Fertility

For many couples, pregnancy comes easily, but others have a harder time conceiving. If you are one of those who struggle with this, it can be very stressful for both spouses and the relationship. When you add up all the variables that must be in perfect alignment for conception, it’s a miracle anyone conceives.

Infertility is increasing, and I believe this has much to do with our unhealthy diet. A zinc deficiency has been linked to infertility in both men and women. A good diet of fish, dark leafy green vegetables, and nuts will help you increase your zinc intake.

One question I am often asked is, “How can essential oils help with infertility?” Unfortunately, I think we have had a rise in fertility issues over the last couple of decades, and I feel much of it has to do with candida overgrowth in our gut. Cleaning up our diet and resolving the candida issue would help many women on the rollercoaster of infertility, and by rollercoaster, I don’t mean a fun one. This often puts a strain on relationships, and it wreaks havoc on one’s emotional state of well-being, sometimes to the point of detrimental sadness.

When I talk about candida cleanse, I often hear the response, “Well, I don’t ever get yeast symptoms.” You can have an overgrowth of candida/yeast without ever getting a vaginal yeast threat. Candida lives in the gut. Other symptoms might include:

• deep sadness
• fatigue
• head discomfort
• irritability
• poor memory
• PMS
• skin problems
• persistent digestive issues
• The list goes on and on.

Overall when you have an overgrowth of this in your body, it definitely will weaken your immune system. A weakened immune system is a precursor for all major diseases. Yeast is a fungus, and it feeds off a host, in this case, your body. It disrupts the endocrine system, and both your thyroid gland and ovaries are susceptible to yeast. Yeast is tricky. It mimics a lot of things trying to hide in the body.

To check for candida overgrowth, you can do a saliva test. When you awake in the morning, before you put anything into your mouth, work up some saliva and spit it into a glass of water. After about fifteen to thirty minutes, look through the side of the glass. If there are strings coming down from your saliva, or if the water turned cloudy, or if your saliva sank to the bottom, you may have a yeast or candida concern.

So why am I talking so much about candida when you thought you were going to be gaining some insights on infertility? I believe if you take action in getting the candida under control, then most everything else should fall into place turned cloudy, or if your saliva sank to the bottom, you might have a yeast or candida concern.

You may be wondering why I’m talking so much about candida when you thought you were going to be gaining some insights on infertility? If you take action in getting the candida under control, then most everything else should fall into place.

There is another possibility: either low progesterone or an overabundance of estrogen.

I think more often; it’s an overabundance of estrogen that causes the problem of infertility. We know yeast mimics estrogen, so when you have overgrown yeast or candida, your body thinks you have a high estrogen level. That leaves you with an imbalance of both progesterone and estrogen. Estrogen imbalance also results from the petrochemicals our bodies take in daily.

This is why I recommend cleaning up your environment and lifestyle, and diet. Are you washing all your fruits and veggies before eating them? I like to do this with lemon essential oil in a sink or bowl of water. Have you switched to a natural brand of hair products and skincare with all the good stuff and none of the bad? What kind of toothpaste are you using? What kind of lotions are you using on your body? Our skin is our largest organ, so anything we put on our skin goes directly into our bodies. What chemicals are you using to clean your toilets, sinks, and bathtub? These and many more questions are good to ask yourself as you pay attention to what your body is taking in.

Phytoestrogen complex is a fantastic product to help maintain a healthy estrogen balance in your body. It goes in and binds itself to the bad estrogen, so the bad doesn’t outweigh the good. We also have a women’s estrogen complex’s partner, the Bone Nutrient complex. This combines bioavailable vitamins and minerals that promote bone health. It also contains vitamin D2 and D3 to help bones absorb calcium.

Women’s Phytoestrogen complex can only do so much, but when you add the bone nutrient complex, you ramp everything up into high gear for good in your body. These two products were created to be consumed together to help the other do its job better.

Thyme and oregano may help naturally increase progesterone. Both of these oils are in the GX Assist formula I recommend as a cleanse when there is a fertility issue. Thyme is also included in the Lid Long Vitality supplements.

Stress plays an important role in this infertility topic as well. When our bodies are under stress, we produce the hormone cortisol. Its nickname is the stress hormone, and it inhibits our production of progesterone. Grapefruit essential oil helps prevent cortisol from blocking the production of progesterone.

Essential oils applied up the spine reduce the stress our bodies internalize. I love including this as a weekly treatment when spouses need their bodies to come into balance and readiness for conception. For this oil application, blend two to three drops of each: Balance, Lavender, Tea Tree, On Guard, AromaTouch, Deep Blue, Wild Orange, and Peppermint. This is also very beneficial throughout pregnancy.

Adrenal support is needed after long periods of excessive stress. It has a negative effect on all your hormones. Stress is a significant factor in healthy or stressed adrenal glands. Calming oils on your feet at night will help support adrenals. The oils below are also helpful when applied topically, directly over your adrenals. These oils will support them in all their work. The adrenals sit like little hats directly on top of each kidney located in the low back. If you don’t have all of these, use what you have. I like to use two at a time and switch it up the next week.

• 2 to 3 drops Basil
• 2 to 3 drops Rosemary
• 2 to 3 drops Geranium
• 2 to 3 drops Ylang Ylang

Mito2Max may help with low adrenal function. This is a natural alternative to unhealthy energy drinks to support stamina and increase energy. Take as directed. Vitamin B5, pantothenic acid, is essential. No need to take extra; this is already in the basic vitality trio that contains all the vitamins and minerals your body needs in the optimal amounts.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is another common disorder that disrupts fertility. Poly means many, so this is when there are many fluid-filled cysts on the ovaries. These cysts are not harmful, but they can be painful and cause irregular cycles, which can make it difficult to get pregnant. If you have PCOS, you may experience infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods, acne, excess hair growth, and have difficulty losing weight.

One of the most successful treatments for PCOS is a healthy lifestyle of exercising, managing your stress, reducing your toxic load, and candida cleanse. A diet low in refined carbohydrates is significant because it helps regulate blood sugar levels. Losing weight is challenging with PCOS, but exercising every day and including the metabolic blend in your daily routine may also help regulate insulin and keep excess weight off.

PCOS Support

• 5 drops Frankincense
• 5 drops Myrrh

Mix the above in a gel cap and take one a day by mouth and insert one at night vaginally.

Geranium on the abdomen daily

Do this, along with the recommended fertility protocol at the end of this chapter. Exercise daily and eliminate grains, or at the very least, go gluten-free. This is a slow process, so you may need to continue for several months to see results. But be patient. It works.

Fibroid cysts are another common problem. Frankincense may help reduce existing cysts or prevent their formation.

2 to 3 drops Frankincense under tongue morning and night

Balance on feet morning and night

Geranium topically over the liver, adrenal glands, and or the kidneys daily

Releasing/relieving stress is one of the most important things you can do when trying to conceive. I have found the following detox bath to be helpful and relaxing during this time of cleansing and waiting. Baking soda helps to balance an over-acidic system, and Epsom salt is helpful because the magnesium is absorbed through the skin, and it is very calming. This is a great routine to do just before bed.

Detox Bath

• 10 to 15 drops Lavender
• 8 to 10 drops Geranium
• 1 cup baking soda
• 2 cups Epsom salt

I like to keep things simple, so I recommend the women’s monthly blend every day. This relaxing blend contains essential oils that are often used to help calm feelings of stress and anxiety. It also helps to support and balance hormones. It provides temporary respite from cramps, “hot flashes, and emotional swings. Some people can’t wrap their heads around something that simple, so for those who feel they need more, here is another simple blend that you can rub on your abdomen daily for additional support.

Hormone Harmony Blend

• 25 Clary Sage
• 15 Marjoram
• 15 Geranium
• 10 Frankincense
• 8 Thyme
• 5 Cypress
• 5 Eucalyptus
• 5 Lavender
• 3 Ylang Ylang

This fills the roller ball to about half and the rest is FCO.

Apply to bottom of feet and inner ankle every morning and night before bed. I also recommend serenity with either bergamot or balance every night to give a restful stress-free sleep!

I have recommended this protocol for many who have struggled with infertility, with many positive stories coming back to me. I do a little happy dance with each story because they committed to this hard work and were rewarded with a sweet baby bump. Keep in mind this cleanup we are doing may take months to create the balance you are looking for. It’s not a “get rich (I mean pregnant) quick” plan. Be patient and know that you are serving your body well.

The metabolic blend, grapefruit, bergamot, and cassia, can help to kick down yeast and cut back the sugar cravings.

For men: the same cleanse as recommended for women, plus basil, clary sage, and sandalwood applied to the bottoms of your feet, your abdomen, and wrists.

The key is consistency in small amounts, allowing your body to adjust as it needs to.

Daily Fertility Protocol

GX Assist on days 1–10: Take 1 to 3 a day to cleanse the candida.

PB Assist ProBiotic on days 11–15: Take one capsule three times a day to feed your body the good bacteria and support your immune system.

Zendocrine complex: 2 a day to help nourish and detox body filters, liver, kidney, spleen.

Zendocrine Softgel caps: 2 a day to help open up the liver ducts, so it doesn’t become clogged with the cleansing you are about to do.

TerraZyme 2-4 with every meal to help support healthy digestion.

Lemon essential oil in all your water to assist liver in its work.

LifeLong Vitality supplements: Take as directed to nourish your body with the perfect amount of whole-food vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega 3s it needs.

Women’s Phytoestrogen complex: One a day to help eliminate bad estrogens in your body.

Bone Nutrient complex: Four a day for bone and hormone support.

Grapefruit essential oil: 10 to 15 drops under tongue or in veggie capsule once a day to help support healthy progesterone levels. You can split this up into a dose in the morning and another in the evening.

ClaryCalm: Apply to low abdomen, wrists, and back of neck to help balance hormones and mood swings.

Avoid sugar, grains, dairy, fruit juice, and caffeine.

Follow this protocol until pregnant, then discontinue GI cleansing complex and continue everything else.

Following is a list of essential oils recommended for fertility and progesterone. You don’t need to use all of these; I just included them for reference as part of the fertility category. Any of these may be applied on the bottoms of feet.

• ClaryCalm
• Balance
• Clary Sage
• Cypress
• Fennel
• Frankincense
• Geranium
• Ginger
• Lavender
• Marjoram
• Melissa • Oregano
• Roman chamomile
• Thyme
• Ylang ylang

“Sharing my story of using Stephanie’s protocol is my favorite thing to do! After a life-threatening miscarriage where I lost a tube from an ectopic pregnancy, I was told we probably wouldn’t be able to conceive. I used Stephanie’s protocol, and we conceived the first month we tried. Now we have our little miracle-oil baby! Bless you, Stephanie, and all the amazing knowledge you share with us.”

—Stacey”

“About a year ago, I went through my first miscarriage. I somehow knew that with my age my body was not as healthy as it could have been. I thought it was my hormone levels that were off in some way. I was introduced to essential oils about a year later. I started on the Basic Vitality supplements, and about two months later, I had a positive pregnancy test. I’m now waiting to have my beautiful little girl. I haven’t had a baby in eight years, and I’m positive that the essential oils and supplements I took helped my body hold onto this pregnancy.”

—Catherine”

“I didn’t know about Stephanie or her book until the spring of 2013. I have PCOS, and I’ve never had regular periods. I was told at nineteen I probably wouldn’t be able to ever conceive without help. I was trying to get pregnant, but my thyroid was dysfunctional, and I had terrible reactions to their prescribed meds. I’ve been using the oils for four years now, and so when my thyroid needed help, I started a protocol that I came up with on my own after researching which oils affect the endocrine system. After a month of following that protocol, my TSH levels were normal, and I had a regular period. Then I had normal periods for five months in a row! That has never happened in all my twenty-six years.

My fiancé and I found out we were pregnant!!! Such a huge surprise and absolute blessing!!! I followed Stephanie’s book Essential Oils for Pregnancy, Birth, and Babies, which was awesome. My four-month-old is strong and healthy and nearly off the growth charts!”

—Patricia”

“My husband and I don’t have any children yet, and have been struggling with infertility for four years now! I have PCOS and don’t get a period or ovulate, making getting pregnant nearly impossible. My husband checks out healthy and good! We’ve been through all the fertility treatments, short of IVF, with no success. It’s been almost two years since I had a period (my last one was brought on only by a prescription medication). Three weeks ago, I started this fertility protocol and almost immediately started “heavy spotting and shedding! I am hopeful again and very optimistic. Thank you!”

—Brandie

“My last baby I call my oil embryo because I used this protocol before, during, and after my pregnancy. A total lifesaver.”

—Hilarie”

“We are so excited because we used the oils and were able to get pregnant the first month we tried! A little background: We have two children, eleven and eight, then I was also a gestational surrogate for the family of now-three-year-old and one-year-old twins. There were significant gaps between our natural pregnancies, and I never knew why. I got into the oils because of my chronic sinus infections. We started on the basic vitality supplements and learned about candida; the GI cleanse formula and probiotic defense formula. Our whole family did the cleanse for six months. We still do it now about every two to three months. My husband and I noticed a huge difference in our bodies. I lost over thirty pounds, he lost twenty and continues to lose, and we are now both in a normal weight range for the first time in our adult lives!

He researched and thought his testosterone was low, so he used sandalwood on his testis and Geranium on his big toe. He felt a big difference in his energy and even saw more facial hair growth, which he was excited about. I was pumping at the time for NICU babies, and we decided I would stop to try for another. I read Stephanie’s book Essential Oils for Pregnancy, Birth, and Babies and saw the fertility protocol. We had already been doing most of it except the Women’s Estrogen Complex and the women’s monthly blend. I started implementing both of those into my daily routine. The day I stopped pumping, I started my first period! It was crazy that my body caught on so fast! My body was finally in tune and normal.

We did not know how long it would take, but we were flabbergasted that we got pregnant the first month we tried! We are so thankful for the oils and the little baby growing inside me! This has been the best pregnancy I have EVER had, and I have used the oils as I normally do when not pregnant. I have even done the GI “digestive cleanse while pregnant and have not had any problems. Thank you, Stephanie, for giving me the confidence to use the oils while pregnant. When I was pregnant with the surrogate twins, I was a little scared to use the oils, but I will never have another pregnancy without using the oils throughout the entire term! Thank you!”

—Amy

“We had been trying for almost two years before I became pregnant with my third baby. As soon as I started Stephanie’s infertility protocol, my cycles became normal, and I became pregnant. I believe that the protocol in the book helped me conceive. Leading up to getting pregnant, I was using the oils daily. When I got pregnant, I continued using them because I felt I needed them, and I felt better.”

—Anonymous”

“Using the basic vitality supplements and the pregnancy and fertility protocols, I have been able to get my hormones back into balance post-miscarriage and two chemical pregnancies. Through all of those experiences, I have decided not to have children. My journey into honoring the female body and my cycle regardless of bearing children, I still follow the guidelines in Essential Oils for Pregnancy, Birth, and Babies because I find it to be the best way for me to be the most supportive to all aspects of my female cycle and body. I look forward to having these protocols help my hormones transition through menopause.”

—Namjeev

“I did the GI digestive cleanse and followed up with probiotic defense formula for three months in a row. I used the women’s monthly blend over my abdomen daily. I took the full dose of the basic vitality supplements and one women’s estrogen complex daily. I put rosemary and clove in a roller bottle and rubbed that over my kidneys/adrenals daily for adrenal fatigue support. I cleaned up my diet—virtually no sugar and ate as much whole food as possible. Mostly my advice to women in this situation is to be “possible. Mostly my advice to women in this situation is to be forgiving of your body and do some work to release any negative emotions present. I use lots of mood management oils and citrus oils. I noticed they made me feel a lot better emotionally.”

—Stacey