Aromatherapy Haven

Most of the menopause products are created based on 3 strategiess:

• a single supplement/herb wonder
• a combination of past researched supplements/herbs with an addition of the latest fad herb
• in most cases a newbie manufacturer/distributer copies another company’s product that is selling well

The result is that it is difficult for the consumer to determine what works. So how do you know what works?

Anybody can produce testimonials but long term repeatable, sustainable results are very challenging to produce. Even the research that is presented is not the full story but rather a spin on the research to move you to buy a particular product. In most cases, the manufacturer may truely believe they have a formula that will work based on misinformation on a herb’s benefits.

Chinese herbs for menopause will primarily 1) raise the body’s energy, 2) nourish the blood, 3) cool the body and 4) normalize the body’s thermostat. And indirectly, because the underlying imbalance is corrected, the menopause symptoms will begin to dissapate within 2 hours.  

Most discoveries about herbs have come from Chinese herbal medicine but revealed to the American public in an incomplete manner. The American manufacturers share the info about an herb as a solution for everyone who has a particular symptom. Nevermind, all the body of Chinese medicine and theory that understands that there are different body types or constitutions that may accompany those symptoms. Menopause is a hot body type condition requiring specific emphasis on cooling the liver. 

Chinese herbs which have proven to be effective for hundreds of years on millions of patients. Chinese master herbalists comprehend, on a beginning level, how extensive Chinese medicine is and that through thousands of years of practice, further research is not necessary. Its essential to apply the right formula to the right constitution and symptoms, not just the symptoms. In addition, in order to discern this  relationship between body constitution and herb formulation, it is essential to choose the most knowledgeable practitioner.

A Practicing Master Herbalist Knows More About Herbs Than Any Other Profession?

A seasoned master herbalist (10 years+) who works with herbs every day is the best source for herb medicine. The time element is critical to allow the practitioner to get the kinks out and test his/her knowledge. What is taught in our traditional Chinese herbs and herb medicine schools is only a beginning knowledge and needs to be tested. Better yet, graduates need long term apprenticeship before they are ready to correct imbalances with their clients. Medical doctors rely on their Physician’s Desk Reference for information on herbs which is truely a beginning base source. A one herb or multiple herb formula is not going to work for all. The formula will probably work for a small percentage of the women with a similar body type but not the majority. For example, Black Cohosh, a Chinese herb, has long been known to be innapropriate for menopause. the herb is rendered for feverous conditions.Notwithstanding, American supplement makers have discovered a method to take advantage of the half truths provided to everyone and so the tale carries on. Not considering that its temporary benefits cease in 2-3 weeks. A better option would be bupleurum combined with other balancing herbs.

In summary, the best choice of herbs for menopause will take into consideration the woman’s constitution or body type when constructing a formula. Additionally, herbs that have a long established record for hundreds to thousands of years must be perceived with greater preference over herbs with a minimal account. I encourage everyone to seek a seasoned source in herbal medicine. 

Do you persistently have trouble falling asleep at night? Do you consistently wake up in the middle of the night? Do you awake in the wee hours of the morning and can not get back to sleep? Does your sleep pattern or lack of sleep cause you to function below par during the day? If any of these scenarios sound familiar to you, you may be experiencing insomnia.

It is estimated that over 30% of adults experience insomnia periodically with over 10% experiencing chronic insomnia. Persistent lack of sleep can be detrimental to the mental and physical health of the body. During the act of sleeping our bodies under go various processes which focus on repair and regeneration.  

It is important however to remember that insomnia is a symptom and not a medical issue unto itself, meaning something is causing it. Therefore if you experience chronic insomnia you need to visit a physician to determine the underlying reason for your inability to sleep.

Many individuals do not like the idea of taking medication especially sleeping aids. If you fall into this category there are many lifestyle changes and natural remedies that you may find beneficial. For instance what you ingest can have a significant effect on your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Foods that contain stimulants should be avoided. Caffeine products such as coffee, chocolate, most teas, and soda pop should be cut out of your diet. Stop smoking, nicotine is a stimulant. Ensure you are getting enough vitamin B12 and iron in your diet, this can be simplified by taking a supplement. Over eating in general can have adverse effects on the amount and quality of your sleep, avoid eating at least three hours before you plan on going to sleep.

Exercise is important to your overall health including your ability to sleep, regular exercise is a must. Many experts suggest exercising in the morning, if this is not possible than make sure you exercise early in the evening. Incorporate relaxation practices into your daily life, this can be as simple as locking yourself in the bathroom for ten minutes a day to simply unwind from your hectic day. Stress and tension have a very negative effect on your body’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.

If you are looking for a natural remedy you may want to try essential oils and aromatherapy. This option is easy to use and requires very little time or effort. There are a number of different oils that you can use and a variety of applications. A few of the essential oils that you can use to promote sleep and relaxation are: chamomile, neroli, oregano, sandalwood, ylang ylang, tangerine, and lavender.

To use essential oils for insomnia or to promote sleep in general there are several different applications that can be implemented.

1. Use several drops of your chosen essential oil in your diffuser, this should be done in the evening while you are winding down getting ready for bed. Never leave your diffuser on throughout the night, it must always be attended as it is a heat source.

2. Use 8 to 10 drops of the essential oil of choice in your bath water. Add the oil only after you have finished running your water and make sure you mix it into the water so that it isn’t sitting on top of the water in a little puddle.

3. Another option is to put several drops of the essential oil on a tissue and place it inside your pillow case. You will have to replace the tissue nightly before sleep.

4. Mix your essential oil into your favorite carrier oil and massage onto your body before bed.

Play around with the applications until you find the one that works best for you and for best results chose an essential oil that you enjoy the fragrance of. Again you may have to experiment with a couple of different essential oils until you find which work best for you. Another option is to mix a couple together for instance chamomile and lavender work together very effectively. Be patient and use over a few weeks before you determine whether an oil is working for you or not.

To learn more visit Essential Oils, Aromatherapy and Pheromones.