Menopause is defined by 12 consecutive months passed without a menstrual period. The majority of women experience menopause during their 40s and 50s; however, it is not unheard of for some women in their 30s to experience menopause. The symptoms that come with menopause can be uncomfortable, so many women look for quick, safe relief.
While there are different treatments for menopausal symptoms, including hormone replacement therapy and low dose antidepressants, many traditional measures can come with strong side effects. For those who want a more natural way to relieve symptoms of menopause, essential oils are an option.
Related: How long does menopause last?
Essential oils for menopause
There are a number of different options to choose from if you want to try essential oils for menopause. Not all will be effective for every person, so it is often a case of trying a few different ones before finding something that works best for you.
Here’s a look at some of the best essential oils for menopause:
Clary sage
This is one of the best essential oils for hormone balance. It has natural properties that can stimulate the effects of estrogen, which can impact menopause symptoms. It is also one of the recommended essential oils for menopause anxiety since it is known to help lower cortisol production and help fight weight gain.
Roman chamomile
It helps minimize stress, which can help a person with menopause get a good sleep. It can also reduce pain associated with headaches during menopause.
Peppermint
A popular essential oil, peppermint oil is energizing, so it can help with the fatigue associated with menopause. It is said to calm headaches and nausea as well.
Lavender
Another well-known essential oil that has undergone extensive study. Lavender has been known to help women who experience night sweats and insomnia. It is also considered a viable choice if you are going through menopause and feel your heart racing, which is a sign of early menopause for some women.
Cypress
This essential oil has been helpful in reducing hot flashes, as well as relaxing tense muscles. The oil also has the ability to reduce fluid retention, swelling, and bloating.
Basil
If you have problems with concentration during menopause, basil essential oil may be helpful. It has been shown to improve focus as well as assist with physical fatigue.
Thyme
This essential oil has hormone-balancing compounds. It also calms fragile nerves and improves memory. Those who experience cramps during final menstrual cycles can turn to thyme for pain relief.
Geranium
This is another essential oil that can help with night sweats and hot flashes. Many women report that it hydrates dry skin and helps balance their emotions. Often people use this oil in a diffuser.
Ylang Ylang
Just like geranium essential oil, Ylang Ylang is known to help with emotions. It is really fragrant oil, so many women use it in bath and body recipes. When used in a bath, it is known to help improve circulation.
Lemon oil
This oil has a refreshing impact on people from both a physical and mental perspective. In the case of menopause, lemon essential oil helps improve concentration and alertness when those periods of brain fog and fatigue hit.
If you are interested in trying essential oils for menopause relief, it is a good idea to do so under the supervision of someone who is an expert in aromatherapy.
How to use essential oils for menopause?
Essential oils are concentrated extracts, so usually, all you need is just a few drops to experience a healing effect. Some people take five or six drops of a particular oil and mix it into one tablespoon of unscented lotion or carrier oil. Carrier oils are usually made of nuts, fruits, or vegetables, such as almond oil, olive oil, or avocado oil.
The following list outlines other ways to use essential oils for menopause:
- Inhalation: Electric diffusers are very popular for inhaling essential oils. The alternative is to put a few drops of the oil on a handkerchief or cotton ball and inhale when menopause symptoms appear.
- Room spray: Add one or two drops of the oil to a spray bottle along with one ounce of vodka to disperse the oil. Avoid spraying wood, as it could create stains.
- Massage/bath: Mix eight drops of essential oil with one tablespoon of carrier oil and then add it to a warm bath.
- Milk bath: Mix eight drops of the oil in half a cup of milk or cream and then add the mixture to a hot bath.
Risks while using the essential oils
Although essential oils are natural, you do need to use them with care. They can be harmful in the wrong formulation and dosage, which is why it is best to use them when guided by someone who is knowledgeable about essential oils.
There are some people who find essential oils cause stomach, nose, and mouth irritation. Even in small doses, there are situations where specific oil can irritate the skin. The following precautions can minimize the risks associated with essential oils:
- Avoid using more than the recommended dose
- Perform a patch test on a small area of skin if you plan to use the essential oil for massage. Wait 24 hours to see if your skin gets irritated or inflamed. If it does, don’t use that essential oil. If it doesn’t, then go ahead and do a full application
- Introduce just one essential oil at a time so that if you do have an allergic reaction, you will know what oil caused it
- Avoid essential oils that come from any plant that you already know you have an allergy to
- Discuss essentials oils with your doctor first to make sure the oil will not affect any medications you are taking.
- In most cases, it is important to dilute the essential oil in carrier oil. A good rule to follow is one ounce of carrier oil for every 10–12 drops of essential oil
- When using oil in a spray, make certain that you are in an area that has proper ventilation
Recipes for essential oils
When thinking about essential oils for menopause relief, it can be hard to decide what to start with. There are many different recipes to help address the symptoms of menopause. Here are a few to think about.
Hot flashes
- 4 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 1 quart of water
- Keep in fridge and shake well for two days
- After two days, put blend in bottle
- Spray onto cloth when you experience a hot flash and place the cloth on the back of your neck
Related: How to get rid of menopausal hot flashes
Night sweats
- 10 drops of thyme essential oil
- 10 drops of sage essential oil
- 20 drops of lemon essential oil
- 20 drops of oil of grapefruit
- Add all these oils to two ounces of fractionated coconut oil and either massage into your body or use in a warm bath
Swelling & Water retention
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 10 drops of juniper essential oil
- 10 drops of fennel essential oil
- 30 drops of lemon essential oil
- Add all the above oils together and put in a warm bath or add to fractionated coconut oil and use to massage your abdomen and lower back
Multi-symptoms
- 2 drops of Clary sage essential oil
- 5 drops of geranium essential oil
- 6 drops of lemon essential oil
- 1 drop of jasmine essential oil
- 2 drops of angelica essential oil
- Combine in a small bottle with two ounces of carrier oil
- Apply daily and massage to body
Working with essential oils can be fun—mainly because you discover some amazing scents and can feel better at the same time. While not every woman experiences all the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, swelling, headaches, heart palpitations, or aches and pain, it is nice to know that there is a natural remedy for addressing any discomfort associated with menopause.
Research does suggest that 9 out of 10 American women going through menopause suffer from either mild or severe hot flashes. If you are in this group, discuss essential oils with a doctor and an aromatherapy expert. You just might find that essential oils will bring you the relief you’ve been hoping for.
Related:
Menopausal fatigue: Symptoms and tips to beat fatigue during menopause
18 essential oils to boost energy and usage tips