October – Reproductive Health - butterflyexpressions.net

October – Reproductive Health

posted on : September 14, 2026 posted by : lareesbutterfly@gmail.com 0 Comment

Being a midwife and sometimes a fertility counselor and having studied reproductive anatomy—especially female reproductive anatomy—extensively, I expected to enjoy creating this section. I did, but it was difficult deciding what to include and what to leave out. I did not want a bunch of questionable pictures, either male or female, and I didn’t want to bore you all to death or, as one of my sons remarked years ago, ‘give you more information than you wanted to know ’. I sometimes did that sort of thing at the breakfast table after a night attending an intense labor and birth!

I finally decided to aim for the coverage of very basic anatomy and place major emphasis on wellness details that you may not be aware of, and to provide suggestions and possible solutions from years of experience and study.

A phrase from a childhood book/video/something just popped into my mind. I can’t remember where from?! “Can we fix it? Yes, we can!” I truly believe that! I have seen herbs, essential oils, homeopathics, and a bit of knowledge work miracles so many times. But, of course, I forgot to keep it short in some (most) places, as I usually do! Sorry. The anatomy and possible solution sections of my Foot Zone Course run to many, many pages! Am I willing to share it all? If you are interested, quite possibly.

Puberty—From Child to Woman, Almost

The Menstrual Cycle

It would seem that many of the earth’s natural processes are cyclical in nature. So it is with hormones, particularly those of women. There is ebb and flow, activity and passivity, and the waxing and waning of energy. The tides within our bodies contribute to our emotional receptivity and heighten our compassion.

Cycles within the human body, male and female, are controlled, to a large degree, by the pineal gland. The pineal gland is referred to in many cultures as the “seat of the soul”. Emotional imbalances here are often connected to emerging gifts and functions, particularly those related to intuition. I find the connection between the emergence of hormones and the emergence of “women’s intuition” interesting. (Do only women have intuition? I think not! But then, women are certainly not the only ones with hormones!)

Hormone balance affects so much in our lives, not the least of which is our physical energy and stamina, our emotional equilibrium, and our concentration and mental agility. Hormones out of balance can create an equal amount of havoc in our lives.

One of the best explanations of female hormones, what can go wrong, and how to get and keep them balanced is found in Anne McIntyre’s book, The Complete Woman’s Herbal, in the section on the menstrual cycle. In my copy of this book (the edition that I own), this information begins on page 84 and goes to page 89. This book is, besides being a wonderful manual for women’s health, one of the best herbal references that I have ever come across. She also includes, a little bit every now and then, essential oils and homeopathy. A very “complete” reference, just as the title implies.

Pre-Menstrual Syndrome
Many years ago the young son of a man with several teenage daughters asked his father, “Dad, what is PMS?” Dad’s response was a classic—and accurate. Dad replied, from the vast well of his experience, “Pretty Mean Stuff!” And so it can be, but in my opinion and experience, most of the symptoms of PMS can be eliminated by attention to diet, getting some exercise every day, getting the lymph system flowing, and getting a little bit of fresh air and sunshine. A little work on emotional health is also helpful. The nerves that are on edge because of the hormones that are out of balance and responsible for the negative symptoms respond very quickly to a little bit of proper nourishment.

Hormones

The functioning of the reproductive system, in both men and women, is—at least in Western thought—understood to be governed almost entirely by hormonal messages sent and received by various organs of the body. These hormones play vital roles in the development and function of the reproductive organs and fuel sexual behavior and drives. A delicate balance of hormones must be achieved if there is to be problem-free functioning of the reproductive system and optimum fertility.

The pituitary is the “master gland” of the hormone signaling system. The pituitary is a small gland in the brain. It is connected, physically and functionally, to the hypothalamus. These two glands—along with the pineal gland—influence, among other things, the entire endocrine system, the kidneys and the heart, our emotions—particularly our sense of self and self-confidence, weight gain or loss, water balance, the production of hormones and enzymes, spinal fluid creation and balance, breathing, sleep patterns, and appetite. Messages from the pituitary are essential to the health and functioning of the adrenal glands.

The areas of the brain concerned with our senses, creativity, thoughts, and memory are connected to the hypothalamus and are constantly influencing it. The hypothalamus regulates our body temperature. It is easy to see why everything hormonal, and a great many other things, go out of balance in the body if these important glands are not functioning properly.

In order for correct hormone balance to be maintained, the body, the mind, and the emotions must be healthy. If poor dietary habits, faulty circulation, muscle tension, anxiety, or emotional issues exist, the hormones will be thrown out of kilter, and the normal function of the menstrual cycle will be disrupted.

It seems to me that many women have come to feel that menstrual and menopausal problems—pain, bloating, too much or too little menstrual bleeding, emotional roller-coaster rides, and hot flashes—are normal and something to be endured. They are not! In men, there seems to be an almost fatalistic response to statistics concerning prostate and urinary issues and aging—a “let’s just ignore the statistics-there’s nothing I can do about them anyway” attitude.

These attitudes are both unfortunate and untrue. Like the beating of a healthy heart, the functions of the reproductive system should be equally as routine and trouble-free through each of the phases of our lives and into old age. Attention to the tiny organs mentioned above is vital. Every remedy created and proposed for them must include support for them.

A Bit of Female Anatomy Here

Uterus (womb)
The uterus is usually considered the most important of the female reproductive organs because it is here in the womb that the fertilized ovum is nourished, developed, and protected until it is ready to enter the world and survive on its own.

The uterus is about the size and shape of a pear in a woman who has never been pregnant. Because pregnancy enlarges the uterus, subtle changes occur—changes sufficient to be identified on autopsy and, many times, with manual external palpation. After menopause, the uterus shrinks in size, if all is well there. Problems that enlarge the uterus in older women are quite common, however.

The uterus is mostly composed of a particular type of muscle which can stretch extensively but still be able to contract effectively enough, when the time comes, to push the baby from the womb. Amazing!

Fibroids
Fibroids are clumps of tissue that grow from the normal cells that make up the muscle of the uterus or from endometrial tissue that was not properly discharged during a menstrual cycle.
About 80% of women have fibroids, with the fibroids causing no symptoms at all, except for a slightly distended abdomen. If the fibroid grows on the outer (abdominal cavity side) of the uterine wall, it may push into the bladder, bowel, or intestine, causing severe pain. Fibroids along or inside the uterine wall can cause severe bleeding. Fibroids hanging from the wall, inside or outside of the uterus, can twist and cause severe pain.

Fibroids account for about one quarter of all hysterectomies, so it is important that we know what our options are—besides surgery—should we encounter these nasty growths.

Homeopathy and herbal remedies (both in the literature and in my personal experience) have shown themselves to be very helpful in dissolving uterine fibroids and dealing with any bleeding which may occur. Herbally, yarrow has proven wonderfully helpful for closing off the blood supply that is feeding a pedunculated fibroid and causing it to slough off. The yarrow also cauterizes the wound and helps to control any bleeding that may occur. To encourage the re-absorption of an embedded fibroid, I have had success with herbal combinations such as YW and VIB. The addition of homeopathic Silicea is very important.

Herbs for bleeding include, among many others, cayenne and chlorophyll. Homeopathic Salts Signal Complex is amazing for hemorrhage. Other homeopathics are individual to each woman, as homeopathy always is. If you do not understand or own homeopathic remedies, you should, in my opinion, change that situation as quickly as you can. So many things are best dealt with using homeopathic remedies.

Oh, I am leaving out so much that I wish to tell you—if only I had space and you have patience! We could talk about cysts, polyps, endometriosis, prolapsing organs (uterus, bladder, etc.), ovaries. The corpus luteum, fallopian tubes, fertility, and more! Some important information is included here and there in the description of the products. Please see YW, MW, MC, ^LeBalance, ^LeWoman Wise, yarrow green, etc. etc.

A Bit of Male Anatomy Here

Sperm
Approximately 12 trillion sperm (30 billion a month) are produced in a man’s lifetime, with 400 million being expelled from the body in a single ejaculation. Each sperm produced takes about seventy-two days to fully mature. This maturation process is governed by an interaction of hormones that is every bit as complex as the hormone fluctuations within a female.

Urethra
The male urethra is longer than the urethra in women. It is enclosed, at one point, by the prostate. This means that whenever there are prostate problems that include inflammation and swelling, the urinary system is always negatively affected. The male urethra is part of both the urinary and reproductive tracts—both urine and semen pass through it, but never at the same time. The treatment of urinary problems in men is critically important!!!

Prostate Gland
The prostate gland is a single gland about the size and shape of a chestnut. The prostate gland can be a trouble spot for most men, especially as they age. About 40 percent of men over 50 years old will develop prostate cancer. However, many of these men will never know they have the disease. If the cancer advances, however, it can pose a serious threat.

Men with higher levels of melatonin, produced both in the brain and in the intestines, show a 75 percent lower chance of developing prostate cancer. Read that again, please. 75%. People with higher melatonin levels sleep more soundly and longer. It is speculated that this additional rest may also play a part in immune system strength and in these better cancer statistics. A healthy immune system more readily throws off abnormal cells as they develop. Taking care of the digestive system and the balance of hormones is the best preventative program for avoiding prostate cancer.

Importance of Nutrition for Health and Hormone Balance

Some Essential Nutrients for Good Health
Our mental health, our emotional state, and our diet are intertwined on so many levels. Our emotions impact what we want to eat, how well it will be digested, whether or not the nutrients will be absorbed and assimilated properly, and to what use the body will put the nutrients we have provided it.

What we eat provides the nutrients that are essential to every cell and system of our bodies. The lack of nutrients in the food we consume has powerful repercussions on our physical and emotional well-being.

The nutrition we are getting, or lack thereof—during the months, and even a year or more, before we conceive a child is critical to the health of that child. The four or five months prior to conception are the most vital for the normal development of sperm and egg and for the person that will develop from their union.

The Complete Woman’s Herbal, by Anne McIntyre (mentioned earlier), has an excellent list of nutrients, their food sources, their functions in the body, and the results on health and hormones of deficiencies. This is a relatively short list, but excellent. For a more complete list, I would recommend The Complete Book of Vitamins, by the editors of Prevention magazine. This is a fairly large book, but is filled with information and studies about the role of various nutrients in the health of the body. These are the two single most informative, yet simple, books on herbal nutrition that I have ever seen.

Herbs as Sources of Nutrients
One of the reasons—perhaps the most important reason—that herbs work for particular problems is because the herb has provided one or more vital nutrients that are missing in the daily diet. At least ninety percent of the herbs that I use and love fall, very definitely, into nutritional categories. I seriously wonder if the other 10 percent would be categorized as nutritional too if we understood them better. The nervines and anti-depressants have been shown very strongly to work because of the nutrients they contain. Even the infection fighters seem to follow these principles to a great extent.

A Few (Very Few) Examples

- Marshmallow—1 cup of tea made from the fresh herb has, on average, 249 mg of calcium, 12.7 mg of iron (that is very high, and this natural type of iron is very readily absorbed), and 2,190 IU of vitamin A.
- Stinging Nettle—6,500 IU of vitamin A, which is as high as even the best food sources, and a very large amount of vitamin C.
- Dandelion Root—14,000 IU of vitamin A (more than double that of even that great herb, nettle), 187 mg of calcium, and large amounts of potassium.

I could keep this up all day, but I think this is sufficient to make the point that herbs are wonderfully nutritious and they are low-calorie at the same time.

Non-Nutrition
The years from puberty to young adulthood are critically important as the endocrine glands begin their life-long task of hormone secretion and balance. Unfortunately, this is too often a time of less than optimum nutrition. The impact of the lack of essential nutrients on future reproductive health and the health of their children cannot be overemphasized.

Some things, such as carbonated drinks—besides being loaded with sugar and calories—have no nutritional value whatsoever. Worse, the carbonation strips essential nutrients from the body, leaving too little to achieve and maintain the functions of the body.

Our bodies are designed to take care of our own needs first; the health of the system in charge of the well-being of future offspring is not a very high priority when nutritional funds are low. Nutrition is extra important for the health of the reproductive system, as it is not a priority system in the allocation of nutrients.

Preconception and fertility

Nutrition is the single most important factor in fertility, and the months, or even years, before conception is desired are very important. The health of the sperm and the egg that combine to form the genetic blueprint of the child and its future are very much the responsibility of the parents. While good nutrition will not solve every problem, it will eliminate a great many of them and give the endocrine system the building blocks that it needs to set things right. Eliminating nutritional and hormonal imbalances will bring the rest of the picture into clearer focus and make it easier to find solutions.

Both ovum and sperm can be damaged by toxic metals, environmental chemicals, viruses, and some drugs during their developmental periods before fertilization. The potential harmful effects of these substances include infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, fetal abnormalities, low birth weight, and various birth defects.

The most crucial aspects of the baby’s development occur during the first 8 weeks. Most women are just beginning to realize they are pregnant at this stage. The need for good nutrition and the necessity for eliminating toxic substances in the environment of young women who want children someday cannot be stressed enough.

Fertility Statistics
According to statistics published by Resolve, a national infertility group, approximately one-third of infertility is attributed to the female partner, one-third attributed to the male partner, and one-third is caused by a combination of problems in both partners or is unexplained.

Enough! — but there is so much more I want to tell you! Let’s hold a class! I do love to teach!

See the full list of topics.

In This Issue

^LePumpkin Glow Essential Oil
^LePumpkin Glow Soap
^LeAutumn Soap
Multi+ Vitamins
Prenatal Vitamins
^LeAutumn Essential Oil
October Essential Oils
Featured Herbs
Featured Blessed Waters
Featured Blend – ^LeCherish
Featured Blend – ^LeBaby Me
Featured Single – Yarrow Green
Jojoba Carrier Oil
Featured Kits

New items

^LePumpkin Glow Essential Oil

^LePumpkin Glow has a delightfully homey, comforting, spicy cinnamon aroma. This blend is reminiscent of the rich, spicy aroma of pumpkin cookies baking in the oven. Diffusing this blend will certainly delight the senses while being effective against a wide range of microbes, boosting energy levels, increasing immune function, and sanitizing the air.

Physical: ^LePumpkin Glow contains essential oils that are high in minerals and is helpful with conditions that are hypo- this, or hyper- that. Does the body uptake the minerals found in essential oils? After my many years of research and use of essential oils, I can only say, “Yes”, and resoundingly so! I have seen too many miracles, especially with undernourished (because they are picky eaters) children!

The essential oils in this blend are known to act as both a stimulant when energy levels are low and as a sedative during times when our bodies are stressed and need to rest and relax in order to rebuild. This blend is helpful for times of extreme fatigue, during burnouts, and for cases of infection which include highly resistant bacteria.

Emotional/Mental/Spiritual: ^LePumpkin Glow is helpful for helping people feel “more”. More in love with life, be more animated, happy, warm-hearted, spontaneous, dynamic, and self-assured. The essential oils in this blend are wonderful for helping us become more productive and practical. This blend increases cellular oxygen levels, which benefits all of the body systems, and when we feel better physically, our emotions become more balanced.

^LePumpkin Glow is formulated using only spice essential oils, which are fantastic for their warming properties that increase cellular oxygen levels, stimulate, energize, and tone all of the organs of the body. Spice essential oils illustrate the principle of natural remedies bringing the body to a state of homeostasis or balance.

A Word of Caution: Avoid this blend if you are pregnant or are prone to seizures. This blend is too strong for application on children, but it is wonderful diffused around them in the home. A drop or two placed on a tissue and placed in a plastic bag for sniffing during the ‘sleepy’ time of the afternoon at school is also very effective! Dilute well or avoid if you have very sensitive skin. I qualify here and, honestly, I have had no trouble at all with this oil as long as I dilute it with a carrier oil—which I always do anyway!

^LePumpkin Glow Bar Soap

^LePumpkin Glow Soap is absolutely delightful! And it is appropriate for use with children in the bath or by the bathroom sink (so long as you don’t let them dissolve the entire bar into their bath while playing with it!)

^LeAutumn Bar Soap

This is a very luxurious soap as it combines the rich, spicy scent of cassia with the invigorating aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the bright, zesty notes of orange. The ^LeAutumn essential oil blend used to make this soap (described below) is anti-inflammatory. This characteristic makes the oil, as well as the soap, beneficial for arthritis, stiff joints, and sore muscles. While stimulating to the body, the emotional aspects of this oil make it beneficial for insomnia, as well as depression and anxiety. A good soap to use for a relaxing before-bedtime bath!

Featured Items for Reproductive Health

Multi+ Vitamins

Men’s Multi+ Vitamin Supplement

This comprehensive and high-quality multivitamin contains ingredients that give specific support for and fill in nutrients often lacking in the diets of the majority of men these days. In addition to the dosage of vitamins like A, B, and C, this men’s multivitamin features several herbs that contain nutrients that are particularly important for men. Let’s take a quick look at them.

Saw Palmetto, discussed further in the Herb section below, is recognized around the world—and for generations–as an outstanding herb for prostate health. It is also used to treat urinary tract issues. Saw Palmetto also boosts libido and increases sperm production.

Lycopene is a bright red pigment that is found in tomatoes and other red fruits such as watermelon, papaya, and red grapefruit. This nutrient has outstanding antioxidant properties and reduces free radicals, particularly in the prostate gland. It can significantly improve testosterone levels. Increased lycopene intake can reduce the odds of erectile dysfunction.

Alpha Lipoic Acid helps improve testosterone levels and reduces DNA damage. This valuable nutrient is used to reduce nerve pain, burning, and/or numbness in hands and feet. Notably, it seems to improve the body’s ability to process glucose.

CoQ10 has many benefits, including improving heart health and reducing depression symptoms. It is also known to reduce muscle pain and improve overall performance of muscles and their ability to withstand strain.

Grapeseed Extract is a great herb for vascular and vein health. It has been suggested that it may help with hypertension and blood pressure.

Women’s Multi+ Vitamin Supplement

Multivitamins of good quality are an important part of a healthy lifestyle for all women, regardless of age or activity level. This Multi+ Women’s Vitamin has been specifically formulated with higher doses of iron, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins—all vital in meeting the needs of a woman’s body throughout her various life stages.

The strong antioxidants in this formula help combat cellular destruction, thus supporting skin and muscle health and reducing and slowing signs of aging. These easy-to-swallow soft-gels also contain some of the very best herbal extracts that are particularly important for women. Let’s take a quick look at them.

Dong Quai, a species of Angelica, is considered to be the queen of all female herb tonics and healers. Dong Quai balances and tones the muscles and organs of the reproductive system as well as balancing hormones. As a result, menstruation becomes regular and PMS-free, and menopause proceeds along nicely without hot flashes or any of the other symptoms so many consider to be normal (but are not). During labor, this herb stimulates contractions, increases circulation, and relieves lymphatic congestion in the pelvic area, speeding the labor. It is best not to take Dong Quai during pregnancy.

The circulation-increasing effects of Dong Quai seem to improve cognitive function, especially when mixed with Ginkgo. This mix is very good for the brain! It acts slowly but surely.
Some of the other traditional uses for Dong Quai include: tissue repair, lowering blood pressure, preventing atherosclerosis and blood clots, relaxing the heart muscle, acting as a mild sedative, aiding in the absorption and utilization of vitamin E and iron, stabilizing blood sugar, enhancing the immune system, relieving constipation, relieving the pain of arthritis, and being an excellent convalescent herb. Dong Quai really speeds the recovery time after childbirth and improves the woman’s overall energy levels (important when there are other small children clamoring for mother’s attention).

Cranberry, as most of us already realize, is an amazing herb for kidney health and helps prevent urinary tract infections. When I am under stress, such as after a particularly nasty accident with one of my sons, cranberry was absolutely essential to my kidneys coping and my staying on my feet!

Evening Primrose, a very important women’s herb, manages and balances female hormones. It is used for issues like PMS and menopause. Evening primrose. Notably, it is a liver and spleen activator and healer! It also opens blood vessels, strengthens the heart, and reduces blood pressure. This herb was a common solution to Multiple Sclerosis throughout Europe at one time. I have not followed this lately, so I can only assume that it is still the case that herbal remedies are still relied upon at all.

Horsetail is a great kidney herb, and it speeds the repair of damaged connective tissue, improving its strength and elasticity. Horsetail grows all around me and is a regular part of my own daily regimen. Interestingly, the ‘male’ version of this herb is a sort of jointed spike while the female version is fluffy, much like a horse’s tail. (Yes, there really is a male and female version, and their medicinal uses are slightly different, but complementary!

Red Clover has many positive effects on women’s health, including enhancing fertility and improving menstruation and menopause by relieving symptoms of hot flashes and moodiness. This is my favorite among herbs that I consider to be blood purifiers!

CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant and cellular energy booster. It is an especially potent assistant in maintaining heart health and countering age-related or medication-induced nutrient absorption issues. CoQ10 is also used in programs to reduce depression.

Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal Gels + DHA is a specially formulated multivitamin and mineral supplement for pregnant women, but is also great for women in their child-bearing years, pregnant or not. In addition to essential vitamins and minerals, this high-quality supplement includes GLA (an essential Omega-6 fatty acid) from borage oil.

It is also a high-quality source of DHA (an Omega-3 fatty acid). DHA supports healthy eye and brain development in the baby of the mothers who utilize this vitamin faithfully. For the mom? Aids optimal heart activity during stressful times such as during labor and delivery

^LeAutumn Essential Oil Blend

The ^LeAutumn Essential Oil blend joined the Butterfly line-up years ago. I was skeptical at first. I loved the aroma of the trial blend, but the inclusion of coffee gave me some pause for a moment or two—until I diffused the blend in my home!

Emotional/Mental/Spiritual: Whether we are feeling depressed or just have slow, low emotions, ^LeAutumn lifts us up to a warm, safe space where we are able to bring our expectations to a realistic level. ^LeAutumn should be used for depression and anxiety, and is particularly effective when the depression is triggered by low self-esteem and a feeling that we cannot measure up. This is an amazing oil after an argument, trauma, or painful loss.

Physical: ^LeAutumn is a strong antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial oil. This blend is stimulating to the lymphatic system and the immune system. It increases T-lymphocyte activity and immunoglobulin production by the B-cells, making it an excellent oil to strengthen the immune system and raise the body’s resistance to disease. ^LeAutumn is also stimulating to the circulatory system, strengthening the cardiovascular system, increasing oxygen levels in the body, and aiding respiration.

Save 15% on these six essential oils for Reproductive Health

Ingredients: Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Lavender, Marjoram, Nerolina, Orange Sweet, Rosemary, Ylang. As you can safely surmise from this list of ingredients, ^LeAscendance is a very high-frequency blend. However, the inclusion of Frankincense, Marjoram, and Rosemary also places it very firmly in the category of a blend for physical ailments, as well!

This sort of blending takes a high degree of skill! I just took a little walk to find the talented employee responsible for its creation! (No, this blend is not one of my ‘babies’.) Her humble response? “Thank you. I am a work-in-progress.” May she continue as a ‘work-in-progress’ at Butterfly Express for years to come! She has been at Butterfly for a great many years of that company’s past, already!

The fragrances of the individual essential oils in this blend have been studied for their supportive effects on the nervous system and on the endocrine system, especially the adrenal glands. This blend is an absolute wonder for any and every aspect of the immune system! I am told this blend was formulated to support the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a role in stress response, immune function, digestion, mood, emotions, and energy regulation.

It may help the body maintain healthy cortisol balance and ease stress-related tension associated with prolonged fight-or-flight responses. This blend has become one of my favorites to relieve stress and unwind from hectic days and too many responsibilities!

Clary Sage is a good oil for those who, when overtired, become hypersensitive and either weep or find fault with everyone around them. It is also a good choice for people whose lives show a pattern of continually choosing the wrong kind of friends. The aroma of Clary Sage calms the nerves and enhances the dream state of sleep. It brings about feelings of contentment.

The emotional actions of Clary Sage are explained by the balance it establishes between stimulation and relaxation (the yang and yin of Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM). Clary Sage calms tension, nervousness, and hypersensitivity, yet revives and revitalizes us when we are fatigued. This sort of conundrum (play of opposite effects) is common with plants and plant-derived formulas but is not found to any degree in medicinal drugs!)

Included in the ‘New Mommy & Baby Kit’ discussed further along in this article.

CAUTIONS: Clary Sage has a lower percentage of thujone than does common Sage (Salvia officinalis). Clary Sage is completely safe for most people in most applications when used in normal dosages. However, Clary Sage has a strong action on hormones and should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy. Clary Sage is not to be used with children because of these hormonal properties.

Clary Sage should be avoided if alcohol is going to be consumed and is not to be used in the bath. Use small amounts when diffusing.

^LeBalance is a great oil for supporting the endocrine system and balancing the hormones in both men and women. For men, ^LeBalance helps ‘balance’ male energy, regulate prostate function, and reduce congestion and enlargement of the prostate, which often reestablishes proper urinary function. For women, ^LeBalance has been used successfully many times to reduce or eliminate hot flashes and headaches for those who are approaching or going through menopause. (This oil was a great help to me at that time in my own life!)

^LeBalance has antispasmodic properties. It is helpful as a digestive aid and as a diuretic, especially when the problems in these areas are linked to hormone imbalances.

APPLICATION: Best applied around the ankles on both men and women. This area of the feet is where signals utilized in Foot Zone Therapy to work reproductive/hormone issues are located. It can also be diffused and is soothing when a drop or two is placed in the tub. If using in the shower, plug the drain and allow a couple of inches of water to accumulate in the bottom of the tub. Add your oils and continue.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: ^LeBalance often brings quick relief from the symptoms of menopause and should be used by women age 45 and older. ^LeWoman Wise is a better choice for younger women of menstruating age to balance hormones and relieve the symptoms of PMS. For best results, ^LeWoman Wise and ^LeBalance should be used in conjunction with ^LeEndoRelief, which has a strengthening effect on the entire endocrine system.

CAUTIONS: ^LeBalance has hormonal properties and should definitely not be used during pregnancy or used with young children!! (Two exclamation points because I am very serious! However, do not become paranoid, please. Mom or Dad applying it to their own feet is not going to cause any problems!)

Odd. I was very allergic to the aroma of geranium plants as a child and as a teen. My mother, however, who had a lot of allergies of her own, was not, and she loved them! There was even a hanging pot of them in the dining room of our home! (I sat at the far side of the table during meals!) How do I feel about the aroma of geraniums now? Well, let’s see. . .

Geranium is an important ingredient in 27 Butterfly Express, LLC’s pure essential oil blended combinations! This is despite the fact that Geranium is a very potent and very aromatic oil, making it difficult to blend with and keep the aroma of geraniums from overwhelming the blend! However, the emotional and physical healing properties of this blend are more than worth that effort.

Geranium is an excellent choice, single or in a blend, for people whose negative patterns need to be swept away in spite of their desire to hang on to them. Geranium helps a person release negative memories by accepting the lessons learned while moving past the pain and harmful results!

This is an excellent oil for nervous fatigue where the body is exhausted, but the mind just won’t let the body sit and rest. Geranium is a potent oil for those whose moods are up one minute and down the next. Geranium is a good choice for people whose drive and ambition interfere with sensitivity and spontaneous joy and even with the ability to take a little time off for any reason! (Is that why my mother loved the aroma of geraniums around here every day?)

Geranium regenerates tissues and nerves. It is excellent for skin disorders and skin care, and is especially nice for the skin of expectant mothers. Along with the essential oil blend ^LeDeeper, Geranium heals the sores of shingles. Geranium discharges toxins from the liver and dilates the biliary ducts, aiding liver, gallbladder, and kidney function. This oil can bring relief from gastric ulcers, diarrhea, jaundice, and kidney stones. Geranium is one of the best oils for circulation problems such as hemorrhoids, and is helpful in slowing down bleeding.

There are many emotions that go completely out of whack when our hormones are out of balance. This blend can be very helpful for any of those. Sometimes trying an essential oil and seeing what changes take place can help us identify—and own up to—the less-than-desirable behaviors of our own that are hormone-driven and which ones are just bad habits that we should let go of. Of course, we should do our best to ‘behave’ while attempting to bring our hormones back into balance!

^LeWoman Wise, even just diffused rather than applied, can help to balance hormones, stabilize mood swings, and calm irritability. This blend should be used all month long, not just when the PMS symptoms are at their worst. Doing this will keep the symptoms from occurring.

^LeWoman Wise was created to help balance the hormones of younger women. It also brings a lot of relief from pre-menstrual and menstrual cramps and headaches. It may also be effective for prostate problems in men, although ^LeBalance is usually a better choice for men and women approaching, or in, their menopausal years.

CAUTIONS: This blend is not for use during pregnancy or with young children! However, as expressed above with ^LeBalance oil, do not become overly concerned about using it in your home.

Grapefruit is a very joyous and positive essential oil! It can be a ray of bright light guiding us out of darkness and depression. Grapefruit is an excellent choice for combating both mental exhaustion and mental/emotional tension. Grapefruit seems to address the emotional issues of self-worth and discontent with one’s body that are so often a part of anorexia and other eating disorders.

The aroma of Grapefruit is particularly suited to people who, when tense or under pressure, eat as a means of relieving stress or finding comfort. Often, the driving emotion is frustration because their too-high expectations have not been met in some way. If they reacted to their frustration with anger or blame of themselves or others, a layer of guilt is added to the frustration.

Grapefruit is an excellent detoxifier of the lymphatic system and aids the kidneys in maintaining proper fluid levels throughout the body. Grapefruit has a reputation for burning fat and cellulite.

Grapefruit aids with gallstones, water retention, and kidney and liver disorders. Grapefruit, diluted in water, can be used as an astringent face wash for acne. Grapefruit can relieve a migraine headache and return the energy system to normal after long jet flights. Grapefruit is one of the best oils for premenstrual water retention and headaches.

Grapefruit essential oil contains a high percentage of limonene. Preliminary animal studies indicate that limonene protects against pancreatic, stomach, colon, skin, and liver cancers. A study done at Brigham Young University showed an 80% cancer cell growth inhibition. Purdue University reported that limonene helps 80% of carcinomas in breast cancer to regress—with little toxicity.

Featured Herbs for Reproductive Health

MH (formerly Men’s Health)

Ingredients: Ginseng Red, Ginseng White, Goldenseal Root, Hawthorn Berries, Juniper Berries, Marshmallow, Cayenne
This is such an important, but not well enough recognized formula, that I am going to take the space, as I have done previously in this article, to describe a few of the outstanding healing properties of each ingredient.

Ginseng: The most noted effects of Ginseng are the slowing of the onset of both mental and physical fatigue when the body or mind is under great stress. Other uses for Ginseng are the treatment of diabetes, as a reproductive system tonic and healer, for its immune-stimulant properties, the strengthening of liver function, protecting and strengthening the cardiovascular system, the protection of cells during radiation, and the rebuilding of damaged cells when the radiation treatment is finished. Can’t ask for much more than this list from any herbal. However, Ginseng delivers on many other levels, as well. Emotionally, following Eastern medical philosophy, Ginseng balances the passive/aggressive, nurturing/providing (Fire and Water) aspects of our personalities.

Goldenseal Root: Goldenseal Root was prized during the 19th century as a cure-all, and as you can see from even a short study of healing properties and the body systems affected for the good by this herb, calling this herb a cure-all is not much of a stretch! The many healing properties of this herb are so well known that very little interest has ever been shown in research as to its usefulness. It is difficult to find a disease or condition for which Goldenseal has not been found effective by someone somewhere.

Goldenseal has proven effective in the treatment of liver disorders, various cancers, and any condition that presents with lowered white blood cell counts, including chemotherapy. Prevention and recovery from strokes, improvement in the flow of bile, and the strengthening of liver function are also accomplished by Goldenseal. This herb is amazing for healing even deep wounds, particularly diabetic sores. I have witnessed this in my own family. Goldenseal is also used to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and is used by midwives to help stop bleeding following childbirth.
For more information—bits I hated to leave out of this article—please see the Butterflyexpress.shop website. This is a truly great herb!

Hawthorn Berries: The constituents of Hawthorn relax and dilate the arteries, with a specific focus on the coronary arteries. The increased flow of blood and nutrients to the heart strengthens and rebuilds that muscle. You don’t have to search very far to find studies that confirm Hawthorn’s value in treating chronic heart problems. This is a remedy that is specific to congestive heart failure.
Hawthorn is much prized for blood pressure issues. It will raise or lower the blood pressure according to the patient’s needs. According to Michael Murray, the flavonoids in Hawthorn have a very strong “vitamin P” activity. This means that Hawthorn increases intracellular vitamin C levels, protects vitamin C from destruction or oxidation, and decreases capillary permeability and fragility. These flavonoids also protect collagen (and the cells that it makes up) from destruction during inflammatory episodes.

Juniper Berries: The antiseptic properties of Juniper Berries disinfect the urinary tract, while the diuretic and antilithic properties rid the urinary tract of excess fluid and uric acid buildup. Reduction in fluid and uric acid can prevent or relieve gout and even help with arthritis. Juniper is high in natural insulin and naturally lowers blood sugar levels. It can assist in healing the pancreas as long as the damage has not become irreversibly severe.

Marshmallow: This herb is useful whenever the soothing of mucous membranes is called for, whether it’s irritation in the stomach, ulcers, problems in the intestinal tract like colitis, diverticulitis, or irritable bowel syndrome. Sore throats and kidney/bladder irritations also respond well to Marshmallow. Because Marshmallow is both diuretic and demulcent, it is very powerful in the treatment of urinary tract issues.

Cayenne: Cayenne is well-enough known and has so many healing properties that I am not even going to attempt a description here! Suffice it to say that the presence of cayenne in a formula increases the capacity of every other herb present!

MW (formerly Mature Women’s Formula)

MW is a formula for women past childbearing age who are experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance such as hot flashes, night sweats, tissue dryness, or headaches. After menopause, estrogen still needs to be produced by the body, but this production no longer occurs in the ovaries. The MW formula provides the nutrients needed for the changeover to occur smoothly and symptom-free. Menopause need not be a miserable experience, nor does life after menopause need to be full of unpleasant symptoms.

One ingredient, St. John’s Wort, is said to alleviate the lowered vitality that may accompany menopause. This herb is also an outstanding nervine, antidepressant, sleep aid, diuretic, and nervine. There are, from time to time, concerns raised about St. John’s Wort reacting negatively to medications. I can find no actual proof—or even reasonable anecdotal evidence—to support this idea. St. John’s Wort has been highly valued since antiquity.

For some women, slipping into menopause can result in months of very uncomfortable symptoms. Over many years, I have recommended this formula to such women. Within a very short time, we have watched as they proceeded into menopause both quickly and gracefully (with few symptoms), except for no menstrual bleeding, no cramping, no hot flashes, etc.

YW (formerly Young Women’s Formula)

This formula is meant for women in their childbearing years and the years preceding menopause. It will often, if taken for a month or two, straighten out irregular periods, heavy clotting, profuse flow, menstrual cramping, premenstrual headaches, and premenstrual tension. Many times, once the underlying hormone issues that are causing the above symptoms have cleared up, infertility issues also disappear.

YW is also helpful with kidney, liver, and bladder problems in women, and is essential for prolapsing uterus or bladder situations. Of all the many formulas I have created over the years, both herbal and essential oil-based, this is one of the ones I am most proud of because of the miracles I have seen, time and time again and with woman after woman, with its use. The formula is based, loosely, on a tincture formula my own midwife gave me nearly 50 years ago now!

Consider Sepia homeopathic in addition to this formula.

Saw Palmetto

The prostate gland is a single gland about the size and shape of a chestnut. The prostate gland can be a trouble spot for most men, especially as they age. About 40 percent of men over 50 years old will develop prostate cancer. However, many of these men will never know they have the disease. If the cancer advances, however, it can pose a serious threat.

Saw Palmetto has been important in the treatment of enlarged prostate and the accompanying urinary disorders for generations. Saw Palmetto has repeatedly shown excellent results in double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials, but the most interesting results I have seen were in a multi-center study conducted in 1974. This study is quoted in Michael T. Murray’s book, The Healing Power of Herbs. This is a great book. Scientific and herbal at the same time!

The results were as follows:
Saw Palmetto is completely safe and is useful for so many things having to do with men’s health besides prostate health.
No side effects have been reported in any clinical trial ever.

Inflammation of the prostate gland is the single most common reason for a man to consult a urologist. Prostate cancer is the third most prevalent cancer in men. Most of the time, prostate cancer is a slow-growing, hidden condition, but it can also be a swift and deadly killer. The herbal combination, MH (formerly Men’s Herbs), contains essential nutrients for the health of the male reproductive and nervous systems. There is also some advice for hormone balance in men and for strengthening the immune system in the face of cancer.

While results for urine flow, residual urine amounts, and prostate enlargement were impressive, it was the results in the quality-of-life portion of the tests that I found impressive. There were a total of 350 men in this study. They were asked before they began the study and again on day 90 of the study to choose one of seven terms that best described themselves. The results were as follows.

FSW (formerly Five/Six Week Formula)

The forerunner of this recipe was created by Polly Block and Jeanne Johnson, two of the best herbal midwives I have ever known. I have come across similar recipes (though with only 4 or 5 herbs in them) over the years. The above herbs and proportions are the recipe as it evolved for me during my own years as a midwife. I am sure Polly and Jeanne had it perfectly formulated for their time (my own childbearing years). The dietary habits, drug histories, and the effects of chemicals and pollutants in our environment created the need for subtle changes (at least I thought so). This is the recipe as I have used it for quite a few years now.

The herbs in FSW aid in preparing mother and baby for the upcoming birth. Take during the last 5 or 6 weeks of pregnancy. Use 6 drops for the first week, 8 drops the second week, 10 drops the third week, then 12 drops until the due date. This dosage is taken twice a day. Doing so really does make a difference to the length of an otherwise normal labor, speeds recovery time, and helps the woman avoid postpartum depression.

Raspberry Leaf

Raspberry leaf is, far and away, one of the most important herbs for women during pregnancy. Raspberry Leaf is a mild astringent which gently contracts and tones the entire reproductive system.
The hormones of pregnancy loosen muscle structures so that the uterus and surrounding muscles can stretch to accommodate the growing baby. This loosening often results in the interesting symptoms of pregnancy such as constipation (or occasionally diarrhea), frequent urination, bleeding gums, and pain in joints and tendons, etc. Raspberry Leaf, taken as a tea or tincture, greatly reduces these symptoms while still allowing the uterus to expand and the hips to move apart as needed. How can it do both things at the same time? Herbs bring the body into a state of balance. Constipation is not necessary or normal, but a softening uterus during pregnancy is.

Raspberry Leaf is often overlooked (I have certainly been guilty here) by herbalists when not dealing with the symptoms of pregnancy. Fortunately for me, my own midwife insisted that at least two cups of it be consumed every day. Raspberry Leaf could be used with good benefit in most cases of diarrhea, constipation, stomach and intestinal upset, and hemorrhoids. It should be considered by diabetics to stabilize the pancreas. Raspberry Leaf is frequently used for sore mouth, sore throat, and spongy gums. It is a main ingredient in formulas that are used for the eyes.

A wild form of Raspberry, called Thimbleberry, is very effective and grows abundantly in the Mountain West. I love to harvest this one because the leaves are huge and you can harvest so much in so little time.

Chaste Tree

Chaste Tree is used primarily for menstrual complaints and women’s issues. The flavonoids in Chaste Tree create a similar effect to the hormone progesterone, although the plant contains no hormonal compounds at all. When progesterone levels are low relative to estrogen levels, the result is often infertility, heavy bleeding, lack of periods, too-frequent periods, irregular periods, premenstrual syndrome with symptoms of many kinds, and menopausal bleeding irregularities.

The progesterone-like capabilities of Chaste Tree are brought about because Chaste Tree acts on the pituitary gland in the brain. The effects of this action on the pituitary are to regulate the menstrual cycle and to slightly increase the production of progesterone in women who are having irregular cycles.

Chaste Tree is a slow-acting herb and, depending on the severity of the nutritional deficiencies, can take months to produce its beneficial effects. In this day and age, we are so used to the quick disappearance of symptoms that don’t necessarily indicate a cure that we may lack the patience to wait for this amazing herb to do its work. The use of Chaste Tree should be continued for a year or two even after symptoms have subsided.

Chaste Tree should be discontinued if pregnancy occurs, although no miscarriages have been reported when it is used up until the pregnancy was recognized anywhere I can find—and I looked!

MC (formerly Miscarriage Aid)

Oh, how I wish every woman (and family) that has their heart broken by the loss of a baby through miscarriage could have known about this formula!

If you (or anyone you know) has miscarried during the first 10 weeks of a pregnancy previously, please consider taking MC as soon as you realize you are pregnant. In fact, it would be best to do some serious hormone balancing work with this and other herbs before the next attempted pregnancy.

In some women, a hormone imbalance slows or prevents the protective covering around the fertilized egg, called the corpus luteum, from dissolving when it should. If this covering does not dissolve, the tiny little embryo cannot implant along the wall of the uterus. Non-implantation results in a very early miscarriage. This formula, taken at the first sign of spotting, often corrects this problem, allowing the fetus to implant securely. I usually recommend that the woman lie in bed with her hips elevated for a couple of days to improve the chances of the fetus implanting high (rather than lower in the uterus with those attendant problems).

In the event of miscarriage anyway, this formula will help clean tissue and/or infection out of the uterus. Herbs and homeopathic remedies for excessive bleeding should be included in this event.
(If this is your story, or the story of anyone you know, please see the description of the PHB formula coming up next!)

PHB (formerly Pregnancy Hormone Balancer)

PHB, as the former name shown above implies, is a formula that brings hormones into balance and is especially effective for relieving symptoms that sometimes arise in pregnancy. A woman in good health should feel wonderful and be able to enjoy the experience. Pregnancy is a healthy state for a woman. Her body’s hormones should adjust to the new reality and play their roles as Heaven meant them to do. Nausea, mood swings, headaches, a lot of food cravings, muscle and joint pain, and general crankiness are NOT a normal part of pregnancy in healthy women!

PHB is just as often needed between pregnancies as during a pregnancy. It is a formula designed for balancing hormones and is particularly effective for low progesterone levels and inefficient adjustments of hormones during the ups and downs of a woman’s monthly cycle.

PHB is absolutely essential for women who have had repeated early first-trimester miscarriages. (See MC formula, just previously, for further explanation of this situation and what can be done to correct it.)

Featured Blessed Waters for Reproductive Health

Sepia succus (Cuttlefish Ink)

Sepia is one of the top 10 polycrest remedies, meaning that it is useful and just what is needed for most people at some time or another! This includes both men and women. Counting just women, it is among the top 3 remedies called for and benefited from at some time in every woman’s life! Most women will show symptoms and would benefit from this remedy at some time in their lives. In my Materia Medica, the list of symptoms indicating a need for this remedy is 7 pages long. Discouragingly, most of these symptoms are really awful and put great strain on family relationships! On the bright side, the use of this remedy makes a profound and, usually, very sudden improvement, especially of mental/emotional symptoms!

Female symptoms indicating need: never well since puberty, childbirth, weaning a baby, taking hormone therapies; hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause; bearing down sensation as if everything is falling down and out; affects circulation, primarily to the female pelvic organs; menses either too early and profuse or too late and scanty; prolapse of the uterus or vaginal wall; tendency to miscarriage from the fifth to seventh month; extreme morning sickness; retained placenta; infertility; aversion to sex and low sex drive; acne before menses; hair falls out at menopause; constipation and hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

Desires chocolate, sweets, vinegar, acids, and pickles; nausea at the smell or thought of food; typical pattern of the food cravings of pregnancy.

Circulation irregular: wakes with violent beating of the heart and sensation of beating in all arteries; nervous palpitations, especially when lying on left side; congestion of blood vessels; violent intermittent palpitations; palpitations with anxiety; pulse accelerated by motion or being angry.

Mental/Emotional symptoms include: Feels mentally and physically worn out—displays as indifference and disconnectedness; demands of family viewed as burdens and are met with irritability and anger followed by feelings of guilt; tearfulness; depression; weeping, worse when talking or trying to explain feelings and symptoms; aversion to both sympathy and company when depressed or discouraged; postpartum depression; loss of sex drive; sensitive; easily offended; doesn’t take criticism or contradiction well at all; anger and irritability first thing in the morning; especially sensitive to noises, especially music playing in the background.

Symptoms worse when tired or working too hard (motherhood?); better from exercise or vigorous motion; better after some sleep; better from warm bed or warm applications; better from cold drinks; better sitting with legs crossed; better when sleeping with legs pulled up; worse from cold air or dampness; worse before thunderstorms; worse in the morning; better in the evening with a “second wind” of energy or strength late at night; worse after sex; worse from being touched or rubbed absentmindedly.

Pulsatilla nigricans (Wind Flower)

This is the same plant and remedy that Sankaran (one of the world’s most respected homeopathic proponents) refers to as Pratensis. This remedy is useful both as a constitutional and an acute.

Need is often indicated by a few keynotes; the chief among these and the most confusing is the “changeableness” of the symptoms. All symptoms build to a pitch and then suddenly subside. The symptoms may begin on one side of the body but then move to the other side. There may be no symptoms at all when a person first goes to bed, but symptoms quickly develop on whichever side is lain on. Movement brings only temporary relief as the symptoms begin again on the side that is now being lain on.

Pulsatilla nigricans people (constitutional or acute) tend to inward suffering and silent resentments, but feel better for whining or being sympathized with; predominantly a female remedy; particularly useful for tearful, clingy, whiny infants and children.

Other keynote symptoms are irritability, “touchy”, fear of animals—even domesticated animals. In men, there are often fantasies that they are heroic, but their true feeling is that they really aren’t acceptable as a man.

Special Notes: Symptoms indicating need for this remedy are many and varied, as is fitting for “wind flower” people. The phrase that always comes to mind when I think of this remedy is a person who, in the words of my father, is “driven by the wind and tossed about!” Pulsatilla, like Sepia succus above, is a true polycrest remedy and well worth studying in detail.

A very strong keynote is avoiding, at any cost, situations that cause vexation or anxiety. There is always an intense need to be alone for at least a portion of every day, with symptoms arising when this need cannot be met! There was a time in my life when the symptom picture of this remedy described me perfectly. (I can’t believe I admitted that!) However, the use of this remedy in deepening potencies changed my life and for the better!

Hormone Balancer

This is a low-potency combination remedy containing only two ingredients. The following is a small amount of information on each of the INGREDIENTS of this combination.

Damiana aphrodisiaca (Turnera): Damiana is another great invigorator of the entire system. However, this remedy has a particular affinity for sexual weakness, hormonal imbalances, and glandular dysfunctions in general. I have seen Damiana dispel fatigue and restore clearness of mind. I carried a low-potency bottle of this remedy with me as a midwife. On several occasions, it was of great benefit to me when the labor was long, and I needed to be awake and alert in both body and mind!

Ginseng (wild ginseng): Ginseng, as an herb, is an amazing and world-renowned remedy with emphasis on balancing hormones and on building vigor and stamina. Ginseng alleviates fatigue and weakness and helps a person endure prolonged stress or heavy physical labor more easily. Ginseng is more than specific for the malfunction of reproductive organs and systems; it is absolutely amazing in this sphere. This is a description of both the herb and the homeopathic remedy.

Pregnancy

This remedy is useful for the symptoms that are typical to most women during early pregnancy. Most importantly, this remedy is also intended for—and very useful for— relief of mild, early-stage toxemia! It is not, however, a substitute for necessary changes in the diet and the habits that are bringing on the toxemia in the first place! Pregnancy health care must accompany the use of this remedy for optimal results.

Emotionally, indications for this remedy include the contradictory feeling of being isolated with no one to turn to or who understands, then coupled with an aversion to company of any kind.

The following is a small amount of information on each of the INGREDIENTS of this combination.

Euphrasia officinalis (eyebright): Symptoms include catarrhal headache, painless swelling in hands and feet, stitches in the hips when walking, frequent waking during early morning hours, and dim or blurred vision.

Iris versicolor (blue flag): This remedy is indicated for morning sickness, abdominal tenderness, chronic indigestion of milk products, throbbing headache—usually on the right side and often beginning with vision disturbances, and vomiting with burning pain.

Natrum sulphuricum (sodium sulfate): Symptoms include frequent urination, early diabetes, glucose, bile, and sediment in urine, gout, uric acid crystals in tissues of extremities, pain in the hip joints on rising or sitting down, edema of the feet, and liver and gallbladder disorders during pregnancy.

Thuja occidentalis (arbor vitae): Thuja, as it relates to pregnancy, usually has to do with emotional symptoms. The woman feels isolated and alone yet is averse to company. Often, when there has been toxemia early in pregnancy, there is post-partum depression after the birth of the child. This remedy, taken when the toxemia first appears, may prevent post-partum depression later on. This remedy is very strong, and caution is always advised when pregnant when taking any remedy. Muscle testing to confirm remedy choice is advised.

Vaginitis

This is more than just a remedy for vaginitis; this combination is specifically indicated for many things hormone-related, including emotions such as restlessness, anxiety, and despair. In addition to reproductive hormones, improvement in the liver can also be expected due to the inclusion of Yucca filamentosa.

Kali sulphuricum (potassium sulfate): This is a remedy for anemia, loss of memory, and anxiety from the anticipation of some event or experience. A keynote of this remedy is restless, repetitive movements. Applicable symptoms include backache during menses, leucorrhea, eruptions and itching on the vulva, with yellow mucus and discharges. The anxiety that is part of this remedy’s picture is better for being in the open air.

Populus candicans (Balm of Gilead): Balm of Gilead is mentioned in the Bible in the context of relief from despair and anguish. An important symptom of this remedy is an erratic menstrual cycle—scant and delayed, then early and abundant. Symptoms applicable to this combination include burning in the vaginal area with highly colored and strong-smelling urine.

Yucca filamentosa (bear grass): Yucca is predominantly a liver remedy. Symptoms include despondent, irritable, unable to remember what was read, seems unable to understand when spoken to, various types of headaches and throbbing of the temporal arteries.

Lycopodium clavatum (Club Moss)

Large remedy, usually with pages and pages in remedy guides—check it out! The list of uses is long and important!! I have not, in the past, thought of this remedy much as it relates to Reproductive Health. For me, it is a remedy for use with anxiety disorders and ADHD and other learning and behavioral issues!

However, this is one of the most fundamental, often used remedies—classed with Sulphur and Calcarea and used in a triad regimen (all three in a carefully constructed regimen). Mental picture is pronounced and characterized by feelings of inferiority and lack of self-esteem. These feelings may manifest as either shyness or egotism and bragging. Lack of self-control—craving sweets and things that are not good for them is another hallmark.

Lycopodium as it applies to Reproductive Health: Delayed menses with undeveloped breasts at puberty. Just before the menstrual period, there will be serious indigestion and depression! After a fright or during stressful times, the period may be suppressed for months at a time! The menstrual period is too lengthy and too profuse once it does begin. The bleeding will be partly bright red and partly black! There will be labor-like pains during the menstrual period with, too often, fainting and weakness.

When pregnant, it feels as though the baby is turning somersaults both night and day. There is a tendency to miscarriage. Hyperglycemic tendencies, while always present, will be worse during the pregnancy.

As I stated above, this remedy is extremely important to consider when working with Chronic Anxiety-based Disorders of any kind—and there seem to be so many of them and so many people suffering from them! A simple description of Lycopodium anxiety disorders is anxiety created by a deep sense of inadequacy that is being covered by pretending to be capable and competent.

Please, if chronic anxiety describes either you or your child, see further descriptions of this remedy on the ButterflyExpressions.org website and make immediate use of this remedy! I have seen this remedy change lives in both children and adults, both male and female, many times!

ADHD and other learning and behavioral disorders that come on under stress, many times, could benefit greatly from Lycopodium. The picture is very distinct and often appears to be a bit contradictory and confusing. The Lycopodium child lacks confidence because their difficulties with reading or even expressing their thoughts in writing are so pronounced. The child lacks confidence. This is always the case, but sometimes they appear shy, submissive, and very sad; at other times they compensate by being dictatorial and self-righteous. In this state, the child insists that everyone must do everything their way all the time!

Agnus castus (Chaste Tree)

Chaste Tree, in herbal form, has been thought of and utilized as a tonic for the sexual organs and for hormone balance. Interestingly, taken in large quantities, it was used by Greek monks centuries ago to lower sexual impulses and drive.

In homeopathic form, Agnus castus also has its most outstanding effects in the sexual organs of both sexes. In addition, a general debility of energy accompanied by mental and emotional depression is noted strongly. This remedy is often recommended for impotence and infertility. Another keynote is itching in all parts, even and especially extending to the eyes.

The mental picture of this remedy is where I have seen it accomplish great good! There is absent-mindedness, poor memory, an inability to concentrate when studying, frequent mention of leaving purchases on the store counter and returning home without them. However, mental foreboding, fear of death, and great sadness due to a fixed idea of approaching death when in labor during childbirth. What a blessing this remedy was for this woman whom I am remembering!

Changeable moods are another debilitating keynote! Indifference to everything alternating with cheerfulness. Discouragement alternating with over-confidence. First lethargy, then frenzy and the need to rush and rush!

^LeCherish Plus Essential Oil Blend

I love this blend. I still remember the day, years ago, that I stretched and stressed the Butterfly budget enough to purchase Osmanthus for the first time! Expensive! It still is, even at the best price for the quality that can be obtained! When I told my husband what it cost, he suggested that I put at least some of that purchase into a blend with less expensive oils. He hoped—and the technique he was suggesting follows essential oil blending principles—that by blending it with something else, more people could afford it and, therefore, enjoy it!

However, after more than a few expensive trial-and-error attempts, I finally concluded that this beautiful oil only really enjoys being combined with its expensive cousin, Jasmine grandiflorum. The beautiful aroma of Cistus, which is not as heady, cloying, or overwhelming as Jasmine, made a wonderful addition that both improved the aroma and healing capacities of the ^LeCherish blend and helped bring the price down to a bit more reasonable level at the same time!

Since so many of our physical ailments, especially the chronic ones, are driven by our emotions, high-frequency blends such as ^LeCherish impact the physical body on every level. ^LeCherish is an excellent blend for use in skin care because it promotes elasticity and tone in the tissues.

Jasmine is used during childbirth to improve elasticity, strengthen the contractions, and, at the same time, ease the intensity of the pain. Some women find the aroma of Jasmine too intense at this time. I believe ^LeCherish is going to prove itself in these situations. ^LeCherish has an affinity for so many systems and for so much else emotionally!

^LeCherish is of equal value to both men and women as it helps us develop and emphasize inner courage, strength of character, and clarity of purpose, while at the same time, filling our souls with greater reserves of sensitivity and compassion. The aroma of this blend encourages us to set our feet on a path that will help us reach a higher plateau.

A very special aspect of ^LeCherish is that this high-frequency blend helps us rebuild our emotional balance and gain perspective in the aftermath of quarrels, traumatic events, the loss of a loved one, or the loss of a cherished hope or dream. This intense blend requires the use of only a drop or two at a time.

^LeBaby Me Essential Oil Blend

^LeBaby Me helps to open the heart chakra, enabling us to give and receive love. This blend also brings a sense of calmness and competence to areas of our lives (parenthood, for example) that we might otherwise struggle with a bit more! I especially like to put a drop or two into the tub, or even the shower, whenever possible.

^LeBaby Me is a special combination for mothers, expectant and otherwise, and for babies of all ages. The use of this oil brings feelings of connection and willingness to give and take in relationships, particularly in parent/child relationships. It is also recommended for use in bonding between a mother and a new baby. This blend also helps us to feel a connection with the Eternal Father of us all.

The frequency of this blend is extremely high, well into the spiritual range, but is so well balanced that notes from all three realms (physical, emotional, and spiritual) can be felt and enjoyed. First, the more volatile top notes do their work with the spirit and the emotions, and then the middle and lower notes kick in to ground and balance the more physical aspects. A good oil for depression and the “baby blues.”

^LeBaby Me contains ingredients that increase skin elasticity, retard wrinkles, enhance skin tone, and remove scaly patches. The synergistic effect of this blend increases the ability of the skin to act as a protective barrier against germs.

This blend is also used to reduce or prevent stretch marks during and after a pregnancy. Please refer to Chapter 12 of Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils for information on the many uses of this oil during pregnancy and childbirth. ^LeBaby Me makes an excellent diaper rash cream. It can be used, diluted, of course, for a full-body massage at any stage of life. ^LeBaby Me is wonderful for skin conditioning and makes an excellent aftershave for sensitive skin, especially when mixed with a little Miracle Salve. The oils in this blend were chosen for their cell-regenerating properties. This blend has an affinity for the endocrine organs, particularly in stabilizing low blood sugar.

Yarrow Green Essential Oil

In Chinese folklore, the aroma of Yarrow is said to bring about the meeting of Heaven and Earth in our lives. With our head in the clouds, we have far-reaching vision and inspiration to guide us, but we have the stability and common sense of having our feet firmly planted on the ground.

Yarrow is one of the truly great healing oils! Applied topically to a cut, even a very deep one, Yarrow will pull the edges together and help the cut to heal almost miraculously. Yarrow’s antiseptic properties are strong enough to prevent infection, no matter how dirty or contaminated conditions were at the time of the injury. Yarrow, known for centuries as an herb to stop bleeding, is even more effective in the concentrated essential oil form.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Yarrow are effective whether the inflammation is in the nasal or respiratory passages, the digestive tract, along the gum line, the uterus or ovaries, or anywhere else.

Like the anti-inflammatory properties of this essential oil, the astringent properties of Yarrow work throughout the body. Astringents cause the tightening of tissues. This makes Yarrow very helpful for such things as dandruff, hair loss, setting the teeth firmly into the gums, or firming up areas of sagging skin. Astringent oils such as Yarrow are beneficial as face washes for oily skin and acne. Yarrow is an excellent oil for the female reproductive system where astringency and a mild hormonal action combine to make this oil vital in treatment programs for ovarian cysts and uterine fibroid tumors.

It has been reported recently in several publications that Yarrow’s use with cancer and diabetes has been known throughout the ages. I can find no scientific studies to back these claims, but anecdotal evidence is certainly abundant. Yarrow essential oil also acts on the bone marrow to stimulate the creation of red blood cells and enhance the coagulation of the blood.

Yarrow is gently diaphoretic and a febrifuge. When you are ill, the use of Yarrow holds the fever from getting dangerously high and stimulates perspiration. Fever and perspiration are the body’s way of killing the microbes and then carrying them out of the system.

Yarrow improves digestion by stimulating the secretion of bile and restoring the liver and other organs. I could go on for several more pages about Yarrow. It has been one of my favorite herbs for many years and is one of my favorite essential oils. Enough cannot be said about the benefits of this amazingly versatile healing oil.

Yarrow is a plant that I keep growing in my personal herb bed at all times! This may seem strange since it is an abundant ‘weed’ everywhere on any farm in this area! But I never want to need this herb to stop bleeding and not have it readily available in both herbal and essential oil form!

Jojoba Carrier Oil

Jojoba is a very stable oil with a very low rancidity factor. It has the reputation of extending the shelf life of other carrier oils to which it is added. I find it is a bit too heavy for use by itself, except on a small patch of dry and irritated skin, here and there. It is wonderful, however, when added as 10% to 15% of a carrier oil blend.

Jojoba absorbs deeply and reasonably quickly into the skin. Its properties closely resemble the natural sebum within human skin and help to balance the skin’s natural moisturizers. Jojoba Oil contains natural anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent addition to carrier oils that will be used for arthritis or pain.

Some people claim that, because it is so similar to natural skin oils, its application ‘tricks’ the skin into producing less oil. This can be a blessing to teens when their skin’s sebaceous glands are being stimulated by raging hormones, and acne has become a problem.

Jojoba oil can be used to gently take off makeup, even the waterproof types, without damaging the skin. I particularly like a little jojoba oil rubbed on my nails and cuticles. It seems to make them stronger and healthier—when I remember!

New Mommy & Baby Kit

I am so excited about this kit! I didn’t even know that Butterfly Express, LLC had put a kit together that contains all of the things I so often left, one by one as needed, with mothers after a delivery because I knew that they would need them and had not yet managed to get (afford) them for themselves! I can only give you a sentence or two

Rescue Remedy: Also called Five-Flower Formula and is a Bach Flower Remedy. Rescue Remedy is most effective when used on the occasion of any trauma or emergency in helping the person cope with pain and /or shock. Rescue Remedy brings immediate calm. I have one in nearly every room in my house and office, in my vehicles, in my purse, and in any bag I might carry to church or to a meeting. It has been handy more than once.

A quick story—I had a young son in hospital getting a badly and multiply broken arm stretched in order to set it straight who kept going into shock. The doctor would yell for the ‘crash cart,’ which was, of course, nearby. While his head was turned, I would squirt a few drops of Rescue Remedy into his mouth. When the doctor returned his attention to my son, he would be perfectly normal. After a time or three, the Doctor saw what I was doing and told me I could not put liquid into his mouth since he was likely headed into surgery. So, I just put some on my hand and applied it to the back of my son’s neck when necessary. Yes, Blessed Waters work that way just as well as when taken by mouth!

There are dozens of other stories I could tell, both with physical and emotional situations!

This kit also includes: Almond Oil (2oz), Miracle Salve (2oz), and Vitamin E Oil (2oz), and the following 10ml essential oils:

^LeBaby Me:
Discussed above

^LeMillenia: I just noticed that there are a couple of things about ^LeMillenia that are not included in the ButterflyExpressions.org description of this amazing blend that are very important to the topic of this newsletter! Because ^LeMillenia realigns physical structures, it was used several times in my Midwifery practice to contract the cervix and stop what looked very clearly like a miscarriage in the making! This should not be done if the baby is showing signs of distress, such as heart tones indicating distress. However, essential oils are very intelligent! ^LeMillenia will not close the cervix if the baby needs to come out! I have seen this, also! After birth, ^LeMillenia on the mother’s tummy helps the uterus to fold back into place properly and stay there. This limits the amount of postpartum bleeding and aids in preventing anemia as a result of the mother bleeding longer than is optimal! Word of Warning: absolutely DO NOT apply ^LeMillenia to the abdomen until the placenta has been evaluated and everything that should have come out—placenta, membranes, etc.—has done so!

^LeTranquility: One of the best-loved of the Butterfly Express, LLC blends, ^LeTranquility can help us develop inner strength, patience, understanding, and confidence. This essential oil blend is the first thing you should reach for whenever someone is having a panic attack. ^LeTranquility in the birthing room can help keep everybody calm and provide clarity of thought should a crisis arise!

Chamomile Roman: One of the outstanding uses of Chamomile Roman essential oil is for babies with colic, babies who startle awake and then cry for a long time, and infants that are just plain fussy and want to be held and comforted most of the day and night. Can be diffused lightly and gently into the home. However, a drop or two worn as perfume by the mother (or whoever is trying to rock the baby to sleep) relaxes both baby and caregiver!

Clary Sage: Among the many blessings brought to us by Clary Sage oil is that it moderates excessive estrogen. Why is that helpful? An excess of estrogen is linked to several women’s cancers, to difficulties experienced during menopause, menstrual cramping, PMS emotional symptoms, and infertility. A word or two of caution with Clary Sage: Because of this oil’s strong action on hormones, extreme caution is recommended for its use during pregnancy. Clary Sage is NOT to be used with children because of these hormonal properties. Also not advised for use in a bath or if alcohol is going to be consumed shortly.

Lavender Officinalis: Lavender is a universal oil that has been shown to balance the body and to work wherever there is a need. It is called “the grandmother” of essential oils because it cares for and nurtures us through such a variety of physical and emotional stresses. If you don’t know what essential oil to reach for, try Lavender. One of the great emotional gifts of Lavender is the feeling of total and unchanging support around and within us. It leaves us with no room for doubt that we are loved and will be supported in life’s challenges and in the process of healing. What a blessing such feelings can be to a woman who has just come through labor and is coping with a new baby!

Also included are the following 1oz Tinctures, each done in glycerin to be better for baby:

Catnip/Chamomile: This formula is made as a glycerite because it is typically used for colicky, cranky, or teething infants. It is also excellent for babies, children, and adults suffering from bloating and/or gas. Chamomile and Catnip are both very relaxing herbs, making this formula good for those who are having trouble sleeping, whether that is mommy or baby.

This is the absolute most perfect remedy for babies who startle and scream at any sudden noise. Just a few tiny drops two or three times a day make such a difference. One of those doses should be at bedtime!

COL (formerly Colic—for Adults and Children): usually make this as a glycerite, since it will probably be used with children. Use for colic, gas, and stomach pain in both adults and children. Use 3-4 drops for babies, and 10-20 drops for older children.

Catnip/Chamomile is equally effective. Chamomile is usually strong enough for babies. If I am not getting the results I want, then I will try this one next. Fennel is quite different from Chamomile and, sometimes, a bit too strong for a very young baby. This used to be a favorite of my husband’s. I am grateful for this reminder to put one of these back on his bedside table!

FV (formerly Fever): There are only two ingredients in this formula. They are catnip and chamomile. FV is usually made in glycerin, rather than alcohol, especially for use with infants and children. The healing properties of these two herbs ‘pull’ very nicely in glycerin. The glycerine (glycerite) tincture works well for adults, too.

FV causes perspiration and, as a result, lowers fever. The heat of a fever is the body’s way of killing the invading bacteria, virus, or fungus. A fever should never be suppressed by any means other than producing a good sweat. Sweating will not totally “break” a fever, bringing the temperature back down to normal, but it will bring it to the lowest possible point at which the “critters” are still being destroyed.

NF (formerly Nursing Formula): NF increases the quantity and increases the fats and proteins in the milk. I promise you from years of experience—my own and the experiences of women I worked with—that this formula really works!

If the supply is ample but the milk looks thin, and the baby isn’t gaining weight at the appropriate rate, use just Marshmallow alone.

Pregnancy Kit

For the crazy, hormonal, and wonderful time of pregnancy, this kit helps you balance mentally and emotionally, so you are able to enjoy your pregnancy from start to wonderful finish! Packed with everything you need for easy use, this kit covers everything from morning sickness to preparation for the big event. Great for helping with all the physical changes that occur during pregnancy, making sure that you feel your best during this magical time. The Pregnancy kit has wonderful herbal tinctures and essential oils to support you gently, nourishing you emotionally and physically.

This kit comes in a Storage Box. This box will hold 16 bottles of oil. A very nice “Kit Insert” comes with the kit and/or can be viewed online.

This is an incredible kit! All of the things that I hoped (and nagged) my pregnant women (and their husbands) to get in the house early on in a pregnancy! Here in this kit, they are offered at a substantial discount! So, what if you have some of these essential oils in your cupboard already? In my opinion (look in my own cupboards and bathrooms), you can never have too many of these particular oils! And, besides, according to scripture, “there are oils in the house of the wise.” Proverbs 24:20

List of Topics

Tip: Use the “find on page” or ctrl+F to quickly find where these topics in this blog.
Here is an expanded, alphabetized list of general health topics, concepts, tags, and product names extracted directly using exact words from the text:

ADHD,
Agnus castus,
Alpha Lipoic Acid,
Anxiety,
Ascendance,
Autumn,
Baby Me,
Balance,
Blessed Water,
Cayenne,
Chamomile,
Chaste Tree,
Cherish,
Childbirth,
Cistus,
Clary Sage,
COL,
CoQ10,
Cortisol,
Cranberry,
Damiana,
Digest Ultimate,
Dong Quai,
Endocrine,
Essential Oils,
Estrogen,
Euphrasia officinalis,
Evening Primrose,
Fennel,
Fertility,
Fibroids,
FSW,
FV,
Geranium,
Ginseng,
Goldenseal,
Grapefruit,
Grapeseed Extract,
Hawthorn,
Herbs,
Homeopathy,
Hormone Balancer,
Hormones,
Horsetail,
Hypothalamus,
Infertility,
Iris versicolor,
Jasmine,
Jojoba,
Juniper,
Kali sulphuricum,
Labor,
Lavender,
Lycopene,
Lycopodium,
Marshmallow,
MC,
Melatonin,
Menopause,
Menstrual Cycle,
MH,
Midwife,
Millenia,
Miscarriage,
MW,
Natrum sulphuricum,
NF,
Nutrition,
Osmanthus,
PHB,
Pineal Gland,
Pituitary,
PMS,
Populus candicans,
Postpartum Depression,
Preconception,
Pregnancy,
Pregnancy Kit,
Prenatal Vitamins,
Progesterone,
Prostate,
Prostate Cancer,
Puberty,
Pulsatilla,
Pumpkin Glow,
Raspberry Leaf,
Red Clover,
Reproductive Health,
Rescue Remedy,
Saw Palmetto,
Sepia,
Sperm,
St. John’s Wort,
Testosterone,
Thuja,
Tranquility,
Urethra,
Uterus,
Vaginitis,
Woman Wise,
Yarrow,
Yucca,
YW