Essential oils for Hormone Balance – 11

Controlling cravings and supporting Weight loss:

Weight gain is very common as the body gets older, plus the shape of the body will change, as oestrogen and progesterone work together to keep us slim and at a healthy weight. A decline in Oestrogen, Thyroid, Human Growth Hormone and Testosterone will have an effect on the metabolism as well as muscle mass and fluctuating weight.

Our nutrition has to change if it has not already. Many of us develop allergies too at this time, and food that we once ate, we find we can no longer tolerate. This will show mainly as digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and stomach pains. It may also show in our skin. Adding digestive enzymes 20-30 minutes before food can help aid digestion, as well as taking a good quality probiotic and prebiotics.

Drinking warm lemon water on waking can help to support the metabolism and detoxify the liver.

Top essential oils for weight management:

  • Fennel: Improves digestion and boosts metabolism. Helps to prevent water retention. Can help to combat sugar cravings. Helps to balance blood sugar levels.
  • Geranium: Can help with cravings.
  • Rosemary: –Helps to alleviate water retention, good for boosting the digestive system.
  • Lemon: Detoxifies and cleanses the body whilst supporting a healthy digestion. It can help to suppress cravings and appetite to prevent overeating.
  • Peppermint: Helps to decrease gas and bloating. Suppresses cravings and appetite.
  • Ginger: Supports the digestive system and helps to reduce gas and bloating. Helps to reduce inflammation, therefore, supports better absorption of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Supports normal cortisol levels to minimise cravings and bingeing.
  • Cinnamon: Regulates blood sugar levels, therefore helps to fight sugar cravings. Minimises binge eating by suppressing the appetite. Supports a healthy metabolism, immune system and boosts heart health.
  • Patchouli: Helps to relieve stress and anxiety to support cortisol levels.
  • Grapefruit: Helps to support a healthy metabolism. Suppresses cravings, therefore, helps to minimise binge eating and resisting sugar cravings. Detoxifying and cleansing to the body, and helps to prevent water retention.

Recipes:

Digestive support Rollerball blend:

  • 10ml rollerball bottle
  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops Fennel essential oil
  • 2 drops Ginger essential oil
  • 2 drops Peppermint essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well and apply directly to abdominal area, or apply to wrist pulse points and inhale.

This blend supports a healthy metabolism and digestive system and can help with bloating and digestive discomfort due to internal inflammation.

Liver and digestive support rollerball blend:

  • 10ml rollerball bottle
  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops Lemon or Grapefruit essential oil
  • 2 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 2 drops Ginger essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well and apply directly to abdominal area, or apply to wrist pulse points and inhale.

This blend will help to detoxify the liver, and reduce water retention, whilst supporting healthy digestion and reducing digestive inflammation, gas and bloating.

Alternative Digestive support Rollerball blend:

  • 10ml rollerball blend
  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops Fennel essential oil
  • 2 drops Geranium essential oil
  • 1 drop Rosemary essential oil
  • 1 drop Patchouli essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well and apply directly to abdominal area, or apply to wrist pulse points and inhale.

Blood sugar balancing Rollerball blend:

  • 10ml rollerball bottle
  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops Ginger essential oil
  • 2 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 2 drops Cinnamon essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well and apply directly to abdominal area, or apply to wrist pulse points and inhale.

This blend will fight inflammation, balance blood sugars and suppress cravings.

Sprinkling dried cinnamon on to food will help to balance blood sugars; e.g. porridge oats in a morning.

For addressing specific digestive symptoms, the following essential oils will help. Add 4-6 drops of your chosen essential oils with 10ml carrier oil in a 10ml rollerball bottle. Apply to abdominal and lower back areas when required.

Bloating: fennel, ginger, peppermint, lavender, black pepper, roman chamomile, lemon

IBS: Roman Chamomile, geranium, fennel, lavender, bergamot, peppermint, black pepper, rosemary

Constipation: Rosemary, pine, peppermint, roman chamomile, lavender, bergamot, lemon, fennel, jasmine, tangerine

Indigestion: Lavender, ginger, sweet orange, peppermint, fennel, roman chamomile, ginger.

Hydrolats:

Drinking Fennel hydrolat regularly throughout the day will help to boost metabolism and prevent water retention. 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 10

Fatigue/Lack of energy:

This is a common symptom of menopause as the whole body is concentrating on the changes occurring and internalising energy rather than expending it. As in pregnancy, hormonal changes in this transition can be draining and tiring.

Top essential oils for improving energy:

  • Citrus: Lemon/Lime/Orange/Bergamot will uplift the mind and body as well as promoting a positive mood. Bergamot will help to alleviate anxiety, tension and fatigue.
  • Black pepper: An invigorating oil which will boost energy levels and increase circulation by improving blood flow.
  • Rosemary: Helps to reduce symptoms of fatigue and tension. Supports focus and memory as it re-energises the mind and body.
  • Peppermint: Cooling and invigorating to the skin so will help to improve focus and alertness, as well as promoting a feeling of energy. Promotes healthy respiratory function so will help when exercising.
  • Eucalyptus: Helps to focus the mind and alleviate tension and anxiety.
  • Basil: Enhances mental focus and alertness. Alleviates tension and anxiety in the mind and body.

Recipes:

Energy boost Diffuser blend:

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

Fatigue fighting rollerball blend:

  • 10ml rollerball bottle
  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops Lemon essential oil
  • 2 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 2 drops Eucalyptus essential oil

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

Alternative Fatigue Fighting Rollerball blend:

  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops Lemon essential oil
  • 2 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 2 drops Basil essential oil

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

Hydrolats:

Drinking peppermint and/or sage hydrolats will help to boost energy levels and the immune system.

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 9

Migraines and Headaches:

These are very common during menopausal changes and should be addressed naturally where possible so as not to fill the body with too many drugs. Remember to drink lots of water to stay hydrated and keep the circulation flowing. Dehydration can be a cause of headaches.

Top essential oils for migraine and headaches:

  • Peppermint: Anti-inflammatory; relieves muscle spasms; improves brain function; aids respiration
  • Eucalyptus: Anti-inflammatory; supports blood and lymphatic flow; helps to relieve muscle cramps
  • Lavender: Relieves tension and stress; soothes headaches; pain relieving
  • Roman Chamomile: Soothes headaches; relieves muscle spasms; eases tension and stress
  • Rosemary: Anti-inflammatory; pain-killing properties
  • Frankincense: Anti-inflammatory; pain reliever; helps to ease headaches

Recipes:

Pain relieving Diffuser blend:

  • 100ml water
  • 2 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 1 drop Roman Chamomile essential oil
  • 1 drop Eucalyptus essential oil
  • 2 drops Lavender essential oil

Pain relief Rollerball blend:

  • 10ml rollerball bottle
  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 2 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
  • 2 drops Lavender essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well and apply to temples and back of neck every 10 minutes for relief.

Alternative blend for stress-related headaches:

  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
  • 2 drops Frankincense essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well and apply to temples and back of neck every 10 minutes for relief.

Hydrolats:

Chamomile and Peppermint hydrolat will keep the circulation flowing and relaxed.

Dilute 200mls of hydrolat into 1 litre of water and drink throughout the day to keep headaches at bay.

Headache relieving bath recipe:

  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 2 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil

Blend oils. Add to a full bath. Lay back and relax!

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 8

Brain fog:

Top essential oils for focus and brain fog are:

  • Citrus: Orange/lemon/lime/ are calming and uplifting, promotes a positive mood, stimulates the mind and body. Citrus essential oils have an energising aroma.
  • Eucalyptus: Clears tension and anxiety as well as clearing and focusing the mind. Good for opening up the respiratory system.
  • Rosemary: Reduces tension and symptoms of fatigue. Good for focus and memory as it energises the mind and body.
  • Peppermint: Cooling and invigorating to the skin; helps to improve focus and alertness.
  • Melissa: Helps to improve accuracy and attention as it increases alertness. Helps to reduce tension and anxiety.

Recipes:

Brain fog spray:

  • 100ml glass bottle filled with 90ml water
  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 10 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 10 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 10 drop Eucalyptus essential oil
  • 20 drops Citrus essential oil of your choice

Shake well and spritz the blend above the head. Inhale deeply. Use when needed. This can be used in a morning on awakening too if you need a burst of something to get you going.

Brain fog Diffuser blend:

  • 100ml water
  • 2 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 2 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
  • 2 drops Lemon essential oil

Alternative Diffuser blend:

  • 100ml water
  • 2 drops Lemon essential oil
  • 2 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 2 drops Rosemary essential oil

Brain fog rollerball blend:

  • 10ml rollerball bottle
  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
  • 2 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 2 drops Peppermint essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well and apply to temples as and when needed.

Alternative Brain fog Rollerball blend:

  • 10ml rollerball bottle
  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops Lemon essential oil
  • 2 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 1 drop Peppermint essential oil
  • 1 drop Eucalyptus essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well and apply to temples as needed.

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 7

Depression/Confusion/Memory Loss:

Oestrogen helps to protect our brain function and progesterone helps to balance mood. All of these symptoms are interconnected and can make women feel worse about themselves or feel inadequate and useless. Declining oestrogen and progesterone levels have a massive impact on cognitive function.

Top essential oils for memory and focus:

  • Citrus: Orange/lemon/lime/ are stimulating, energising, up-lifting.
  • Rosemary: Reduces tension and symptoms of fatigue. Good for focus and memory as it energises the mind and body.
  • Frankincense: Helps to support the central nervous system. Good for keeping focus and balanced during the day.
  • Lavender: Helps to support brain function as it supports a good nights sleep. Helps to balance emotions and calming for the mind, therefore good for mood swings and focus. Stress-reducing.
  • Juniper berry: Grounding and calming for the mind and body; helps to alleviate overwhelming feelings.
  • Bergamot: Helps to alleviate fatigue, tension and anxiety. Calming and uplifting for the mind and body.
  • Geranium: Balances female energies; soothing for the central nervous system. Helps with grounding from anxiety and stress.

Recipes:

Uplifting Diffuser blend:

  • 100ml water
  • 6-8 drops orange essential oil

Anxiety and panic attacks Diffuser blend:

  • 100ml water
  • 1 drop Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 1 drop Juniper essential oil
  • 2 drops Geranium essential oil

Anxiety and tension release Rollerball blend

  • 10ml rollerball bottle,
  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops Bergamot essential oil
  • 2 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 1 drop Geranium essential oil

Shake well and massage into neck and shoulders to relieve tension, stress and anxiety.

Bring clarity to thoughts and memory rollerball/diffuser blend:

  • 2 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 1 drop Basil essential oil
  • 1 drop Roman Chamomile essential oil

Use this blend in the diffuser with 100ml water or as a rollerball blend with 10ml carrier oil.

Hydrolats:

Drink peppermint and/or rosemary hydrolat as a cordial for everyday use to help improve the mind and thought processes.

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 6

Mood swings/PMT:

Mood swings can really worsen around this time, and can be quite upsetting for many women, as they never know how they are going to feel from day to day, hour to hour. Irritability and a volatile temper can often become the norm. As Oestrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate and start to decline, this is a common symptom of hormone imbalance. Progesterone is our ‘mood’ hormone, and as we ovulate less frequently, progesterone takes a larger hit, leading to the oestrogen dominant/low progesterone scenario.

Top essential oils for mood swings:

  • Roman chamomile: Helps to relieve PMS and muscle cramps and breast tenderness; helps to combat an overactive mind, anxiety and stress; soothes headaches and supports sleep.
  • Clary sage: Hormone balancer; supports oestrogen action; helps to manage cortisol levels; eases tension and muscle cramps; can help to regulate menstrual cycle; anti-depressant; helpful for fatigue and anxiety; relieves PMS. Due to its oestrogenic properties it is not suitable for people whom have/had oestrogen-induced cancers or are pregnant.
  • Geranium: Helps to improve mood swings; eases anxiety and stress; emotionally uplifting; helps to balance blood sugars; helps with salt cravings and fluid retention
  • Lavender: Relieves tension and stress; pain relieving; can help to suppress anxiety in the moment; muscle cramps; eases PMS; relieves headaches; supports sleep
  • Eucalyptus stageneria: Supports oestrogen; helps to relieve stress and anxiety; helps with insomnia. Due to its oestrogenic properties it is not suitable for people whom have/had oestrogen-induced cancers or are pregnant.
  • Basil: Reduces muscle tension; helps to alleviate anxiety and emotional tension.

Calming, balancing and uplifting Diffuser blend:

  • 100ml water
  • 1 drop Roman Chamomile essential oil
  • 2 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 2 drops Geranium essential oil
  • 1 drop Lavender essential oil

Irritation and confusion Diffuser blend:

  • 100ml water
  • 2 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops geranium essential oil
  • 2 drops Clary sage essential oil
  • 2 drops Basil essential oil

Body blend for balancing hormones and mind clarity:

  • 100ml unscented white body lotion or jojoba carrier oil;
  • 10 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 10 drops Geranium essential oil
  • 10 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops Eucalyptus Staigeriana essential oil

Blend essential oils into body lotion. Apply x1-2 daily

Bath blend:

  • 5ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 2 drops Geranium essential oil
  • 2 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops Eucalyptus stageriana essential oil

Blend essential oils with carrier oil before adding to a full bath. This blend will help to balance hormones, thus easing irritability and mood swings and promote sleep.

Rollerball blend for mood swing relief:

  • 10ml roller ball bottle
  • 10ml Carrier oil
  • 2 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 2 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
  • 1 drop Geranium essential oil
  • 1 drop Lavender essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle and shake well. Apply to pulse points x2-4 times daily.

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 practioner prior to use.

 

 

 

Essential Oils for Hormone Balance – Part 5

Hot flushes:

These can diminish drastically with a few simple changes to your daily diet. Avoid coffee, sugar, processed foods and alcohol. These tend to act as triggers as well as worsening the intensity. Remember to increase your water intake too, and add an electrolyte if necessary as you will lose vital body salts through excessive sweating.

Top essential oils for calming hot flushes:

  • Clary Sage: Oestrogenic effects. Effective for reducing hot flushes. Due to its oestrogenic properties it is not suitable for people whom have/had oestrogen-induced cancers or are pregnant.
  • Cypress: Cooling properties
  • Peppermint: Cooling and effective for increasing circulation
  • Geranium: Hormone balancing. Stimulates the pancreas, therefore, can help with blood sugar imbalances and diabetes.
  • Basil: Helpful for reducing hot flushes.

Recipes:

Bath blend: 6-8 drops

  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops of Bergamot essential oil
  • 2 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 2 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil

Dilute essential oils in carrier oil and add to bathwater. Relax!

Body blend:

  • 100ml unscented white body lotion
  • 15 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 10 drops Bergamot essential oil
  • 10 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil

Blend essential oils into body lotion. Apply to skin x1-2 daily.

Alternative body blend recipe:

  • 100ml unscented white body lotion
  • 15 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 10 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 10 drops Geranium essential oil

Cooling rollerball blend:

  • 10ml rose carrier oil
  • 3 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 3 drops Peppermint essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle and shake well. Apply to pulse points, temples, soles of feet whenever you feel a hot flush coming on.

Alternative Cooling Rollerball Blend:

  • 10ml carrier oil
  • 3 drops Basil essential oil
  • 3 drops Peppermint essential oil

Essential oil cooling spray:

  • 10ml spray bottle fill with 5ml water
  • 5ml carrier oil
  • 2 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 1 drop Clary Sage essential oil
  • 1 drop Lavender essential oil

Add all oils to spray bottle and shake well. Use as a refreshing spray whenever you feel a hot flush coming on.

Hydrolats:

  • Use facial sprays of peppermint hydrolat as and when necessary to cool down.
  • Dilute 200mls rose 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 4

Top essential oils for hormone support:

  • Clary Sage: Oestrogenic properties, good as an all-round hormone balancer. It is helpful for hot flushes, depression, inflammation, promoting relaxation, PMS and cramps. Due to its oestrogenic properties it is not suitable for people whom have/had oestrogen-induced cancers or are pregnant.
  • Geranium: Stimulates the pancreas, therefore, can help with blood sugar imbalances and diabetes.
  • Lavender: Sedative and calming properties. It is helpful for hot flushes, headaches and promoting sleep.
  • Peppermint: Cooling properties. Helpful for hot flushes and bloating.
  • Roman Chamomile: Good for inflammation and promotes sleep.

Recipes:

Hormone support diffuser blend:

  • Add 100ml water to diffuser
  • 2 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 1 drop Geranium essential oil
  • 1 drop Peppermint essential oil

Hormone support night time diffuser blend:

  • Add 100ml water to diffuser
  • 2 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 1 drop Lavender essential oil
  • 1 drop Roman Chamomile essential oil

Hormone Support rollerball blend:

  • 10ml roller ball bottle
  • 10ml Carrier oil
  • 2 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 2 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
  • 1 drop Geranium essential oil
  • 1 drop Lavender essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle and shake well. Apply to pulse points x2-4 times daily.

Hormone Support bath blend:

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

Blend essential oils with carrier oil and add to a warm bath. Lay back and relax!

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 3

Hydrolats:

Hydrolats can be beneficial in aiding hormone balance. Hydrolats are the aromatic waters that are steam distilled usually during the production of essential oils. Gentle and effective, they contain only the most water-soluble chemicals from the part of the plant used plus microscopic drops of the essential oils. Hydrolats are usually calming and soothing with very few contra-indications and are generally safe when used in conjunction with essential oils and herbal remedies. Hydrolats can last up to two years if kept in a cool and dark place.

How to use hydrolats:

Hydrolats can be used undiluted, however, they are just as effective when diluted, therefore, will last much longer. The recipes used call for a dilution of 200mls of hydrolat into 1 litre of water and drunk throughout the day.

Hydrolats and their uses:

Roman chamomile:

Effective for easing pain and inflammation, promotes sleep, calms sensitive skin, may be used as an eyewash, gently up-lifting.

German chamomile:

Helps to calm inflammation and itching, supports the kidneys and heart when used internally as a tonic.

Clary sage:

A hormone balancer, helpful with menopause, hot flushes, PMS, abdominal cramps, gentle anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant.

Cypress:

A diuretic, therefor, good for water retention, stimulates circulation, eases achy legs when mixed with peppermint as a spritz.

Eucalyptus:

A strong antioxidant, free-radical scavenger, powerful immune system booster, stimulates the mind and body.

Frankincense:

A gentle anti-inflammatory, good for emotional tension and grief, skin PH balancer.

Geranium:

Mildly anti-inflammatory, balances female and male energies, balancing for all skin types.

Hyssop:

De-toxifying, and cleansing for the liver. Invigorates the body systems.

Lavender:

Balancing for the mind and body. Use as a compress for headaches and a spritz on the pillows for a good nights sleep.

Lemon:

Refreshing and uplifting. Detoxifying.

Melissa:

Calming but not sedative, promotes relaxation. Good for the digestive system. Anti-nausea.

Myrrh :

Rejuvenating, anti-ageing.

Neroli:

Anti-stress, emotional and physical support, stops caffeine jitters.

Oregano:

Immune system booster, helps urinary and renal infection, supports digestive system.

Peppermint:

Anti-inflammatory, supports digestive health, cooling, yet stimulating – good for hot flushes, moderate anti-oxidant, good for itchy skin.

Pine:

Good for joint, muscle and tissue pain, mentally calming, boosts immune system.

Rose:

Good for menopause, hot flushes, PMS, mood swings, abdominal cramps, brain fog, helps to balance female energy.

Rosemary:

Stimulates the mind and body, anti-oxidant, good for nerve pain.

Sandalwood:

Sedative will calm and de-stress the mind.

Tea tree:

Antiseptic properties.

Thyme:

Stimulating for the immune system, antiseptic, good for general health.

 

Essential oils for Hormone Balance – Part 2

     

Carrier oils:

Carrier oils are plant oils that are known as fixed oils because they do not evaporate. In aromatherapy, the carrier oil can either be used on its own, blended with essential oils or blended with other carrier oils. Some carrier oils can be expensive to use on their own, therefore, a small amount can be blended with another less expensive carrier oil.

Carrier oils should be used unrefined The refining process extracts the oils at a high temperature which results in nutrients being destroyed.

Carrier oils should be cold pressed and free of additives. Cold pressing involves pressing the kernels, nuts or seeds with a hydraulic press so that the oil is squeezed out with no heating involved. This means the oils retain their natural properties.

Carrier oil molecules are larger than essential oil molecules so they are mostly absorbed into the upper layers of the skin, unlike essential oils, which are smaller and can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Carrier oils and their properties:

Sweet almond oil:

A pale yellow liquid that is extracted from the kernels of the nuts and mixes well with most other carrier oils and essential oils. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, protein and vitamins A, B, D and E.

Benefits of sweet almond oil:

  • Helps to soothe and reduce inflammation
  • Helps muscular pain, tension and stiffness
  • Moisturising for the skin and hair
  • Beneficial for relieving itchiness

Not advisable for someone suffering from a nut allergy.

 Apricot kernel oil:

The oil is extracted from the apricot nut.

 Benefits of apricot oil:

  • Beneficial in relieving itching associated with dry skin
  • Moisturising and nourishing to the skin
  • Suitable for sensitive, dry and ageing skin

Avocado oil:

The oil is derived from the flesh of the avocado fruit. It is solid at 0 degrees Celsius, but liquefies at room temperature. It contains fats, proteins, vitamins A, B1, B2 and D and many minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. An expensive oil, therefore, it is often added to other carrier oils such as olive oil.

Benefits of avocado oil:

  • Penetrates deeper into the epidermis, (the outer layer of skin), than most other carrier oils
  • Has healing skin properties and helps to reduce inflammation
  • Moisturising to the skin
  • Helps to prevent premature ageing to the skin

Coconut oil:

A creamy, coloured oil extracted from the dry flesh of the coconut. A light, highly refined oil, therefore, many nutrients are lost during the refining process. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, but will liquefy when warm.

Benefits of coconut oil:

  • Helpful in reducing inflamed skin
  • Moisturising to the hair and skin
  • It may irritate sensitive skins, so a patch test may be required
  • Not suitable for people with nut allergies
  • Can be mixed with other carrier oils

Evening primrose oil:

The oil is extracted form the seeds of the plant.

Benefits of evening primrose oil:

  • Useful for dry, scaly skin and skin conditions such as eczema
  • An expensive oil, therefore, it is usually mixed with other carrier oils.

Grapeseed oil:

The oil is extracted from the seeds of grapes. It is a colourless, high quality oil.

Benefits of grapeseed oil:

  • Light, non-greasy oil
  • Moisturising to the skin

Jojoba oil:

A nutritious, waxy vegetable oil that is extracted from the crushed seeds of the jojoba bush. It is a nutritious oil containing protein, minerals and vitamin E. Semi-solid at room temperature.

Benefits of jojoba oil:

  • Moisturising for the skin and hair
  • Helps to relieve inflammation
  • Beneficial for all skin types
  • An expensive oil, therefore, it can be mixed with other oils.

Macadamia oil:

The oil is extracted from the nuts of the tree and the creamy white or pink blossom. A cold pressed oil, it is available both unrefined or refined. However, this oil retains its natural properties, as solvents are not used.

Not advisable for someone suffering from a nut allergy.

Benefits of macadamia oil:

  • Moisturising for the skin
  • Thought to help prevent skin from ageing

Olive oil:

A yellow/green oil with a thick consistency that is extracted from the flesh of the olive fruit. It is a good source of vitamin E.

Benefits of olive oil:

  • Moisturising for the hair and skin
  • Helps to relieve muscular stiffness and pain
  • Rarely causes irritation

Peach kernel oil:

The oil is cold pressed from the kernels of the peaches and is similar chemically to sweet almond and apricot oils.

Benefits of peach kernel oil:

  • Nourishing and moisturising for the skin
  • Helps relieve itching
  • Good for sensitive skins

Sesame oil:

A thick liquid, yellow/golden in colour. It is extracted from the sesame plant by shaking the dried plant upside down after making an incision in the seedpod. The oil is extracted from sesame seeds. It is rich in vitamin E and the minerals calcium, iron and phosphorus.

Benefits of sesame oil:

  • Moisturising for the skin
  • Helps relieve muscular aches, pains and stiffness
  • An allergy test may be needed for sensitive skins

Sunflower oil:

The oil is obtained from the seeds of the flower head. It contains vitamins A, D and E and the minerals iron and calcium.

Benefits of sunflower oil:

  • Softening and moisturising for the skin
  • Good for inflammation