The European Chemical Agency intends to label Lavender essential oil dangerous because it has the capability of causing an allergic reaction. To date, by 2018, all lavender essential oil products will carry a health warning. The label may read " May be fatal if inhaled or swallowed ".This is the same labeling on lye, bleach and many poisonous household products. Lavender has been universally used for centuries as a fragrant,skincare product. The main properties are linalool, a terpene alcohol, and linalyl acetate, an ester of linalool.

Every natural or man made product can cause an allergic reaction or sensitivity. In 40 years of hospital, clinical and private practice, I have never experienced any fatality from lavender oil. I have environmental clients who react to a photocopy, patients allergic to olive oil and toothpaste, but these are not considered harmful or fatal by the ECHA.

The European Chemical Agency was created to restrict pollution from synthetic pollution. When my clients ask my opinion about targeting lavender essential oil as harmful, my response is, it is an agricultural product and should be labeled accordingly. My thought is: " It's not nice to fool with Mother Nature".  Expect a showdown.

 Ancient cultures used  Sage as an herb and essential oil for women. The dynamics and properties of the herb balances the conflict of  women's active and passive roles at home and in society. Integrating the two enhances longevity and empowers a female.

Sage is an herb that grows in adverse soils and circumstances, surviving intense hot and cold weather. This same virtue enhances women to thrive in adverse circumstances and achieve what most women have not envisioned. Sage addresses a woman's self esteem and worth, encouraging her to excel in the many roles she plays throughout her life.

In the body, Sage enhances health and balance during menses, menopause and beyond. Very few essential oils and herbs target women past menopause, yet Sage helps her seek fulfillment in all stages of adult hood without losing femininity. Sage blends well with Rose, Rosemary, Lemongrass, Lavender,Helichrysum and Thyme to fulfill a woman's health concerns. However, during pregnancy and lactation, Sage is counter indicated as a uterine stimulant which stops lactation after birth. It is very helpful during a long or difficult labor to birth the baby successfully.

Sage is a very strong aromatic herb, which is best used in small doses as a tea or essential oil in a diluted blend. In a tea, I recommend 1 teaspoon steeped in 1 cup of boiled water. (Cover the tea as it steeps) In an aromatic blend, 1-3 drops in a 1 ounce dilution is recommended. I also use Sage healing floral water for purification purposes.

For more info, read  Mother Nature's Herbal by Judy Griffin

Several essential oils and essences can be safely used during pregnancy, delivery and lactation. Rose Otto, steam distilled essential oil reduces indigestion, reflux, bitter taste, burping, headache, tension and dizziness. Dilute the Rose Otto in Marula carrier oil: 3 drops in 1 tablespoon of oil.Rose otto combinations, with Petite Fleur essences are Abate Anger and Chill Out Therapeutic Essence Blends.The cost is affordable for everyone. They have been successfully used in hospitals for 20 years, available in drops or misters.

During labor, Clary Sage, Lavender and Jasmine grandiflora absolute are calming and relaxing to the muscles. Combine 1 drop of Clary, 12 drops of Jasmine, and 10 drops of Lavender in 1 ounce of Marula oil. Maternity Therapeutic essence blend includes these oils and has been used in hospitals for 20 years during pregnancy and labor.

When the joyful event occurs, promote lactation in a blend of Jasmine grandiflora, Helichrysum (Immortelle) and Litsea cubeba. These are available in Breast Healing Aroma Blend. Massage onto the breasts, avoiding the nipples, 2-3 x daily. This breast blend has also been successfully used in hospitals for 20 years. The cost of these blends are very affordable and available, hand made at the time of purchase.

If you have any questions, please call Dr. Judy Griffin at 18004962125 or email her at petitefl@aromahealthtexas.com

Recent regulations by the European Union to assess all insect repellents for toxicity and safety leaves only a few choices for consumers.Among the pending insecticides, lavender geranium and citrus essential oils and a seed extract from the Neem tree,Margosa, are expected to pass assessment.

In my travels and research over 20 years writing  Mother Nature's Herbal, I learned about these and many other natural insect repellents. I have found the best repellents come out of my gardens. I successfully use lavender for ants, moths and many flying insects. Lemongrass and citronella repels mosquitoes and geranium repels fleas, and most household pests. What the essential oils don't repel, Neem will. It has been used by gardeners for centuries to repel bugs from food crops and restore wood products. It's now recommended to wait up to 7 days before harvesting crops after application of Neem. It's time to take notice of what's growing in your garden that can replace potentially toxic products.

Author Judy Griffin, PhD.