my disclaimers at the bottom of this page.

Disclaimer: Most alternative medications have not been thoroughly researched, particularly in regard to pregnancy and birth. Herbs are drugs, and some caution is necessary. I am presenting this data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and am not liable for its accuracy nor for any loss or damage caused by a user's reliance on this information.