Endometriosis

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), about 10% of women have endometriosis, 20% of whom have chronic pelvic pain, and 24% to 50% have difficulty getting pregnant. This is a huge number of women, but the numbers could be even higher since many women have endometriosis that is asymptomatic; a woman may only know there is a problem because she can’t get pregnant, and then undergo medical testing to find out that she has the condition.

Endometrial tissue can potentially be deposited in a variety of locations within the abdominal cavity; sometimes it can cause excruciating pain, or it can be completely painless. Here's the irony of endometriosis: some women may have no symptoms at all and still have a lot of endometrial tissue, while others may suffer from hell and have only minimal endometrial deposits. It all depends on where these deposits have attached themselves and how close they are to nerves.

The only reliable diagnosis is made through laparoscopy, an endoscopic examination that, by inserting a thin tube equipped with optical fibers into the skin, allows the abdominal cavity to be examined. The purpose of this examination is to look for the clusters of cells that normally line the uterus - the endometrium - that have managed to penetrate the abdominal cavity and attach themselves to internal tissues and organs, namely the fallopian tubes, ovaries, intestines, urethra... Practically everywhere. These cells cause the formation of scar tissue and can cause pain, depending on where they are located and which nerves are involved. How these rebellious cells manage to move elsewhere is a mystery and to this day there are several conflicting theories on the matter.

Symptoms of endometriosis include the following: chronic pelvic pain , abdominal cramps , painful periods , painful intercourse , painful ovulation , back pain , heavy or irregular periods, painful joints , shoulder pain , infertility , miscarriages, hot flashes, PMS, bloating , rectal bleeding, painful bowel movements and urination, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, dizziness and vertigo, depression, apathy and irritability… And that’s not even the whole list! Every woman experiences unique and particular symptoms, as the rebellious endometrial cells could be anywhere, causing pain (or not at all), which can vary greatly in its severity. The unique thing about endometriosis is that it profoundly affects a woman’s experience of femininity. Experiencing pain during intercourse is anything but sexy. Plus, having severe period pain and potentially feeling sick at any time during the month makes it really hard to live your day-to-day life. Many women have to plan their schedules around their periods because they know they won't be able to do anything during those days - no visiting friends, no traveling, no partying, no nothing - and will have to stay in bed, in pain, with a hot water bottle on their stomach and a duvet pulled up over their heads.

If all this sounds all too familiar, take heart in the fact that essential oils can definitely help you deal with this problem.

The general treatment plan for endometriosis includes regular gentle exercise (such as swimming) and eating nutritious, quality foods , cutting out all junk food, and taking vitamin and mineral supplements and daily probiotics. Endometriosis is one of those conditions that can be a personal challenge, as it forces a woman to adopt a positive attitude toward self-healing and actively apply any home treatments. You may also want to consult a qualified therapist who understands the condition, has accurate information, and uses only the highest quality, pure essential oils. However, many women do not have access to professional help but can manage their condition at home using equally excellent essential oils.

It would be a good idea to ask a friend to help you with massages, which have a wonderful anti-stress effect.

Essential Oils for Endometriosis:

• Basil linalool (Ocimum basilicum ct. linalool)
• Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)
• Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
• Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
• Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum)
• Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)
• Common chamomile (Matricaria recutita)• Damask rose (Rosa damascena)
• Rose, absolute (Rosa centifolia)
• Juniper , berries Vuniperus communis)
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
• Eucalyptus radiata (Eucalyptus radiata)
• Neroli (Citrus aurantium)
• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
• Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)
• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
• Caraway (Carum carui)
• Sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare var. sweet)
• Cloves (Syz) gium aromaticum)
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
• Cardamom (Elettaria cardamonum)
• Dill , seeds (Anethum graveolens)
• Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides)

The endometriosis program involves several approaches, including treatment with alternating hot and cold sitz baths . Run warm - but not boiling - water into the bathtub, and prepare a bowl of cold water on the side. A baby tub or dish basin will work; basically, you'll need to dip your bottom in and sit down. Ideally, the water should be waist-high; with some creativity, you can find a solution that works for you, such as a baby bathtub or a large plant pot, available at a garden center!

The sitz bath method is used for many disorders affecting the lower abdomen. Although it is sometimes not advisable to alternate hot and cold water, it is still a proven and highly effective form of hydrotherapy .

There is nothing better. Due to the sudden change in temperature, this method should not be used in cases of high blood pressure, deep vein thrombosis, arteriosclerosis and all heart diseases. If you suffer from any of these problems, opt for another type of treatment.

Endometriosis Mix: Sitz Bath

Geranium 12 drops
Centifolia rose 6 drops
Cypress 3 drops
Helichrysum 6 drops
Nutmeg 3 drops
Clary sage 6 drops

Mix the essential oils. Add 5 drops of the mixture to a sitz bath of warm water, shaking well with your hand to make sure there are no oil droplets floating on the surface. Add 2 teaspoons ( 10 ml ) of rose water to the sitz bath of cold water.

The purpose of alternating hot and cold sitz baths is to cause the blood vessels to dilate and contract, in succession.

One hot soak plus one cold soak is one cycle. Try to complete three to five cycles per session. Soak in each sitz bath for two minutes before switching to the next. Ideally, the water should be up to waist level, or as close to that level as possible. You may need to add a little boiling water to the hot sitz bath to maintain the temperature, but of course the water should not be scalding hot; always test before you immerse yourself.

If for practical reasons this is not possible, you can compromise by applying hot and cold compresses using ice packs or hot water bottles or for example our seed pillows which can be heated or cooled (anything will do, as long as they are made of a flexible material). If you have nothing else, simply use a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a thin towel and alternate with a warm, damp towel. Whatever type of compress you use, place it on the sacral area, which is at the lower end of the spine, just above the coccyx. Start with the cold compress and hold it in place for five minutes, then apply the hot compress for another five minutes.

This method offers the advantage of being able to alternate hot and cold compresses, but cannot be used with essential oils.

To reach a compromise, you can still apply an ice pack instead of a cold sitz bath and take a warm sitz bath with the addition of essential oils.

The second part of the treatment involves a massage to be performed twice a day with the following mixture. Dilute the doses of oils indicated in 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) of carrier oil and use the necessary quantity for each application, massaging all over the abdomen and hips.

Massage blend for endometriosis:

Body oil
Rose absolute 5 drops
Clary sage 10 drops
Roman chamomile 2 drops
Geranium 10 drops
Lavender 8 drops

If your period pain is particularly severe , prepare another body oil in a separate bottle, this time using double the amount indicated on the expected date of your period. This doubly potent oil can be used three times a day on the entire abdomen and hips. Even if you are at work, take the bottle with you and apply the oil during your lunch break. So, no excuses; the goal is to rebalance your reproductive cycle and, possibly, your fertility.

For aches and pains, you can also try our Moon Balm ointment. The combination of evening primrose , arnica and sage helps balance hormones , relieve muscle pain and soothe premenstrual tension . Vetiver and ylang-ylang work together to calm the nervous system, supporting the mind and body in effectively managing stress.

If you also suffer from abdominal swelling , especially premenstrual, use the following mixture. Apply twice a day, morning and evening, on the abdomen and hips. The essential oils in this mixture help reduce water retention .

Endometriosis Swelling Blend:

Cypress 5 drops
Caraway 2 drops
Rosemary 3 drops
Juniper, berries 3 drops
Peppermint 2 drops

Mix the essential oils, then dilute 5 drops in 1 teaspoon ( 5ml) of carrier oil.

 

This article includes extensive excerpts from "The Big Book of Essential Oils." All additional thoughts and additions are provided by the blog author.

The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. It is recommended to consult a doctor before using any product or remedy.