Essential oils for Hormone Balance – 11

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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

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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 for Hormone Balance – Part 9

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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

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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 for Hormone Balance – Part 7

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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 for Hormone Balance – Part 6

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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 4

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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 for Hormone Balance – Part 3

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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

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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

Essential oils for Hormone Balance – Part 1

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DISCLAIMER:

A qualified aroma therapist for 16 years, I have found essential oils to be very beneficial for treating both physical and emotional conditions. Very careful blending and working with client’s feedback has allowed me to help them immensely. Further recent training, researching and blending later, I have found that essential oils can be particularly helpful in helping to manage hormone imbalances during menopause and its associated symptoms.

No essential oil can stop the natural decline in hormone levels that inevitably come with age, as this is an unavoidable psychological process. Essential oils are not hormones, but they can ease the way. Many symptoms during this transitional period can be alleviated with the potency and power of essential oils.

Essential oils contain a variety of active constituents, which means that each essential oil has a unique set of therapeutic actions, giving each oil the potential to address numerous menopausal symptoms and other health issues.

Combining essential oils with other lifestyle changes is necessary to achieve maximum impact when addressing hormone imbalance.

Focusing on reducing chronic stress, revamping your diet and exercise routines, as well as ridding your environment of toxic chemicals and xenoestrogens will help to normalize the body as much as possible to achieve this seemingly elusive hormonal balance.

How to use Essential Oils for relief of menopausal symptoms:

There are various ways in which our bodies can receive essential oils. Amazingly, they can directly affect the endocrine system, which is responsible for most of our hormone production. Essential oils should never be applied directly on to the skin, as they will cause sensitivity. They must always be diluted in a carrier oil.

Inhalation:

This is the quickest and easiest way.

Inhaling oils straight from the bottle, or for a blend of oils, place a few drops on to a tissue and inhale.
Making a spray in a glass bottle with distilled water and essential oils.
Inhalation from diffusers, vaporisers and burners. This method sends the volatile molecules contained within the essential oils straight up into the air. The brain is immediately stimulated via the olfactory bulb; therefore, this will target the brain immediately, and offer a quick way of absorbing essential oils.

(WARNING: If using a diffuser around other people or pets be mindful as they may find the oils toxic).

Aromatherapy Bath:

Making an aromatherapy bath is a lovely way of using essential oils. Not only will you inhale them, but they will also be absorbed into the body through the skin. When adding essential oils to the bath, they must be added in with a fat, so carrier oils such as grapeseed, sunflower or olive oil should be used. This will help the essential oils to disperse and prevent them from floating on the surface of the water, where they could coat and irritate the skin. No more than 8 drops of essential oils should be used in a full bath.

Body lotions:

Making a body lotion by adding a few drops of essential oils into an un-fragranced white body lotion is an effective way for the skin to absorb the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.

Rollerball bottles:

Rollerball blends are easy to make and are an effective way to absorb essential oils through the skin. They are great for use on the go and can easily be applied to pulse points 2-3 times daily for maximum benefit.

Therapeutic essential oil blend(s) can be used as a perfume; therefore, reducing the absorption of endocrine disruptors through perfumed fragrances.

Essential oils should be blended in safe quantities, and with other essential oils that will enhance their therapeutic benefits. My recipes are a 3% blend, which is deemed safe and effective.

A build-up of essential oils in the body is highly unlikely, as they are eventually excreted through the pores in the skin, the lungs and the kidneys.

Photosensitivity and essential oils

Some essential oils are photosensitive, (particularly citrus – lemon, lime, orange, bergamot), so should not be applied in direct sunlight and where an application as been made the skin should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

Avoid direct sunlight for 12 hours for citrus essential oils and 72 hours for bergamot essential oil.

Reactions would generally be mild. If the oil is applied topically, the affected part should be washed with soap and water.

How do I know if I might be allergic to some essential oils?

Initially try inhaling directly from the bottle. Hold the bottle about an arms length away and then slowly bring it in, breathe deeply and then slightly pause to assess its effects. Do not overload your senses until you know how it is going to affect you.

Skin Patch Test:

Mix 1 drop of chosen essential oil, with a teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier oil – such as sweet almond, coconut or grape seed oil.

Apply a small amount of this mixed oil to the inside of the wrist, elbow, or behind the ear and leave uncovered for twenty four hours.

The area should not be washed for this period of time.

If there are no signs of itching, redness or swelling occurring after the 24 hour period, it should be safe to use the essential oil.

If no form of carrier oil has been used on the skin before, it may also be advisable to first do a skin patch test using only the carrier oil.

Essential oils should always be sourced from a reputable brand, as these will be the highest grade with the desired therapeutic benefits. A useful guide to this is to check where the brand sources their oils from and the price point.

Essential oil blends:

Top, middle and base notes.

Essential oils like perfumes are arranged and blended using top, middle and base notes. This creates a well-balanced, effective essential oil blend.

Essential oils are split into three groups, according to how volatile they are – how quickly they evaporate into the air.

Top notes:

These evaporate into the air the most quickly, they give the first impression of a blend and are the fastest acting on the body. They are usually derived from citrus fruits. These essential oils are the most stimulating and uplifting to both the mind and body.

Basil
Bergamot
Clary sage
Cinnamon
Eucalyptus
Ginger
Grapefruit
Lemon
Lemongrass
Lime
Orange
Peppermint
Pettigrain
Tea tree
Thyme

Middle notes:

These evaporate at a moderate pace and are mainly derived from herbs and flowers. They mainly regulate bodily functions such as digestion.

Black pepper
Roman chamomile
German chamomile
Carrot seed
Clary sage
Fennel
Geranium
Juniper
Lavender
Melissa
Pine
Rose
Rosemary

Base notes:

These are the slowest to evaporate into the air. Base notes act as a fixative, helping to slow down the more volatile essential oils, therefore, making the fragrance last longer. They are mainly derived from woods and resins and they sedate and relax the mind and body.

Cedarwood
Clove
Frankincense
Jasmine
Neroli
Patchouli
Sandalwood
Valerian
Vetiver
Ylang-Ylang

Synergy:

Blending the oils takes into account the notes and aroma of the essential oils. When two or three essential oils blend well together, they enhance each other’s properties as their molecules combine to form a synergy. This synergistic blend will have more powerful effects than if using only one of the essential oils on its own.