Together with dietary changes and key nutrients like GABA, tryptophan, zinc and vitamin B6, using essential oils are a wonderful tool for helping to ease anxiety, reduce stress, improve sleep and focus and contribute to overall hormonal health for women. Now we have a new book that is a wonderful essential oil resource specifically for women, The Essential Oils Hormone Solution: Reclaim Your Energy and Focus and Lose Weight Naturally by Dr. Mariza Snyder.
She shares this about essential oils:
Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in the roots, seeds, stems, bark, leaves, and flowers of various plants. They are super-charged, fifty to seventy times more potent than their dried-herbal counterparts. They’re simply the best plant-based remedy that exists, and they have been successfully used for thousands of years.
Dr. Mariza lists these top 5 must-have hormone-support essential oils for perimenopausal and menopausal women: clary sage, geranium, lavender, peppermint and rosemary. Lavender and peppermint have been long-time favorites of mine and I recently learned about clary sage and rosemary and love both.
She covers so many wonderful essential oils in the book but for the purposes of this review I’ll focus on clary sage since it was new to me until recently and may be new to you too.
In the chapter on sleep, she shares this about the benefits of clary sage and how to use this essential oil:
CLARY SAGE (Salvia sclarea)
- Promotes relaxation of the body for a restful night’s sleep
- Calms and soothes the mind and body
- Supportive during menstrual distress
Aromatic Use
- Apply 1–2 drops directly to bedclothes or pillow.
- Diffuse 3–4 drops before bedtime.
Topical Use
- Dilute 1–2 drops with your favorite carrier oil and massage into abdomen.
- Add 2–3 drops to a warm bath with ¼ cup Epsom salts dissolved in the water.
- Dilute 1–2 drops with your favorite carrier oil and massage into your soles before bedtime.
I had looked into clary sage about 6 months ago when I learned that it supports serotonin production and also lowers high cortisol.
Interestingly, I didn’t care for the aroma of clary sage when I first purchased it and I diffused it with lavender and rosemary to disguise the aroma. But I have grown to really like it and use a drop on a hanky each night and look forward to how much it helps me sleep and the fact that it eased the mild hot flashes I had started to experience again.
I love the combinations/blends Dr. Mariza recommends in the book and would have welcomed these ideas when I first started using clary sage myself. Here is one example of a rollerball blend with clary sage:
Tense-Away Rollerball Blend
10 drops Lavender essential oil
10 drops Clary Sage essential oil
10 drops Peppermint essential oil
Carrier oil of choice
I also really like that Dr. Mariza describes different ways to use the oils other than only diffusing – like using rollerballs, using them for massages and in baths, and applying the essential oils on various parts of the body for a more direct impact. One such example is the Hormone Synergy Rollerball Blend (which contains clary sage, lavender, geranium, bergamot and ylang ylang). She recommends applying this blend directly over your ovaries.
I learned this direct application tip from Dr. Mariza last year and started using lavender, peppermint and rosemary (in a carrier oil) topically on my belly before bed. It helps with digestion, occasional belly bloat from SIBO (if I’ve eaten something that triggers symptoms) and is relaxing too. I think I’ll add clary sage to this belly blend too for the added hormone benefits. This could be one way to use clary sage for the benefits if you find you don’t really like the aroma (because it will be further from your nose!)
Here are some of the benefits of the other top 5 hormone-support essential oils for perimenopausal and menopausal women that Dr. Mariza shares:
- geranium – calming and soothing and “rejuvenates and revitalizes skin, complexion, and hair” (I haven’t been using this one and looking forward to trying this one)
- lavender – “eases and calms feelings of anxiety, stress, and tension while rebalancing emotions” and “relieves discomfort associated with menstrual cycles” (I’ve been using lavender for years)
- peppermint – “stimulates mental focus and energy by enlivening the senses” and supports your respiratory system (I also use this one all the time. It’s also great for headaches and neck pain)
- and rosemary – “increases memory, concentration, and focus” (I also use it for EMF/electromagnetic radiation protection. Research shows rosemary could play a protective role against this harmful effect through its antioxidant activity)
Clary sage is also featured in the libido chapter: “Commonly used to stimulate sexual energy and boost libido.” This aspect was new to me, but it makes sense given that it lowers cortisol and supports serotonin production (and hence estrogen). Dr. Mariza also covers many other wonderful essential oils that boost libido too: jasmine, neroli, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang and geranium. In one study neroli, lavender, fennel, geranium, and rose significantly improved sexual function in menopausal women.
Here is the official book blurb:
Have your hormones been hijacked? Do you feel energy-depleted and irritable, unable to sleep, stay focused, or lose weight? You may have attributed these symptoms to the natural hormonal fluctuations that occur with age. But behind the scenes, there are a host of pesky culprits wreaking havoc on your hormonal health: chronic stress, air pollution, chemical-laden foods and cleaning supplies, and the synthetic estrogens in personal care products. Women of all ages are left vulnerable to the consequences, suffering from unnecessary hormonal imbalance and frustrating symptoms that are often dismissed by their doctors.
Dr. Mariza Snyder is here to help put you back in control of your health. In The Essential Oils Hormone Solution, you will learn how to heal hormonal chaos and revitalize the body from the inside out with the support of high-quality essential oils. You’ll learn how essential oils work on a cellular level to mitigate the toxic loads we carry, and how to use essential oils to reduce cravings, get deep, restful sleep, ease stress, improve mood, banish the worst symptoms of PMS, regain focus and concentration, boost libido, and increase energy.
Featuring a 14-day plan to jumpstart your hormonal health, with over 100 essential oil blends, daily self-care rituals, and delicious, easy-to-prepare recipes, you’ll discover how to reset your body and pave the way for improved hormonal health, without taking hormones.
Grab your copy of The Essential Oils Hormone Solution here (my Amazon link).
I’d like to add my thoughts on what I have found to be safe use of essential oils, and what I share with my clients (I consider myself an essential oil user like you – I’m not an expert):
- Always use a carrier oil, unless you are diffusing, and this includes using essential oils in the bath (I know there is some conflicting advice on this, but I like to err on the side of caution)
- Don’t try to remove too much of an essential oil with water – it will only drive it deeper into the skin
- Think low doses i.e. a little goes a long way
- Be sure to rotate your essential oils
- Don’t ingest the oils neat or even in a gelatin capsule. I would only consider doing so if I was working with an experienced practitioner and using an enteric coated capsule (there is definitely conflicting advice on this one but again I like to err on the side of caution)
It’s a fun book with wonderful ideas for how to combine essential oils and use them to improve hormone imbalance. I love this quote from Dr. Mariza:
Inhaling them and applying them is like adorning yourself in something truly beautiful
What are your favorite essential oils and combinations for easing anxiety, reducing stress, improving sleep and balancing your hormones? How are you “adorning yourself” and what is your favorite way to use them – diffused, topically, via a rollerball, or via a massage or in the bath? Feel free to post questions here too.
Linda Stevens says
Hi, Trudy,
I suffered a concussion and until I found help through functional chiropractors I had insomnia, too. I found out that insomnia is a common occurrence from getting a concussion. Possibly you might want to cover that aspect, too. I went to the Neurologic Wellness Institute in Wood Dale, IL. They also have an office in downtown Chicago. Also, Dr. Dan Engle out in Colorado has a staff that helps with head traumas, too. My husband suffered a head trauma over 19 years ago and just this last year from going to the Neurologic Wellness Institute he has gotten help! 🙂
Trudy Scott says
Hi Linda
Yes there are so many possible root causes of insomnia and concussion is a big one. Even a head bang without being concussed can be a factor with insomnia, anxiety, depression, hormone imbalances etc
I’m so glad you found your root cause – I think you’re saying it resolved your insomnia? We’d love to hear what your functional chiropractor did for you. Have dietary and nutrient changes helped too? or even essential oils?
There are also functional neurologists who do this this work. I blogged about some of this here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-role-of-functional-neurology-the-cerebellum-and-brain-balance-exercises-for-anxiety-depression-social-communication-adhd-and-obsessions/
Tell us about your husband too – how has this helped him?
Linda Stevens says
Thank you for responding.
Our chiropractors are functional neurologists. Both my husband and I received great help. My ADHD has almost gone away. I still have other problems that we are working on. My husband’s treatment almost completely fixed his nausea (“like an all day morning sickness”) he had for over 18 1/2 years. Also, the neurologic treatments almost has completely fixed his dizziness that was almost constant. He still experiences occasional vertigo but he takes care of it with the Brandt-Darnoff exercises. (Which can be easily found online.) There are so many issues we have had because of these concussions and for us to start becoming functional again…. we praise God! We are also getting craniosacral therapy where the therapist works where the body is at, not forcing an agenda. It is working very well.
Dr. Sarah says
Great article, Trudy. So glad more practitioners are using essential oils. I love them and have used them in my practice with women for over 12 years. Here’s my database: http://dr-lobisco.com/essential-oils-database/ and a search for hormones and essential oils: http://dr-lobisco.com/?s=hormones+essential+oils&lang=en. Have a beautiful day!
Dr. Sarah
Trudy Scott says
Dr. Sarah
Thanks for sharing your resources! Do you have a link to essential oil safety in pregnancy and during nursing?
Dr. Sarah says
My pleasure Trudy, Yes I do have a link for pregnancy and in my database are resources with peer reviewed literature on children and safety, as well as an article for infants: http://dr-lobisco.com/essential-oils-database/
Pregnancy: http://dr-lobisco.com/pregnancy-and-essential-oils/
Holly says
Hi, I have been using essential oils daily for a few years now and have been following you Trudy (I have your book)and Dr Mariza (my book is on its way) for a while now, love it when two people you follow, cross paths. Anyway I love Clary Sage and her synergy blend, use it daily to aromatically dress in and there are two blends I love for anxious moments (and it’s great on the bed side table before you go to sleep, a blend called Peace with grounding oils like Vetiver, Lavender, Frankincense, Clary Sage that I carry with me and one called Balance, works beautifully for calming the nervous system as well. Can’t wait for Dr Mariza’s book and looking forward to the next Anxiety Summit.
Trudy Scott says
Holly
Thanks for sharing some of your favorites. I also love the synergy of us crossing paths and all learning from each other! Thanks too for your kind words. Enjoy Dr. Mariz’s new book and we’ll see you on the Anxiety Summit season 5 in November!
Drew says
I have SO many favourites – a few: peppermint, neroli, marjoram (a drop rubbed into the heart area), geranium, orange, ylang ylang (a drop or 2 rubbed into the hands along with Alitura Naturals body lotion https://alituranaturals.com/product/alitura-body-lotion/) and then breathe in that divine smell! LOVE essential oils – diffuse them every day in my office and bedroom. I’m doing a large trial project testing out all the different oils and collating a database of my fav aromas!
Drew says
…and petitgrain is gorgeous too. I diffuse 5 drops of that along with 2 of neroli when I’m cleaning my apartment and it is very energizing¬!
Trudy Scott says
Drew
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing your favorites! I haven’t tried marjoram yet – what benefits do you see with this one?
Maura says
Trudy – I have started taking L Tryptophan and it is working wonders for my IBS, anxiety and intrusive thoughts. The only issue is that I am now experiencing more pronounced insomnia and tingling hands and my Free T3 levels dropped. I have read a couple of places that tryptophan can suppress thyroid function. I am concerned this is what is happening but I really don’t want to stop taking tryptophan because it has been life changing. Should this be a concern? Is there any way around it? Would 5HTP be a good alternative? Does 5HTP affect the thyroid?
Laura says
Trudy, please, I’ve been searching to find if it would be safe to take amino acids to help with depression and anxiety during pregnancy. My daughter is trying to avoid going back on Prozac, she is at 12 weeks now in her pregnancy but having a difficult time. If anyone else can chime in…please do.
Emailed you and was directed to post the question here… please respond asap.
Thank you
Trudy Scott says
Laura
Unfortunately there is no research supporting the use of amino acids during pregnancy. As you may be aware the amino acids like GABA and tryptophan offer quick symptom relief for my clients while we’re figuring out the root causes. When someone is pregnant we have to just work on figuring out those root causes and addressing them without the use of amino acids – factors like getting enough quality animal protein in the diet, good digestion, blood sugar control, figuring out if gluten or other grains are an issue, looking at thyroid health, getting off caffeine and sugar, and so on. This is all covered in great detail in my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html
Dr. Mariza doesn’t address essential oils during pregnancy in this book but Dr. Z and Mama Z do cover a few in their book “The Healing Power of Essential Oils” but do go into more oils for labor. My review here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/new-book-the-healing-power-of-essential-oils/.
Robert Tisserand shares that lavender during pregnancy is safe https://roberttisserand.com/2011/07/lavender-oil-and-pregnancy/ He also shares the research on lemon essential oils for morning sickness and peppermint essential oil for the pregnancy itch https://tisserandinstitute.org/portfolio_tags/pregnancy/
This is a useful blog listing oils to avoid during pregnancy and those that are safe to use during pregnancy https://www.mommypotamus.com/safe-essential-oils-pregnancy-breastfeeding/ She cites Robert Tisserand’s book “Essential Oil Safety” (my Amazon link https://amzn.to/2SAGj11) as the source.
I am not an essential oils expert so always defer to Robert Tisserand’s safety guidelines and recommend working with a qualified aromatherapist during pregnancy.
Laura says
Thank you for your reply