Can Essential Oils Help Balance Hormones?
Menopause is a normal condition of aging. Periods and ovulation cease. It is one of the biggest changes in a woman's life and may include symptoms such as mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, drying of skin and mucous membranes, insomnia, and anxiety. It's often coupled with other major life changes such as children moving away from home and thus it can be quite a stressful time. Proper hydration, nutrition, and exercise as well as avoiding triggers (this can be caffeine, alcohol, excess salt or sugar for some) can help. Aromatherapy can also be helpful in supporting a woman through this challenging time. Four oils that can be very beneficial include clary sage (Salvia sclarea), geranium (Pelargonium x asperum), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), and cypress (Cupressus sempervirens). A very useful and economical way to utilize these oils is with an aromastick or inhaler -- essentially a cotton wick housed in a plastic or stainless steel casing.
Clary sage is a CNS sedative, is antispasmodic, and uplifts the mood. It is often used in blends to support women's health. Esters such as linalyl acetate give clary sage antispasmodic and sedative action. This high concentration of esters may be responsible for its popular use to relieve premenstrual tension in women.
Geranium is noted to have mood uplifting and calming properties. It is said to have a gentle stimulating effect on the lymphatic system. It is also antispasmodic and a tonic useful for strengthening and restoring vitality especially if depleted by stress. Research shows chemical component geraniol makes effective for promoting hormone balance.
Bergamot is noted as an antidepressant, antispasmodic, and useful for calming. Use for overcoming anxiety, depression, despair, worry. Paoli Rovesti, a professor at the University of Milan, Italy conducted research with essential oils showing their benefits for depression, anxiety and hysteria.
Cypress is regarded as a tonic on both physical and emotional levels. It has anti-spasmodic properties, is decongesting, and said to calm and soothe when feeling overwhelmed. An effective way to use these oils is in an aroma inhaler. Here are two ideas to try.
Balancing Blend:
To a blank cotton inhaler (organic is best as cotton is a heavily sprayed crop).
5 drops clary sage essential oil
5 drops geranium essential oil
4 drops bergamot essential oil
(note a few drops of lavender or orange can be added if desired to soften or brighten aroma).
Seal cotton in tube by inserting plug and your inhaler is ready to use. Use the inhaler throughout the day as needed.
Cooling Blend (Beat Hot Flashes):
To a blank cotton inhaler (organic is best as cotton is a heavily sprayed crop).
5 drops clary sage essential oil
5 drops geranium essential oil
4 drops cypress or peppermint essential oil
(note a few drops of lavender or orange can be added if desired to soften or brighten aroma).
Seal cotton in tube by inserting plug and your inhaler is ready to use. Use the inhaler throughout the day as needed.
You can also use these oils in a spray. In a 4 oz PET or glass bottle add the following oils:
20 drops clary sage essential oil
20 drops geranium essential oil
15 drops cypress or peppermint essential oil
along with 1 tsp unpasturized honey (to disperse oils) or 220 drops of solubol dispersant.
Add 1/4 cup peppermint or cornmint hydrosol and 2 tablespoons of distilled water (or use all distilled water if you don't have hydrosol). Gently shake to combine and mist over body when experiencing a hot flash.
If you are struggling with symptoms of menopause pay attention to your diet and hydration and try these aromatherapy suggestions. Using small amounts of essential oils often is the best way to approach nudging the body back towards balance. If you have questions or need help creating aromatherapy products contact Tricia to learn more.
Cautions for these oils: Bergamot is phototoxic. Avoid sunlight for 18-24 hours after topcial application or use on areas that will not be exposed to sun. Avoid using oxidized oils as they may cause skin sensitivity. Oils such as bergamot and juniper berry are more prone to oxidation and should be stored in dark, cool place. Old oils may oxidized if they especially if they were not stored properly.
*Disclaimer:
I understand that the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the therapeutic suggestions or any statements made on this website about essential oils, carriers or other products offered by Aromatherapy by Tricia Ambroziak (ABT)
The statements made on this website are for educational purposes and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The data on this website is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment based on something you've read or accessed through this website. Tricia Ambroziak is a professional aromatherapist but not a licensed health care professional.
I understand that essential oils and aromatherapy are not a substitute for professional medical care. I understand that the products being sold by ABT are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease.
