Aromatherapy and Menopause
Guest blogger, Margaret Morrison-Macleod gives a guide to essential oils for menopause symptoms.
How can aromatherapy help menopause symptoms?
Menopause symptoms are many and varied and not just those hot flushes we find so hard to deal with. Brain fog, anxiety, feeling of loss and overwhelmed, inability to sleep, hair loss, loss of libido and that general zest for life are experienced by many women.
As a natural therapy for menopause relief, aromatherapy can often assist in these occasions, but it is important to always seek your doctor's advice as aromatherapy is a holistic, complementary therapy, not an alternative to conventional medicine.
Aromatherapy has been around for centuries and affects us on deep levels, the molecules of the essential oils travel to the Limbic system, which is one of the most primitive parts of the brain, governing survival, instincts, and emotions.
Everyone has experienced moments of a sudden memory hitting them hard when they smell an unexpected aroma: for me it’s town gas - I am right back in my aunt’s flat opposite the gas works. The aroma of baking scones also does it, and I’m transported into the kitchen with my grandmother.
Ultimately, we should recognise that these feelings are the result of a chemical reaction and not through some bizarre magical experience. In other words, the chemicals contained in essential oils are derived from plants and years of research has confirmed what many had suspected, that these scents can have an effect on our mood.
Essential oils for menopause
Hot Flushes
Those hot flushes suddenly engulf us at inopportune moments. A lot of women find relief using peppermint and clary sage. Peppermint oil can be applied directly to the temples or a few drops put on a hanky and inhaled. This oil acts as a vasodilator and so cools you down and can also help relieve the tension headaches also often associated with menopause. Clary sage oil is also cooling and calming, this oil can be diluted and used to massage the feet before bed. A few drops added to a magnesium salt foot bath can be beneficial in soothing and cooling before sleep.
Brain fog
Brain fog and loss of concentration can be treated with inhalation of rosemary and peppermint, this combination has been shown to increase concentration and ease anxiety levels. A good way to take this is through an air vaporiser where a few drops of each are added to water and then diffuse into the air.
Hair loss
Many of us are affected by not only a change in hair texture but a loss of hair generally. Try adding a few drops of peppermint and rosemary essential oils to a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut then gently massage into the scalp for a ten-minute pre-shampoo, then wash thoroughly (apply the shampoo before adding water as this will wash the oil out) - this should stimulate the scalp and help hair growth.
Anxiety and depression
Depression and anxiety can be treated with a soothing blend of citrus oils, a few drops of lemon, lime and/or orange added to a diffuser can clear a foggy brain, elevate mood and help clarity of thought. For a more relaxing blend try a few drops of roman camomile with a little lemon, this should destress you and help calm anxious moments. Depression has also been seen to improve with a massage using a geranium essential oil, again helpful in the evening, to help relax and unwind prior to bed.
Loss of libido
Tiredness and of course hormonal changes can lead to a loss of libido. Well-known scents such as rose and neroli mixed with a carrier oil can be used to bathe in, and for massage. These oils have for centuries been used in aphrodisiac mixes and tinctures. Heady oils such as vetiver were used in ancient ceremonies to sanctify brides before marriage and are powerful aphrodisiacs when diffused either alone, or in a mix with rose, ylang ylang or damiana (used as an aphrodisiac in Mayan civilisations). Three studies investigated the effects of Aromatherapy for Managing Menopausal Symptoms and inhalation on sexual desire. All of the studies showed that aromatherapy inhalation (lavender or low dose of neroli or mixed oils) had superior effects compared with the placebo. None of these oils are very expensive and having fun with different mixes can be fun and in itself boost libido.
Sleep
Finally, and possibly most importantly difficulty sleeping and interrupted sleep lead to much menopausal misery. Many advocate the use of lavender, however, when overused this can lead to headaches and a general mugginess. A gentler mix with a little lavender, some geranium and perhaps clary sage, may help rest and can be mixed in a bottle with water and spritzed to help relieve anxiety and heat during the night.
