Essential Oils and Herbal Extracts in Care Products

I have a chart on this... but it's packed away! I have preemies, so I do know to pass along to watch for the essential oils. I found out recently to watch for the herbs used in cooking and herbal teas.

Lush does use fragrance in many of their products = pthalates. I thought LUSH was this great "all-natural" shop, but you really need to research their ingredients.

I also agree with the EWG's database ( http://safecosmetics.org )as a resource, you can learn a lot about which products have potential for disrupting fertility, etc. I know there is a brand of shampoo/conditioner, etc (Aubrey?) that uses no pthlalates, and no parabens. The essential oils are usually in such small amounts, I don't think I'd be overly concerned. It's when you slather them all over your entire body that they seep into your system (like the baby boys who were developing breasts from the lavender oil their moms were putting on them).

You could also see a naturopath about fertility. I see one and when I was ready to conceive again, she did a full evaluation of my diet/lifestyle and gave me ideas for nutrition, etc. She also told me that mental health and stress were factors to consider, which helped me relax and just take things easy. It took me less than 3 months the second time around as opposed to 6+ months the first time!

Keep in mind most women will experience a miscarriage (although most attribute it to a late period), so it might have just been a chromosonal issue for you last year.

I've learned to be diligent about what I put in and on my (and my family's) body--but if I think about it too much, there are toxins that we just can't avoid. The best we can do is take good care of our selves and stay emotionally balanced.

The other thing to consider is how many women out there are using mass-produced, chemical-laden, products and eating fast-food, and non-organic produce and are still conceiving easily and having (seemingly--let's hope truly) healthy babies... there are many more of them than overly conscious ones! You're doing what you know is right, and staying less stressed about it will help you.

Best wishes for a happy healthy baby soon!

Hi - you may find the answer to some of your questions regarding 'What's in your personal care products.' http://www.safecosmetics.org (just copy the link and paste into your web browser,) I hope this helps. Have a blessed day.
J.

I would talk to a homeopathic doc if you have not done so already. They could probably give you a wealth of info. Make sure if you arent doing so already to use deodorant that is all natural. free from allumium and what not. I have heard such horrible things about that. Lush sells all natural products...deodorant, shampoo, body wash, soaps etc.. that are wonderful all handmade. diffinitly worth checking out. good luck!!

External use of essential oils and herbs should not impact your fetus' health or ability to conceive. You're not ingesting them and the amounts used are so small. Relax, take a deep breath and enjoy the moments with your son. Sometimes we get so busy with 'child number one' that our body knows best and conception just doesn't occur because we want it to. Continue to take your pre-natals to make sure you're getting enough folic acid (important for fetus health, spina bifida) before you get pregnant. Life is busy with your boy, your work and life at home. Take good care of yourself, don't obsess and let the miracle happen when it happens.

Check out www.westonaprice.org for an interesting take on diet and nutrition. I've been slowly switching over and am convinced every day that it's the best thing I've done for myself pretty much ever.

Good luck!

Hi Colleen....
Try www.herbs/pregency.com or Google herbs/pregency and you'll get LOTS of helpful sites...

Good Luck,
C. M.Hamlin
Cave Junction,OR.

This is the kind of advice you need to ask a naturopath...I have a great one....Dr. Pamela Plank,###-###-####, she's in Lake Oswego but i wouldn't go to anyone else with these kind of questions... good luck!

Colleen,

As far as resources for herbal assistance during pregnancy, I suggest Susan Weed's Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Years book. Also, R. Gladstar's Herbal Healing for Women contains a whole list of helpful herbs and ones to avoid. Aviva Jill Romm's Natural Pregnancy book is a great one to get a holistic perspective on pregnancy and conception.

Also see this article, "Herbal Allies for Pregnancy Problems" featured part-way down the page:

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/Weed_letter_Jan-02....

Hope this helps.

Warmly,
K.
www.flowtohealth.net

Hi Colleen,
I don't think I would worry about the small amounts of herbal oils and extracts put into lotions, etc; In fact, I think it's proven that stress and worry are the largest factors in some women not conceiving. I myself have had 5 children, and came from a family of 10 children myself, and back when I was having my five, as well as when my mother was having her 10, we knew none of the claims we now see floating around. All of mine were healthy, as well as my siblings. Sometimes, I just feel there is over-thinking of conceiving and when it doesn't happen immediately, people start to worry. Just try to relax, and let nature take it's course, and I'll bet you'll be pregnant in no time. Look back to the early part of the century and how large all the families were (8+ children) and they continued living as they normally had. I just feel there's too much stress put on the pregnant women to "do this, and do that", instead of just telling her to enjoy her life. Of course, I do totally believe in being sure to take your pre-natal vitamins, and eat a healthy diet, and get good rest. If you do these things, you should have a healthy pregnancy, and a very healthy baby. My best wishes to you, as you start this wonderful new journey.