Top 13 Essential Oils for Female Hormonal Health

Top 13 Essential Oils for Female Hormonal Health

Like countless women, you may have started working with essential oils to help promote relaxation and to help you wind down after a hectic day. (1)

If you're happy with how your fave essential oils or blends improve your daily living, you'll be excited to learn about how they can also help promote several vital aspects of your female health.

There are several holistic uses for essential oils for women's health that cover ailments all the way from puberty to menopause. Whether you have difficulties with premenstrual symptoms, encounter pregnancy-related morning sickness, or even hot flashes, essential oils can support your hormonal health.

Hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone occur naturally in every female's body. These chemicals constantly fluctuate, particularly during significant life events such as puberty and pregnancy. By learning how female hormones influence your skin, weight, and libido, you can pick the right essential oils to help you cope with bothersome symptoms and promote a more hormone-balanced life. You can further use your favorite aromas to enhance your confidence and self-esteem. (2)

Read on to learn which essential oils for women's health apply to your specific symptoms and needs. After reading this guide, you'll have natural and helpful approaches at your fingertips for handling each new hormonal-phase and experience in your life.

Supporting Healthy Skin

Hormonal changes can vastly affect the skin from the preteen years all the way through to menopause. Acne is one of the most prevalent skin issues that prompt women to attempt natural ways to boost skin health.

Essential oils such as Lavender and Tea Tree can be used to make acne-busting roll-ons when reduced in a carrier oil. Lavender essential oil is also excellent for maintaining healthy skin:

  • French Lavender Essential Oil: Excellent for both hair and skin, Lavender is a must-have essential oil. Adding a couple of drops to your preferred carrier oil and massaging the mix into the scalp is a great way to help alleviate an awkward, dry, dandruffy scalp. Lavender can help keep skin smooth, hydrated, and clear when added to natural cleansers and moisturizers.
  • Tea Tree Essential Oil: There's a key reason why so many top-selling beauty products carry Tea Tree–it works! Tea Tree essential oil is wonderful for skin health. It can support keeping pores clear, stopping blemishes and clearing acne, while keeping oils at bay.

When appropriately applied, essential oils help maintain the skin's natural balance and make it look and feel healthier. They also help to increase a brighter and more youthful glow.

Supporting Aging Skin

Many modern women in their 30s and even 20s are now trying more holistic ways to reduce signs of aging. From age 40 and beyond, decreasing the appearance of time on the skin's surface becomes a top beauty priority for many women.

Resin-based oils such as Frankincense and Myrrh can be diluted in your favorite carrier oil and applied to your face. These oils are known to help diminish the appearance of scars and help to stabilize sebum production. Geranium oil and Ylang Ylang are also excellent choices to help introduce extra moisture to the skin, allowing your skin complexion to look more supple than before and decrease fine lines and wrinkles.

Essential Oils and Weight Loss

Women's bodies are different because they deposit more fat inside their bodies than men do. Add everyday stress and life experiences like pregnancy or menopause—and losing that extra weight can be more challenging than you first thought. If you're attempting to eat right and exercise daily but still observe that you need to make further progress, you might be questioning if essential oils can help you drop weight. The answer is that while there is no magical cure that makes losing weight more straightforward, there are oils that can assist with your weight loss.

Grapefruit Essential Oil:

The sweet, citrusy aromas of this oil aren't the only thing it's great for. Grapefruit actually serves to activate enzymes that help your body break down body fat, precisely a particular type of fat that can burn calories at a very high rate. Not only that, but Grapefruit is rich in several compounds, such as D-limonene, that further support the metabolism. It also strengthens the cleansing and detox of lymphatic glands, enabling better nutrient absorption in the bloodstream. Use 1-2 drops of USDA Organic Grapefruit oil into your smoothies or cooking recipes. (19)

Gingergrass Essential Oil:

When you're actively trying to shed weight, it's essential to consider ways to strengthen your digestion and the assimilation of nutrients. Ginger contains the component gingerol, which has been shown to lessen disease-causing inflammation in your gut and increase the absorption of the minerals and vitamins you're consuming. Plus, if you're receiving more vitamins and minerals, you're helping to support your body's cellular energy and create weight loss. Use one drop of USDA Organic Gingergrass oil into your smoothies or cooking recipes. (3)

Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil:

A happy gut is vital for long-term, healthy weight loss. Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil contains specific compounds known to support beneficial bacteria's growth in the upper gastrointestinal tract that can assist digestion. One of these composites is eugenol, which Cinnamon Oil contains a considerable percentage of. Eugenol may lessen symptoms of gastrointestinal distress, such as stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and nausea. Use one drop of USDA Organic Cinnamon oil into your smoothies or cooking recipes.

Essential Oils for Menopause

Just ask your mom or grandma...the end of your menstrual cycle, also identified as menopause, often produces a host of bothersome symptoms. Some of these include mood swings, hot flashes, and night sweats. While the transient condition can be challenging for some women, effective and holistic essential oils for symptoms linked with menopause are available to help make your days and nights much more manageable.

If you're searching for the right essential oil to manage hot flash signs, simply smelling Bay Laurel or  Peppermint  Essential oil can instantly make you feel as if you're cooler, calmer, and, moreover, help support healthy functioning. Keep some close to your bed to apply before you go to sleep or in case it's needed to rescue you from discomfort in the middle of the night. You can do this by misting it on your face using a water spritzer or a portable inhaler, best yet diffuse it with a powerful nebulizer for best results. Another way you can use peppermint is by mixing 1 drop in 2 cups of drinking water- it will help you cool off right away, plus your mouth will smell refreshed all the time. Make sure though you only use USDA organic oils  for ingesting to avoid intoxication with chemicals that are sprayed on all non-organic crops. (18)

Essential Oils for Menstrual Cycle Discomfort

essential oils for menstrual discomfort, pms

A woman's menstrual cycle is a sign of good sexual health. But, for some, it can also be a life nuisance (raise your hand!). Not to worry—there are numerous essential oils that can help support menstrual health, as well as encouraging a sense of peace when encountering mood swings.

Clary Sage Essential Oil: If you are a female over the age of 15, odds are you are familiar with menstrual pain and discomfort. Cramping is a very real problem and can disrupt your life for the duration of your cycle. Clary Sage can be a real comfort! In a randomized, double blind clinical study of women diagnosed with dysmenorrhea (painful periods or menstrual pain) it was shown that the group who practiced abdominal massage with essential oils including Clary Sage had significant reduction in symptoms! (4), (6) (Learn more in this blog about how Clary Sage Essential Oil can become your best friend as well when you need it the most.) 

There are plenty more essential oils that can be used to help symptoms of PMS, for example this recipe for a calming Epsom salt bath includes 8 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil and 8 drops of Bay Oil. The oils need to be combined in a carrier oil of your choice before being added to the running bathwater. The combination of Frankincense's analgesic qualities and Bay Laurel's ability to help promote a sense of well-being is a great combo for menstrual cramps.

If you're feeling grumpy before or throughout your menstrual cycle, try a soothing Lavender essential oil massage. Another option you can also try is indulging in the relaxing and luxurious notes of Sandalwood oil. (14)

For serious PMS symptoms and discomfort Gingergrass essential oil can become your perfect ally. The anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties will help reduce the pain and discomfort that for some women are more troublesome than others during their monthly periods. (3)

Aphrodisiac Essential Oils

Last but not least, some like to use essential oils for their aphrodisiac properties. For millennia, people have utilized aromatic botanicals and floral waters to set the mood. Science is now catching up to this wise tradition, and new studies aim to demonstrate the efficacy of using aromatherapy to enhance our intimate relationships.

Ylang Ylang is well known as the most powerful aphrodisiac among all essential oils. Produced from the blossom of a tropical tree, its particular mix of compounds gives it a sweet and exhilarating scent that allures the senses. In Indonesia, ylang-ylang flowers are traditionally placed on the bed of newly married couples because ylang-ylang is believed to alleviate sexual anxiety and it’s associated with euphoria in sexual behavior. (16)

Jasmine Essential Oil is a remarkably uplifting essential oil that can help to restore mood and promote mental wellness. This study is just one of several that examine the use of essential oils for elevating sexual health and wellness. Though there are numerous oils recognized for their aphrodisiac qualities, some of our favorites include Sandalwood, Geranium, Vetiver, Lavender, and Patchouli.

“Research from 2010 was conducted to confirm the stimulating effect of Jasmine essential oil when applied in an aromatherapy massage. Participants exposed to Jasmine oil had a significant rise in breathing rate, blood oxygen levels, and blood pressure, symbolizing an increase in arousal.  Subjects stated that they felt more vigorous and alert.”(17)

There are countless applications for essential oils during a woman's life. If you have any questions about safety for you or your child, don't hesitate to discuss it with a physician or accredited aromatherapist. Many of today's gynecology professionals recognize the advantages of essential oils for women and can help you determine the right oils and usage methods. (8) (13)

Essential Oil Blend Recipes for Women

essential oil blend recipes for women's hormonal health

Here are some recipes formulated explicitly with women in mind. From PMS to labor,  hormone balancing to the relief of emotional stress, these lovely recipes and blends can enhance your overall wellness or help get you through the times of difficulty that sometimes come with being a woman.

 

Cramp Relief Lotion:

Mix the oils with an unscented lotion and apply a thin layer to the abdominal area as needed to relieve menstrual cramps or signs of PMS.


UTI Remedy:

UTI infections are very common in women, especially during menopause, and bathing with essential oils is a wonderful and natural remedy; for example, Juniper berry essential oil is very mild on the skin yet very effective for cystitis and pyelitis. Use the following recipe for a sitz bath: 

Place 4 drops of Juniper oil in a tsb of jojoba oil and combine, then combine with some warm water in a large enough basin to be able to fit your bottom and soak in it for 15-20 minutes twice a day to relieve UTI discomfort. 


Labor Pain Relief Oil:

Mix oils with jojoba oil and apply a thin layer to the area where labor is most intense, as needed. Make sure to wash off thoroughly before handling the baby after delivery.


Hormone Balancing Diffuser Blend:

  1. Add 6-8 drops of the combined blend to your nebulizing diffuser and diffuse for 15-30 minutes several times a day.
  2. Add 18 drops of the combined blend to a one-ounce bottle of Jojoba oil and apply a dime-sized volume on to your skin daily.

Mental Health And Well-Being Blend:

Add the combined blend of oils to your nebulizing diffuser and diffuse for 15-30 minutes several times a day. You can also mix the oils and use them for inhaling purposes, breathe in deeply for 5 minutes at a time each hour or as needed.

 

Aphrodisiac Blend:

This aphrodisiac blend is reminiscent of a single blooming flower in a wonder-woodland garden. Enjoy this exquisitely balanced aroma of feminine and masculine notes, as your cares and worries melt away. Enhance your spiritual clarity as you deepen your desires when you want to feel more adventurous and free-spirited.

4 drops of USDA Organic Sweet Orange Essential Oil

2 drops of USDA Organic Lavender Essential Oil

2 drops of USDA Organic Patchouli Essential Oil

Blend these sensual oils together with your carrier oil of choice for a sensual body massage; you can also apply it to your forehead and the back of your neck. You can shop this aphrodisiac bundle here.

PRECAUTIONS

It's always recommended to dilute any Essential Oil with a carrier oil before using it on the skin. Also pay special attention when using it on children, especially those 10 years old and younger.

If you're considering starting a therapeutic regimen using Essential Oils, it's better to consult a doctor or an aromatherapy professional first. Some skin types can showcase allergic reactions, so before using this oil in any of its forms, it's recommended to do a skin test first, which you can do at home, if you prefer, by applying 2 drops of the oil on your wrist and wait for 24 hours to see if any irritation occurs. If not, then you’ll be safe to use it..

And finally, try to use the exact amounts of the oil as per prescriptions or recipes above, otherwise, it could be toxic and cause irritation, allergies and other unwanted problems.

NOTE: Always choose USDA Organic oils to prevent toxicity  caused by the artificial fertilizers & pesticides sprayed on all non-organic crops; otherwise you’re defeating their effectiveness.

Enjoy these wonderful recipes and let us know in the comments below which ones you tried and how they worked for you. We’d love to hear it!

 

 

References: 

1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/23760410_Aromatherapy_Facts_and_Fictions_A_Scientific_Analysis_of_Olfactory_Effects_on_Mood_Physiology_and_Behavior 2.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8181991_Update_on_Nonpharmacologic_Approaches_to_Relieve_Labor_Pain_and_Prevent_Suffering 3.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8041548_Ginger_An_essential_oil_for_shortening_labour https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20441789/ 4.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7518017_A_Nonthiazolidinedione_Peroxisome_Proliferator-Activated_Receptor_Agonist_Reverses_Endothelial_Dysfunction_in_Diabetic_dbdb--_Mice 5.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6903136_Effect_of_Aromatherapy_on_Symptoms_of_Dysmenorrhea_in_College_Students_A_Randomized_Placebo-Controlled_Clinical_Trial 6.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/15059891_The_role_of_lavender_oil_in_relieving_perineal_discomfort_following_childbirth_a_blind_randomized_clinical_trial 7.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12533047_An_Investigation_into_the_Use_of_Aromatherapy_in_Intrapartum_Midwifery_Practice 8.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8437793_Sensory_and_Affective_Pain_Discrimination_After_Inhalation_of_Essential_Oils 9.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8366778_Aromatherapy_practice_in_nursing_Literature_review 10.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7752369_Aromatherapy_for_Outpatients_with_Menopausal_Symptoms_in_Obstetrics_and_Gynecology 11.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7738387_Audit_of_an_aromatherapy_service_in_a_maternity_unit 12.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6650488_How_to_Implement_Complementary_Therapies_for_Laboring_Women 13.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6184901_Effects_of_aromatherapy_massage_on_blood_pressure_and_lipid_profile_in_Korean_climacteric_women 14.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5315948_Essential_oils_and_massage_in_intrapartum_care https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/896314/ 15.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20184043/ 16.https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mahmoud_Bahmani2/publication/273080525_Effect_of_Iranian_herbal_medicines_in_Dysmenorrhea_phytotherapy/links/54f6d16b0cf2ca5efeff561a.pdf https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15862904/

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