The ovaries are ductless reproductive glands in which the female reproductive cells are produced. It is held by a membrane beside the uterus on each side of the lower abdomen and is normally firm and smooth and about the size of an almond. The ovaries secretes the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, which regulate menstruation and control the development of the sex organs. The sex hormones and the other hormones interact with each other to control the menstrual cycle. During ovulation, the ovaries expel an egg for the purpose of reproduction. When an egg matures, it is released and passes into the fallopian tube towards the uterus. If the ovum is fertilized by the male reproductive cell or sperm, conception happens and pregnancy begins.
The uterus, commonly known as the womb, is a hollow muscular organ of the female reproductive system that is responsible for the development of the embryo and fetus during pregnancy. The uterus is approximately the shape and size of a pear and sits in an inverted position within the pelvic cavity of the torso. However, during pregnancy the uterus can stretch large enough to hold a full term baby. It is also an incredibly strong organ, able to contract forcefully to propel a full term baby out of the body during childbirth.
Health to the female reproductive system is very important. There are several conditions ranging from painful menstrual cycles, excessive menstrual bleeding, endometriosis, fibroids, uterine prolapse and polycystic ovarian syndrome to uterine and ovarian cancers which can affect the uterus and ovaries and lead to infertility, urinary incontinence and even death.
Country Health Clinic has several formulas that may benefit the female reproductive system. As always, a multi vitamin is very important. Depending on your age and condition, we have CHF#57 or CHF#57S formulas available. Our CHF#27 Ovary/Uterus formula provides nourishment to those particular areas of the body. CHF#66 Hormone Support Cream for Females may help to stabilize the hormones created by the ovaries. CHF#2 Cal/Mag may help support bones and may help to reduce menstrual cramping. CHF#22 Zinc may help with the production of healthy, strong eggs. Your lifestyle choices may be beneficial as well, like staying active, eating whole, nutritious meals and taking care of your mental health.
Scents You Should Know…The Basic Care Kit
Geranium is the sixth oil of our basic oils to keep on hand, which include Lavender (EO35), Tea Tree (EO74), Peppermint (EO57), Chamomile (EO11), Eucalyptus (EO22), Geranium (EO26), Rosemary (EO63), Thyme (EO73), Lemon (EO37), and Clove (EO17). Geranium originated from South Africa as well as Reunion, Madagascar, Egypt, and Morocco. It was introduced to countries such as Italy, Spain, and France in the 17th century and can now be found here in the U.S.
Geranium is a hairy perennial shrub, often used in hedgerows, and grows to stand about three feet tall. It has pointed leaves that are serrated at the edge, and pinkish white flowers. The Geranium Oil is extracted by steam distillation, and results in a greenish yellow color with a strong floral aroma that has just a hint of hint. This uplifting oil has a great over-all balancing effect and this extends to the skin-where it may help to create balance between oily and dry skin, relieve feelings of stress and anxiety, balance the hormonal system, ward off mosquitoes, may help relieve fluid retention and help fight cellulite.
Adding several drops of Geranium oil (EO26) to the bath water can be used to assist with PMS, depression, stress, anxiety and tension, fluid retention, edema, eczema, shingles, cellulite, bruises, insect repellent, ringworm, hemorrhoids and menstrual irregularities.
Blending Geranium Oil (EO26) in creams or lotions can be used for eczema, repelling insects, shingles, burns, and scalds, cellulite, ringworm, bruises, and engorgement of the breasts. It will help to balance the oil production of the skin and help keep it supple, while the cicatrisant properties ensure that it is helpful in wound healing; including burns, wounds and ulcers. So, as your outside working in the yard planting your flowers you can wear this mixture to help repel all the mosquitoes and other pests that might come along.
Medical Mythology: Drinking Problem?
Do you have a drinking problem? I’m sure that your first impulse is to say NO! But, if you are a teenager or young adult the answer is probably YES! Be aware that the “drinking problem” is not alcohol. The “drinking problem” is the amount of “soft drinks” consumed each and every day.
In fact, it has been estimated that the average young male drinks over 38 gallons of soft drinks each year.
So what’s the BIG DEAL?
- Big deal number one: is that some 10% of a person’s daily caloric intake is in totally “empty calories”. Empty calories DO NOT satisfy the body’s basic nutritional needs and obesity is on the rise. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 30% of adult Americans are overweight and 41% are obese.
- Big deal number two: The phosphates found in soft drinks tend to replace calcium therefore fractures in young women are increasing. This might also be a factor in the increasing rate of osteoporosis in adult women.
- Big deal number three: The phosphoric acid in many soft drinks causes loss of tooth enamel. I can hear it now; I love your smile, but your teeth have a certain werewolf look.
- Big deal number four; The sugars in soft drinks, and even in so called electrolyte energy drinks, are diuretics and cause loss of fluids and dehydration.
- Big deal number five; The amount of caffeine in many of these drinks can leave a person in a hyper-active and totally addicted condition.
I’ve just preached the sermon most probably to the choir, now you can sing the hymn…just so long as it is not one of the T.V. cola jingles.
By: Dr. Glen Mahoney
July 2007