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Essential Oils & Menopause Part 2 - Hot Flashes

Essential Oils & Menopause Part 2 - Hot Flashes


This is my second post in my series about menopause and essential oils. This time I will talk about hot flashes. It can be embarrassing when you suddenly break into sweat or turn red when you're around other people. Experiencing hot flashes is one of the unfortunate discomforts many women experience during menopause. The irregular function of the blood vessels when they constrict and dilate is what is causing the hot flashes and sweating. It increases the blood flow, slightly increases the heart rate and raises the temperature. It is a good idea to avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea and alcohol during this time.

 Fortunately there are some essential oils that have historically been used for hot flashes that you can try to see if they relieve your symptoms. Many women have found relief using peppermint which has a refreshing and cooling effect and they think it is an easy and effective way.

 Peppermint, clary sage, bergamot, fennel, and have traditionally been applied to the ankles at the ovary and uterus Vita Flex points. 




Battaglia recommends the following formula for hot flashes:
Clary Sage 10 drops
Geranium 10 drops
Sage 5 drops
Lemon 5 drops
Evening primrose oil 50 ml

 Valeri Worwood's formula is slightly different:
Clary sage 10 drops
Geranium 11 drops
Lemon 7 drops
Sage 2 drops
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
You can also make a spritzer and use as a cooling body spray:

2 oz. glass bottle
1 ¾ oz. distilled or filtered water
10-30 drops essential oils
Optional:
¼ Add witch hazel or vodka to emulsify the oils. Important for thick oils like jasmine and myrrh.


 Remember, each person is different so you have to find what works for you. You also have to consider that it may take a while to see a positive change so you have to stick with it and not give up right a way. Please check out my previous post in this subject to learn more about menopause and see what other oils traditionally recommended for menopause.




Before you leave:


I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.


Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 

Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.










Sources:
Connie and Alan Higley, (Twelfth Edition, revised 2010). Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Abundant Health
Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing
Valeri Ann Worwood, (1991). The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. New World Library, San Rafael, CA
Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

4:39 PM | Read more...
Essential Oils & Menopause Part 1

Essential Oils & Menopause Part 1


As I mentioned many times before, aromatherapy is considered to be one of the most effective methods of dealing with female concerns such as menstrual, pregnancy and menopausal problems. The aroma of the essential oil is very powerful,  through the essential oils' molecular structure and fragrance, it can influence the limbic lobe and hypothalamus. Inhalation of essential oils is said to  stimulate production of hormones from the hypothalamus.

 Symptoms
Menopause affect women differently but most of the symptoms include dizziness, difficult breathing, hot flushes, depression, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and headache. The average age of menopause is 50 years but some women go through an early menopause in the 30s or early 40s while others continue to menstruate until the late 50s.

 Progesterone
The level of progesterone decline as a women age and this can lead to osteoporosis and an increase risk of depressions, mood swings and uterine and breast cancer. Estrogen levels can also decrease and increase the risk of heart disease. The hormones decline to a point where menstruation ceases. The Essential Oils Desk Reference suggests that the topical application of progesterone and prenolone cream is the most effective way to replace and boost the declining hormone levels. 

 Dr. Dan Purser, M.D, is also promoting the use of progesterone in his new book, Progesterone The Ultimate Women's Feel Good Hormone. 
Other things to consider:
  • Exercise is important.
  • Avoid stress as much as possible.
  • Avoid or limit, coffee, alcohol, refined food, artificial additives.
  • Increase water intake to 2-3 liters/quarts a day, especially if suffering from hot flashes.
  • Battaglia recommends to take 1,000 mg capsule of evening primrose 3 times a day if suffering from dry itching skin and dry vagina. Increase water to 2-3 liters a day.


 So, what kind of essential oils can be used to make life easier during the change of life? 

 Battaglia  recommends:
  • Geranium since it is a hormonal balancer
  • Rose since it tones the uterus and regulates the menstrual cycle
  • Chamomile, jasmine, neroli, and ylang ylang since they are antidepressant and calming. These can be helpful when used in a bath, massage or when diffused.
Battaglia also recommends sweet fennel, and bergamot.

The Essential Oils Desk Reference recommends the single oils clary sage, sage and geranium.

Other posts in this series:
Hot Flashes

 Don't forget to check with your doctor before you start a new health program.

Before you leave:


I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.


Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 

Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.











Sources:
Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd
The Essential Oils Desk Reference. (Fifth edition 2011). Life Science Publishing


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Essential Oils Especially For Women

Essential Oils Especially For Women



Essential oils can be very useful for female concerns. In fact, aromatherapy is one of the most effective methods of dealing with pregnancy, menopausal, and menstrual problems.  Many essential oils have been used to help regulate the hormone production and they can relax or uplift. Many oils are also very useful for reducing stress-related tension which may make the symptoms worse.


According to Battaglia, jasmine and rose may be used to relieve specific complaints, such as menstrual problems, since they have a general strengthening effect on the female reproductive system.


Some essential oil constituents have hormonal like behavior since their structure is similar to hormones. This means they interact with the receptors that identify hormones. According to Battaglia, estrogenic activity has been found in oils such as sweet fennel and ansiseed.


According to Salvatore Battaglia, oils with these properties are considered useful in treating conditions associated with the reproductive system:

 Antispasmodics
Essential oils such as clary sage, Roman and German chamomile, sweet marjoram, and lavender may be used for conditions like menstrual cramps and labor pains.


Emmenagogues
According to Salvatore Battaglia, essential oils with emmenagogue actions have the ability to promote menstrual discharge, and they have may be used to treat amenorrhea and scanty periods. 
Oils with emmenagogue actions are basil, German and Roman chamomile, clary sage, sweet fennel, lavender, juniper berry, sweet marjoram, rose, rosemary, myrrh, and peppermint.


Galactagogues
Galactagogues are used to increase milk flow. Galactagogue essential oils include aniseed, jasmine, sweet fennel, dill, and lemongrass.


Uterine tonics
Uterine tonics have a toning and strengthening effect on the whole system, on the tissue of the organs. Oils that are uterine tonics include jasmine, clary sage, myrrh, frankincense, and rose.


Parturients
Oils with parturient properties help induce labor by stimulating contraction. Essential oils that are parturient are jasmine, nutmeg and rose.


Antimicrobial
Essential oils with antiseptic and antibacterial properties may be used to treat vaginal pruritus and thrush, as well as leucorrhea. Antimicrobial oils include eucalyptus, bergamot, myrrh, German chamomile, rose, sandalwood and tea tree.




My favorites



Geranium
Geranium essential oil has a wonderfully uplifting, calming, flowery scent. Geranium has a balancing effect on the nervous system. It is considered an ideal oil to maintain homeostasis of the body. According to Battaglia, it stimulates the adrenal cortex, which regulates the hormonal system, and therefor geranium is traditionally recommended for where fluctuating hormones are a problem. Battaglia, says it useful in treating PMS and  menopause problems.
According to Battaglia, geranium also dilates bile ducts for liver detoxification. 

Clary sage 
(Salvia sclarea) essential oil contains natural phytoestrogens. It has a mellow, warm, herbal scent that is uplifting and relaxing, making it a perfect choice for supporting a normal, healthy attitude during PMS. It is also supportive for menopausal women. 


Roman chamomile
(Chamaemelum nobile) has a warm, sweet, herbaceous scent that is relaxing and calming for both mind and body. Its gentleness makes it especially valuable for restless children. Soothing to all types of skin, it is used extensively in Europe in skin preparations. Roman chamomile is also beneficial when added to massage oil for relief of muscle discomfort after exercise. Roman chamomile was one of the Saxons' nine sacred herbs. 


Jasmine 
is a great oil for emotional problems. Jasmine is a great oil for emotional problems, and according to Battaglia it is an anti-depressant. He also says it has historically been helpful in childbirth. Battaglia says if it is massaged in the back and the lower abdomen, it may relieve pain in the lower abdomen and strengthen the contractions.

According to Battaglia, jasmine has historically been used to assist in the expulsion of the placenta. Its hormonal activity is useful in menstrual problems. According to Battaglia, jasmine has traditionally been a good oil for for the skin and may help in conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and dry aggravated skin.



As always, this information is for educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose or prescribe.  If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from a medical condition, consult with your health care practitioner prior to using essential oils.





Before you leave:


I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.


Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

Source:

Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd



 This post is linked up to:
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