Although menopause is a natural part of life and is not a medical sickness, this period affects millions of women in different ways. From hot flashes and night sweats to mood swings and exhaustion, there are many physical symptoms that accompany the transition.
Essential oils for menopause have become increasingly popular remedies for alleviating the common symptoms of this stage in life. Aromatherapy treatments have a long history as natural medicines used to improve physical and mental health, reduce stress, and create an overall sense of well-being.
The 13 essential oils for menopause listed here can safely be used to treat some of the difficulties associated with this transitional stage. The benefits from their use will vary from person to person and depend on lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, sleep quality, and stress management techniques.
Read on to learn more about how essential oils can be beneficial during this time as you look into which ones are right for you.
What is Menopause
Menopause is a natural process that occurs in women, often between the ages of 45 and 55 years old. It is characterized by the permanent cessation of menstrual periods, as well as changes in hormone levels leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.
While these symptoms can be managed through medications and lifestyle changes like improved diet and regular exercise, essential oils may also offer some relief.
Essential oils are concentrated substances from plants that have been used for centuries as part of aromatherapy to improve mood and promote relaxation. Their purported benefits range from reducing inflammation to acting as natural antidepressants or sedatives. When used for menopause symptoms specifically, essential oils may help reduce symptoms like hot flashes or insomnia.
However, it is important to note that their effectiveness has yet to be definitively proven by scientific studies. Care should also be taken if using them in the home—some are toxic when ingested or when exposed to the skin in large amounts.
When considering different types of essential oil for menopause relief, there are specific attributes that should be looked for: anti-inflammatory properties (such as lavender oil), phytoestrogens (such as clary sage oil), antioxidants (such as rosemary oil), aromatic agents (such as ylang ylang oil).
It is also helpful to receive guidance from an experienced aromatherapist on how best to use these oils in combination with other treatments like massage or medications prescribed by your healthcare provider.
With this information in mind, there are 13 essential oils that individuals may wish to consider trying out: lavender, chamomile, clary sage, eucalyptus, geranium, grapefruit, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, sandalwood, tea tree, ylang-ylang, and marjoram.
Benefits of Essential Oils
Essential oils are high-concentration plant extracts that have been used for hundreds of years as traditional medicines and home remedies. Essential oils have natural antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antidepressant properties which makes them an ideal choice for treating menopause symptoms.
Menopause can bring with it a variety of debilitating symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, insomnia, and reduced libido. Essential oils provide natural relief from these symptoms by helping to boost hormone balance and reduce stress levels. Additionally, they can help to promote relaxation by calming the nervous system and consequently reduce insomnia.
Some of the best essential oils known to be beneficial for menopause include lavender, geranium rosemary, clary sage, ylang ylang, and cedarwood oils. Not only do these oils provide relief from menopause symptoms but many also offer added emotional benefits due to their calming effects on emotions.
For example lavender has a soothing effect that can help ease feelings of anxiety; therapeutic grade bergamot may increase positive thoughts; Roman chamomile is a mild sedative that reduces stress hormones in the brain; etc.
Other essential oil benefits include their ability to promote healthy circulation which helps flush toxins from the body thus avoiding congestion that often leads to headaches or other physical discomforts during menopause.
Additionally, they support balanced hormonal levels and may even decrease estrogen production which is known to cause many of the common menopausal side effects. Finally, essential oils also provide general health promotion due to their nutritive qualities when used responsibly as dietary supplements or topically on skin care products
13 Best Essential Oils for Menopause
Menopause can be a difficult time for many women, especially when it comes to managing symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. Thankfully, there are certain essential oils that can help in reducing the symptoms of menopause, providing relief and stability to the user.
In this article, we will explore the 13 best essential oils for menopause and their benefits, as well as provide tips on how to use them.
Clary Sage
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) is well known for its use in supporting women during menstrual issues and menopausal concerns. Clary Sage essential oil contains natural phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that provide hormone-like effects in the body to help regain balance. Clary Sage essential oil is also popularly used to reduce stress, relieve muscle tension, and alleviate anxiety.
Here are some ways you can use Clary Sage Essential Oil aromatically or topically:
• Inhale directly from the bottle or a personal diffuser
• Add several drops of water in an aromatherapy diffuser
• Make a relaxing massage oil by adding it to a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut
• Create a soothing bath by adding several drops of this oil along with Epsom salts
• Use as part of your favorite beauty routine (adds shine to dull hair)
When purchasing Clary Sage make sure you’re getting 100% pure therapeutic-grade essential oil. For overall menopause relief make sure to combine this with other supportive oils such as Lavender, Geranium, Yuzu Essential Oils, or Roman Chamomile that have calming properties ideal for hot flashes and mood changes. You can even find pre-made blends for easing the symptoms of menopause!
Lavender
Lavender essential oil is one of the 13 best essential oils for menopause. Its effects are so effective in relieving the symptoms that it’s become a go-to remedy for many women experiencing hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances associated with this natural transition.
A few drops of lavender oil added to your daily routine can help reduce stress and balance your hormones. Some studies suggest that lavender may have antidepressant and antianxiety qualities.
Furthermore, lavender oil is also known for its calming, soothing effect – which can be helpful in relieving the physical discomfort caused by night sweats or overheating due to a hot flash.
In addition to providing relief from menopausal symptoms, Lavender is well known for its aromatherapy benefits: it has been proven to lower levels of stress hormones in the body, reduce inflammation and cause sedation-like effects if inhaled through aromatherapy sessions or used in massage therapy sessions.
When selecting an essential oil, make sure you only get therapeutic grade pure essential oils – as these are free from contaminants or additives that may irritate your skin or don’t have the desired therapeutic effect.
The best way to use this oil is through aromatherapy inhalation; simply add 4-6 drops of Lavender Essential Oil into some warm water & let it evaporate around you as you breathe deep and revel in its calming effects.
Furthermore, because Lavender Essential Oil can also be applied topically for calming skin inflammation & irritation – try diluting 3 drops (1/3tsp) with 1 Tbsp Jojoba oil & applying it onto painful spots after consulting your health care professional first!
Geranium
Geranium is a popular oil for menopausal women as it is believed to help balance hormones. It has earthy floral notes and a sweet aroma, which makes it lovely to use in essential oil blends. In aromatherapy, geranium is used to reduce irritability and promote relaxation by calming the nervous system.
Its also antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral properties help treat issues like vaginal dryness and mood swings without irritating the skin or triggering allergies. Geranium also helps support natural liver detoxification processes to reduce the symptoms of menopause like fatigue and hot flashes.
When applied topically, the geranium essential oil has a cooling effect that can facilitate relief from some menopausal symptoms such as night sweats. To use either aromatically or topically, add 2-4 drops of geranium oil to your diffuser or carrier oil respectively before application a couple of times daily as needed.
Ylang Ylang
Ylang ylang is an important essential oil commonly used for treating menopausal symptoms. It is extracted from the flowers of a tree native to tropical Asia and has a pleasant, sweet aroma that creates feelings of joy and satisfaction while reducing feelings of depression.
Ylang ylang is also thought to balance hormones, thus reducing menopausal symptoms. Studies have shown that women who use ylang ylang aromatherapy experience reduced levels of anxiety, decreased negative moods such as stress or depression, and improved quality of life during their phases of menopause
Ylang ylang oil may be used in topical applications blended with a carrier oil such as coconut or almond oils and applied directly onto the skin over menstrual cramping areas. Ylang ylang can also be used by adding several drops to hot baths in order to reduce stress levels and relax tense muscles.
Inhaling its therapeutic properties through aromatherapy aids in calming the mind and body symptoms related to emotional changes during menopause.
Marjoram
Marjoram is an herb often used to make teas and soups, but it also has many potential uses as an essential oil. Much like the other essential oils used to improve the symptoms of menopause, marjoram has been found to provide relief from feelings of physical discomfort, irritability, and hormonal imbalance.
To use marjoram essential oil in aromatherapy sessions or simply in any room at home, place a few drops into a diffuser or create an essential oil blend that can be added to your favorite lotion or massage oil. Additionally, you can apply one drop neat (directly) over the heart center on your chest for even more relaxation benefits.
The scent of marjoram is calming and its anti-spasmodic properties might be helpful in relieving tension associated with menopausal mood swings and cramps due to uterine contractions.
Research suggests that its sedative effects may help reduce dizziness, headaches, anxiety attacks, and even sleepless nights due to hot flashes. Marjoram may also help improve digestion issues experienced during menopause!
Rose
Rose essential oil is a powerful oil that helps to soothe hormonal imbalances and other menopausal side effects. This fragrant oil is commonly revered for its aroma, but it also contains potent compounds with antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, and antidepressant properties.
Rose also helps to reduce skin irritations and promotes feelings of calmness through aromatherapy. The therapeutic properties of this oil have been known for centuries and have been used topically and internally in balms, teas, tinctures, and syrups.
Rose essential oil can be diffused with a few drops added to a base oil such as grapeseed or jojoba. Add two-three drops of rose essential oil to your bathwater or massage into your skin in combination with other carrier oils such as almond or coconut when you’re feeling anxious, bloated, or headachey.
You can even mix one drop of the essential oil with water in an atomizer bottle and spritz it around your room if you need to relax after a long day!
Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the best essential oils for menopause because it is known to reduce stress and anxiety as well as promote sleep. It may also benefit menopausal women because of its antispasmodic properties, which can help to relieve cramping and other symptoms associated with menopause.
The pollen-based substance chamazulene gives chamomile oil its calming and relaxing attributes, making it more beneficial for those suffering from mild insomnia or difficulty getting the restful sleep they need during menopause.
Additionally, it has long been used to treat digestive problems, including stomach cramps or nausea. To use chamomile oil safely during menopause, consider using a few drops with a diffuser or by adding several drops to your bathwater.
Bergamot
Bergamot is a citrus,light-yellow fruit that contains a fresh and aromatic essential oil, making it ideal for use in aromatherapy for menopausal women. It offers calming power similar to lavender oil, but with a unique twist of lemon. Bergamot oil can be inhaled directly or diffused into the room to create a pleasant and relaxing environment.
When used topically, bergamot essential oil may help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression associated with menopause symptoms. Additionally, research has shown that when bergamot oil is combined with massage therapy, it can reduce high levels of cortisol associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms1.
As such, it may offer some relief from the emotional difficulties caused by menopause as well. In addition to its emotional benefits, bergamot oil is also known to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial for treating skin conditions like acne or eczema which are sometimes caused or aggravated by hormonal changes during menopause2.
To use: Bergamot essential oil should always be diluted before applied directly on the skin at a maximum concentration of 1 percent bergamot; this means adding 10 drops of the essential oil into one ounce of carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond before applying to your skin.
Depending on personal preference and how your body responds to the oils you’re using, you may wish to mix in other oils such as lavender or chamomile for additional relaxation benefits3. Finally, as with all essential oils always patch test prior to application on sensitive areas like your face or any part of your body where you have sensitive skin!
Frankincense
Frankincense has a sweet and earthy aroma known to be calming and grounding. It is used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and induce relaxation.
Frankincense has been known to help women with menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, fatigue, headaches, and sleep disturbances. In fact, according to a study published in the journal BioMed Research International in 2016, this essential oil was found to be effective in treating menopausal symptoms including insomnia when it was applied topically or inhaled thanks to its soothing effects.
Additionally, frankincense can be helpful for reducing joint pain associated with menopause because it contains anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce discomfort. To use this oil for relief from menstrual cramps or joint pain due to menopause-related hormonal imbalances, try massaging a few drops of diluted frankincense oil into the affected area of your body twice daily until you experience relief.
Aside from having therapeutic benefits when used topically or aromatically via an essential oil diffuser or burner/nebulizer device, it has also been shown to fight off bacterial infections when taken orally via capsules or tablets by strengthening the immune system thanks to its antioxidant properties – making frankincense one of the safest and most beneficial oils for natural relief during menopause transition!
Jasmine
Jasmine is a fragrant floral essential oil with a sweet and exotic aroma. This oil has been used for centuries to help reduce the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings.
When inhaled, it can have a calming effect, which might lessen mental tension and stress. In addition, research has found jasmine essential oil to help increase energy levels, boost libido, reduce sweating and clear pores in the skin.
Jasmine is thought to work by naturally increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. It can also be blended with other oils that are beneficial for menopause symptoms, like geranium or clary sage oil.
To make your own blend of jasmine essential oil for menopause-related issues, try combining four drops of jasmine essential oil with two drops each of lavender and geranium essential oils. Then add 12 drops of carrier oil — like jojoba or sweet almond— before applying topically to your skin in a gentle circular motion.
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils for menopause. With its cooling and refreshing scent, it helps to soothe hot flashes and calm restlessness. When used in aromatherapy, peppermint oil can reduce inflammation by stimulating circulation and reducing stress hormones. Inhaling the oil can also reduce nausea and headaches.
When ingested, peppermint acts as an antispasmodic in the digestive system, reducing digestive issues like bloating and constipation that are common during menopause. It’s also known to possess mild sedative properties which help with sleep disturbances. Peppermint oil may be used internally by taking a drop or two daily under the tongue or mixed with honey or a smoothie.
The topical application of peppermint not only gives you a cooling sensation but also has analgesic properties that help to ease muscle tension experienced during menopause. You may use this oil solo mixed with a carrier such as a coconut oil or unscented lotion or add several drops to your bath water for a refreshing soak.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is an exotic and fragrant essential oil that is derived from many species of the Santalum tree, including Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) and Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum). It has a warm woody scent that is often used in aromatherapy, perfumes, and beauty products.
When it comes to menopause relief, sandalwood essential oil can help reduce hot flashes and night sweats, reduce nervousness and stress levels as well as improve the quality of sleep. It is also said to be helpful in regulating mood swings and reducing anxiety. The oil’s warm aroma helps coax a restful sleep without added chemicals or other drugs.
Using sandalwood essential oil might include one or more of the following methods: direct inhalation, massage oils for topical application, room sprays for atmosphere enhancement, or diffuser mixes blended with other soothing essential oils.
It can also be used in a warm bath or steam room session; simply add several drops per 100 gallons of water to create an at-home spa experience. Remember to always dilute essential oils with carrier oils like coconut oil before applying topically on the skin; undiluted usage will cause irritation!
Rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean with small, bushy stems and pale green leaves. It’s used in the culinary arts to enhance the flavors of dishes, but it also has medicinal properties.
Rosemary essential oil is derived from rosemary leaves by steam distillation and it has powerful health benefits that can ease discomfort caused by menopause symptoms. The scent can stimulate the mind, assist with blood circulation and improve mood.
Rosemary essential oil has been shown in studies to help reduce symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats, and other common menopausal discomforts like joint pain, headaches, and muscle aches.
Inhaling the aroma or applying it to a diffuser (diluted with 4 drops of carrier oil per 5mL) can enhance relaxation and reduce anxiety—a common complaint among women during menopause due to fluctuating hormones. You can also add two drops of rosemary essential oil to your daily moisturizer or lotion for topical application prior to bedtime or as needed throughout the day.
How to Use Essential Oils for Menopause
Essential oils can be a great natural way to ease symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia. There are a variety of essential oils that can be used for menopause, each with its own unique set of benefits and uses.
In this article, we will discuss the 13 best essential oils for menopause and how to use them safely and effectively.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a complementary health therapy that focuses on the use of essential oils to assist with mental and physical health. Essential oils have a variety of impacts on the body, including releasing skin-nourishing elements, helping to calm the nervous system, and providing a feeling of relaxation. Aromatherapy has long been used to improve symptoms related to menopause, such as mood swings and hot flashes.
Essential oils can be used in various ways for aromatherapy. You can put various drops directly into a diffuser for inhalation or add them to steam or boiling water for breathing in the scent this way. You can also mix the oil with a lotion or other carrier oil for topical application onto the skin or even add several drops into your bathwater for a relaxing soak.
When choosing essential oils, it’s important to make sure you buy pure essential oils from reliable sources that are not adulterated or diluted with synthetic fragrances as these may not provide as strong an effect as true essential oils do.
Talk to experts before deciding on oil so that you can make informed decisions about which ones are right for you, along with usage amounts and safety precautions when blending them together.
Topical application
Topical application is an excellent way to use essential oils when managing menopausal symptoms. The molecular structure of essential oils is small enough that they can be quickly absorbed through the skin and affect the nervous system directly.
Essential oils can be applied to areas on the body, such as hands and feet, for quick absorption into the bloodstream or directly on the skin for local relief.
When using this method, please remember to always use a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, in order to dilute and help spread the essential oil over a larger area. Additionally, diluting your essential oils helps protect your skin from potential irritation.
Ingestion
Ingesting essential oils is often a great way to add nutrients commonly found in plants directly into the digestive system for deeper and longer-lasting effects. Common methods of ingestion include putting a few drops directly in your mouth, using them to dilute food, or mixing them with water or juice.
However, not all essential oils are beneficial when ingested and can even cause headaches, nausea, and stomach cramps if not done safely.
When using essential oils for menopause through ingestion, it is important to ensure that the oils you are using have been designated safe for internal use, often denoted by a supplement facts label on the product or company website.
Essential oils should always be diluted before ingesting since they are highly concentrated and can overwhelm organs like the liver if taken undiluted. Suggested uses include placing one drop of an approved oil in your cup of tea or morning smoothie daily to help ease menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings.
Additionally, consider making your own blends of carrier oil and essential oil that align with suggested recipes used for managing hormone balance during menopause such as combining Clary Sage oil with coconut or almond oil paired with vitamin E capsules directly prior to consumption.
It is recommended before starting any new supplement routine to seek guidance from a medical professional regarding safety issues surrounding ingestion as everyone responds differently.
Additionally, it’s equally important to determine which types of essential oils work best for the treatment of symptoms as well as become familiar with established dosage limitations when ingesting essential oil remedies every day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, essential oils are an effective tool for addressing the symptoms of menopause. They can help to reduce hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, cramps, and mood swings.
When used in combination with diet and lifestyle changes to address stress levels and hormone imbalances, essential oils are a safe and natural way to take control of menopause symptoms.
When selecting an essential oil for use during menopause it’s important to do your research and select the oil that’s right for you. Lavender, Clary Sage, and Geranium are some of the most commonly used essential oils during menopause as they have calming properties. However other oils including Bergamot, Rosemary, and Clove Bud can also prove helpful in relieving symptoms of menopause.
It’s important to keep safety in mind when using essential oils – always dilute them before applying directly on the skin; don’t apply inside or around the eyes or on broken or irritated skin; never ingest essential oils; use caution when diffusing scents as excessive inhalation can irritate sensitive respiratory conditions such as asthma; consult your doctor prior to use if you are pregnant or nursing; keep all essential oils away from children and pets; seek medical attention if you experience any adverse reactions after using an essential oil blend or product.
Finally, remember that everyone responds differently to aromatherapy as we all have unique biochemistry – starting with small doses of diluted oil is recommended until you determine your ideal scent blend.
With careful selection and therapeutic application coupled with lifestyle modifications, it is possible to bring balance back into life during your menopausal transition period!
