Dear Healers,

this excellent article by Aromatherapist Dr. Peggy Carey, PhD, CNC, is
primarily directed to ladies who are in their Golden Age of feminine
freedom. Dr. Carey explains the hormonal changes in this part of a lady's
life and what can be done to enhance it in a way that it becomes the best
time in their life...
If you have suggestions, comments, or would like to discuss things more
about this interesting topic please write to Dr. Carey directly at
peggycarey@.... Her website is at http://www.a-1essentialoils.com

With warmest regards and best wishes to everybody,
Elisabeth
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Elisabeth Frauendorfer, PhD, MPRUE Founder and GGM
Publisher
Magnussa Phoenix Newsletter
http://www.magnussa.com/newsletter_e.html
http://www.magnussa.com/published_e.html (articles of past newsletters)
http://www.magnussa.com/institute.html
Magnussa Phoenix International Institute
http://www.magnussa.com/mprue.html
Magnussa Phoenix Reiki Universal Energies

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DISCLAIMER:
The opinions expressed in the published articles are those of the authors
only and do not necessarily represent those of other members of the
Institute. Also, the content of this newsletter is for informational
purposes only and in no way should be interpreted as medical advise.

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PURSUING POSTMENOPAUSAL ZEST
by Peggy Carey

Postmenopausal zest is a phrase coined by anthropologist Margaret Mead. It
is a time when we are not concerned about birth control, PMS, painful
cramps or other monthly inconveniences. “This”, she says, “is freedom.” It
is a stage of life that is free of many encumbrances and full of wonderful
possibilities. We are still young enough to live life to its fullest and
enjoy all the good things nature has provided us. During this period a lot
of women experience a renewed zest for life, rejuvenated sexual desire, and
look for exhilarating new adventures or new beginnings. It is like starting
life all over with a better set of rules. If you haven’t done it before, it
is time to take charge of your own health.

Create your zest by paying attention to diet (Oriental women don’t have a
word for hot flash), by doing things that make you feel good about yourself,
and by learning how to use herbs and natural hormones for hormonal
balancing, and essential oils for optimum psychological health and libido.
There are many such natural aids from which to choose. You’ll probably need
to experiment a little to find the ones that are the most effective for you.
Pregnenolone is one of the newest hormones to become available and is one of
the most versatile. The body easily converts pregnenolone into DHEA,
progesterone, and even estrogen and testosterone. The hormone conversion
happens on an as-needed basis, and therefore, not likely to cause side
effects. Also, helpful are creams and tinctures that contain wild yam, clary
sage, black cohosh, blue cohosh, and fennel.

Taking new adventures into the bedroom can be as easy as stocking up on
sensual massage oils and therapeutic quality erotic essential oils. Mutual
massages with the right blend of aromatic oils can ignite your love life.
Get prepared for a romantic evening by taking a geranium and clary sage bath
as these two oils are “hormone regulators” and can work on a mental level to
harmonize emotions. Oils that can have a positive effect on sex hormones are
rosewood, pine, patchouli, lemon, jasmine, clary sage, and bergamot. Rose
and lavender are good because they can relieve stress.

Since the olfactory nerves (the nerves in the nose) are directly connected
to the limbic system of the brain, their stimulation by the aroma of
essential oils causes immediate, although perhaps subconscious, physical,
and emotional responses. Within the limbic system resides the regulatory
mechanism of our highly sensitive inner life, the core of our being. This
part of the brain not only controls our drives of hunger, thirst, and sex,
but more subtle responses of emotion, memory, creativity, and intuition as
well as reproductive cycles. Here is the origin of our sexuality, the
impulse of attraction and aversion, motivation and our moods. Most
postmenopausal women are alarmed when they see a change in one or more of
these areas and are anxious to find remedies to reverse these symptoms.
Nature has been most generous in providing these remedies without side
effects.

Olfactory membranes contain millions of nerve endings causing the sense of
smell to be the most acute of all senses. Inhaling oils triggers a chain of
internal reactions with a wide range of results from the release of
endorphins (powerful mood elevating substances that reduce pain and
stimulate sexual feelings) to boosting the immune system. Smells also cause
the release of other neurotransmitters including encephaline which reduces
pain, produces pleasant euphoric sensations and creates a feeling of
well-being, and serotonin, a relaxing and calming substance. Accessing the
limbic system with oils gives one amazing control over functions of the mind
and body. Since most therapeutic grade oils smell good, it is a fun way to
put the zest back into your life.

Loss of sexual desire or reduced enthusiasm for life itself can be caused by
depression or medical conditions as well as the medications that are
prescribed for these conditions. Certain antidepressants, blood pressure
lowering drugs, and pain medications can lower sex drive. Many people have
been able to avoid using prescription drugs or at least reduce the dose by
using essential oils and herbs. Nutritional supplements that have been
enhanced with essential oils to increase absorption by the body are very
useful to help avoid problems caused by aging and to maintain youthful
function of all the body’s systems.

The pituitary, also known as the master gland of the endocrine system, is
responsible for controlling hormone production of other glands. There is an
association between an underactive pituitary gland and a decreased interest
in sex. Essential oils have the ability to stimulate the pituitary gland as
well as the hypothalamus. Oils that affect the pituitary and, therefore, are
considered an aphrodisiac are clary sage, jasmine, patchouli, and ylang
ylang.

Aphrodisiacs are substances that are capable of enhancing sexual pleasure or
sexual desire. Certain essential oils can be considered aphrodisiacs since
they have the potential to affect the circulatory, hormonal, and the nervous
systems. The best aphrodisiac will impact the brain, since as we said
before, this is where the sexual center is located.

A blend of the erogenous, stimulating or calming, and euphoric essential
oils would make a well-rounded aphrodisiac synergy. Jasmine is the most
sought after fragrance in the perfume industry because it has a very
erogenous effect on humans. Other oils that have been considered as having
aphrodisiac properties are clary sage, black pepper, ginger, fennel,
frankincense, geranium, hyssop, juniper, myrrh, patchouli, rose, rosemary,
sandalwood, and ylang ylang.

Our erotic life is much influenced by odor. Pheromones, hormone-like
substances in one’s personal odor, influence partner choice in humans as
well as in animals. Since many essential oils contain pheromones, they
affect our sensuality. Personal attraction and aversion are always
influenced by odor. Without the ability to smell there would be little
attraction. Many people who experience smell disorders also lose interest
in sex. Therefore, keeping your sinuses healthy could be the hidden key in
creating a healthy sex life.

One of the most important factors in attaining post-menopausal zest is
ATTITUDE. The following is a list of oils that could make you feel like the
best time of life is NOW. For creativity use clary sage, helichrysum, rose,
and rosewood; depression eliminators - bergamot, clary sage, frankincense,
geranium, lavender, lemon, sandalwood, tangerine, vetiver, ; happiness and
joy - bergamot, orange, rose; love - juniper, lavender, rose, ylang ylang;,
confidence - jasmine, sandalwood, patchouli, peppermint, rosemary, ylang
ylang; self esteem - marjoram, patchouli; serenity and tranquility -
bergamot, elemi, ginger, lavender, rose, valerian, Roman chamomile.

Recent research shows that sex can improve your health, strengthen your
immune system, and prevent the onset of disease. When your sex life as well
as your energy level is enhanced by therapeutic aromatherapy can zest be far
behind?

Peggy Carey (also known as the Zest Lady) is a PhD, CNC candidate. Her
experience with a cat inspired her to host the country’s first natural pet
care expo and started her career as an Aromatherapy/Wellness Consultant,
Holistic Health Instructor and Writer. She can be reached at
peggycarey@...
For a FREE Essential Oil User’s Guide and more information, go to
http://www.a-1essentialoils.com

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DISCLAIMER:
The opinions expressed in the published articles are those of the authors
only and do not necessarily represent those of other members of the
Institute. Also, the content of this newsletter is for informational
purposes only and in no way should be interpreted as medical advise.

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Elisabeth Frauendorfer, PhD, OM
Founder and GGM of MPRUE
http://www.magnussa.com/mprue.html
Magnussa Phoenix Reiki Universal Energies
http://www.magnussa.com/institute.html
The Magnussa Phoenix International Institute of Healing Arts
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MPRUE Master/Healer Online Workshop for Reiki Masters
Saturday November 13 through 20, 2004
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MPRUE Grandmaster Online Workshop for MPRUE M/H
Saturday December 11 through 18, 2004
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