Why aromatherapy?

When I say aromatherapy, I’m referring to a natural remedy, our good friends the plants, and their resilient essences - essential oils. Having been around a lot longer than us humans, plants and essential oils have been supporting and aiding us through life changes FOREVER! Essential oils are used as part of aromatherapy, the plants powerful essence is at the core of the plant, and it is this essential oil, and the aroma compounds it produces, that are well known and documented for improving psychological or physical wellbeing. The areas that essential oils can help with varies from plant to plant.

Lavender is an adaptogenic oil, which means it can be particularly good for working with hormonal balance, because it can adapt to the precise needs of your body, it’s like magic!

My top essential oil picks for menopause:

Clary sage – has been known to reduce the intensity of hot flushes and night sweats that are often linked to the menopause. The component of clary sage that is meant to support this is sclareol, which is a copycat to the effects of estrogen in the body, so that is why it has been known to help reduce the effects of menopause. It is also anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anaesthetic benefits, that can help to flush out pores from excess sebum, which some people might find happens during sweating and hot flushes.

Peppermint – this refreshing wonder can really ease those hot flushes by providing an instant cooling sensation, helping you to feel fresh and fine. Also, if your skin is having some dramas its anti-spasmodic properties can naturally alleviate uncomfortable skin.

Lavender– not only is lavender brilliant for feeling relaxed, but it can also support with a better night’s sleep, which can often be tricky with night sweats. Lavender is an adaptogenic oil, which means it can be particularly good for working with hormonal balance, because it can adapt to the precise needs of your body, it’s like magic! And, when it comes to menopausal skin it can regulate sebum production too, making it a must have essential oil for menopause.

Geranium – a feminine hero in the essential oil world, Geranium can offer care for those changes in mood and hormonal alterations, having both anti-depressant and anti-anxiety properties. Plus, anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties mean it’s a real fighter when it comes to infection and irritations to the skin, ready to take on those physical changes in the skin’s reactions to hormonal change.

How can you use essential oils?

These oils, and many others, are great to add into your day to day, either to be inhaled, for example through a diffuser, or diluted and applied to the skin. Essential oils should never be put onto the skin neat and never to be ingested. If you are going to dilute them yourself, make sure you do so with caution and upon receiving expert advice. There are also lots of great brands out there that use essential oils in their skin, body and personal care products, which allows you to get the benefits of these oils, without attempting to be your own chemist.

For more aromatherapy advice you can find Simone who is a qualified aromatherapist and tutor on Instagram @sensesbysim