Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries work.
The 3 main features of PCOS are:
If you have at least 2 of these features, you may be diagnosed with PCOS.
Polycystic ovaries contain a large number of harmless follicles that are up to 8mm (approximately 0.3in) in size.
The follicles are underdeveloped sacs in which eggs develop. In PCOS, these sacs are often unable to release an egg, which means ovulation does not take place.
It’s difficult to know exactly how many women have PCOS, but it’s thought to be very common, affecting about 1 in every 10 women in the UK.
More than half of these women do not have any symptoms.
If you have signs and symptoms of PCOS, they’ll usually become apparent during your late teens or early 20s.
They can include:
PCOS is also associated with an increased risk of developing health problems in later life, such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels.
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it often runs in families.
It’s related to abnormal hormone levels in the body, including high levels of insulin.
Insulin is a hormone that controls sugar levels in the body.
Many women with PCOS are resistant to the action of insulin in their body and produce higher levels of insulin to overcome this.
This contributes to the increased production and activity of hormones like testosterone.
Being overweight or obese also increases the amount of insulin your body produces.
There’s no cure for PCOS, but the symptoms can be treated. Speak to a GP if you think you may have the condition.
If you have PCOS and you’re overweight, losing weight and eating a healthy, balanced diet can make some symptoms better.
Medicines are also available to treat symptoms such as excessive hair growth, irregular periods and fertility problems.
If fertility medicines are not effective, a simple surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) may be recommended.
This involves using heat or a laser to destroy the tissue in the ovaries that’s producing androgens, such as testosterone.
With treatment, most women with PCOS are able to get pregnant.
What is the best way to use essential oils for PCOS?
Diffusion– For many oils, diffusion is the most effective method. It can be accomplished in a variety of ways including simply opening a bottle, using a vaporiser or diffuser (check manufacturer instructions) or a warmer.
Topical– In this method, essential oils are applied directly to the skin. Usually, oils are diluted in a carrier oil, but some may be used “neat.” fractionated coconut oil or roller ball bottles are popular methods of application. Many women have success using the topical method in conjunction with reflexology.
Ingestion– Some very specific oils can be ingested, but if you choose this option, proceed with extreme caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
This is one of the best all-around oils for PCOS. Clary sage fights acne, relieves anxiety, depression and stress, and boost hair growth. Importantly, it also works toward hormone balance and fertility.
Geranium stimulates the adrenal cortex, helping to balance emotions, alleviate anxiety & depression and improve focus. It is particularly good for balancing hormones, improving fertility, and increasing progesterone. Geranium even helps balance out the oils in your skin for help fighting acne!
One of the oldest applications of ylang ylang is as an antidepressant. It works to balance your cortisol & adrenals (reducing stress) as well as to promote emotional balance. As an added bonus, women with PCOS often see improvements in fertility and hair growth.
Frankincense Essential Oil is another essential oil which is invaluable for both men and women.
It is an Adrenal Adaptogen, which helps to calibrate the stress response in both men and women, helping to restore us to a state of homeostasis.
Who doesn’t love the smell of Ceaderwood? Good news! Ceaderwood can help reduce insulin resistance (support blood sugar balance) and even help you lose weight.
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils for good reason. While it is best known for promoting relaxation and relieving stress, it can also help bring emotional balance and reduce anxiety and depression. That makes it a home run for the whole family! If that isn’t enough, women with PCOS can see added benefits including reduction in hirsutism (unwanted hair), hair growth, hormone balance, and improvement in acne.
A Natural anti biotic and anti inflammatory for Blemishes and skin irritations.
Just a wonderful Uplifting citrus to help lift feelings of low mood and energy levels a real feel good oil.
Want to know more about how Essential Oils can help your hormones? Join my group on Facebook
Even though I have my own line of Cosmeceutical skincare for my clinic, I still also use and love Doterra Essential Skincare.
When the Essential Skin Care line was first launched, it was foundational as the best of both science and nature. However, as skin care technology and ingredients continue to evolve and improve, it was time for the Essential Skin Care line to receive some updates, along with two new products.
Never fear, the elements you have always loved about the skin care line have not changed. This includes features such as the essential oil blends, price (with the exception of the Pore Reducing Toner), formula texture and appearance, package size, and the clinically supported claims of the original products. Ingredients have only been replaced or added when there were better, more effective ingredients and technologies available.**
So what has changed? Aside from the addition of two new products, the Brightening Gel and Anti-Aging Eye Cream, each current product had its formula updated. Read on to find out the new ingredients in each product, and how they contribute to better skin care. Here are the products in order of use:
Cleanse:
Facial Cleanser
New Ingredients:
Invigorating Scrub
New Ingredients:
Tone:
Pore Reducing Toner
New Ingredients:
Target:
Brightening Gel
If you deal with age spots and inflammation, the new Brightening Gel is formulated with the following ingredients that will help immensely.
Key Ingredients:
To use: push the disc on the bottom of the jar to dispense a small amount of the product. Apply an even layer to your face and neck, or to trouble spots.
Tightening Serum
New Ingredients:
Anti-Aging Eye Cream
The delicate skin under your eyes loses elasticity and is prone to fine lines and wrinkles as you age. The new Anti-Aging Eye Cream is clinically proven to reduce the number of wrinkles and also their depth and severity. It also improves elasticity, texture, and puffiness.
Key Ingredients:
To use: Press pump until small amount of product appears around the rollerball. Using gentle pressure, apply to under-eye area until absorbed. Use morning and night. Avoid direct contact with eyes.
Moisturize:
Anti-Aging Moisturizer (target visible signs of aging)
New Ingredients:
Hydrating Cream (for intense moisturization)
New Ingredients:
**doTERRA will never use artificial colors, Diethanolamine (DEA), formaldehyde donors, Parabens, Pthalates, Propoylene glycol, Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), Sodium lauryl sulfates (SLS), Toluene, or Triethanolamine (TEA).
With plans to transform healthcare by offering natural alternatives doTERRA is looking for teams of dedicated doctors, nutritionists, essential oil experts, and wellness coaches, who will “ensure that patients receive the high levels of care in their clinics.
The proposed medical services include: complete primary care, urgent care, wellness coaching, nutrition counselling, essential oil therapies, and genome testing.
They are appealing to the public’s clear and persistent frustration with mainstream care delivery, by promising comprehensive services that integrate conventional medical care with holistic alternatives, including of course use of essential oils as adjunctive therapies. They’re simultaneously tapping practitioner desire for a more humane, less-abusive, and healthy mode of practice.
doTERRA has over 400 full-time employees, and claims upward of 3 million wellness advocates. That’s a ready-made market of individuals who’ve self-selected for interest in botanical medicine, and other non-pharm alternatives.
A survey conducted by the company suggests that 85% of patients in the USA want holistic and natural solutions, including essential oils, from their medical practitioner, but only 15% have doctors who are providing that sort of care.
According to the company’s site, 50,000 people pre-registered to join doTERRA Healthcare before it opened.
The flagship clinic will be located in Pleasant Grove, UT, to serve doTERRA’s on-site employees, followed by a roll-out of clinics across the US and beyond.
The pilot is being led by Brannick Riggs, MD, a family physician who trained in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona, and David Hill, DC, a chiropractor with broad interests in holistic modalities. Both have extensive experience with essential oils, and with doTERRA as a company.
If doTERRA is able to develop an effective and replicable practice model, it is likely to appeal to many holistic and functional medicine physicians who currently struggle with fiscal and practice development issues.
It remains to be seen how doTERRA will meet the very complex challenges of primary care delivery, but doTERRA have considerable resources, management know-how, and a committed ecosystem of bright, independent-minded people who are seeking healthcare alternatives which points to success.
What do you think? Would you prefer a more natural approach to health?
A tall, perennial plant, Lemongrass has a subtle citrus flavour and is used in Asian cuisine in soups, teas, and curries as well as with fish, poultry, beef, and seafood. In addition to its unique flavour, Lemongrass essential oil promotes an overall sense of emotional and spiritual wellbeing. It’s also clarifying and toning when applied to the skin and is frequently used in skin care products for these benefits. Lemongrass is an ideal oil to use in massage therapy. Lemongrass has a pungent, herbaceous aroma that gives you a sense of heightened awareness and positivity.
USES – LEMONGRASS ESSENTIAL OIL
PRIMARY BENEFITS – LEMONGRASS ESSENTIAL OIL
DIRECTIONS FOR USE – LEMONGRASS ESSENTIAL OIL
AROMATIC DESCRIPTION – Citrus, herbaceous, smoky
CAUTIONS: Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
Frankincense essential oil is also used as an ingredient in perfume, incense, and skin care products.
In aromatherapy, frankincense oil is typically used for the following conditions:
Frankincense essential oil is also used to alleviate stress and relieve pain.1
When used as an ingredient in skin care products, frankincense essential oil is said to treat dry skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, scars, and stretch marks.
While preliminary research suggests that frankincense essential oil may offer certain health benefits, there is currently a lack of research testing the health effects of frankincense oil. A component in frankincense, boswellic acid, has been studied for its anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Here’s a look at the science.
Laboratory research on human cells indicates that frankincense essential oil may possess immune-stimulating and cancer-fighting properties that could aid in the protection against breast cancer2 and pancreatic cancer3 . However, it’s important to note that these studies were conducted in a lab (and not in people) and didn’t test the aromatherapeutic use of frankincense oil. More research is needed.
A combination of essential oils including frankincense oil may help sleep in people with cancer, according to a study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice in 2016. For the study, people with cancer were given personal inhaler devices containing essential oils.4
Of those who used the device, 64 percent had an improvement of at least one point on the sleep scale. One essential oil blend found effective included frankincense (Boswellia carterii), mandarin (Citrus reticulata), and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).
Frankincense appears to have anti-inflammatory properties and several studies have examined its use for osteoarthritis and knee pain.1
One 2018 review of published studies found Boswellia serrata extract shows clinically significant pain reduction for short-term use.5 However, studies showing its efficacy for long-term pain reduction are lacking.
Research is needed to assess the potential benefits and risks. Ingesting frankincense essential oil may have toxic effects and isn’t recommended, unless under a doctor’s supervision.6
In addition, some individuals may experience irritation or an allergic reaction when applying frankincense essential oil to the skin. A skin patch test should be done before using any new essential oil. Additionally, essential oils shouldn’t be applied to skin undiluted.
Pregnant or nursing women and children should consult their health care providers before using essential oils.
It’s also important to note that self-treating a condition with frankincense essential oil and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.
There is no standard or recommended dose for frankincense essential oil.
When a drop or two is combined with a carrier oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, or avocado oil), frankincense essential oil can be applied to the skin or added to baths in small amounts.
Frankincense essential oil can also be inhaled after sprinkling a drop or two of the oil onto a cloth or tissue, or by using an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer.
In aromatherapy, several other essential oils are often used in combination with frankincense.
Essential oils are not regulated by the FDA and do not have to meet any purity standards. When purchasing essential oils, look for a supplier who either distills their own material or deals directly with reputable distillers and uses gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to analyze the quality of the product.
When buying pure frankincense essential oil, check the label for its Latin name, Boswellia carterii or Boswellia sacra. No other oils ingredients should be listed. If you see another oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil, the frankincense is diluted and should not be used in a diffuser.
Essential oils should be packaged in a dark amber or cobalt bottle and stored out of sunlight.
I have type 2 diabetes. Can frankincense essential oil lower blood sugar?
Despite its purported use as an anti-diabetic agent, a placebo-controlled trial published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine in 2018found frankincense essential oil did not have any significant blood sugar lowering effects over a placebo.
Is it safe to ingest frankincense essential oil?
While some essential oil companies recommend ingesting frankincense essential oil for a wide variety of health ailments, there is no evidence to support its safety or efficacy. If you choose to ingest essential oils, be sure you are using certified therapeutic oils and follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully and discuss it further with your doctor.
Can frankincense essential oil be applied directly to the skin?
Frankincense is a mild oil and most people can apply it directly to skin, or neat, without any issues. However, if you experience any burning, tingling, or irritation, dilute the oil by rubbing a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil, over the irritated area. Do not apply frankincense oil close to your eyes as its vapors may irritate eyes.
Maintaining a youthful, glowing complexion enhances your every encounter with the world. Investing in your skin with Blue Tansy Essential Oil will pay off not only in your renewed skin tone, but also in a rejuvenated body and mind after exercise or busy days.
Blue Tansy is an annual yellow-flowered Mediterranean plant found in northern Morocco. Chamazulene, a chemical component in Blue Tansy, provides the characteristic indigo colour and is recognised for its skin-soothing benefits.
Its unique colour, skin-cleansing properties, and subtle fruity aroma make it an oil that is unmistakable and irreplaceable in your daily routines.
Blue Tansy essential oil most notable benefits include:
Add a drop to one or two ounces of your favourite moisturiser or cleanser and apply topically to help reduce the appearance of blemishes or soothe skin irritation.
And after intense exercise or a stressful day, there is no better way to give your body the self-care that it needs to support your hormones than a restorative massage with Blue Tansy essential oil.
If you’ve never made your own soap before, you would probably be surprised by how easy it can be. Adding essential oils to homemade soap is a wonderful way to infuse potent, natural fragrances. Not to mention, it allows you to experience any benefits the oils may hold for the skin. The step-by-step instructions for this DIY Soap are easy to follow, with an end product that smells lovely and you can personalise it to the issue you’re treating or the mood you’re trying to create.
For example, lavender and arborvitae for sleep and relaxation and peppermint and lemon for an invigorating morning wash!
It’s very important to use safe natural essential oils that are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade.
Items Needed
Olive oil (optional)
A melt-and-pour soap base
Silicone soap moulds
15 drops of Each essential oil
Optional: Dried or fresh herbs (Note: fresh herbs will turn a brown colour after a couple of days).
Note: The soap should be fine for many months!
Purify
£25.50
Clary Calm 15ml
£39.33
dōTERRA SPA Hydrating Body Mist
£34.00
Bergamot 15 ml
£32.00
Aromatouch 15ml
£28.67
