Essential oils for fertility – legitimate treatment or more of the snakey type? We’ve consulted embryology expert Navya Muralidhar to find out what works and how you can use them safely.
From planning your social calendar around your sex life to getting intimate with your basal body temperature, getting pregnant can feel like a full-time job.
So what about adding aromatherapy to the mix?
Are essential oils for fertility a thing?
And if so, how can you use them safely and effectively?
Let’s dive in.
In this article: 📝
- Essential oils for fertility and pregnancy: the lowdown
- How do you use essential oils for fertility?
- What oil helps you get pregnant?
- How can I boost my fertility?
Essential oils for fertility and pregnancy: the lowdown
Essential oils are concentrated liquids extracted from plants that are used in alternative health practices.
They have a range of potential benefits, from beauty products to treatments for infections and aching muscles.
The popularity of essential oils is only on the up, with the market size expected to reach $11.67 billion by 2022.
One of the more well-known uses of essential oils is aromatherapy, a centuries-old practice that involves breathing in essential oils for their therapeutic benefits.
It’s based on the idea that when these scent molecules are inhaled, they send messages to your brain that can affect your well-being.
So the big question is: is there evidence to suggest that essential oils actually work?
Well, it’s complicated.
While there is a lot of anecdotal evidence to support their benefits, the research is still quite young—but that doesn’t mean it isn’t promising.
There is evidence to suggest that essential oils have antimicrobial and antifungal properties that can be useful in various treatments, from infections to skin ailments.
But they are not without their risks.
As the FDA advises, because something is branded “natural” or “organic” doesn’t mean it’s necessarily safe for everyone.
Many plants have toxic components that can cause allergies and irritation, particularly when used in the wrong way – You shouldn’t apply essential oils directly to your skin, for example.
According to this study, mild to severe side effects have stemmed from the use of various essential oils, with lavender, peppermint, tea tree oil, and ylang-ylang being the most common culprits.
The bottom line? Essential oils should be used with caution and only under the guidance of healthcare practitioners.
And now for the question at hand. Can they be used to boost your fertility and nudge you further along the TTC journey?
How do you use essential oils for fertility?
If you’ve found yourself Googling essential oils for fertility success stories, they may be hard to come by.
That’s because the research is still quite new.
That being said, there is evidence to suggest that certain essential oils may assist you on the journey—either directly or indirectly.
What oil helps you get pregnant?
Before we jump in, an important note: while these essential oils may be useful to you in different ways while you are TTC, check in with your doctor to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for you.
It’s also a good idea to do your own research on specific products before using them.
Because quality control standards do not currently exist in the United States when it comes to essential oils, you have to do some legwork to ensure that they will be both safe and effective for your use.
Right, with that in mind, here are some essential oils for fertility that show some promising results:
1. Oregano
Sperm mobility and vitality are some are one of the defining factors when it comes to male fertility.
As this study shows us, oregano appears to have a positive effect on getting those little ones to swim and stay alive longer when used as part of IVF treatment.
2. Eucalyptus
Like oregano, eucalyptus also appears to have a positive effect on male fertility by improving the mobility and vitality of sperm.
(Check out this study for more.)
3. Clary sage
You may have heard of clary sage as a helpful addition while you’re TTC.
So how does clary sage help fertility? Is it actually effective?
Well, there’s still more work to be done on this one.
Some early research suggests that clary sage may have an effect on estrogen levels in perimenopausal women—but whether this can directly impact the TTC journey remains to be seen.
And on the other side of the pregnancy road, you may have heard that clary sage can be used to stimulate labor.
While that sounds promising, this 2017 study suggests that the story is a little more complicated.
It may increase oxytocin levels—the hormone that plays a huge role in childbirth—but it doesn’t seem to have a significant effect on uterine contractions.
The research is ongoing, however, so perhaps future findings will help us better use this to bump up our birth experiences.
4. Ylang ylang
This essential oil is famous for its aphrodisiacal qualities—so while it may not affect your fertility directly, it may help you navigate your busy sex schedule.
Studies also show that it has a calming effect and may relieve depressive symptoms for some people. Considering how stressful the TTC journey can be, this is welcome news.
5. Lavender
The relationship between fertility and anxiety is real.
Creating an environment that reduces that stress is instrumental to your well-being. The research is still young, but lavender appears to have a calming impact on the nervous system.
(It’s not without its controversy as an essential oil though, and has been linked to premature breast growth in girls and prepubescent breast growth in boys.)
6. Geranium
While there is not enough research to suggest that it directly impacts fertility, it’s easy to see how the sweet smell of geranium has a soothing effect.
As this study shows, it may also reduce anxiety during labor.
You can either apply these oils to the skin or inhale them through a diffuser.
Make sure to dilute the essential oils in a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut before applying it to the skin.
When it comes to where to apply essential oils for fertility, it’s always best to avoid your mouth, nose, eye areas, and genitals.
You can use the diluted oils for a full body massage or apply them to certain points like your wrists or behind your ears.
How can I boost my fertility?
The reality is there are no magic pills when it comes to fertility. There are some strategies that can help:
- Tracking your basal body temperature. Why? Your basal body temperature can help you figure out when you’re ovulating, so you can work out your fertile window.
- Getting down with your cycle. When you’re TTC, ovulation (and the five days before it) matters like never before.
- Look after yourself. Eat a balanced diet. Exercise. Relax. Not just because you’re TTC, but because your health and wellbeing matter.
The TTC journey can be a bumpy one—and definitely best when not traveled alone.
That’s why Peanut exists.
Let’s have the conversation.