The Effects of Aromatherapy on Infertility

Infertility is commonly an issue for both men and women alike. It is mostly thought that only doctors can address any reproductive problems by using pills, shots, and surgical procedures. It doesn’t always have to be that way. Both sexes can benefit from the use of ancient remedies that have been around for centuries.
Aromatherapy and using essential oils to treat and cure many diseases goes back through centuries all over the world. Many hormonal issues, including infertility, have afflicted women for ages. Men and women of ancient times have used essential oils to alleviate and aid their reproductive issues long before the invention of modern medicines. Certain essential oils have been successfully used as aphrodisiacs and for balancing hormones. Many plants contain natural compounds that can act like estrogen, which is an important chemical that helps regulate the female’s reproductive functions (1.). Whether you’re a man or a woman, fertility struggles can be a very stressful experience. The inability to procreate can bring on feelings of depression and resentment and using essential oils can alleviate those feelings through aromatherapy.
There are a variety of ways to use essential oils. The most effective way is inhalation by dispersing or diffusing them and breathe (2.). Another way is to properly dilute them and apply them directly to the skin. Determining which method is right depends on the oils being used and the patient’s personal preference. Treating infertility could be a mixture of both. Massage is also a great way to heighten the benefits of using essential oils because some oils prove to be very helpful when applied to certain areas of the body.
Mother and father with young sonAromatherapy is rewarding for both the mind and body because there are abilities to uplift emotions and promote overall wellbeing. The use of these powerful plant essences to help decrease the many stresses of trying to conceive is again becoming an acclaimed alternative to the modern medicines of today. When men and woman feel pressured, those feelings can disrupt the body’s hormonal balances and desire to perform. Using essential oils can both improve how the reproductive system functions and relax both parties into success. There are many oils with multiple advantages to help enhance the chances of conceiving but many will find that the issues they suffer from are more complex and should then seek out a doctor’s opinion.
Infertility affects 6.7 million women in the U.S. — about 11% of the reproductive-age population. In a survey of married women, the CDC found that 1.5 million women in the US (6%) are infertile. Irregular/abnormal ovulation accounts for approximately 25 % of all female infertility problems and 25% of infertile couples have more than one factor that contributes to their infertility. In about 40 % of infertile couples, the male partner is either the sole cause or a contributing cause of infertility and most infertility cases — 85% to 90% — are treated with conventional medical therapies such as medication or surgery. (3.)
Treatments for women with fertility problems depends greatly on what exactly is wrong. Often times the cause is unknown. This is where aromatherapy can aid in conception and fertility. Essential oils aid by improving reproductive health and massively reducing stress. When utilized for fertility, aromatherapy can help to regulate a women’s menstrual cycle which will strengthen the reproductive system and tremendously reduce stress levels. Also, certain essential oils have been considered to be aphrodisiacs and help both sexes.
Some essential Oils that are beneficial for natural fertility for woman include: German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla, Matricaria recutita) German chamomile is known for its ability to greatly reduce inflammation. It also has pain relieving properties, promotes calming of the nerves, and helps remove feelings of irritability and depression. It may also be good for women who feel anxious or depressed due to fertility issues. Geranium (Pelargonium gravolens) is an adrenal cortex stimulant and it can regulate and balance hormones, detoxify the lymphatic system, alleviates anxiety, and is considered to be an antidepressant. Rose Otto (Rosa centifolia, Rosa damascena, Rosa gallica) can be helpful in treating symptoms of PMS, regulating the menstrual cycle and has been shown to be helpful in assisting a woman to conceive. This oil relaxes the uterus. It is considered an aphrodisiac, helping to maximize confidence levels. It is extremely effective in treating depression and grief.
Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana, Majorana hortensis) this oil is great for menstrual cramps and helps reduce pain. Can be used with a hot compress on the abdomen when experiencing menstrual cramps. Clary Sage (Salvia sclaria) greatly helps to reduce pain. It is very effective in reducing menstrual cramps. It is an extremely effective uterine tonic and has been said to have estrogenic effects that help to regulate the menstrual cycle. It is also very effective in treating depression and anxiety. Cypress (Cupressus simpervirens) is great for women with over-heavy menstrual bleeding and painful menstruation. It is very astringent. Lavender (Lavendula officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia) It is a great circulatory stimulant, immune stimulant, helps balance all body systems and is very helpful for calming mood swings that are associated with PMS or hormonal imbalance. Sweet Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare, Foeniculum officinale, Anthum foeniculum) helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and may help reduce hormone fluctuation. Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum, Jasmine officianale) is a wonderful oil as it aids in overall female reproductive health, also can be used to strengthen the male sex organs. (4.)
Some essential oils that help naturally boost fertility in men include Angelica (Angelica archangelica, commonly known as garden angelica) which is an amazing tonic for the nervous system promoting relaxation for intimacy. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) aids to increase a males sexual instincts. Cedarwood (Cedrus Doedara, Cedrus Atlantica, and Cedrus Libani) helpsenhance sexual Qi in men. Clary Sage (Salvia sclaria) stimulates the pituitary gland and regulates hormones. Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is a warming aphrodisiac oil that helps uplift the mood and aids in stress relief. Cypress (Cupressus simpervirens) increases testosterone. Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) is used primarily used for stress relief and has a calming effect in regards to sexual nervous tension. Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum, Jasmine officianale) strengthens the male sex organs and aids the overall reproductive health. Juniper berry (Juniperus communis) improves kidney strength. Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) enhances libido and desire. Rose Otto (Rosa centifolia, Rosa damascena, Rosa gallica) helps reduce performance anxiety and strengthens the male sex organs. Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis var. dulcis) has many benefits but for male fertility, it enhances libido and with impotence. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) calms sexual anxieties and eases depression that can be related to sexual performance. Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) has relaxing qualities that seem to affect tension and underlying sexual problems. Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) relaxes and arouses. Often this oils is used for sexual dysfunction. Helps to relieve frigidity and impotence and it is considered to be an antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, and a sedative. (5.)
Like previously stated, certain essential oils can have aphrodisiac qualities.  Here are some oils that may increase libido:  Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, Rose Otto, Jasmine, Patchouli and Clary Sage.  All of these oils are strong base notes and it is best to use them sparingly when making a blend for aromatherapy or massage.  Using these oils for an intimate massage may be very enticing. A blend using one or more of these oils can be beneficial in lessening the feelings of un interest or low desire for sexual intimacy. It is important that if essential oils are going to be used on the skin that they be properly diluted by first being added to a carrier oil or cream. Great carrier oils are sweet almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, avocado oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, and castor oil. (6.) Carrier oils may be chosen specifically or combined because they each have their own benefits.
In conclusion, many people all around the world suffer from some form of infertility, some more complicated than others. It can be stressful, disheartening, physically painful and emotionally draining. Aromatherapy can be very helpful to most couples in helping them to relax, balance the body and bring peace to the relationship in order to create a new life. It may not work for every case but to those who look for an alternative route opposed to drugs and procedures, it can be very successful on a multitude of levels. The use of aromatherapy was here before the pharmaceutical companies were and it uses all that nature has to offer. Sometimes the best medicine doesn’t come from a pill or injection, but from that beautiful plant outside the window.
Works Cited
  1. BioSource Naturals. http://biosourcenaturals.com/essential-oils-for-fertility.htm
  2. National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. http://www.naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/safety/
  3. Easthon, Denise. A Heart for Oils, 2014. https://aheartforoils.com/category/fertilityinfertility/
  4. Burke, Linda. Aromatherapy for Natural Fertility. http://www.lindaburke.co.uk/images/custom/uploads/126/files/Aromatherapy… (PDF file.)
  5. Author unknown. Optimizing Fertility with Essential Oils. theida.com/…/2010/10/Optimising-Fertiltiy-with-Essential-Oils.pdf
  1. National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. http://www.naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/safety/