Menopause signifies the natural ending of a woman’s menstruation. With it, there are many symptoms, including fatigue and hot flashes. However, there are essential oils for menopause that may help during this phase of life.
Menopause is defined by 12 consecutive months passed without a menstrual period. The majority of women experience menopause during their 40s and 50s; however, it is not unheard of for some women in their 30s to experience menopause. The symptoms that come with menopause can be uncomfortable, so many women look for quick, safe relief.
While there are different treatments for menopausal symptoms, including hormone replacement therapy and low dose antidepressants, many traditional measures can come with strong side effects. For those who want a more natural way to relieve symptoms of menopause, essential oils are an option.
There are a number of different options to choose from if you want to try essential oils for menopause. Not all will be effective for every person, so it is often a case of trying a few different ones before finding something that works best for you.
This is one of the best essential oils for hormone balance. It has natural properties that can stimulate the effects of estrogen, which can impact menopause symptoms. It is also one of the recommended essential oils for menopause anxiety since it is known to help lower cortisol production and help fight weight gain.
It helps minimize stress, which can help a person with menopause get a good sleep. It can also reduce pain associated with headaches during menopause.
A popular essential oil, peppermint oil is energizing, so it can help with the fatigue associated with menopause. It is said to calm headaches and nausea as well.
Another well-known essential oil that has undergone extensive study. Lavender has been known to help women who experience night sweats and insomnia. It is also considered a viable choice if you are going through menopause and feel your heart racing, which is a sign of early menopause for some women.
This essential oil has been helpful in reducing hot flashes, as well as relaxing tense muscles. The oil also has the ability to reduce fluid retention, swelling, and bloating.
If you have problems with concentration during menopause, basil essential oil may be helpful. It has been shown to improve focus as well as assist with physical fatigue.
This essential oil has hormone-balancing compounds. It also calms fragile nerves and improves memory. Those who experience cramps during final menstrual cycles can turn to thyme for pain relief.
This is another essential oil that can help with night sweats and hot flashes. Many women report that it hydrates dry skin and helps balance their emotions. Often people use this oil in a diffuser.
Just like geranium essential oil, Ylang Ylang is known to help with emotions. It is really fragrant oil, so many women use it in bath and body recipes. When used in a bath, it is known to help improve circulation.
This oil has a refreshing impact on people from both a physical and mental perspective. In the case of menopause, lemon essential oil helps improve concentration and alertness when those periods of brain fog and fatigue hit.
If you are interested in trying essential oils for menopause relief, it is a good idea to do so under the supervision of someone who is an expert in aromatherapy.
How to use essential oils for menopause?
Essential oils are concentrated extracts, so usually, all you need is just a few drops to experience a healing effect. Some people take five or six drops of a particular oil and mix it into one tablespoon of unscented lotion or carrier oil. Carrier oils are usually made of nuts, fruits, or vegetables, such as almond oil, olive oil, or avocado oil.
Inhalation: Electric diffusers are very popular for inhaling essential oils. The alternative is to put a few drops of the oil on a handkerchief or cotton ball and inhale when menopause symptoms appear.
Room spray: Add one or two drops of the oil to a spray bottle along with one ounce of vodka to disperse the oil. Avoid spraying wood, as it could create stains.
Massage/bath: Mix eight drops of essential oil with one tablespoon of carrier oil and then add it to a warm bath.
Milk bath: Mix eight drops of the oil in half a cup of milk or cream and then add the mixture to a hot bath.
Although essential oils are natural, you do need to use them with care. They can be harmful in the wrong formulation and dosage, which is why it is best to use them when guided by someone who is knowledgeable about essential oils.
Discuss essentials oils with your doctor first to make sure the oil will not affect any medications you are taking.
When thinking about essential oils for menopause relief, it can be hard to decide what to start with. There are many different recipes to help address the symptoms of menopause. Here are a few to think about.
Working with essential oils can be fun—mainly because you discover some amazing scents and can feel better at the same time. While not every woman experiences all the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, swelling, headaches, heart palpitations, or aches and pain, it is nice to know that there is a natural remedy for addressing any discomfort associated with menopause.
Research does suggest that 9 out of 10 American women going through menopause suffer from either mild or severe hot flashes. If you are in this group, discuss essential oils with a doctor and an aromatherapy expert. You just might find that essential oils will bring you the relief you’ve been hoping for.