We all age if we are lucky. Yet, getting older isn’t always fun and games. With it comes changes that we expect and those that we didn’t see coming. That’s okay though. We are tough, and we can make it through.
I am a woman who is headed toward her fiftieth birthday in a few years and that means a lot for someone like me. I’m hitting a new phase in life, which I am excited about. But, not only women deal with hormones, everything from stress to sleep are regulated by this little regulatory substance.
Holistic approaches are popular for good reason because they are natural. When it comes to balancing my hormones, as my body begins to go through one of the biggest changes it will ever face, I will be attempting to keep them in check via aromatherapy because I found the best essential oils for hormone balance. Let’s take a look.
Table Of Contents
1. Anise - Not Just For Cookies
This essential oil reminds me of my Grandma, who made several types of cookies that had anise extract as an ingredient. As for the essential oil version and how it affects the balance of your hormones, well, that’s pretty simple.
Anise essential oil is known to stimulate the secretion of hormones, which is exactly what a woman going through menopause needs because this is the time in your life when hormone production starts to deplete. Hormone depletion isn’t only a female issue, men’s levels of testosterone begin to decline after the age of thirty.
Anise has a ton of other benefits including its sedative components, which do aid in the fight to balance hormones, as you will see in the list of items I’m going to discuss below. It also aids in digestion and helps with respiratory issues. Anyone who is a fan of licorice scents should give this essential oil a try. It is strong so use sparingly.
Cautions
This oil works so well as a sedative that it can curtail the body’s circulatory and respiratory functions. Small animals and birds can have negative reactions. It should also be kept out of the hands and reach of children. Skin can get irritated if not diluted correctly, and due to its strong influence on estrogen production, women that are pregnant, nursing, or dealing with certain cancers should also not use this oil.
Blends well with: Lavender and Rose2. Basil - The Calming Herb
Here, we have another scent that is reminiscent of my childhood. When you grow up in an Italian-American family, someone has basil growing somewhere. My grandmother had bushes of it on the side of her house, and I have three in my own front yard. This scent does calm me because it brings me back to my youth.
Still, the fact is, the essential oil extracted from Basil has a strong anodyne effect on us when it is inhaled. One study showed that nearly 40% of the subjects involved slept better and reported less stress.
Cortisol is a hormone that goes at a high level especially when we are anxious. It’s called the stress hormone. Basil counteracts this production and helps regulate stress levels.
Cautions
Breastfeeding and pregnant women should not use Basil oil. There have been suggestions that it aids milk flow but the jury is still out on that one.
Blends well with: Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, and Lemon3. Bergamot - Like Orange But Not
This essential oil is a citrus extract even though the name doesn’t reveal it like Lemon, Lime, and Grapefruit. Extracted from the rind of the Bergamot fruit, like all other citrus oils, one of the most common uses for this is in the creation of some black teas. As for regulating our hormones, this oil has powers similar to the last one on our list in which it reduces stress.
By giving our circulation system a boost and acting as a relaxant, Bergamot also does a great job balancing cortisol levels, which can affect the rest of our bodies if they get out of control. Other benefits of this oil include promoting healthy digestion and relieving spasms.
Caution
Because this is a citrus oil, you have to be aware of its phototoxicity. Do not go out in the sun after you apply this oil topically until it has been completely absorbed. It should also be diluted well in a carrier substance.
Blends well with: Frankincense, Sandalwood, and Rosemary
4. Bulgarian Rose - A Bouquet of Balance
Who doesn’t love the scent of roses? Okay, probably someone out there isn’t a big fan, but for the most part, people love the aroma of this particular bouquet. So, when you think of adding a bit of Rose to your DIY moisturizing cream, consider this oil.
As for the influence of Rose oil on your hormones, well, it stimulates its secretion, particularly the ones that influence menstruation, menopause, and post-menopause. The best hormonal effect it has is when irregularity comes into play.
Bulgarian Rose also battles anxiety, which deals with hormones in an indirect and direct way. It also boosts circulation of the blood and balances other hormones in the body.
Cautions
Rose oil is strong so it needs to be diluted well. If you are pregnant you should not use this oil.
Blends well with: Lavender, Frankincense, and Ylang-Ylang.5. Clary Sage - The Mimicker
Extracted from the Salvia sclarea, a plant native to Europe, this essential oil come with a wealth of benefits. As for hormones, Clary Sage has the same effect on a person’s body as estrogen, which comes in handy when you find your supply starting to become scarce. It is also a champ when it comes to reducing stress, which affects all your hormones and not just your levels of cortisol.
Not only does it copy the effects of estrogen, Clay Sage regulates production. In fact, it is recommended that women use this oil after menopause so that their estrogen levels can return to normal.It aids with blocked menses and can ease any moodiness that can come from irregular hormone production. On top of all that, it can ease those cramps and help you combat depression.
Cautions
Surprisingly enough, Clary Sage can make you feel drunk if consumed while drinking alcohol. It has a strong sedative nature so this is important for you to be aware of. Also, nursing or pregnant women should not use this oil due to its relaxing side effect.
Blends well with: Geranium, Frankincense, Lavender6. Cypress - Forever Evergreen
Next, we have a scent that is woody, coniferous and a bit evergreen. Yet, the aroma is just surface beauty, and as we’ve seen with all the oils we’ve discussed, it’s what’s underneath the smell that carries the most power. As for the way it deals with hormones, it seems that Cypress is a relaxer like some of the others so regulating cortisol levels would come with this scent.
You can also use it to battle hot flashes, moodiness, and fatigue that are a direct effect of menopause. This is because Cypress balances the hormones that control this time in a woman’s lifeCautions
This oil is pretty safe for inhaling and topical use but, because of the hormonal activity during use, pregnant women should avoid using it.
7. Fennel - The Powerhouse
This title may be a little misleading because Fennel isn’t the only emmenagogue on the list. What is an emmenagogue? It is a substance that encourages menstruation. This hormone driven function in the female body can be made regular once again via Fennel essential oil.
Fennel will also help with the cramps, headaches, moodiness, and imbalance that comes along with this role. It can also help stop menopause from coming too early. It does all this by stimulating the production of estrogen. Increasing milk in nursing mothers is another effect of this power.
It doesn’t stop there. Fennel oil also activates hormone secretions in the exocrine and endocrine glands, which has a world of health benefits for your entire body. Depression is also powerless when it comes to this extract. It packs a punch and can have a powerful effect on your hormones and their synergy.
Cautions
When an oil is powerful, then there are certain risks. With Fennel oil, they are as follows. The estrogen boost is not beneficial to women who are pregnant so they should avoid using this oil. Also, due to the estrogen boost, women with breast or uterine cancer should not use Fennel oil either.
If you use too much, it can have hallucinogenic effects and possible cause an imbalance in mental functions. If you have epilepsy or seizures, do not use this oil.
Blends well with: Lavender, Sandalwood, and Rose.8. Frankincense - Biblical Balance
This is one of my favorite essential oils, and I use it for so much. I love to inhale the scent when I am writing and I truly think it helps relax my thoughts, which allows me to focus. As to how it affects our body, it is another scent that regulates hormones that control a woman's menstrual cycle as well as menopause, which it can have a hand in delaying.
On top of all that, it can aid during this time in a woman’s life by easing moodiness and lifting up her spirits. Frankincense also relieves stress and lessens anxious feelings, which directly relates to the stress hormone cortisol.Another benefit Frankincense offers is a healthy pituitary gland, which is the head of the hormone production. The pituitary gland secretes hormones that regulate all the other glands in your body that secrete hormones, like the adrenals. It is known as the “master gland”.
Cautions
There doesn’t seem to be too much to be concerned with when it comes to Frankincense, but it shouldn’t be used by pregnant women since it has such a strong effect on estrogen production.
Blends well with: Lemon, Orange, and other citrus oils.9. Geranium - Flower Power
This next oil, which is extracted from the Geranium plants, is another regulator of hormones. Primarily used by women for the influence it has on menstruation and menopause, Geranium is also a great stress reliever.
Geranium also works towards balancing progesterone and promoting healthy ovaries. In a study, it is shown that Geranium has a direct effect on the concentration of salivary estrogen.Cautions
Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should avoid using this oil due to its ability to control estrogen production.
Blends well with: Basil, Bergamot, and Rosemary10. German Chamomile - The Great Relaxer
I think it’s pretty safe to say that most people have heard of Chamomile, but odds are they typically connect it to the tea. While the herbal tea is a great relaxer, the essential oil has components that take the term calm to a whole new level. That’s because this oil not only eases depressive symptoms, German Chamomile battles anxiety to keep our cortisol levels down. It also reduces feelings of anger, all of which affect our hormone production.
Cautions
If you or anyone you plan on giving Chamomile too are allergic to the Ragweed family, then it’s a good idea to skip topical application and stick to diffusing.
Blends well with: Clary Sage, Ylang-Ylang, and Rose11. Jasmine - Blooming Harmony
This is another oil that has a floral scent. It makes you feel romantic and the petals it is extracted from are taken from the jasmine plant, which is categorized in the olive family. As for our discussion today, it turns out that this floral dynamo could bring help to women that are dealing with painful menstruation and early menopause.
Jasmine regulates the hormones that cause these issues, which, in turn, also brings relief from nausea, moodiness, and fatigue. It can help increase a new mother’s production of milk, and it helps with issues during the postnatal period. In addition, Jasmine battles anxiety, which takes care of those cortisol levels.
Anyone who is a fan of floral scents should consider this for their hormonal balance blend. It’s also a great oil for skin care, so topically you could be doing a great deal for your face as well.
Cautions
Since this oil has emmenagogue properties, a pregnant woman shouldn’t use it. We suggest, as we do with all our oils, that you consult your doctor before applying any essential oils topically or diffusing them.
Blends well with: Sandalwood, Frankincense, and Rose12. Lavender - Purple Haze
Extracted from a flower that is native to the Southern portion of France, Lavender has become one of the most favored scents in the essential oil family. As a long time fan and user of Lavender, I have to say, it comes as no surprise to me that this oil helps regulate hormones as well.
Of course, it is expected that since Lavender is a relaxer and mood lifter in its own right. Due to this property, hormones have no chance to increase or decrease because stress dissipates when someone is sniffing this floral scent. Lavender oil is a hormone disruptor, which is the reason why it was added to our list.
Fans of floral scents and women going through menopause should consider adding this scent to their collection. It blends well with other oils, and it can bring a world of relaxation to your doorstep which will promote synergy for your hormones.
Cautions
Because Lavender is a hormone disruptor, this can cause a problem for prepubescent boys. There were cases of a few young boys with abnormal breasts growth after using Lavender. That said, keep this away from children.
It can also cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using this oil as well as anyone suffering from any form of diabetes. It is not recommended that you ingest this oil since it has cause health complications in some people like blurred vision and shortness of breath.
Blends well with: Rose, Ylang-Ylang, and Sandalwood13. Lemongrass - Citrus Sleep Aid
While a number of these oils deals with hormones that are typically geared towards women, this one is a great scent for both genders because its biggest hormonal attribute is to promote the release of serotonin, a hormone that handles mood, appetite, sleep, and cognitive functions.
Lemongrass also helps with cortisol levels by relieving anxiety. I think this is a great choice for someone who is having a difficult time sleeping, eating, or having a hard time concentrating. It has an earthy smell with a touch of citrus so fans of light lemon and freshness should also consider this oil.
Cautions
Lemongrass can irritate your skin so make sure to dilute it well and do a spot check first. It shouldn’t be used during pregnancy, which seems to be the theme with hormone balancing extracts. Also, do not apply it near your eyes.
Blends well with: Jasmine, Basil, and Geranium14. Melissa - Adieu PMS
This is an essential oil you don’t hear of very often, this extract is also known as lemon balm oil, which is probably due to its citrus-like scent. It’s soothing when applied topically, which is why it has been dubbed “balm.” As for hormonal balance, this scent is an ally during that time right before menstruation when things get a bit annoying and achy.
A study in 2015 showed that this oil was able to relieve symptoms of PMS in their subjects.
This oil is also known to boost memory and battle fatigue and headaches. Fans of citrus scents should take a look at this oil as well as women who suffer from PMS that is tough to deal with. It can also be helpful to women dealing with menopause or depression.
Cautions
It may cause a bit of irritation if not diluted well before applying topically, but it is mostly non-toxic. Yet, pregnant women should avoid using Melissa due to its effect on certain hormones.
Blends well with: Geranium, Rose, and Ylang-Ylang.15. Neroli - Postmenopausal Reprieve
I love the name of this oil. It makes me think of Nefertari, an Egyptian Queen. It is extracted from the flowers of the Neroli plant, which is a citrus plant. A study published in 2014 concluded that when postmenopausal women inhaled Neroli oil their symptoms were relieved, their sexual desire ignited again, and their stress levels dropped.
Neroli also eases depression, kills bacteria, and promotes the birth of new cells throughout the body.
Fans of citrus scents who want to avoid the phototoxicity issue that comes with most of them like Orange, Lemon, and Bergamot, should avoid the sun.
Cautions
There are no known cautions other than avoiding this oil when you need to stay awake because it’s a strong sedative.
Blends well with: Lavender, Rosemary, and Sandalwood16. Palmarosa - A Rose By Another Name
There are two types of this oil, namely Sofia and Motia. They have a slightly different odor. Dried grass that is harvested right before they begin to flower and distilled via steam, which results in this extract. On top of the many benefits that Palmarosa brings, relaxation and lowered cortisol levels are a few of them.
Named for its scent, which is roses, this oil can also help generate new cells, fight infections, and provide moisture. Yet the relief from depression and fatigue are other benefits that directly relate to hormonal balance.
Anyone who likes the smell of roses should try this oil. It has an amazing scent that can uplift the darkest moods.
Caution
Unlike the other oils on this list, Palmarosa is safe.
Blends well with: Rosemary, Ylang-Ylang, and Geranium.17. Rosemary - Estriol Disruptor
My first thoughts of Rosemary goes to red potatoes roasting in the oven. Who knew this piney herb had so much power? When it comes to hormones, Rosemary is an inhibitor of estradiol and estrone, two types of estrogen women produce. This is a positive thing for women dealing with breast cancer.
A study conducted in 2007 found that certain foods, one of them being Rosemary, showed “promising...treatment” with secondary tumor formations.
This result was found after breast cancer patients were put on a diet loaded with carotenoids, rosemary, sage, and basil. Of course, it should be noted that these patients had the herb in their diet as opposed to using the essential oil.
Still, essential oils are the essence of that herb and powerful volatile compounds. Rosemary also reduces cortisol levels in our saliva when we are stressed. So, it seems that Rosemary essential oil does it all.
Cautions
This oil should not be ingested due to its potency. Pregnant and nursing women should not use it either due to its effect on estrogen. It can cause an allergic reaction topically so be sure to consult a healthcare professional before using these more powerful oils.
Blends well with: Thyme, Frankincense, and Chamomile.18. Sandalwood - Something For The Men
Next, we have an oil that is extracted from a tree by the same name, which is believed to regulate the levels of testosterone in both genders. It is a major component in men’s colognes, and it smells just like the name suggests, woody.
Sandalwood also works as a sedative, which eases anxiety and cortisol levels, and it stimulates the memory.Cautions
There are no known risks to this oil, but it is recommended you dilute it well in a carrier substance before applying topically.
Blends well with: Rose, Geranium, and Lavender.19. Tea Tree - Another Disruptor
Tea tree oil is pretty well known in the aromatherapy community because it is an immensely powerful essential oil. When it comes to hormones, it seems that Tea Tree is along the same lines as Lavender in the sense that it works as a hormone disruptor.
It has a ton of other benefits besides balancing hormones. Tea Tree oil works great with eczema, is antibacterial and antiviral, and it works as a wonderful pesticide.
Cautions
As with all strong oils, you need to be careful with Tea Tree. It can cause irritation to the skin, rashes, hallucinations, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, weakness, and abnormalities in the blood cells.
Due to the disruption of hormones, young boys should stay away from this oil because it can produce abnormal breast growth. Pets should also be kept away from this oil. Just make sure you speak to a professional before using this oil.
Blends well with: Rosemary, Thyme, and Lavender.20. Thyme - An Herby Hormone Synergizer
Next, we have an oil that’s extracted from the very herb you might have in your cabinet. Just like Rosemary, this herby oil comes with a wide array of hormonal balancing benefits. When taken correctly, this oils will aid with premature menopause, blocked or painful menstruation, and it can regulate a woman’s cycle.
Thyme also helps with stress, depression, fatigue, and nausea. It is also known for its stimulation of progesterone production, which brings great relief to those going through their menopausal period, no pun intended.Cautions
Pregnant women should avoid this oil because of its effects.
Blends well with: Bergamot, Lavender, and Rosemary.21. Ylang-Ylang - Aromatic Amore
This essential oil on our list is flowery in its scent and can stimulate the hormones that get our sex drive going. This is a nice benefit for older people who may find feeling amorous more difficult than it once was.
It also works well at battling anxiety and depression, which have a direct effect on many hormones including cortisol. Personally, I only have to take a sniff when I open my bottle of Ylang-Ylang and my anxiety starts to melt away. I use it in several blends because of its relaxing effect.
Cautions
This is a strong oil that has been known to cause headaches so don’t overdo it. Other than that, it should be fine as long as you follow the dilution methods correctly.
Blends well with: Lavender, Rose, and Sandalwood.22. Balance by Plant Therapy - A Blend Above The Rest
I thought one blend should make it into this list, and this one by Plant Therapy seems to be a favorite. By “blend,” I mean an oil that was created mixing singles like the ones we listed above. This blend is a combination of Palmarosa, Lavender, Petitgrain, Clary Sage, Geranium Bourbon, Ylang-Ylang Complete, Rose Absolute, Jasmine Absolute, and Neroli.
If you notice, all but one of the oils in this group have made it on our list today, which makes this commercial blend a nice well balanced hormonal mix.
This is the best choice for someone who doesn’t want to blend their own oils nor do they want to buy more than one scent. This bottle has them all mixed in for you, which makes your road toward hormonal synergy one drop away.
Cautions
This oils should not be taken internally, according to the Plant Therapy website. I would personally suggest that pregnant women avoid it too because we’ve seen the trends with the rest of the oils we looked at today. When in doubt, consult your healthcare professional.
To Conclude
There are a ton of oils that you can use to balance those hormones, but as we’ve seen, these oils are strong for a reason. Before you use them, do your research and speak to professionals. We are not doctors here at Better Mind Body Soul and only want the best for all of our readers.
If you enjoyed this post, then please leave us a comment or share it with someone who is having hormonal imbalances.
The post 22 Essential Oils That Will Help You Balance Those Hormones appeared first on Better Mind Body Soul.
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