With Aromatherapy Awareness Week from June 5th – June 11th, it’s a great time to consider what aromatherapy is and how it can help individuals and couples who are trying to conceive.

‘Aromatherapy Awareness Week is an annual national campaign hosted by the International Federation of Aromatherapists(IFA) to raise awareness of the clinical benefits of aromatherapy. Returning for its 14th year running, it seeks to educate the public about the difference aromatherapy can make to your life and the lives of people in your care. The campaign is brought to life by a multitude of individuals and companies who come together to organise events and activities throughout the UK, drawing attention to the important role aromatherapy has in healthcare management. This awareness campaign is a unique opportunity for all clinical aromatherapists and service suppliers in the industry to do something pro-active to raise the profile of the health benefits of aromatherapy.’ (IFA)

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a healing treatment, which uses natural plant extracts in the form of essential oils, to treat physical and mental health issues. Although people have been using aromatherapy for thousands of years, recently, it has become more widely recognised again as a treatment for a variety of conditions.

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What are the main benefits of aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy. It can be used to treat the following conditions:

·      Stress

·      Depression

·      Psychiatric disorders

·      Low energy

·      Headaches

·      Poor sleep/insomnia

·      Weakened immune system

·      Pain

·      Digestive issues

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How can aromatherapy help with fertility?

It can be used in the following ways:

·     For stress relief

Although it’s unlikely that stress alone is the cause of infertility, reducing stress can increase the chances of successful fertility treatment. Aromatherapy oils, such as lavender, are widely used for stress relief. Lavender can be used in massage oils or sprayed onto your pillowcase.

·     To improve mood and increase energy

Citrus essential oils, like orange, lemon and grapefruit may help to increase energy and improve mood.

A room diffuser can disperse citrus oils into the air.

Peppermint oil is also energising, mood lifting and may help with headaches. It is also believed to be helpful for morning sickness.

It can be used in a diffuser, included in a massage oil, or added to lotions.

·     To increase libido/as an aphrodisiac

It is believed that sandalwood may increase male libido and act as an aphrodisiac for women.

Sandalwood can be used with a diffuser

·     To help with oestrogen production and reduce anxiety

Geranium essential oil may help with oestrogen production and help to relieve anxiety. It can be applied to the skin with a cream or used ina room diffuser.

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Are there any risks with aromatherapy oils?

It is wise to seek advice from a medical professional, before using essential oils.

Although aromatherapy oils are natural, side effects may occur, such as rashes,headaches or other allergic reactions.

Aromatherapy oils should not be ingested. They also need to be diluted, before applying them to the skin and a skin patch test done.

When using a diffuser, it is important to be mindful of others who may be sensitive, including pregnant women or animals.

It is advisable to avoid the following essential oils, when trying to conceive:

  • ginger
  • rosemary
  • basil
  • aniseed
  • birch
  • hyssop
  • camphor
  • rose
  • mugwort
  • parsley
  • juniper berry
  • jasmine
  • nutmeg
  • sage
  • pennyroyal
  • tansy
  • tarragon
  • thuja
  • wintergreen
  • wormwood

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Here at The IVF Network, we provide a wide range of information on topics related to infertility and conception, through our dedicated channel of experts, our website and our blog posts. We keep up to date on the latest developments, to help you to make informed choices on your personal fertility journey.

References

‘7 Essential Oils for Infertility’ by Catherine Crider, May 2020, Healthline

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT

https://www.healthline.com/health/essential-oil-for-fertility

‘10 Amazing Benefits Of Aromatherapy’ byJohn Staughton (BASc, BFA)

Last updated – January 31, 2020

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/benefits-of-aromatherapy.html

 

‘Aromatherapy Awareness Week 5th-11th June’ International Federation of Aromatherapists

https://ifaroma.org/en_GB/home/aromatherapy-awareness-week