Essential Oils for Hormonal Changes and Symptom Support
Whether you are aging or dealing with your monthly cycles, our hormones shift, and we end up dealing with the unpleasant side effects of hormonal changes. Hot flashes, cravings, and mood swings become all too common. These hormonal changes also affect our metabolism, weight, sleep, mood, bone health, skin, and energy. We are going to share some essential oils that can offer support for these issues.
The Areas Impacted by Hormonal Changes
Nothing in the body acts independently; everything is tied together, and hormonal changes are no different. As we age, estrogen levels become lower, which can decrease the diversity of our gut microbiome and cause our metabolism to slow down. This can lead to slower digestion, constipation, bloating, gas, weight gain, sleep issues, fatigue, and mood swings. Supporting your gut with a gut-healthy diet can be beneficial during all phases of hormonal changes.
Essential Oils for Support During Hormonal Changes
Clary Sage Essential Oil (middle note) is high in esters, and esters are always our friend. Oils high in esters are very balancing and soothing. This oil promotes balance for the nervous system and helps women manage the symptoms of PMS through Menopause. Clary sage is a great nervine because of its sedative properties. Some believe Clary sage is so beneficial for women’s symptoms due to its estrogenic properties.
Pine Needle Essential Oil (top to middle note) has decongestant, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. Decongestants can also benefit the body’s muscular system by promoting circulation. Pine essential oil is a great choice for muscle spasms and cramps. Emotionally, this oil is soothing, helping to keep you calm.
Sweet Orange Essential Oil (top note) has a bright, uplifting scent, making it one of my favorite feel-good oils. It also adds some more anti-inflammatory as well as analgesic properties to this blend, as well as being emotionally uplifting.
Ho Leaf Essential Oil (middle note) is most likely used in this blend for its analgesic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and nervine properties. This oil works great due to its properties for helping with discomfort. It is also great for soothing stress while boosting self-confidence.
Peppermint Essential Oil (top note) makes a great tonic that also offers its cooling, minty fresh properties! Peppermint is widely known for its analgesic properties, especially for its use in headache blends. However, I feel its best benefits in this blend are for its cooling and energizing properties. Peppermint offers support for the whole body, as well as promoting emotional balance. This oil is very energizing and can help to reduce mental and physical fatigue. Not to mention it may also help cool one down.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (base note) has a high percentage of sesquiterpenes, making it an oil that tends to be emotionally as well as energetically grounding. There is no doubt that this oil lends a sedative effect to this blend. Ylang Ylang calms the heart. It also relieves muscular tension that may be attributed to stress.
Chamomile Essential Oil (middle note) is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic benefits not only physically, but emotionally as well. This is a perfect oil for this blend because it is so beneficial for relieving muscular cramps as well as helping to relieve stress and anxiety. A very harmonizing oil.
Creating a Blend of Essential Oils
Follow the 3-2-1 drop blending method. You add 3 parts of a top note, 2 parts of a middle note, and 1 part of a base note to create a blend. It is also helpful to reference our dilution guide when creating a blend. Remember to check our suggested safety practices when using essential oils and check each individual essential oil for safety.
Shop for high-quality oils at Aromatics International. You may also want to support your body during menopause with Natural Changes.
For more natural approaches to supporting hormonal balance and metabolism, explore our Metabolic Health articles or read our companion articles on Natural Remedies for Menopause and Perimenopause Support.
References:
Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. Brisbane: International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, 2003. Print.
“Essential Oils, Body Butters, Carriers, Hydrosols.” Aromatherapy Pure, Organic Essential Oils | Aromatics International. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Nov 2016.
Pressimone, Jennifer. Holistic Aromatherapy Comprehensive Guide, JennScents, Inc: 2015. Print.