Clary Sage can help ease stress and tension. It can strengthen contractions and make them more efficient. It is anti-spasmodic oil so can relieve cramp.
The Instruction Guide that comes with the Aromatherapy for Labour Kit explains exactly how to:
- keep you cool & calm with a refreshing spritz in the Birth-ease Atomiser. The atomiser is supplied empty and the instructions explain how to make a facial spritz using water and the essential oils. Store in the fridge for extra coolness.
- ease your contractions and labour pain, as well as healing after the birth with a scented aromatic bath
- relieve your stress by inhaling the aromas with a taper or steam inhalation
- create a calm and relaxing ambience by scenting your room
- cool down during contractions with a compress
- help healing with a lavender perineal wash after the birth
Aromatherapy for Labour Kit contains Lavender Essential Oil (5ml), Clary Sage Essential Oil (5ml) Birth-ease Atomiser (50ml empty) and Instruction Guide
In addition, chamomile and lavender, although usually very safe oils, must be avoided during the first trimester, but after that can be very beneficial for certain conditions.
Although the recommended essential oils for pregnancy and labour are fine to use in a vapouriser, we would advise that you consult a qualified aromatherapist before using any essential oil on your skin. The benefits of a professional massage are many fold including: reducing aches and pains, promoting relaxation, reducing water retention, nourishing the skin and providing a feeling of well-being.
Essential oils in the delivery suite can both disinfect the atmosphere and create a relaxing ambience.
Experiment beforehand to ensure the aroma is pleasing. A nice relaxing mix to be added to a bowl of hot water is: 2 drops of lavender, 2 drops of geranium and 2 drops of lemon or bergamot.
At this stage, Clary sage can be used as it is a sedative, with analgesic properties. It can be dropped onto a handkerchief for inhalations, although it is not recommended if you are using gas and air.
There follows a list of other useful oils that can be used in labour:
- Geranium is great for the circulation and helps breathing
- Jasmine is warm and fragrant and has anti-spasmodic and analgesic properties. It is also very beneficial in a compress on the lower abdomen to help expel the placenta
- Lavender is antiseptic and excellent for aching backs and limbs. It is recommended in a bath during the early stages and is wonderful for the healing of vaginal tears or episiotomy scars
- Neroli helps combat any fear or apprehension
- Rose is a very feminine oil and is a uterine tonic which helps to regulate labour
- Ylang Ylang is very calming and helps lower the blood pressure
Remember, essential oils can be dangerous if not used appropriately and they are never to be ingested. Don’t forget your birthing companion will also benefit from the oils, as they may also appreciate their claming qualities during your pregnancy and labour. Try giving each other a relaxing massage or visit a therapist for a full body treatment. Most of all enjoy your oils safely.
Essential oils are a simple, portable way of taking care of yourself. They can help relieve fear and depression, revive flagging spirits and enhance well being.
All of these things are particularly important in labour. The more anxious and fearful a woman is, the more difficult it is to cope and the greater her perception of pain. Several studies have shown that women respond well to the use of essential oils during labour. Benefits include less anxiety, pain, shorter labours, shorter hospital stays and less post-natal depression.
The largest study into the use of aromatherapy in labour involved 8000 women in Oxford over a period of eight years. It found that women who used aromatherapy in labour had fewer inductions, fewer caesareans, and a 30 per cent drop in the use of pain relieving drugs.
Do not use before 38 weeks
For use in pregnancy child birth and labour, difficult menstruation, PMS, menopause hot flashes and postpartum depression –Its estrogen producing properties make this a real hormone balancer.
It acts as a uterine tonic, encourages labour and stimulates contractions.
Native to the north Mediterranean coast, Clary Sage was used by the Greeks and Romans for its euphoric, sensual and aphrodisiac qualities.
It relieves stress and tension and sore muscles and is said to promote pleasant dreams and enhance dream recall.
Smell plays an important role in the process. Differing aromatic rings are contained with essential oils. When we smell these, the odour is transferred into a nerve message. The message is sent to different parts of the brain where the process of stimulating different hormones is undertaken.
Use aromatherapy oils anywhere you want to add a touch of scent.
Clary Sage oil should not be used if you have consumed alcohol & should be mixed with carrier oils such as Lavender or almond for massage. Do not consume.
Midwives locally recommend Clary sage on a tissue inhaled during labour for it’s gas & air style properties.
Essential oils should be used responsibly – we recommend you consult your midwife before using this product.
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