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Essential Oils for Fertility

If you’re having difficulty conceiving, you’re probably Googling ways to increase you and your partner’s fertility. You’ve read about the foods you should be eating and the habits you should be stopping, but we have an alternative tip for you to consider: Using essential oils.

You’ve probably heard about aromatherapy and questioned whether or not it worked. While we can’t guarantee the oils below will work a miracle, many people believe they increase fertility, so it may be worth trying out.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to improve well-being. Some people believe that each essential oil offers different physical and psychological benefits. Essential oils should not be confused with fragrance oils. When making essential oils, the naturally occurring liquid in the plant is extracted and no chemicals are added.

People have used essential oils for thousands of years. The Chinese burned incense to encourage balance. The Egyptians used extractions for spiritual, medicinal and cosmetic use. Some oils, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, were used for embalming.

Today, essential oils are not used in western medicine and are thought of as an alternative treatment. Often, the practice of aromatherapy is recommended by a holistic practitioner or a naturopathic doctor. Although aromatherapy isn’t considered mainstream, essential oils have proven useful for various purposes. For example, many people burn citronella candles to deter mosquitoes. Citronella essential oil is actually what makes these products work.

How to Use Essential Oils for Fertility

Essential oils are usually used in two ways: Diffused into the air and inhaled or applied topically. Essential oil diffusers, steamers and sprays can be used if you choose to breathe in the oil.

If an oil is applied topically, your skin will absorb it and it will go into your bloodstream. The essential oil can be mixed with a carrier oil and absorbed by getting or giving yourself an aromatherapy massage. Some people also add essential oils to their bath or use it in a compress.

You can use a single essential oil that’s listed below, or you may choose to make a blend that suits you or your partner’s needs. When purchasing essential oils, the quality of the oil matters and will affect the potency and benefits you may receive. It’s best to purchase from reputable essential oil retailers, even if their products are more expensive.

Safety precautions: It’s important to note that essential oil is a powerful, concentrated oil and therefore must be combined with a carrier oil when applied topically. If you have sensitive skin, apply a small amount of oil first to test how your skin reacts.

Before using essential oils for conception or during pregnancy, you should consult your doctor. If your doctor doesn’t have knowledge about aromatherapy, consider consulting a naturopathic doctor. It’s important to note that aromatherapy, like many other alternative therapies, has not been studied to the extent of traditional medicine. Many of the reported benefits of these oils come from anecdotal evidence.

Studies on Fertility and Essential Oils

There isn’t a significant amount of research about how essential oils affect conception. However, some essential oils have been shown to reduce issues that may cause infertility. For example, research shows that lavender can be beneficial for stress and anxiety. Stress can make it more difficult for a woman to conceive, meaning that lavender may also benefit fertility.

Another example: A 2011 study concluded that oral antioxidants could improve sperm quality and pregnancy rates. A 2014 study identified rosemary essential oil as an antioxidant.

Some studies on animals show that using some essential oils could prevent implantation. Zedoary oil, savin oil and high doses of carrot seed oil prevented implantation in animals, such as mice and rabbits. These should be avoided when you’re trying to conceive.

Essential Oils for Fertility or Infertility (Female)

While essential oils may not treat fertility as a whole, many of these essential oils are believed to target issues that lead to infertility: Hormone imbalances, low libido, irregular menstruation and stress.

Geranium

Geranium is said to help balance hormones. Since it also has soothing effects, it may help you to de-stress, making you more likely to conceive.

Clary Sage

Clary sage is also said to help balance hormones by affecting estrogen levels. It can also double as a de-stressor and help to get you and your partner in the mood by boosting libido. If your efforts to conceive are unsuccessful and it’s getting you down, clary sage can also help to elevate your mood. A 2014 study concluded that it had an anti-depressant-like effect.

Lavender

As mentioned above, lavender is proven to help stress and anxiety. If stress is hindering your ability to conceive, this essential oil may be beneficial. It is also said to regulate your periods and balance the endocrine system.

Fennel

If irregular periods are making it difficult for you to conceive, try using fennel essential oil. This oil is said to help stabilize your menstrual cycle and improve your hormones. Fennel is a phytoestrogenic oil — which means that it contains plant hormones that act similar to human hormones. While it can be helpful during this time, you should stop using fennel oil once you become pregnant. Since fennel essential oil can increase estrogen production, it’s helpful for lactation but not safe during pregnancy.

Frankincense

Frankincense can help you relieve stress that may be causing infertility. One study found that frankincense contains a chemical that alters areas in the brain that regulate emotions. This relaxing effect can be helpful for those who become nervous before sex.

Rose

Rose essential oil is said to help regulate your periods and improve cervical mucus. It can also help get you in the mood.

German Chamomile

German Chamomile essential oil is another oil that can help you if you’re feeling frustrated after many attempts to get pregnant. It is said to help combat sadness, anger and irritability. The oil also has anti-inflammatory properties. Women who have ovarian cysts that are interfering with conception may benefit from German chamomile.

Ylang-Ylang

If you are lacking sexual desire and need to boost your energy to conceive, you can try ylang-ylang essential oil. It is said to act as an aphrodisiac and may also help to balance hormones.

Damiana

Damiana is another essential oil that may help regulate your periods, making it easier to calculate your fertility window. The scent of the oil is also said to act as a sexual stimulant and arise feelings of passion.

Yarrow

If pelvic congestion or inflammation is affecting your ability to conceive, you may want to give this detoxifying oil a try. It is also said to benefit the digestive and urinary tract.

Essential Oils for Male Fertility

Infertility is not just a female issue; men can also have problems that contribute to a difficulty conceiving. Low sperm count, low motility and sexual dysfunction are issues that essential oils may help alleviate.

Rose

Rose essential oil may improve libido and may be especially helpful if sexual dysfunction or performance anxiety is making conception difficult. Some people also believe it increases sperm count.

Frankincense oil

Along with the benefits frankincense offers females, the oil can also have a positive effect on male fertility. A 2007 study conducted on rats showed that frankincense increased sperm motility and density. This increased the number of implantations and viable fetuses in the female rats. While it’s not clear if these benefits translate to humans, many people believe that it increases human sperm count, making conception more likely.

Marjoram and Sage

A 2015 study highlighted marjoram and sage essential oils as having a possible positive impact on male fertility. Obesity is one of the leading causes of infertility in men. These two oils were found to help counteract the effects of obesity on fertility. The oils increased sperm count and improved testicular structure in rats.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood is another oil that can help with sexual desire and erectile dysfunction. If these issues are making conceiving a challenge, have your partner use this oil topically or diffuse it into the air. Sandalwood is said to benefit men with low testosterone levels.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod essential oil is said to benefit a man’s kidneys if he has a low sperm count. It is also known to be libido-boosting. If your partner suffers from stress, possibly contributing to infertility, goldenrod may help to calm and relax him.

If you’re looking for more ways to increase your chances of conceiving, check out more of our free guides:

7 Fertility Boosting Vitamins & Nutrients

Food to Increase Libido and Make a Baby

6 Ways to Strengthen His Sperm

What Every Woman Needs to Know about Fertility Planning

Have you ever used essential oils to increase you or your partner’s fertility? If you have, comment which oil below! If you have friends or family members who are also trying to conceive, share this post with them, too!

P.S. When you become pregnant, you can take your bonding experience with your baby up a notch. Our fetal dopplers will give you and your partner the amazing ability to listen to your baby’s heartbeat at home.

References:

https://aromaticstudies.com/aromatherapy-pregnancy/

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/lavender

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4227022/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4216437/

http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/wharoma.asp

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24802524

http://www.holistichealthherbalist.com/essential-oils-fertility/

http://www.fabfertile.com/blog/fertility-essential-oils-fennel