Menopause can be defined as a condition where the menstrual periods of a woman go missing for a period of more than 12 months. It is that time of a female’s life when the ovaries stop functioning. The process is gradual (perimenopausal transition period) and the average age a woman experiences menopause is around 51 years, but in some cases, it may happen as early as at the age of 30 or as late as at the age of 60. There is no determined laboratory test for predicting the time a woman will have her menopause.
Table of Contents
- 1 What are the symptoms of menopause?
- 2 What are hot flashes?
- 3 Facts About Menopause
- 4 Best Essential Oils To Use For Menopausal Relief
- 5 Different Ways Of Using Essential Oils For Quick Relief In Menopausal Symptoms
- 6 Best Essential Oil Recipes For Menopausal Relief
- 6.1 Recipe 1 – Essential Oil Patch
- 6.2 Recipe 2 – For vaginal massage
- 6.3 Recipe 3 – Massage Blend with Coconut Oil
- 6.4 Recipe 4 – For instant relief in hot flashes
- 6.5 Recipe 5 – For night sweats
- 6.6 Recipe 6 – Swelling and water retention
- 6.7 Recipe 7 – Menopause body oil
- 6.8 Recipe 8 – Warm Bath Blend
- 6.9 Recipe 9 – Hot flash balm recipe
- 6.10 Recipe 10 – Cooling mist for hot flashes
- 6.11 Recipe 11 – Bath followed by massage
- 6.12 Recipe 12 – Warm Footbath Blend
- 7 Few Other Common Symptoms Of Menopause And Countering Them With The Use Of Essential Oils
- 8 Recommended Product for Menopause Relief
What are the symptoms of menopause?
The symptoms of menopause include mood swings, frequent urinary and vaginal problems, abnormal vaginal bleeding and hot flashes. Few of the complications that a woman is likely to develop after menopause include heart disease and osteoporosis.
What are hot flashes?
Many females also experience episodes of hot flashes during menopause due to low estrogen levels in the body. A hot flash is a feeling of warmth, sometimes accompanied with redness, which spreads throughout the body. The hot flashes are often followed by perspiration. They can last from a few seconds to half an hour and may occur at any time of the day. The primary reason behind these hot flashes is the frequent opening and constriction of blood vessels, due to the effect of menopause.
Facts About Menopause
The two images below show 12 facts about menopause.
Best Essential Oils To Use For Menopausal Relief
1. Essential oils to improve the estrogen levels in the body
Different essential oils like Basil, Sage, Coriander, Angelica, Cypress, Fennel, Anise and Clary Sage contain estrogen hormone like component, which is quite helpful during menopause. When these essential oils are used along with Lemon or Peppermint, they can help in relieving hot flashes too. Since the skin directly absorbs the essential oils, the application of essential oils benefits is most beneficial to fatty areas of the body where hormones are produced and stored.
2. Essential oils for balancing hormones
Essential oils like Neroli, Lavender and Geranium are helpful in balancing the hormones and modifying the menopausal symptoms. You will find these essential oils being used in popular European face creams that aim at reducing the signs of aging. As a rejuvenating cream, these oils not only give life to a dry skin tone but also combat vaginal dryness. Add Vitamin E oil to improve the flexibility and strength of the vaginal membrane and for quick healing of the abrasions that may have occurred due to sexual intercourse on a dry vagina. Besides aromatherapy, it is also important to follow a strict dietary regimen in order to get quick relief from unpleasant symptoms of menopause.
3. Essential oils for hot flashes
The essential oil of Clary Sage offers substantial relief in menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. Additionally, Thyme, Peppermint and Roman Chamomile can also help relieve hot flashes naturally. Just take 3 drops of any of these oils and massage gently over the back of the neck and feet for quick relief in hot flashes.
Essential oils can also be inhaled directly from a tissue for an immediate relief in hot flashes, if you are away from home. Otherwise, you can put them in your vaporizer or diffuser following the regular procedure.
At the very first sign of hot flashes, immediately put 1-2 drops of Peppermint essential oil on a tissue and inhale smoothly. I always carry a small bottle of Peppermint hydrosol spray in my purse and spray over my neck, head and the face whenever I feel hot flashes are coming. If you are commuting most of the times, put a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and keep it in your car near yourself.
Different Ways Of Using Essential Oils For Quick Relief In Menopausal Symptoms
When it comes to the use of essential oils, less is always good. Essential oils are concentrated natural extracts and using just a few drops is enough to impart a strong healing effect. Having said that, here are some of the best ways of using essential oils for quick relief in menopausal symptoms:
1. Use as a body moisturizer
Mix 5-8 drops of essential oil of your choice to 1 tablespoon (15 ml) unscented cream, lotion, or “carrier oil” like
Apricot Kernel or Sweet Almond oil. Apply this body moisturizer twice or thrice in a day for quick relief.
2. Inhalation
Put a few drops of essential oil of your choice on a tissue, cotton ball or handkerchief and inhale whenever the symptoms appear. Alternatively, you can also use an electric aromatherapy diffuser at home.
3. Room Spray
Add 2-10 drops of essential oil in a small spray bottle. Add 1 oz of vodka and shake well to disperse the essential oil. Add 2 oz of purified water and mix again before spraying. Try to avoid spraying near wooden surfaces as essential oils can stain.
4. Massage / Bath Oil
Mix 8 drops of essential oil with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of carrier oil. Add to a warm water bath or use it for a massage.
5. Milk Bath
Mix 8 drops of essential oil in ½ cup of milk or cream to disperse the oil and pour in the hot tub to create luxurious aromatherapy bath milk.
Best Essential Oil Recipes For Menopausal Relief
While there are different opinions on what is best for menopausal relief and what is not, here are some of the essential oils that are known to deliver the best results: Sage, Peppermint, Fennel, Lime Nutmeg, Cypress, Neroli, Lavender, Coriander, Sweet Red Thyme, Marjoram, Jasmine, Clary Sage, Orange, Rosewood, Grapefruit, Chamomile, Rose, Petitgrain, Geranium and Basil. Using these oils, here are some of the recipes I can confidently recommend for quick relief in menopausal symptoms:
Recipe 1 – Essential Oil Patch
You can use any of the aforementioned essential oils for preparing an essential oil patch. Dip a cotton ball or gauze in 10 or more drops of fractionated cotton oil and then add few drops (not more than five) of essential oil of your choice. Put the patch straight over the ovaries and above the pubic bone using adhesive tape. Follow this process at least twice a day. Bandages may be also be used instead of adhesive tapes.
Recipe 2 – For vaginal massage
This technique is simple but I find it very helpful. Vaginal muscles tend to lose their strength as they become thin. A gentle massage with fingertips dipped in a mix of carrier oil and essential oils chosen from the previously mentioned list will offer great relief. This is also a good option to use for pain during intercourse or dry vaginas.
Recipe 3 – Massage Blend with Coconut Oil
Ingredients
- 2 drops of essential oil of Sage
- 7 drops of essential oil of Lemon
- 11 drops of essential oil of Geranium
Add all of the ingredients to 1oz of Coconut oil and massage over the body. You can also add them to your bath.
Recipe 4 – For instant relief in hot flashes
Add 4 drops Peppermint essential oilto a quartz of water. Keep this blend in a refrigerator and shake it well twice a day for next two days. After two days, put this blend in a small bottle that you can carry with you while going out. If you experience hot flash, then wet a cloth using a small amount of this water, apply over the back of the neck and face, and drink the remaining water. This will offer you the kind of relief you never imagined.
Recipe 5 – For night sweats
Ingredients
- 10 drops of Thyme essential oil
- 10 drops Sage essential oil
- 20 drops of Lemon essential oil
- 20 drops of essential oil of Grapefruit
Add abovementioned ingredients to 2oz fractionated Coconut oil and use for body massage or add to your warm bath.
Recipe 6 – Swelling and water retention
Ingredients
- 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 the above-mentioned ingredients to a warm bath or to 2oz fractionated Coconut oil and massage the lower back and abdominal area.
Recipe 7 – Menopause body oil
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vegetable oil or body lotion
- 1 drop Jasmine oil
- 1 drop Angelica oil
- 2 drops Clary Sage oil
- 5 drops Geranium oil
- 6 drops Lemon oil
Mix all the ingredients and use at least one time in a day, as a lotion, as massage oil, or in a bath (add 2 teaspoons in a warm bath). Alternatively, you can add the same essential oils to 2 ounces of body lotion. Use any unscented lotion with natural ingredients.
Recipe 8 – Warm Bath Blend
The best way to have the essential oils incorporated in your daily routine is to add them regularly to your bath water. Add any of the recommended essential oils (6-8 drops in total) to the bath water, and enjoy a good long relaxing bath. Adding a few drops of each Geranium, Cypress oils and Clary Sage in your bath can help to reduce hot flashes and night sweats as well.
Recipe 9 – Hot flash balm recipe
Ingredients
- 10 to 13 drops of Peppermint essential oil
- 2 tablespoons grated tea beeswax
- 5 tablespoons of Almond Oil
- 5 teaspoons of organic Coconut oil
Procedure
- Set the Sweet Almond oil, Coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler. In the absence of double boiler, you can put the oil in a small glass bottle and put the bottle in a pan of water with something under the bottle to keep it raised from the bottom of the pan and away from the direct heat. Direct exposure to heat may destroy the healing properties of essential oils. Heat gently (not boiling!) until the wax melts.
- Remove from heat and let this mix cool for about 20-30 seconds. Now add Peppermint oil and stir gently with a wooden spoon, chopstick, or bamboo skewer (use anything except metals).
- When properly mixed, pour this balm in a container to cool. You can use lip balm tubs, small metal boxes or lip balm tubes.
Enjoy your hot flash cooling balm!
Recipe 10 – Cooling mist for hot flashes
Roman Chamomile and Clary Sage essential oils help to balance mood changes and Peppermint can relax hot flashes. To make your own cooling mist, mix the following ingredients in a 4 oz dark glass bottle spray (especially great for night sweats!):
- 8 drops each of Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage and Peppermint essential oils
- 1 ounce of witch hazel extract
- Distilled water 3 oz
Recipe 11 – Bath followed by massage
Essential oils I recommend for hormonal balance include Sage, Geranium, Coriander, Angelica, Cypress, Fennel, Anise and Clary Sage. Adding 10-20 drops of any of these essential oils in your bath can help relieve your symptoms. After the bath, follow this recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 drop of Geranium
- 1 drop of Neroli
- 2 drops of Clary Sage
- An ounce of carrier oil
Mix all ingredients and gently massage the lower back and abdomen.
Recipe 12 – Warm Footbath Blend
To help relieve hot flashes, essential oils of Sage, Lemon, Geranium and Peppermint are the best ones you can choose. Add a few drops of each of these oils in your bath or lotion. The essential oil of Peppermint, in particular, has an instant cooling effect. A warm footbath with a couple of drops of Peppermint oil is also very relaxing and refreshing.
Few Other Common Symptoms Of Menopause And Countering Them With The Use Of Essential Oils
Mood swings are one of the common symptoms of menopause and pre-menopause. During this period, emotions are uncontrollable and wild. Episodes of crying or panicking without any reason or the feeling of sudden / strange fear can arise suddenly and disappear just as quickly, leaving the woman drained and dazed. At times like these, burning essential oils in an aroma lamp can be fruitful. Oils such as Neroli, Celery seed, Chamomile, Marjoram, Lavender and Melissa can help relieve sudden outbreaks and calm nerves by entering the limbic system and working directly into the brain centre to regularize the production of chemical substances. When hormones go wild, give your body and mind time to balance themselves. Sitting quietly with essential oils wafting through the consciousness can bring peace and tranquility that you need the most.
Bathing with essential oils, especially sea minerals can be refreshing and stimulating for peri-menopausal women. Fatigue and lethargy is associated with imbalanced hormones. If you are unable to handle even the smallest or easiest of tasks, take some time for yourself and enjoy a warm bath filled with aromas of Lemon, Verbena, Basil, Geranium, Peppermint, Helichrysum or Rosemary. These will help you uplift your mood and on top of it, stimulate the mind. Poor memory and lack of concentration are often associated with menopause. These previously mentioned oils could help clear the anxiety and bring more focus and attention.
Night sweats is another condition that often becomes unbearable during the menopausal phase. Some of the good essential oils to relieve night sweats include Chamomile, Lemon, Geranium, Fennel and Clary Sage. Combining all these essential oils with carrier oil and massaging clockwise around the belly and breast can improve lymphatic flow, while allowing the oil to enter the blood stream and then the endocrine system where they can work to balance hormones.
Being natural and completely safe for use, essential oils bring in quick and sustainable results in menopause relief.
Recommended Product for Menopause Relief
A special team of naturopaths has helped us design the L’orpur PMS & Menopause Relief Cream. It is an all-natural, fast absorbing, high potency progesterone-based cream to relieve premenstrual, menstrual and menopausal symptoms. You’ll find immediate relief from discomforts such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety and insomnia.
Hello ladies, I have these dry patches on my eyelids and I don’t know which essential oil can help me heal. I also get them sometimes right on the corner of my eye socket. Please help.
Hi Guiselle,
You can use Simply Eye Serum.
Regards,
Olivia
I have had hot flashes and night sweats for 17 years, and they are getting worse. My life has become very restricted because of numerous totally sleepless nights. I know that if I can get rid of the night sweats, I’ll be able to sleep. What do you think of sage as a helpful oil? Can I use sweet almond oil as a carrier for it? I also want to try geranium, peppermint, and clary sage– but not all at once, right? Thank you for this site.
Hi Rebecca,
I really feel for you. Yes, that should be absolutely fine for hot flashes, use approx. 15 drops of sage in 30ml (1oz) almond oil. The other essential oils you mentioned are also good ones for hot flashes.
There are no issues to blend essential oils together in a recipe such as recipe 7 or 11, so 3 essential oils can be blended in with a carrier oil and used regularly.
You can read some related information about menstrual cramping here:
https://essentialoilbenefits.com/essential-oils-and-recipes-to-manage-painful-menstruation/
Regards,
Olivia
Hello Olivia!
Great information and I have tried a few of the recipes! Love them!
I would like to receive the “Fact Sheet about menopause” via email please.
Thank you!
Nina
Hi Nina,
You are welcome. Nice to know they are working well.
You can simply subscribe to receive the fact sheet. If you have already done so, I’ll send it soon.
Regards,
Olivia
Trying to find your article yeast infections. Please email to me, your prescription for getting rid of yeast infections. Approximately, how long does it take to see results? Is there essential oils to get rid fat in the Pancras, so that insulin can keep blood sugar at bay?
Hi Joni,
Please refer to the article below for using essential oils to get rid of yeast infections:
https://essentialoilbenefits.com/best-ways-treat-cure-yeast-infection-using-essential-oils/
It can take from a few days to a couple of weeks; just be patient and consistent in using the recipes.
Unfortunately, I can’t help with respect to essential oils to get rid of fat in the pancreas.
Regards,
Olivia
Please send the information concerning menopause and heat flashes via email, I need to be able to take my time and see the whole picture.
Thank you so much!
Hi Janice,
Please check your email inbox.
Regards,
Olivia
Can I just use coconut or olive oil mixed with clary sage for a vaginal lubricant?
Hi Lisa,
Yes, that will be perfectly fine. Make sure you use only 2-3 drops of clary sage diluted in 1 tsp of coconut / olive oil. Do a test patch on a small area to start off and in case you expereince any sensitivity, use a higher dilution.
Regards,
Olivia
I want to make the balm but cannot find grated tea beeswax. Will white beeswax or another beeswax work the same?
Hi Cathy,
Yes, any beeswax will be suitable.
Regards,
Olivia
Question from PMD:
I am 69 and was hoping I was nearing the end of menopause. But I continue to have excessive sweating and hot flashes. Is there an oil or combination of oils that will alleviate this problem.
Olivia’s Response:
Sure, please refer tot he article below for more information.
https://essentialoilbenefits.com/best-essential-oils-for-menopause-treatment/
If you need additional help, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you so much for this article!
I have put together a recipe for vaginal dryness and it has helped tremendously but I am curious as to what you would suggest specifically.
Could you tell me the specific recipe you have for vaginal dryness?
Also I read about your experience with chiropractor and neck issues. What did you use for those neck issues?
This has been a problem for me for over 40 years.
Thank you so much for your attention to these questions.
Hi Cindy,
You are very welcome. For vaginal dryness, i.e. to improve lubrication, add the following essential oils to 2 tsp of organic/fractioned coconut oil: 2 drops of clary sage, 2 drops of roman chamomile and 2 drops of neroli and massage the blend into your vagina twice a day. Do a skin test patch beforehand. And do not use any soap in your lady parts.
You can also prepare vaginal suppositories or lubricating salves, both of which require a fairly long process and various ingredients including essential oils and herbal oil, etc. If you would like to know more, please let me know.
For my neck problems, it has been a lot of trial and error and a lot of treatment/remedies which did not work. To short-circuit the process, I would suggest that you go for l’orpur pain relief blend as it is very effective again pain issues in the neck.
Regards,
Olivia
I am very pleased to hear these good practices of oils treatment, principles and advice. Great oils!
Hi Jon,
Thank you for your comment.
Regards,
Olivia
I liked it very much and I’ll use this oil soon. But where can I buy this ?
Hi Sarah,
Simply click on the above link for the essential oils you want to purchase.
Regards,
Olivia
Hi, Olivia – Can I get this wonderful post in an email, so I can print out the information for a coworker of mine? She is new to EO’s & really needs to get onto a SAFE site like yours. I think if she can read this & see some of the science & facts behind the use of EO’s, she’d be able to make better use of what she has & know a little better how to find information for the future. Right now, tho’ she’s miserable with hot flashes, so printing this out to give to her is the fastest route! (We can’t send email links of outside sites through our work emails…)
Thanks so much – truly LOVE & appreciate your site!!
Cathy
Hi Cathy,
Sure, please check your inbox.
Regards,
Olivia
Hi Olivia,
Can you please provide the recipe for the vaginal massage. Like which EO to use how many drops
Thanks
Hi Rosa,
You can use 3-4 drops of the essential oils of german chamomile, neroli, clary sage or peppermint diluted in a carrier oil such as sweet almond or jojoba oil for the vaginal massage.
Regards,
Olivia
Question from KW:
Hi! I am currently going through menopause and I need help! I am physically drained, cramps, moody, and sometimes just ridiculously emotional! My family walks on eggshells around me! I am putting on weight and the hot flashes are horrible. A friend suggested essential oils so here I am. Completely clueless. Would you be able to help me? I honestly can’t stand myself. Thank you!
Response from Olivia:
I am so sorry to hear about your condition. Please remember, there is help around you and for sure I will help you out.
Please refer to the article below and let me know if you have any further questions.
Best essential oils for menopause treatment
Go to your GYN and get a prescription for Premarin. It works.
Hi Shirley,
Thanks for the advice. Some people prefer to do it the natural way, hence essential oils and natural remedies.
Regards,
Olivia
Love your advice, Lisa. I’m looking for menopause relief – I’ve had hot flashes for 12 years (12-50 every day for 12 years). I’ve been told that there’s nothing I can do now because they’re chronic. Would your menopause recipes help with relief from chronic hot flashes?
Thank you
Hi Xcinia,
It is hard to say. The best way is to give it a go and see if they help you with the chronic hot flashes. Start off with one recipe and stick to it for 2-4 weeks. If you see any improvement, keep going. Alternatively, switch to another recipe.
If you need more help, please do not hesitate to drop me a line.
Thanks,
Olivia
I have found success, with hot flashes, using clary sage and geranium on reflex points for the ovaries and uterus. They are located on the inside and outside of your right ankle. I put 10 drops of each essential oils with 1 tbsp Fractionated coconut oil.
Hi Shelley,
Thanks very much for your contribution, it is really appreciated.
Regards,
Olivia
Hi Olivia, hope you are well. I am starting to suffer these symtoms and already tried peppermint in a massage bar that worked a treat! I noticed you put fennel in one of your recipes. I read that fennel has a compound in it called trans anethole. This boosts production of oestrogen which is beneficial for lactating mothers but harmful for pregnancy. But I also read it is not recommended for anyone who has a tumour or has any form of cancer. I bought a big 50ml bottle before I found this info out, so I am a bit scared to use it,. Even on myself. Am I being over cautious? Did I read the right Info? Would love your opinion. I have only been delving Into aromatherapy in the last few years so I still have a lot to learn. Love an hugs, Lisa x
Hi Lisa
I am very well, thanks for asking.
There are contradictory studies about fennel and cancers. Until more information is available, it is advisable for breast and uterine cancer patients as well as those at high risk of cancers not to use fennel in any form, i.e. seed, tea or oil.
What some studies say is that if fennel oil is used excessively, it has the potential to boost the production of estrogen. And excess estrogen is linked to breast and uterine cancers or tumours.
Unless you fall into the high risk category, using Fennel essential oil sparingly and as advised in those small quantities should generally not be a cause for concern.
If you are still unsure, please talk to your GP.
Thanks,
Olivia
Are there any other oils which are unsafe for women in a high-risk group for estrogenic cancers?
Hi Yvonne,
I don’t know of any others.
Regards,
Olivia