Essential Oils For Hormone Balance
Many women have great success with using essential oils for hormone balance and to alleviate cramping, PMS and other symptoms. In many cases, using an essential oils safely can help alleviate the struggles of PMS and even helping hormones balance over time.
It is important to note that many of these oils should not be used during pregnancy . Some essential oils can cause uterine contractions and cramping during pregnancy.
In researching essential oils for womens hormone issues, there were several essential oils that were often recommended, especially clary sage, lavender, and peppermint. There are many others but Im going to focus mostly on these 2 oils because they seem to be the most well researched for providing relief of hormonal symptoms for women.
Calming & Caring: Clary Sage For Womens Health
Native to Europe, clary sage oil is extracted by steam distillation from the purple bell-shaped flowers and leaves of salvia sclarea or the clary sage plant.
Its main chemical constituent is linalyl acetate, which makes it a special essential oil for relaxation, soothing and balancing of the body. Some of its medicinal properties include: antidepressant, anticonvulsant, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, digestive, emmenagogue, euphoric, hypotensive, nervine, sedative, stomachic, and a uterine tonic.
Clary sage extracts have been used since the Middle Ages in a variety of fields such as skin care, hair care, eye problems, insomnia, digestive trouble, stress relief, menstrual and menopausal relief, and labor & childbirth.
Read on for how clary sage oil can be used for hormonal regulation below:
Clary Sage Oil Benefits Hormones And Me
So I told you how I got kind of desperate a few months ago, right? Well, it’s true.
Basically, I wasn’t sleeping well. Insomnia has been an issue for me on and off over the years, but this time it was bad. I was waking up two to three times a night and each time I was sweaty. I’d had sweating issues during the night before but they seemed to be related to body temperature regulation and thyroid disease. This time, however, it was almost for sure hormonal.
Fun times. Not.
Anyhow, I wasn’t completely sure, but I was pretty sure that my sweating was hormonally driven, so I looked up natural remedies for night sweats and there it was–in the list of clary sage benefits, numerous times the relief of hot flashes and night sweats was listed.
I. needed. that.
Well, let me tell you, this oil isn’t cheap, but boy did it work. I just put a little drop into a quality lotion (I have lots of favorites–Jasmine and Ylang Ylang Body Cream from this company, this Intensive Body Cream, and this nourishing unscented body lotion.
You could use any fatty body cream or lotion or carrier oil for this but a pre-made lotion is super simple to use.
Anyway–get this.
Night sweats gone. Not even one since. Amazing.
So the moral of the story is–essential oils aren’t a scam. They work. And if you are having night sweats, get this oil. Now.
You’re welcome :).
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Supporting Women’s Health Issues With Clary Sage Essential Oil
This month we would like to highlight the benefits of Clary Sage Essential Oil to all our past, present and future guests, well mainly our female guests as these are one of the most beneficial essential oils available for women!
Dating back to the Middle Ages, Clary Sage essential oil has been known and used for its relaxing and soothing properties. The main chemical component of Clary Sage is linalyl acetate, part of the esters group, which is known to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-hypertensive properties.
Essential Oils For Pms Hormone Balancing
While I wouldnt classify premenstrual syndrome as a hormonal imbalance per seits a perfectly natural part of being a womanits definitely worth knowing which oils can boost your mood.
Having said that, its also true that the same hormones responsible for PMS can be responsible for other problems like reduced libido, sweating, and hot flashes . The ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone, both hormones that need to be balanced to avoid these kinds of troubles.
Whether youre experiencing those kinds of difficulties or simply wish to soothe the symptoms of PMS, the best oil to use is hands down clary sage.
As we discussed in the previous section, clary sage is a highly effective hormone balancing oil. This oil can help balance estrogen production during all times of the month, not just during menstruation. And thats a good thing, because proper estrogen levels may help you avoid complications like polycystic ovary syndrome .
But when it is that time of the month, clary sage has been shown to soothe both PMS and cramps. Apply topically or diffuse.
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Benefits Of Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary Sage is mostly known for its hormonal benefits. And for good reason struggle). But clary sage’s benefits go way beyond that. Here’s more about this wonder essential oil.
Traditionally, clary sage essential oil has been used for many things, but some of these uses, of course, have not been proven.
Some of the traditional uses include skin health, for use in labor, and for digestive health. There are many benefits of clary sage beyond this post, but here are some of the more well-demonstrated uses of this amazing essential oil.
Clary Sage For Creative And Spiritual Work
Many aromatherapists agree that clary sage can be used to get in touch with our creative self and with dream work. Spiritual seekers attest to the power of clary sage magical properties for deeper work. Thought to encourage vivid dreams and spiritual lessons, clary sage can also be used to open up into more creative and intuitive paths.
Relax Body Oil contains clary sage and can be used in the bath and on the body before bed, but also in your yoga or meditation practise. Opening up the mind for dream work and channeling spiritual lessons.
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Uses Of Clary Sage Oil
Used in aromatherapy applications, the scent of Clary Sage Essential Oil can ease stress when 2-3 drops are diffused. For a diffuser blend that is enriched with other mood-enhancing essential oils, combine 3 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil, 2 drops Orange Essential Oil, 2 drops Ginger Essential Oil, and 1 drop Bergamot Essential Oil.
Furthermore, Clary Sage Oil is known to contribute a deeper sense of concentration and spirituality, when diffused during prayer, meditation, or other devotional practices. For an enhanced state of awareness and attentiveness, 6 drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil can be blended with 2 drops of either Frankincense or Orange essential oils before being added to a diffuser. Alternatively, a roll-on Meditation Perfume Blend can be made by combining 2 drops Frankincense Essential Oil, 2 drops Melissa Essential Oil, 2 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil, 2 drops Sandalwood Essential Oil, and 2 drops Orange Essential Oil in a 5 ml roller bottle. The rest of the bottle can be filled with a Carrier Oil of personal preference. To use this blend, dab a dime-size amount onto the wrist and rub it in, then proceed with the spiritual practice.
For an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory massage blend that facilitates the healing of wounds and soothes aching joints, dilute 6 drops of Clary Sage Oil in 30 ml of Coconut Carrier Oil or Jojoba Carrier Oil, and rub the blend into the affected area or apply it to a larger area of skin in an aromatherapy massage.
Clare Sage Oil For Skin
Clary sage oil contains an ester known as linalyl acetate, which can help to reduce skin inflammation, heal rashes, and balance the production of natural oils – making it ideal for both dry, oily and irritated skin. Simply add 1-2 drops of clary sage oil to a carrier oil , and massage gently into the skin.
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Risk Factors To Consider
Speak with your doctor before using essential oils for menopausal relief. Your doctor will be able to tell you if the oils will affect any medications that you may be taking. You should also check with your doctor if you have any known allergies, as some oils may contain potential allergens.
If you plan to use essential oils, make sure youre clear on the instructions ahead of time. These oils can be harmful if theyre applied directly to the skin, so be sure to dilute your essential oil of choice with a carrier oil. Coconut, jojoba, and olive oils are common carrier oils. A good rule of thumb is to add 1 ounce of carrier oil to every 12 drops of essential oil and mix.
You should always perform a patch test before doing a full application. To do this, apply the diluted oil to a small area of skin. The inside of the arm is generally a good location for this. Wait 24 hours to see if your skin experiences any inflammation or irritation. If you do, discontinue use. If nothing happens, it should be OK for you to do a full application.
If youre using an oil in a spray, make sure youre in an area with proper ventilation.
Essential Oils For Female Hormone Balance
Essential Oils, Womens Health |
Essential oils are plant extracts that are super concentrated and capture the plants scent and beneficial properties. These oils can have many therapeutic properties from aromatherapy and relaxation to support for digestion and even hormone balance. While I do not recommend essential oils as a first line therapy, you can use essential oils to support healthy female hormone balance.
Oils can be inhaled, diffused, applied to the skin, or taken internally to rebalance your system. Because they are so concentrated, only a drop or 2 is needed for an effect. The oils do not contain hormones but have properties that may support hormone balance.
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The Healing Chemistry Of Clary Sage For Hormones
We often cite the abilities of linalyl acetate and linalool for their relaxing properties and for their soothing and analgesic skills when we speak of lavender essential oil. In fact, these two typically make up around 65% of clary sage, too. Immediately we start to see why its calming and where its pain-killing abilities will derive from.
However, in 202o, researchers from the University of Taipei zoned in on a different constituent, sclareol. This is the molecule that donates its name to the plant but makes up just less than 3% of the essential oil.
When they studied how the molecule interacted with the lining of the womb, researchers observed how it interacted with potent mediators of inflammatory and immune responses called prostaglandins. These are involved in pain responses and inflammation. Once released from the lining of the womb, they supercharge the force of uterine contractions during those first couple of days of your period. The higher prostaglandin levels are, the more severe the cramping.
If prostaglandins escalate considerably, you might also feel nauseous or experience diarrhea. As the lining comes away, prostaglandins levels then subside, easing the cramps after those first initial difficult days.
The Taiwanese study showed that sclareols anti-inflammatory nature was able to halt the cascade of prostaglandins, thus calming the painful onslaught that affects women suffering from dysmenorrhea or painful periods.
Understanding Clary Sage Essential Oils Hormonal Effects
Clary sage is so clever at these kinds of hormonal conditions because one of its constituents mimics estrogen. Thats an important distinction. It doesnt make more estrogen, nor does it boost it, what it does is trick the body into thinking there is more.
It should be noted that when we speak of hormonal balance, and indeed conditions like PMT, we might think that the oil would be exclusively for women. But that is not so. Estrogen also plays a part in male arousal and libido and their bodies use it to create sperm.
The distinction that clary sage mimics estrogen is important because as soon as you stop using it, the trickery will stop. Youll often find that when the body no longer has any clary sage molecules to dance with, symptoms may come back.
In addition to this nature, it also contains constituents that are powerfully antispasmodic. This is wonderful for menstrual cramping of course, but it also makes clary sage one of the aromatherapists favorite ways to treat restless legs.
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Essential Oils For Hormone Health
As women, our hormones can be all over the place. Our hormone levels fluctuate often. They go up and down depending on what day of the month it is and how old we are.
Because of our constantly changing hormone levels it can be hard to recognize a hormone imbalance. But did you know that nearly 40-60% of women struggle with a hormonal imbalance?
I am not a doctor and the statements on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products mentioned here are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your doctor before using essential oils on children under 5 or while pregnant or breastfeeding. Please do not ask me for medical advice. to read my full disclaimer.
Ways To Use Essential Oils
One of my favorite essential oil uses is to simply mix some coconut oil with the essential oil, itself, and rub it on different areas of the body. And, because essentials oils are so small molecularly, they can actually be absorbed into your body through your skin, so you can get full body effects simply by putting essential oils directly on the skin.
A few other essential oils are also known to balance and support hormone health in the body include Rose essential oil, which has been used also as an aphrodisiac, as well as a natural mood lifter. Its been shown to help in improving serotonin and other neuropeptides in the brain aka those good mood hormones.
Weve also found that lavender oil and chamomile oil are effective at reducing stress, therefore naturally lowering cortisol levels, which is very important for the body when its trying to overcome disease.
In general, one of the best essential oils for thyroid function and autoimmune issues is frankincense oil, which reduces inflammation, also helping to lower those cortisol levels.
So again, if you want to have more balanced hormones, personally, I recommend considering clary sage oil along with thyme oil and, specifically for men, some added sandalwood oil. You can just put a few drops on your hand and rub it on your skin or combine them with some of your own personal-care products.
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Lowers Stress And Cortisol Levels
High stress and cortisol levels can throw off insulin levels, cause irregular periods, disrupt fertility, speed up weight gain, contribute to adrenal fatigue and so much more.
Thankfully, clary sage is one oil that you can rely on to help you get a handle on stress and cortisol.
So just how effective is clary sage for lowering cortisol and stress?
Well, one study shows that simply inhaling clary sage all by itself results in a 36% reduction of cortisol levels .
Other reports indicate that clary sage helps to boost confidence, create a sense of ease and ultimately, can help alleviate anxiety and depression.
In fact, studies done with rats even confirm that clary sage affects dopamine pathways .
Cautions When Using Essential Oils
As with anything, there can be a few cautions to keep in mind when using essential oils. If you have any medical conditions, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, please consult your healthcare provider before using essential oils.
Some essential oils can act as photosensitizers, which means they make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Avoid using these oils on exposed skin before going out into the sun. Bergamot, lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit are some examples of photosensitive essential oils.
Never ingest essential oils unless under the care of a qualified aromatherapist or medical professional.
Do not use undiluted essential oils on the skin. Always dilute with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or apricot kernel oil.
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How To Tell If You Have A Hormone Imbalance
If you suspect you may have a hormone imbalance I would suggest talking to your doctor. It is super important to have your hormone levels checked. Your doctor should be able to test you to see if your hormone levels are normal.
I know it can be difficult sometimes to get doctors to listen to you and to order the proper tests.
If your doctor wont listen you can order an at-home test kit from EverlyWell. Their womens health test checks 10 key hormones including progesterone, THS, and cortisol.
Emotional Release Diffuser Blend
This blend is ideal to add to a diffuser when you walk in the door from a long day, or while at the office. You can also add 1 drop of each to your hands and take three deep breaths to release emotional distress. Geranium supports the release of unwanted emotions. Bergamot and jasmine stabilize mood and promote feelings of calm.
Ingredients:
2 drops geranium essential oil2 drops bergamot essential oil2 drops jasmine or ylang ylang essential oil
Directions:
Add essential oils drops to an ultrasonic cool-air diffuser. If using a cool-air nebulizing diffuser, multiply this blend by 10 in a 15-milliliter glass bottle and run for 30 minutes to 1 hour before going to bed.
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Amazing Ways To Use Clary Sage Oil For Women’s Health
If youre looking for an essential oil to support womens health, clary sage would be one of our top picks. This potent oil is well known for its calming and soothing properties, and is thought to relieve menstrual pains, mood swings and more.
Keep reading as we share 6 amazing ways to use clary sage oil for womens health, including hair growth, stress relief and skincare!