(Listen to the Full Episode Here.)
In this episode of the Essential Oil Revolution Podcast, we discuss how to use herbs and essential oils safely during critical times of development including pregnancy, breastfeeding, postnatal, and with children.
The use of herbs and essential oils in pregnancy and in children is quite controversial in medicine. This is due to the ethical considerations of research in pregnancy and the lack of robust studies. Yet, evidence and traditional knowledge of using botanicals safely does exist for both kids and moms-to-be. Still, finding a trustworthy source can be hard to decipher during these times of vulnerability and when the utmost caution is warranted.
Thankfully, we are blessed to have the brilliant Dr. Mary Bove on this week’s show. She literally wrote An Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children and Infants and a book on Herbs for Women’s Health, which offers authoritative and evidence-based guidance for women across all stages of their lifespan. She also has been an herbalist for over 50 years, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor for over 30 years, is a certified midwife, and has a diploma in phytotherapy from England.
She is the perfect practitioner to shine a light on this broad topic! Her incredible passion and love of plants combined with her training, education, and encyclopedic knowledge will awe you!
I encourage you to listen to the full episode and to share it with others.
Here’s An Overview of What You Will Learn:
- Dr. Bove’s journey that led her to become an esteemed herbalist and a leader in natural health.
- The waning and comeback of plants as stewards to our health vs. just a commodity.
- The importance of proper dosage and preparation of herbs and essential oils for individual conditions and especially at critical times of development in the lifespan.
- How essential oils offer powerful medicinal properties through their aroma.
- Why we are more cautious with herbs and essential oils during pregnancy, lactation, and childhood.
- Why herbs and essential oils from the same plant may not share contraindications.
- How to start safely using essential oils and herbs during pregnancy and with children and when to seek an expert.
- Considerations to keep in mind with herbs and essential oils that are listed as contraindicated in vulnerable time periods.
- Several herbs and essential oils that have been proven safe and effective for use in pregnancy, lactation, and with children.
- An herb that was found to decrease postpartum depression and what essential oils could also support mood.
- Common and safe herbs and essential oils to use for preparing for pregnancy and in the first trimester, second, and third trimester, and postpartum based on common concerns.
- What herbs can help with lactation and what is a go-to galactagogue.
- The importance of using herbs and spices in foods daily.
- Are essential oils adaptogens?
- Six safe and common herbs and essential oils to use for children’s common conditions including an upset stomach, immune issues, anxiety, focus problems, and cradle cap.
- How to use essential oils in infants and babies.
- What age to switch from children to adult dosages.
- Dr. Bove’s DIY for spraying linens in hotels to refresh and relax.
- Closing questions to learn more about Dr. Bove.
Click here to listen to the full episode.
Click here for more detailed show notes and additional references.
You can learn more about the herbal certification program with Dr. Bove and additional offerings at: https://www.ecoversity.org/herbalism-certification.
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Disclaimer: This material is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. You should check with your doctor regarding implementing any new strategies into your wellness regime. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic quality essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been tested for purity and standardized constituents. There is no quality control in the United States, and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only to contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. The studies are not based solely on a specific brand of an essential oil, unless stated. Please read the full study for more information.
