Be sure to check out all the resources at the end of the blog!

This week’s oily tip is focused on what was learned earlier this week on relationships, libido, hormones, and fertility from a man’s perspective. Human connection has a variety of interacting factors. It is important to take a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of it in both partners: physiological, cognitive, emotional, and relational. Hormonal manipulation as one example of a “quick fix,” will only go so far if the underlying issues and triggers are not addressed. (source, source, source, source, source, source, source)

Male Reproductive Health Week-In-Review

In Part I of my manly series, I explained how essential oils have versatile actions that support the mind-body as they address the triggers that lead to dysfunctions in male fertility. I also cited a few studies that demonstrated essential oils efficacy for libido in human trials. In Part II of my post series “for the boys”, I provided a link to a few case studies that used oils for increasing testosterone in male subjects. I also highlighted several articles which found evidence for specific essential oils to protect the male reproductive system and sperm quality of rodents exposed to chemicals.

Spring Cleaning – Inside and Outside with Essential Oils

In a previous blog, I discussed how essential oils can assist the body with cleansing as they support digestion, immune function, and more. Essential oils have “detox” qualities and act as antioxidants. (source, source, source, source) In fact, one rodent study found certain essential oils could restore important detoxification enzymes. The authors felt that these secondary metabolites should be further researched for their protective effect on the liver when taking certain medications. (source)

As I mentioned above and in my blog this week, chemicals are detrimental triggers to sperm quality in men. Let’s explore this more.

Cleaning and Personal Care Products and Reproductive Effects

According to the CDC, environmental contaminants are high suspect contributors in promoting infertility in both genders. In fact, their website on Reproductive Birth Outcomes states:

The amount and quality of a man’s sperm can be affected by:

• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs
• Environmental toxins
• Tobacco use
• Some medicines
• Radiation treatment or chemotherapy for cancer
• Age (source)

The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals also have expressed their concern with chemical exposure and reproductive health. They stated in 2010 only one-tenth of the 87,000+ chemicals on the market were tested for potential health effects. This is due to the “safe until proven unsafe” approach of current regulations. Their website states (bold emphasis mine):

Impact on Reproductive Health

Reproductive toxicants may contribute to a spectrum of adverse effects on reproductive health. These effects include menstrual irregularities, early or delayed puberty, infertility, subfertility, early pregnancy loss, fetal death, impaired fetal growth, low birthweight, premature birth, and structural (e.g., cardiac defect) or functional (e.g., learning disability) birth defects.^16,17 The impact of exposure to a reproductive toxicant may not be immediately evident. Instead, the effects may emerge at key life transitions: for example, when attempting conception, during pregnancy, during development of the embryo or fetus, in the newborn, and during the offspring’s childhood, puberty, and eventual fertility as an adult.¹⁸ For this reason, it is important to be aware of the potential effects of a substance over a long period of time, rather than only during the period immediately after exposure.

The same site also lists exposures:

Exposure to Reproductive Toxicants

Substances with potentially harmful effects on reproductive health are present in water, air, soil, dust, food, and consumer products. Individuals may encounter these toxicants in the home, community, school, or workplace. To result in an adverse effect, a toxicant must come into contact with an individual and enter the body, a step referred to as biologic uptake. Biologic uptake is the point at which exposure occurs (see Figure 2). (source)

Saving Your Health, Youthful Vigor, and Homes with Essential Oils

I’ve previously written about the dangers of prenatal chemical exposures and the benefits of essential oils, used safely, in pregnancy.

It’s funny how people are hesitant to use natural products, yet don’t think twice about cleaning their homes with bleach (MSDS Sheet) and filling their baby’s bath water with sodium lauryl sulfate! (MSDS Sheet)

Essential oils are a lot safer option than slathering on toxic chemicals and personal care products filled with fragrances and endocrine disruptors.

Challenging You to Clean a Little Deeper

I did a six-month challenge on creating a healthier, safer home for better wellness for the whole family. I reviewed each hazard and the essential oil alternatives. You can access this tool as a paid subscriber.

Challenge 1: Safe Oral Care – Ditch Toxic Toothpaste
Challenge 2: “Cleaning up Your Home and Health
Challenge 3: Keeping Our Bathroom a Safe Haven from “Beauty Products to Die For”
Challenge 4: Immune Support for the Winter Season
Challenge 5: The Scent of a Healthy Home for the Holidays
Challenge 6: Scent-sational Gifts

I invite you to take the challenge of cleaning up your home and health. Spread over six months, your home will be completely non-toxic and chemical free! (You’ll also be prepared for next year’s festivities early!) You will have access to videos and webinars with step-by-step instructions and lists of product suggestions to get your home greener and cleaner! (See this post for information on how to access the challenge.)

This cleaner is important for oil lovers or those who value sustainability and non-toxic living

Summary

As essential oils support our inner and outer cleansing, they also balance stress and hormones, support the health of tissues and cells, and enhance the wellness of our whole body. Through biochemical properties of their secondary metabolites and their volatile odors, essential oils have been found to have emotional and brain balancing effects as they enhance heart-brain coherence. For all these multifaceted properties, it is clear that using essential oils are more than a simple symptom intervention for male reproductive and relationship issues.

Many blessings from my heart to yours!

This material is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. You should check with your doctor regarding implementing any new strategies into your wellness regime. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. (Affiliation link.)

Disclaimer: This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic quality essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been tested for purity and standardized constituents. There is no quality control in the United States, and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only to contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. The studies are not based solely on a specific brand of an essential oil, unless stated. Please read the full study for more information.

Thanks Pixabay.