Essential oils for Hormone Balance – Part 20

Hair care:

Thinning hair is a common symptom in menopause and is the result of hormone imbalance. Specifically related to a lower production of progesterone and oestrogen, as these hormones help the hair to grow faster. Hair loss may also be attributed to an under active thyroid.

Top essential oils to boost hair growth:

Recipes:

  • Lavender: Has properties that can reduce stress and can generate the growth of cells. It can also improve scalp health, as it is antimicrobial and antibacterial. Mix 5ml of carrier oil, either coconut or olive oil with 3 drops lavender essential oil and apply directly to scalp for 10 minutes prior to shampooing hair. This can be done 2-3 times a week.
  • Clary sage: Has similar properties to lavender essential oil so is effective in increasing hair growth. It will also improve hair strength, which will make the hair more difficult to break.

Mix 5ml of carrier oil, either coconut or olive oil with 3 drops clary sage essential oil and apply directly to scalp for 10 minutes prior to shampooing hair. This can be done 2-3 times a week.

  • Peppermint: When this is applied it can cause a cool tingling feeling as it increases circulation. This can help to promote hair growth during the growth phase. Studies have shown that it can increase the number of hair follicles, follicle depth and overall hair growth.

Mix 5ml of carrier oil, either coconut or olive oil with 3 drops peppermint essential oil and apply directly to scalp for 10 minutes prior to shampooing hair. This can be done 2-3 times a week.

  • Rosemary: Improves cellular generation, therefore, will help to promote hair growth and improve hair thickness. Mix 5ml of carrier oil, either coconut or olive oil with 3 drops rosemary essential oil and apply directly to scalp for 10 minutes prior to shampooing hair. This can be done 2-3 times a week.
  • Cedarwood: Has anti fungal and antibacterial properties and is thought to reduce hair loss by balancing the oil-producing glands in the scalp, therefore, promoting hair growth. Mix 5ml of carrier oil, either coconut or olive oil with 3 drops cedarwood essential oil and apply directly to scalp for 10 minutes prior to shampooing hair. This can be done 2-3 times a week.

Hair loss blend:

  • 5ml coconut or olive oil;
  • 1 drop Cedarwood essential oil
  • 1 drop Lavender essential oil
  • 1 drop Rosemary essential oil

Apply directly to scalp for 10 minutes prior to shampooing hair. This can be done 2-3 times a week.

DISCLAIMER:

Essential oils are not safe for everyone, and should only be prescribed by a qualified and insured aromatherapist following a full consultation and patch testing. If you have any concerns or are on medication, then you should consult your medical practitioner prior to use.

 

Essential oils for Hormone Balance – Part 19

Skin problems:

Declining hormone levels can cause skin to become drier. Some women find they get acne rosacea, which is when the skin across the nose and cheeks becomes reddened and lumpy in texture, often producing heat.

Recipes:

  • Aim to drink 2 litres of water daily.

A good skin routine is essential.

  • Cleanse, tone, eye cream, oil or serum, moisturise x2 daily.
  • Exfoliate, mask x2-3 times weekly.
  • Treat yourself to a facial!

Hydrolats:

Drink rose or cornflour hydrolat to help combat grey, tired skin and acne. Dilute 200mls of hydrolat into 1 litre of water and drink throughout the day.

Essential oils with balancing and rejuvenating properties:

  • Geranium
  • Frankincense
  • Palmarosa

Add 1 drop of any of these to your daily moisturiser.

 Body blend:

  • 100ml white unscented body lotion;
  • 20 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • 20 drops Geranium essential oil
  • 20 drops Palmarosa essential oil

Apply to skin daily after body brushing or exfoliating.

 Rosacea spritzer:

  • Rose hydrolat in a 20ml glass spray bottle.
  • 8 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 6 drops Rose essential oil

DISCLAIMER:

Essential oils are not safe for everyone, and should only be prescribed by a qualified and insured aromatherapist following a full consultation and patch testing. If you have any concerns or are on medication, then you should consult your medical practitioner prior to use.

 

 

Essential oils for Hormone Balance – Part 18

Bladder issues:

An overactive bladder is one of the most common symptoms of peri-menopause and menopause. When oestrogen is plentiful, the bladder, urethra and vagina stay healthy. As hormone levels decline, the tissues of the system can become thinner, atrophy and susceptible to infection. The two most common outcomes of this process are cystitis and incontinence.

Cystitis:

Top essential oils:

  • Tea tree: Anti-bacterial, will help to fight bladder infections
  • Oregano: Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Juniper: Antispasmodic, calming
  • Lemongrass: Anti-inflammatory
  • Sandalwood Anti-inflammatory, relaxing, calming

Recipes:

 Hydrolats:

  • Dilute 200mls of thyme hydrolat into 1 litre of water and drink throughout the day.
  • Douche with diluted thyme and geranium hydrolat regularly.

Bath blend:

  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 6 drops Tea tree essential oil

Blend oils. Add to bathwater and douche area.

Rollerball blend to assist with pain caused by an infection:

  • 10ml rollerball bottle
  • 10ml coconut carrier oil
  • 1 drop Oregano essential oil
  • 1 drop Juniper berry essential oil
  • 1 drop Lemongrass essential oil
  • 1 drop Sandalwood essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well. Massage into abdominal area when experiencing pain.

Remember to hydrate:

  • Drink water. Aim for 2 litres daily.
  • Drink coconut water, as it is a natural diuretic so will help to flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.

Incontinence:

An overactive bladder is one of the most common symptoms of peri-menopause and menopause.

Top essential oils:

  • Cypress: Vaso-restrictive properties, which may help if weakened or loose muscles are the cause of an overactive bladder, supports the urinary system
  • Lavender: Relaxing, sedative, calming and stress relief properties. Stress is a known agitator of OAB
  • Juniper: Supports the urinary system
  • Clary sage: Helps to relieve stress, relaxing, calming. Stress is a known agitator of OAB. Due to its oestrogenic properties it is not suitable for people whom have/had oestrogen-induced cancers or are pregnant.
  • Ylang Ylang: Supports the nervous system and has sedative properties. Helps to relax the bladder, therefore, controlling the urge to urinate.

Difficult to treat with aromatherapy, however, the following options are worth a try:

Hydrolats:

  • Use cypress or clary sage. Dilute 200mls of hydrolat into 1 litre of water and drink throughout the day.

Body blend:

  • 100ml unscented white lotion.
  • 20 drops Cypress essential oil
  • 20 drops Sweet Marjoram essential oil

Blend oils with white body lotion. Apply regularly to the lower back and abdominal area.

Rollerball blend to aid leaky bladder/urinary incontinence:

  • 10ml rollerball bottle – leave the rollerball top off
  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 6 drops Clary sage essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well. Inhale directly from bottle.

Alternative leaky bladder/urinary incontinence blend:

  • 10ml rollerball bottle – leave the rollerball top off
  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 4 drops Clary sage essential oil
  • 2 drops Lavender essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well. Inhale directly from bottle.

Avoiding stimulants such as coffee can help as they irritate the bladder, plus act as a diuretic.

 

DISCLAIMER:

Essential oils are not safe for everyone, and should only be prescribed by a qualified and insured aromatherapist following a full consultation and patch testing. If you have any concerns or are on medication, then you should consult your medical practitioner prior to use.

 

Essential oils for Hormone Balance – Part 17

Tender breasts:

Tender breasts can become more of a problem as the menopause progresses. The breasts can enlarge and become ‘hot and tight’ which can be uncomfortable.

Top essential oils:

  • Ginger: Anti-inflammatory, relieves pain, reduces fluid
  • Lavender: Anti-spasmodic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic – pain relieving, promotes blood circulation and lymphatic function
  • Peppermint: Analgesic – pain relieving, cooling, improves circulation
  • Fennel: Anti-spasmodic, diuretic
  • Roman chamomile: Sedative, anti-inflammatory
  • Geranium: Hormone balancer, soothing, anti-inflammatory properties
  • Cypress: Antispasmodic, soothing for muscle pain and cramps

Recipes:

Soothing body lotion:

  • 100ml unscented white lotion.
  • 10 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 10 drops Fennel essential oil
  • 10 drops Geranium essential oil
  • 10 drops Cypress essential oil
  • If symptoms persist, add 10 drops Juniper essential oil into blend.

Blend essential oils with white lotion. Apply to breast area, when necessary.

Overall balancing bath blend:

  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 2 drops Geranium essential oil
  • 1 drop Roman Chamomile essential oil
  • 1 drop Lavender essential oil

Mix oils together and add to a full bath.

Soothing Rollerball blend:

  • 10 ml rollerball bottle
  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 6 drops Ginger essential oil

Add oils to a rollerball bottle. Shake well. Apply to breast area. Ginger oil can sometimes help when all else fails, as it is anti-inflammatory so it can help to relieve pain, reduce fluid and impact progesterone-like molecules in the body. (In very small amounts).

DISCLAIMER:

Essential oils are not safe for everyone, and should only be prescribed by a qualified and insured aromatherapist following a full consultation and patch testing. If you have any concerns or are on medication, then you should consult your medical practitioner prior to use.

 

 

Essential oils for Hormone Balance – Part 16

Lack of sex drive:

This is a common problem, due to the fall in testosterone and other sex hormones. It may also be due to heavy blood loss, vaginal dryness, mood swings, fatigue and lack of energy.

Top essential oils to boost libido:

  • Rose Otto: Emotionally uplifting, a stimulating and intoxicating aphrodisiac
  • Geranium: Helps to reduce stress, balances female energies and grounds emotions, relaxes the mind and body
  • Clary Sage: Helps to balance mood, stress relief, calming for the mind and body, stimulates sexual energy, helps to boost libido. Due to its oestrogenic properties it is not suitable for people whom have/had oestrogen-induced cancers or are pregnant. .
  • Neroli: Calming for the mind and body, helps to relieve menopausal symptoms, promotes sexual desire
  • Ylang Ylang: Calms emotions, has aphrodisiac powers, therefore, helps to boost libido
  • Clove: Considered an aphrodisiac, therefore will help to boost sex drive and boost blood circulation to sex organs

Recipes:

 Hydrolats:

Neroli will help to calm and relax, yet uplift the spirit.

Dilute 200mls of Neroli hydrolat into 1 litre of water and drink throughout the day.

Bath blend:

Make your own blend: 4-6 drops essential oil in total diluted into 10ml carrier oil. Choose from Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, and Clove. Try not to have the water too hot or you may feel sleepy!

Essential oil sprays:

Spraying essential oils on the pillows and/or bedclothes can help.

  • 10ml water in a glass spray bottle
  • 4-6 drops of Rose Otto and/or Neroli essential oils

DISCLAIMER:

Essential oils are not safe for everyone, and should only be prescribed by a qualified and insured aromatherapist following a full consultation and patch testing. If you have any concerns or are on medication, then you should consult your medical practitioner prior to use.

 

 

Essential oils for Hormone Balance – Part 15

Vaginal dryness:

Natural vaginal fluids start to dry up due to hormonal changes, which can be an on going problem for many women. Oestrogen helps to lubricate the linings of the body, and as our levels decline we can find our body literally starts to dry out.

Top essential oils for vaginal dryness:

  • Sandalwood: Soothing, relieves irritation and itchiness, moistening to the tissues.
  • Roman chamomile: Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial
  • Lavender: Soothing and anti-inflammatory
  • Rose Otto: Soothing, reduces irritation, supports healthy tissue regeneration
  • Frankincense: Soothing to mucous membranes

Recipes:

Carrier oils:

These can be used internally can help to combat dryness as well as improving the texture of the vaginal walls which will make it easier for them to stretch.

Carrier oils such as calendula, almond, avocado and evening primrose oil are recommended.

Bath blend:

Make your own blend: 4-6 drops in total diluted into 10ml carrier oil. Choose from Sandalwood, Frankincense, Rose Otto, Roman Chamomile or Lavender.

A daily bath is recommended due to this been an on going problem.

Never apply essential oils directly into the vaginal walls.

DISCLAIMER:

Essential oils are not safe for everyone, and should only be prescribed by a qualified and insured aromatherapist following a full consultation and patch testing. If you have any concerns or are on medication, then you should consult your medical practitioner prior to use.

 

Essential oils for Hormone Balance – Part 15

Irregular periods:

Some women stop their periods one day, and they never come back. More commonly periods gradually become further apart and sometimes much heavier. It can help to normalise the hormones so that periods are more regular, but become lighter and lighter until they stop altogether.

The following oils are emmenagogic; (stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus).

Clary sage and sage will help to balance oestrogen levels.

  • Clary sage: Due to its oestrogenic properties it is not suitable for people whom have/had oestrogen-induced cancers or are pregnant.
  • Sage
  • Niaouli
  • Fennel
  • Rosemary

Recipes:

Normalise blood flow and regularity Rollerball blend:

  • 10ml rollerball bottle
  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 1 drop Rosemary essential oil
  • 1 drop Fennel essential oil
  • 1 drop Niaouli essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle and shake well. Apply to abdominal and lower back area x2-3 times daily.

 Hydrolats:

Drinking sage and casis hydrolats can help to normalise blood flow and regularity.

Dilute 200mls of hydrolat into 1 litre of water and drink throughout the day.

DISCLAIMER:

Essential oils are not safe for everyone, and should only be prescribed by a qualified and insured aromatherapist following a full consultation and patch testing. If you have any concerns or are on medication, then you should consult your medical practitioner prior to use.

 

Essential oils for Hormone Balance – Part 14

Aches and pains:

Oestrogen helps to keep our bones and joints healthy. As levels decline, we may notice more pain in our joints that may make movement more difficult. Oestrogen decline also contributes to osteoporosis making us more susceptible to fractures.

Top essential oils:

  • Rosemary: Anti-inflammatory, anti-analgesic properties will aid pain relief. Helps to stimulate blood circulation.
  • Sweet Marjoram: Soothing, warming actions.
  • Juniper: Anti-inflammatory, warming.
  • Lavender: Pain relieving properties
  • Basil: Anti-inflammatory
  • Myrrh: Analgesic properties
  • Frankincense: Anti-inflammatory; helps to reduce inflammation, pain and stiffness
  • Eucalyptus: Anti-inflammatory, cooling, pain relieving
  • Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory

 Recipes:

Achy joint bath blend:

  • 10ml Carrier oil
  • 2 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 2 drops Sweet Marjoram essential oil
  • 2 drops Juniper essential oil
  • 2 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops Basil essential oil

Add oils to bathwater and relax!

Achy joints warm compress:

  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops Basil essential oil
  • 2 drops Sweet Marjoram essential oil

Mix essential oils with 10ml carrier oil and warm water. Soak the compress and apply to aching joints.

 

DISCLAIMER:

Essential oils are not safe for everyone, and should only be prescribed by a qualified and insured aromatherapist following a full consultation and patch testing. If you have any concerns or are on medication, then you should consult your medical practitioner prior to use.

 

 

Essential oils for Hormone Balance – Part 13

Stress:

The very process of the menopause transition puts our bodies under enormous stress. It is literally the withdrawal of oestrogen and other sex hormones. Add to that our crazy, non-stop lifestyles, there is no wonder our minds and bodies feel overwhelmed. This leads to constant elevated stress levels, which raises cortisol, our stress hormone. Cortisol needs insulin to perform its job, which leads to elevated blood sugar levels, which equals increased mid-section weight gain and potentially other health issues. And because Cortisol is our survival hormone, it suppresses the production of our sex hormones, as they are not considered necessary to survive. This can leave us with even lower levels of oestrogen and progesterone. The best thing we can do for our bodies through this transition is to get our stress levels under control.

We can do that by taking time out for ourselves, eating wholesome nutritious foods, exercising and generally putting ourselves first. After all we cannot deliver from an empty vessel.

Top essential oils for stress relief:

  • Lavender: Helps to soothe the mind and body by melting away anxiety and tension. Promotes a restful night’s sleep.
  • Frankincense: Helps to support the body’s systems including the nervous, digestive and immune systems. Promotes relaxation and calmness.
  • Bergamot: Helps to reduce stress levels and dissolve anxious feelings. Uplifting for the mind and body.
  • Orange: Helps to uplift and energise the mind and body. It is also helpful for digestive discomfort arising from stress.
  • Clary sage: Supports relaxation and calmness in the mind and body. Helps to alleviate muscle tension.
  • Peppermint: Refreshing properties, which will help to support relief from stress, depression and mental fatigue.

 Recipes:

Morning Stress relief Diffuser blend:

  • 100ml water
  • 2 drops Orange essential oil
  • 2 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • 2 drops Peppermint essential oil

Sleep promoting diffuser bend after a stressful day:

  • 100ml water
  • 2 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 2 drops Frankincense essential oil

Stressful situations Rollerball blend:

  • 10ml rollerball bottle
  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 2 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops Peppermint essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well. Massage in to tense areas of the body. Alternatively, apply to pulse points and inhale.

Alternative Stressful situations Rollerball blend:

  • 10ml rollerball bottle
  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • 2 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 2 drops Orange essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well. Apply to pulse points and inhale when you need an energy boost from stressful situations.

De-stress body lotion:

  • 100ml unscented white lotion
  • 20 drops Bergamot essential oil
  • 15 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 15 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • 10 drops Lavender essential oil

Blend essential oils with white lotion. Apply x2 times daily

De-stress Bath blend:

  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 2 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • 2 drops Lavender essential oil

Add essential oils to carrier oil and add to bathwater. Will help to promote relaxation and a good night’s sleep.

DISCLAIMER:

Essential oils are not safe for everyone, and should only be prescribed by a qualified and insured aromatherapist following a full consultation and patch testing. If you have any concerns or are on medication, then you should consult your medical practitioner prior to use.

Essential oils for Hormone Balance – Part 12

Sleep:

How often do you get 7-9 hours of un-interrupted sleep?

Oestrogen and progesterone decline can have a massive impact on our sleep patterns. Progesterone increases the production of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which helps us to sleep. As progesterone levels decline we may become more anxious and restless and have problems sleeping, including a tendency to wake up frequently during the night.

Oestrogen helps the bones and tissues to absorb magnesium. The decline in oestrogen levels relates to lower absorption. Magnesium is vital for regulating sleep, as it helps with the melatonin process. Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland in the brain and regulates our sleep/waking cycle. Our body makes melatonin from the light we are exposed to. Blue light transmitted by our electronic devices can interfere with the increase of melatonin prior to bedtime as well as less oestrogen meaning less efficient magnesium metabolism.

High cortisol, (stress) levels can also interfere with our ability to have a restful and sustained sleep pattern. Chronic stress can also interfere with our ability to fall asleep as well as staying asleep.

Top essential oils for sleep:

  • Bergamot: Calming and soothing to the mind and body. Helps to ease stress and anxiety.
  • Clary sage: Supportive for the menstrual cycle. Calming for the mind and body and helps to promote relaxation.
  • Lavender: Sedative properties, helps to decrease blood pressure and support a restful night’s sleep.
  • Roman Chamomile: Soothes the bodies systems and calms the mind. Helps to induce relaxation.
  • Sandalwood: Helps to release feelings of tension and promotes relaxation of the mind and body for a restful nights sleep.
  • Ylang-ylang: Helps to reduce tension caused by stress and has a calming effect on the mind and body.

Recipes:

Sleep inducing bath blend:

  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 3 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops Bergamot essential oil
  • 1 drop Sandalwood essential oil

Add oils to a full bath and relax!

Alternative Sleep inducing blend:

  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 3 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 1 drop Ylang-Ylang essential oil

Add oils to a full bath and relax!

Add a cup of Epsom salts of magnesium flakes to help induce more relaxation.

Sleep inducing Diffuser blend:

  • 100ml water
  • 2 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
  • 2 drops Sandalwood essential oil

Alternative Sleep inducing blend:

  • 100ml water
  • 2 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 2 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil

Sleep inducing Rollerball blend:

  • 10ml rollerball bottle
  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 3 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops Bergamot essential oil
  • 1 drop Sandalwood essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well and apply to pulse points and temples.

Waking up several times in the night to use the toilet? Try this blend before bed.

Aid leaky bladder/urinary incontinence Rollerball blend:

  • 10ml rollerball bottle
  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 3 drops Cypress essential oil
  • 3 drops Sweet Marjoram essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well and apply to lower back and abdominal area prior to bedtime.

Alternative leaky bladder Rollerball blend:

  • 10ml rollerball bottle
  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 3 drops Cypress essential oil
  • 3 drops Juniper berry essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well and apply to lower back and abdominal area prior to bedtime.

DISCLAIMER:

Essential oils are not safe for everyone, and should only be prescribed by a qualified and insured aromatherapist following a full consultation and patch testing. If you have any concerns or are on medication, then you should consult your medical practitioner prior to use.