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Enhance Overall Fertility with Evening Primrose

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula
July 23, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Did you know that Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) has a wide array of benefits for fertility? The American Botanical Council shares in The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs that research has shown that Evening Primrose can help reduce PMS and inflammation, increase cervical mucous production, and improve uterine health. The reason it is helpful for those issues is because it is a rich source of the omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs) – Linoleic Acid (LA) and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). Evening Primrose Oil is one of the few plants to contain GLA. The oil comes from the seeds of the Evening Primrose plant, Oenothera biennis. The seeds are gathered and cold pressed for their oil, and then the oil is encapsulated for dietary supplement use.

LA and GLA are required by the body to make prostaglandin E (PGE2). There are several types of prostaglandins, PGE2 being one of them. Prostaglandins act similarly to hormones, as they too are β€œmessengers” that tell their target cells β€œwhat to do and when.” The main difference between prostaglandins and hormones is that prostaglandins are not produced at distinct sites in the body, but rather many places around the body. Another difference is that prostaglandins target cells are in the immediate proximity of their secretion site. PGE2 plays a role in female fertility by helping to control regulation of hormones, acting on uterine cells, cervical cells, and corpus luteum regression.

Promote and Maintain Hormonal Balance

As explained above, prostaglandins are necessary for proper hormonal balance. Getting enough LA and GLA omega-6 EFAs through EPO supplementation ensures you are promoting healthy prostaglandin function.

Help for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Many women face breast tenderness, bloating, acne, water retention, depression, foggy thinking, irritability, and headaches prior to their menstrual period; this is known as PMS. Ddouble-blind, crossover, controlled trials, such as those published in the journal Controlled Clinical Trials and at the 2nd International Symposium on PMS, have shown significant positive results in reducing PMS by using 3-4 grams of EPO a day. Results show a marked improvement in the reduction of headaches, foggy thinking, clumsiness, depression, irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness.

If you are a woman who suffers from PMS, EPO may be safely combined with other herbs such as Vitex to help alleviate PMS symptoms.

Increase Cervical Mucus

EPO has been used by herbalists for hundreds of years to increase cervical mucus. Cervical fluid is necessary for allowing the sperm to swim freely through the cervix. Some women have low to no cervical fluid, so it is harder for the sperm to move through the vagina. Cervical fluid is more alkaline than the slightly acid vaginal environment. Sperm are nourished and thrive in cervical fluid and if there is not enough the sperm may not be able to survive the journey to the awaiting egg.

The suggested use for increasing cervical mucus using EPO is to start at 500mg, three times a day for a total of 1500mg per day. If desired results aren’t achieved in the first cycle, you may want to increase the dose to 3,000 mg a day in your next cycle. If you are actively trying to conceive, do not use EPO after ovulation because of its action on the uterus. You can learn more about this below.

How EPO Acts on the Uterus

It is believed that the high levels of LA and GLAs in Evening Primrose Oil have a direct effect on uterine cells. These fatty acids contract and relax smooth muscle tissue. This action on the uterus is toning for the uterine muscles in preparation for pregnancy. EPO is NOT suggested for use after ovulation when a woman is trying to conceive. If a woman is pregnant or thinks she may be pregnant, she should not use EPO because the uterus may begin to contract. In some women, this may lead to pre-term labor or miscarriage; though there is little evidence of this. Nonetheless, it is always best to use caution when using EPO if you think you may be pregnant.

Some of you may have heard that EPO is safe for pregnancy. This is because EPO has been used to prepare (ripen) the cervix in the last trimester of pregnancy for hundreds of years by midwives. This is either done by rubbing the cervix with the oil, having the mother use an EPO capsule as a vaginal suppository, or having the mother take it internally the last few weeks of her pregnancy. This should only be done under the care of a highly qualified midwife or another qualified medical professional.

Something to Think About if You Use Aspirin Therapy
Rod Flower, professor of biochemical pharmacology at William Harvey Research Institute, London explains in the British Medical Journal that aspirin and aspirin-like compounds inhibit prostaglandin function. This is of special concern for women who have been using aspirin therapy for years. Many doctors suggest aspirin therapy to help reduce the chance of recurrent miscarriage, due to blood clotting issues. EPO may help support prostaglandin function for women who have used or are currently on aspirin therapy.

Suggested Usage of Evening Primrose Oil

General use is 1500 – 3000 mg one to two times daily. Beginning at the lowest suggested use and then increasing suggested use over time, as necessary.

While Actively Trying to Conceive: General usage is 1500 – 3000 mg one to two times daily, from day 1 – 14 in the cycle. Evening Primrose Oil may cause uterine contractions in pregnancy which is why it may be best to not continue it past ovulation (in case of pregnancy) while actively trying to conceive. Post-ovulation, it may be best to switch to cod liver oil or another omega-3 oil.

Click here to shop for Fertilicaβ„’ Evening Primrose Oil

Not Actively Trying to Conceive: For those who desire to take EPO to help reduce PMS, for menstrual cramps or general hormone balance support, and are NOT actively trying to conceive, EPO may be taken all month long.

Discontinue Evening Primrose Oil if you suspect or confirm you are pregnant. Consult a qualified practitioner to see if this supplement is right for you.

In Closing
Who knew a tiny seed could hold amazing fertility health benefits? The Evening Primrose flower is delicate, yellow and very fragrant. It opens in the evening, attracting moths basking in the moon’s soft glow. It seems to have a connection to the cool evening and the moon cycle. In the morning as the sun comes up, the flower closes, resting during the hot day. It relies on its seeds to continue its life cycle, as it is a biennial plant. It is one of the few night-blooming plants on earth. This is another special plant that has an affinity to women’s fertility. It holds a dear place in my heart!

References

  • Hudson, Tori, N.D. (2008). Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. New York, New York: McGraw Hill Publishing.
  • Venes, D. (2017). Tabers cyclopedic medical dictionary. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company. pp. 1573
  • Puolaka, J. et al. (1985). Biochemical and clinical effects of treating the premenstrual syndrome with prostaglandin synthesis precursors. Journal of Reproductive Medicine; 30 (3): 149-53. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/19322955_Biochemical_and_clinical_effects_of_treating_the_premenstrual_syndrome_with_prostaglandin_synthesis_precursors
  • Ockerman, P. A., Bachrack, I., Glans, S., & Rassner, S. (1986). Evening primrose oil as a treatment of the premenstrual syndrome. Rec Adv Clin Nutr, 2(404), 5. Retrieved from: http://cms.herbalgram.org/ABCGuide/GuidePDFs/Evening_Primrose_Oil.pdf
  • Clinical Overview: Evening Primrose Oil. Oenothera biennis L. (n.d.) The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs. Retrievecd from http://cms.herbalgram.org/ABCGuide/GuidePDFs/Evening_Primrose_Oil.pdf
  • Massil, H. (1987). A double-blind trial of Efamol evening primrose oil in premenstrual syndrome. 2nd Internet Symp on PMS. Kiawah Island, Hawaii.
  • Casper, R. (1987, September). A double blind trial of evening primrose oil in premenstrual syndrome. In 2nd International Symposium on PMS.
  • Romm, Aviva. (2010). Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health. St. Louis, Missouri: Churchill Livingstone.
  • Belch, J. J., & Hill, A. (2000). Evening primrose oil and borage oil in rheumatologic conditions. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 71(1), 352s-356s. Retrieved from: https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/71/1/352s/4729570
  • Kunkel, S. L., Ogawa, H., Ward, P. A., & Zurier, R. B. (1981). Suppression of chronic inflammation by evening primrose oil. Progress in lipid research, 20, 885-888. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/016378278190165X
  • Weed. Susun, S. (1986). Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year. Woodstock, New York: Ash Tree Publishing.
  • Budeiri, D., Po, A. L., & Dornan, J. (1996). Is evening primrose oil of value in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome? Controlled Clinical Trials, 17(1), 60-68. doi:10.1016/0197-2456(95)00082-8 Retrieved from: https://eurekamag.com/pdf/002/002879970.pdf
  • Flower, R. (2003 Sep. 13). What are all the things aspirin does?. BMJ. 2003 Sep 13; 327(7415): 572–573. doi: 10.1136/bmj.327.7415.572. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC194070/

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About the Author

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula

Practicing natural health and herbalism for over 18 years, Dalene received her training and herbal certification under the guidance of Lynn Albers at Yarmony Mt. Herbal College in Colorado in 2000. She went on to become a Certified Birth Doula at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, Oregon in 2007. As a Birth Doula, Dalene has helped to bring many new lives in to this world. Dalene has written 280+ fertility articles and with her vast array of herbal and holistic healing knowledge has helped 1000's of women on their journey to Motherhood.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

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May 31

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This is my go-to breakfast that I have everyday. Filled with healthy fats, tons of fiber and maybe the tastiest thing you will eat all day. Recipe coming soon!

*I only defrost the fruit because it is frozen. You can use fresh fruit and there is no need to "defrost".

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It's better to start today rather than wait until tomorrow...

Wondering how to get started? 

You have a couple of options πŸ‘‡πŸ½

➑️ Type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the steps you can take to support your fertility cycle. 

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➑️ Book a consultation and have a custom fertility program created for you.

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The Drop Cycle Methodβ„’ Program includes:

➑️ Drop Cycle Methodβ„’ Workshop: Led by Hethir Rodriguez, this in-depth, step-by-step workshop teaches you the fundamentals of self-acupressure and aromatherapy for fertility.

➑️ Fertilica Acu-Penβ„’: Effortlessly perform self-acupressure with this innovative tool, featuring two interchangeable heads for precision and comfort.

➑️ Radiant Wombβ„’ Essential Oil Blend: Specially designed for the follicular phase (the first two weeks of your cycle), this therapeutic blend encourages a calming mood, promotes relaxation, supports estrogen balance, and increases circulation to the uterus and ovaries, nurturing a healthy uterine lining.

➑️ Calm Wombβ„’ Essential Oil Blend: Ideal for the luteal phase (generally the last two weeks of the cycle), this comforting and supportive blend helps to bring a sense of tranquility and well-being during this important phase of your cycle.

➑️ FertiliClearβ„’ Essential Oil Blend: Formulated to support cleansing and detoxification while reducing inflammation within the reproductive system, this blend stimulates liver function, promotes detoxification, encourages the reduction of inflammation, and supports hormone health and balance. Use daily, all month long. If you are actively TTC, discontinue use after ovulation.

➑️ Instruction Cards for the Drop Cycle Method Routine: Easily locate and stimulate the correct acupressure points with these informative cards, featuring detailed instructions for each of the four Drop Cycle Method routines: Follicular Phase, Luteal Phase, Menstrual Phase, and Cleansing Phase.

πŸ‘‰πŸ½ If you'd like to learn more about using essential oils for fertility type DCM in the comments below and I will send you my Introduction to Drop Cycle Method video.

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May 30

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Womb Care Therapeutic Castor oil kit is a powerful tool that includes a special blend of organic castor oil and organic therapeutic essential oils designed to enhance circulation, promote detoxification and support healing wherever it is applied.

The Womb Care Castor oil Kit is a natural and effective solution for promoting reproductive health and easing pelvic discomfort in women. 

Womb Care Castor Oil Packs are a simple, yet powerful, natural therapy that involves applying essential oil infused castor oil to a cotton flannel and placing it on the skin. The pack is then covered with our wrap. While wearing the wrap, the properties in the castor oil are absorbed and used by the body to increase circulation and promote detoxification, while nourishing the skin and underlying tissues.

If you're looking for a natural way to enhance circulation, promote detoxification, and support reproductive health, Womb Careβ„’ Therapeutic Castor Oil Packs help to cleanse the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. 

πŸ‘‰πŸ½ If you'd like to learn more about Womb Care Therapeutic Castor Oil Packs for fertility type PACK in the comments below and I will send you a link to my workshop.

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May 29

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Here is how to prepare you Womb Care Castor Oil Pack for the first time. 

Womb Care Wraps make regular castor oil packs soooo easy. 

πŸ‘‰ If you’d like to learn more about Womb Care Castor Oil Packs and how to use them for supporting reproductive health type β€œPACK” in the comments and I’ll send you a link to my Castor Oil Packs Introduction.

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May 28

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Designed to help you experience:

Regular cycles and overcome:
➑️ Lack of ovulation
➑️ Short/Long luteal or follicular phase
➑️ Cycles longer than 35 days

Healthy menstrual cycles and overcome:
➑️ PMS, cramps, mood swings
➑️ Heavy, light, or missing periods
➑️ Spotting

Healthy circulation to reproductive organs and:
➑️ Improve uterine lining and support implantation
➑️ Improve cervical mucus
➑️ Support cleansing and detoxification
➑️ Stress support

For anyone seeking to support general reproductive health as well. πŸŒΏπŸ’•

πŸ‘‰πŸ½ If you'd like to learn more about using essential oils for fertility type DCM in the comments below and I will send you my Introduction to Drop Cycle Method video.

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May 27

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Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body using fingers, palms, or specialized tools, instead of using needles as in acupuncture. 

The goal of acupressure is to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms, restore balance to the body's energy, or Qi, and promote overall health and wellbeing.

Self-Acupressure is something you can do for yourself if you understand how to locate the points on your own body. In DCM I teach you which points to use, how to find them on your own body and stimulate them for each stage of your fertility cycle. 

This allows you to have an effective self-care tool that you can apply in the comfort of your own home, at a frequency that allows you to get the most benefit from your efforts. 

πŸ‘‰πŸ½ If you'd like to learn more about using essential oils for fertility type DCM in the comments below and I will send you my Introduction to Drop Cycle Method video.

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May 26

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Like acupressure, reflexology is another method that involves the application of pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears. The goal of reflexology is to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms, promote relaxation, and restore balance to the body's systems.

According to reflexology theory, specific points on the feet, hands, and ears correspond to different organs and systems in the body. By applying pressure to these points, reflexology aims to improve circulation, reduce tension and stress, and promote overall health and wellbeing.

In DCM I teach you how to incorporate both self-acupressure and reflexology into a daily routine to support reproductive health during each of the phases by working on the uterus, fallopian tubes, endocrine, thyroid and liver points. 

πŸ‘‰πŸ½ If you'd like to learn more about using essential oils for fertility type DCM in the comments below and I will send you my Introduction to Drop Cycle Method video.

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May 25

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By nourishing our bodies, minds, and spirits, we can create a fertile ground for our fertility to thrive, and a life that is rich with meaning, purpose, and joy.

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May 25

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Like acupressure, reflexology is another method that involves the application of pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears. The goal of reflexology is to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms, promote relaxation, and restore balance to the body's systems. 

According to reflexology theory, specific points on the feet, hands, and ears correspond to different organs and systems in the body. By applying pressure to these points, reflexology aims to improve circulation, reduce tension and stress, and promote overall health and wellbeing.

In DCM I teach you how to incorporate both self-acupressure and reflexology into a daily routine to support reproductive health during each of the phases by working on the uterus, fallopian tubes, endocrine, thyroid and liver points. 

πŸ‘‰πŸ½ If you'd like to learn more about using essential oils for fertility type DCM in the comments below and I will send you my Introduction to Drop Cycle Method video.

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May 25

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Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body using fingers, palms, or specialized tools, instead of using needles as in acupuncture.Β 

The goal of acupressure is to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms, restore balance to the body’s energy, or Qi, and promote overall health and wellbeing.

Acupressure is something you can do for yourself if you understand how to locate the points on your own body. In DCM I teach you which points to use, how to find them on your own body and stimulate them for each stage of your fertility cycle.Β 

This allows you to have an effective self-care tool that you can apply in the comfort of your own home, at a frequency that allows you to get the most benefit from your efforts.Β 

πŸ‘‰πŸ½ If you’d like to learn more about using essential oils for fertility type DCM in the comments below and I will send you my Introduction to Drop Cycle Method video.

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May 24

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To best support your fertility, having a clear understanding of the monthly fertility cycles can make a big difference. 

Swipe through to learn about the different cycles and which fertility products and therapies are best to use for each cycle. 

Save or share if you found this guide helpful.

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May 23

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My newest Fertility Therapy for fertility support!

Drop Cycle Method is and all-in-one solution combines the ancient wisdom of self-acupressure with the natural healing properties of essential oils to support each stage of your fertility cycle. 

Experience a natural, holistic approach to enhancing your chances of conception and overall well-being.

πŸ‘‰πŸ½ If you'd like to learn more about using essential oils for fertility, type DCM in the comments below, and I will send you my Introduction to Drop Cycle Method video. 🌿πŸŽ₯πŸ’§

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May 23

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Introducing my carefully crafted blends designed to support you throughout your fertility journey. Discover the transformative benefits of each blend and find harmony within your cycle.

1️⃣ Radiant Wombβ„’: Embrace the first two weeks of your cycle with this specially formulated blend. Crafted using 100% organic essential oils, it encourages a calming mood, supports hormone balance, and increases circulation to the uterus and ovaries. Nurture a healthy uterine lining and radiate fertility from within.

2️⃣ Calm Wombβ„’: Step into the luteal phase with tranquility and well-being. This 100% organic comforting blend provides a sense of calm and support during this crucial implantation phase. Embrace the journey with a peaceful heart and invite harmony into your womb.

3️⃣ FertiliClearβ„’: Give your reproductive system the cleanse support and detoxification it deserves. With this 100% organic blend, experience the power of stimulating healthy liver function, promoting detoxification, and reducing inflammation. Create a fertile environment by embracing the body's natural ability to heal and rejuvenate.

πŸ‘‰πŸ½ If you'd like to learn more about using essential oils for fertility type DCM in the comments below and I will send you my Introduction to Drop Cycle Method video.

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May 22

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A healthy lifestyle is not just a path to a better body, but a path to a better life, where we can manifest our deepest desires and wildest dreams.

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May 22

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Here are my favorite 7 essential oils for hormone balance and how to safely use them. 

πŸ‘‰πŸ½ If you'd like to learn more about using essential oils for fertility, type DCM in the comments below, and I will send you my Introduction to Drop Cycle Method video. 🌿πŸŽ₯πŸ’§

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May 21

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πŸ₯š In the past, a common belief was that the only factor which determines ovarian and egg health was age. 

Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🀯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
➑️ Proper circulation
➑️ A healthy fertility cycle
➑️ Balanced hormones
➑️ Healthy eggs

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility. 

The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

This journey takes about 90 days. 

The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now. 

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI. 

πŸ™‚ The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

Type EGG if you would like me to send you my Egg Health Checklist that takes you through all of the steps to take.πŸ‘‡πŸ‘‡

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May 20

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Did you know that you can use therapeutic essential oils to help support hormonal health?

Yes you can, but keep a few things in mind...

πŸ‘‰πŸ½ Quality of the essential oils
πŸ‘‰πŸ½ Proper use and timing (there are certain essential oils to avoid after ovulation)
πŸ‘‰πŸ½ Proper dilution

πŸ™ŒπŸ½ If you'd like to learn more about using essential oils for fertility type DCM in the comments below and I will send you my Introduction to Drop Cycle Method video.

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May 20

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πŸ‘‹πŸ½ Unlocking the Power of Reflexology for the Endocrine System 🌟

Step into the world of healing self-care as we dive deep into reflexology and its incredible impact on the endocrine system! πŸ‘‹πŸ½βœ¨

1️⃣ Balance: Discover the key reflex points on your hands that correspond to the thyroid, pituitary, and liver. By stimulating these points through reflexology, we can support these vital systems for optimal hormonal health.

2️⃣ Thyroid Harmony: By focusing on the thyroid reflexes, we aim to regulate the thyroid gland's function. Balancing thyroid activity can enhance hormone production and improve overall fertility health.

3️⃣ Pituitary Vitality: The pituitary gland, known as the master gland, plays a crucial role in regulating reproductive hormones. Reflexology can help stimulate the pituitary reflexes, promoting hormonal balance and supporting fertility.

4️⃣ Liver Rejuvenation: The liver is responsible for detoxification and hormone metabolism. Through reflexology, we can enhance liver function, aiding in the removal of toxins and promoting hormonal balance for improved fertility.

5️⃣ Holistic Fertility Support: By supporting the thyroid, pituitary, and liver through reflexology, we create an optimal environment for fertility. Balanced hormone levels, improved detoxification, and enhanced hormonal regulation contribute to overall reproductive well-being.

🌟 Embrace the transformative power of reflexology and unlock the secrets to supporting your endocrine health for improved fertility.

πŸ‘‰πŸ½ If you'd like to learn more about using essential oils for fertility, type DCM in the comments below, and I will send you my Introduction to Drop Cycle Method video. 🌿πŸŽ₯πŸ’§

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May 19

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There are so many great ways to use essential oils to help support fertility and reproductive health. The main uses I focus on are:

🌼 Hormone health
🌼 Period health
🌼 Regulate a cycle
🌼 Reduce stress
🌼 Detoxification and regular cleansing

πŸ‘‰πŸ½ If you'd like to learn more about using essential oils for fertility type DCM in the comments below and I will send you my Introduction to Drop Cycle Method video.
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