Menopause refers to the period in a woman’s life when her menstruation stops for good [1].
It’s a natural biological process. Menopause takes place between 40 to 60 years old.
If you have passed 12 consecutive months without menstruating, you’ve reached menopause.
During menopause, you may experience unpleasant symptoms. These include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, and anxiety [2].
These issues can affect your everyday life. Besides, these can have a negative impact on your sexual relationship.
If you’re about to go into your menopausal stage, or you’re already at this point in life, don’t worry. There are essential oils for menopause that can help you cope better.
This article reviews some evidence-based essential oils for menopause and its symptoms.
Best Essential Oils for Menopause Symptoms- Backed by Research
1. Cinnamon Oil
Don’t you love the sweet scent of cinnamon oil?
It can fill the room with a heavenly aroma that can put you in a better mood.
That’s not all. Cinnamon is also one of the herbal solutions that are useful in relieving symptoms of menopause [3].
A clinical trial conducted in Iran evaluated the efficacy of cinnamon. It tested how cinnamon can improve sexual satisfaction among postmenopausal women [4].
The randomized controlled trial included 80 women between 50 to 60 years of age. They received either an herbal capsule with cinnamon as an ingredient or a placebo twice a day for one month [4].
Researchers yielded positive results [4].
There was also no evidence of any harmful side effects, indicating that this oil is not only useful but also safe [4].
How you can use cinnamon essential oil for menopausal symptoms:
Mix 10 drops of cinnamon oil, 11 drops of geranium oil, and 2 drops of sage with 5 tablespoons of sweet almond oil. Use this to massage your body. Do this remedy once a day for one to two weeks.
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2. Basil Oil
The use of basil as a medicinal plant goes all the way back to ancient times in India, China, and Iran [5].
Today, many women use basil as a remedy for menopausal symptoms. It works great, particularly for anxiety and depression.
Various studies have demonstrated its anti-depressive and anxiolytic effects [4, 5].
In one of these trials, rat subjects induced with anxiety and depression received basil oil [5].
Those rats demonstrated less immobility time in the forced swimming test. It indicates positive results [5].
Some active compounds are responsible for these effects. These include linalool, eugenol, camphor, beta-elemene, alpha-bergamotene, cineole and estragole [5].
A simple basil essential oil for menopause:
Put 10 drops of basil oil, 1 ounce of vodka, and 2 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle. Shake well. Spray all over the room. Do not spray on furniture or wooden surfaces. Do this once a day, as needed.
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3. Sage Oil
In 1998, researchers probed the efficacy of sage oil as a treatment for menopausal symptoms [7].
These symptoms are the result of the body adapting to the drop in estrogen levels. They affect the neurotransmitters in the central nervous system [7].
The researchers tested an herbal product on 30 women suffering from these symptoms. The product contained sage oil and alfalfa extract [7].
By the time the treatment was over, 20 women no longer had hot flashes and night sweating. The rest exhibited a modest reduction in these issues [7].
The study also noted that the oil did not cause any harmful side effects [7].
In another study conducted in Switzerland, 71 patients with menopausal complaints attended. They received a sage tablet or a placebo for eight weeks [8].
There was a 50 percent decrease in symptoms within the first month, and 64 percent by the second month [8].
The average number of hot flashes dropped by 100 percent by the end of the treatment phase [8].
How you may use sage oil to decrease menopausal symptoms:
Take a glass jar and put 20 drops of each sage oil, geranium oil, borage seed oil, and 15 drops of peppermint oil in it. Shake to blend. Pour seven drops of the oil blend into a bowl.
Add one tsp of milk. Pour the mixture into your bathwater. Soak in the tub for 30 minutes. Do this every day for several weeks.
4. Coriander Oil
Do you feel like the symptoms of menopause are too much for you to handle? If yes, then you can rely on coriander oil for immediate comfort.
This oil will help make you feel better by alleviating the symptoms linked to this phase in a woman’s life.
Coriander is famous in Iran for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. These two are the most common problems associated with menopause [10].
Various studies have confirmed coriander oil’s anti-anxiety properties [10, 11, 12].
The oil may have the ability to induce relaxation and reduce levels of stress and anxiety.
It’s one of the main ingredients in medication for postmenopausal osteoporosis [13].
Many women who are at the menopausal stage are at an increased risk of this condition. It makes the bones brittle and more susceptible to damage.
Learn how to use coriander essential oil for menopause:
Pour 8 drops of coriander oil into a cotton ball or scarf. Put it on your pillow before sleeping. You can also smell it several times during the day.
Read More: 7 Coriander Seed Substitutes That You Need to Know!
5. Fennel Oil
Vaginal atrophy is one of the most prevalent issues among menopausal women [14].
It refers to specific changes in the vagina, which include vaginal dryness.
Vaginal dryness can take a toll on your otherwise healthy sexual relationship.
Luckily, you can resolve this with fennel. According to a 2015 study, it can improve vaginal atrophy symptoms. The symptoms include vaginal dryness, burning, and itching [14].
A group of 60 postmenopausal women from Ahvaz, Iran came into two groups. Some of them were in a placebo group and the rest were in a 5 percent fennel vaginal cream group [14].
Each group used the assigned treatment once a day for eight weeks [14].
At the end of the trial, those who used fennel had lower vaginal pH and more superficial cells [14].
It means that fennel is an efficient way to manage the symptoms of vaginal atrophy [14].
It also did not have any unpleasant side effects to worry about [14].
The reason behind vaginal atrophy is a drop in estrogen levels in the body. Fennel can help it work out, as it is a proven “estrogenic agent” [15].
Try this simple process of using fennel oil to reduce vaginal atrophy:
Dilute 6 drops of fennel oil with one tsp of almond oil. Use this mixture to rinse and massage the vagina. Repeat every day for two to three weeks.
Read More: 14 Benefits of Fennel Tea You Don’t Want to Miss Out on
6. Lavender Oil
Many menopausal women find it hard to get a good night’s sleep.
Hot flashes, anxiety, and other things prevent them from getting their much-needed rest. Because these issues keep them up at night.
A study required some women to inhale lavender oil for 20 minutes per session twice a week for 12 weeks. A total of 67 women ages 45 to 55 years old participated in that experiment [16].
Some of them didn’t receive lavender oil. Instead, they received a health education program that focused on sleep hygiene [16].
After one to three months, there were positive results in those who received lavender oil. They reported better sleep quality compared to the other group [16].
South Korean researchers conducted another study. They probed the efficacy of aromatherapy massage for menopausal symptoms [17].
Some of the 27 menopausal women received aromatherapy massage. They felt much better and had fewer symptoms like hot flashes, pain, and depression [17].
It’s not sure yet whether it was the massage, aromatherapy, or both that made these actions possible [17].
How to use lavender oil for menopause:
Add ten drops of lavender oil to the aromatherapy diffuser. Use this to inhale the steam coming from the oil. Mix 5 drops of lavender oil with one tablespoon of argan oil. Massage your body with this mixture. Repeat remedy three times a week.
Read More: 11 Health Benefits of Lavender Oil That You Should Know
7. Peppermint Oil
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine featured a pilot study. It tested the efficacy of an herbal product that contained peppermint oil. The study tried to find out whether it could manage hot flushes in women undergoing menopause [18].
This product contained peppermint oil as one of its key ingredients [18].
Eight women with both vasomotor and somatic menopausal symptoms participated in the experiment. To test its effectiveness, they received the product for three months [18].
The outcome shows a declination of the severity and frequency of hot flushes [18].
This product also appeared to improve women’s quality of life [18].
Peppermint oil was also one of the components of a hydrolat spray. Scientists designed it to treat hot flashes among breast cancer patients [19].
This product also had a high success rate in alleviating the condition of menopause [19].
These findings show us that peppermint is a reliable solution for hot flushes.
An easy way to use peppermint oil to soothe menopausal symptoms:
Put 10 drops of peppermint essential oil and 10ml of water in a spray bottle. Spray your body using this mixture whenever you feel hot flashes starting.
Read More: 8 Reasons to Use Peppermint Oil for Hair
8. Chamomile Oil
Researchers tested the efficacy of an herbal formulation created to ease menopausal symptoms. The formulation consisted of chamomile oil and female ginseng [20].
The herbal remedy was successful in reducing the number and severity of hot flashes. Besides, It improved sleep quality and alleviated fatigue in 55 menopausal women [20].
Two other studies confirmed that chamomile could also help reduce anxiety and depression. These symptoms are usually experienced by women in the menopausal stage [21, 22].
In one of these studies, 61 menopausal women attended. Some of them used chamomile extracts while others received a placebo [21].
The treatment period lasted for eight weeks [21].
Chamomile extract users experienced a more significant reduction in symptoms [21].
But, one participant stopped the therapy due to adverse reactions [21].
In another study, 57 participants with anxiety or depression attended. They received either chamomile or a placebo [22].
Those who used chamomile were at a lower risk of anxiety and depression than the placebo users [22].
Here’s how you can use chamomile oil for menopause:
Mix 8 drops of each of chamomile oil, peppermint oil, and clary sage oil, 1 ounce of witch hazel extract. Add the oil mix with 3 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle. Shake well. Spray all your body during hot flashes or night sweating.
Read More: 14 Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea (Backed by Science)
9. Neroli Oil
Sometimes, you can no longer bear the pain and discomfort caused by menopause. Neroli oil is another go-to solution that you should try in this situation.
Scientists from Korea University conducted an experiment. They asked 63 postmenopausal women to inhale neroli oil for five minutes twice a day for five days [23].
Results showed that inhalation of neroli oil improved sexual drive, and lowered blood pressure. It also increased estrogen concentrations and alleviated menopausal symptoms [23].
It means this herbal remedy could reduce stress and other menopausal symptoms [23].
There were no reports of adverse effects following the use of this remedy.
But, you have to make sure that you use it by following the directions for preparation and use of the dot.
Here’s a simple way of using neroli oil to reduce menopausal symptoms:
Pour 6 drops of neroli oil into the bowl of hot water. Move closer and take in the steam. Do this several times during the day.
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10. Anise Oil
Anise oil is another herb that may have positive effects on women who suffer from hot flashes.
In Iran, some of the 72 women who have hot flashes took anise capsules three times a day [24].
The other women received a placebo that contained potato starch [24].
After four weeks, many of the women who took the anise capsules showed positive results. They said that the severity and frequency of their hot flashes have declined [24].
After the treatment was over, these women report that their hot flashes are no longer as severe as before.
It indicates that anise oil has a preventive effect on menopausal symptoms.
There were also no reports of any side effects among the users.
This is how you can use anise essential oil for hot flashes:
Pour 2 drops of anise oil into the water. Stir well and drink the solution once a day for one week.
Read More: 12 Health Benefits of Anise Oil (Backed by Evidence)
11. Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil is a treat to the mind. The oil smells so good and fresh that it can light up your mood in almost no time. [25]
Fatigue and irritability are quite common during menopause. Lemon essential oil hits right on the point in this case.
The oil is calming in nature, and it promotes the elimination of fatigue. It has this refreshing effect on both the mind and the body.
Lemon essential oil helps to reduce tension and exhaustion. A confident and relaxed mind brings energy and positivity to life.
Learn how you can use lemon essential oil for night sweats:
Draw a bath with warm water and a few drops of lemon essential oil. Soak your body in it to chase away all the depression and stress.
You can also put a few drops of this oil on the palm of your hand and inhale it for a lift up.
Read More: 10 Ways Lemon Oil Can Benefit your Health
12. Thyme Essential Oil
This essential oil comes from the herb thyme, and it’s one of the most potent antioxidants on earth. [26]
It supports respiratory, digestive, nervous, immune, and some other body systems. Also, it helps women to keep fighting menopausal symptoms.
Thyme oil is one of the best essential oils that can balance hormones in a menopausal woman’s body.
It improves progesterone production in your body. It can also reduce anxiety, relieve stress, and helps your body relax.
Simple ways to use thyme oil for menopause:
Put a few drops of thyme oil into a diffuser and inhale the oil to feel relaxed and calm. You can also put some of the thyme essential oil into your bath water and soak yourself in it.
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13. Vitex Agnus-Castus Oil
Vitex agnus-castus oil comes from a shrub that is native to Central Asia.
Manufacturers use its fruits and seeds to make medicines. They create essential oils using leaves and berries.
Women around the world use this oil to treat various issues. It can treat infertility, control bleeding, and increase breast milk production. It also treats menstrual cycle irregularities, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and menopause.
A study shows oil extracted from the leaf is more potent than the oil derived from the berry. [27]
How you may use vitex agnus-castus oil for menopause:
Put two drops of vitex agnus-castus oil into a tissue paper and hold it under your nose. Inhaling the smell will reduce your menopausal symptoms. Pour ten drops of this essential oil into two ounces of purified water.
Put the mixture into a spray bottle and then spray it around your house. Take ½ cup of coconut milk and put eight drops of the essential oil in it. Pour the mixture into a hot bath and soak yourself in it.
Read More: 7 Chasteberry Tea Benefits & Uses for Healthy Living
14. Clary Sage Essential Oil
Experts consider it an effective essential oil for balancing hormones. [28]
It offers relief from menopausal symptoms such as anxiety and hot flashes. Besides, it decreases the frequency and intensity of night sweats and hot flashes.
Clary sage oil is also famous for relieving menstrual cramps, and symptoms of PMS. it’s also great for uplifting mood, and improving mental strength.
The oil contains phytoestrogens, referred to as dietary estrogens. The estrogens regulate estrogenic effects. Thus, it reduces the chances of ovarian and uterine cancers.
Inhaling clary sage oil could reduce cortisol levels while improving thyroid hormone levels. [29]
The oil also improves mood and relieves the symptoms of depression.
An easy way to use clary sage oil for hot flashes:
Take a diffuser and add a few drops of clary sage oil into it. Inhale the smell. You can also inhale the oil from the bottle. You can mix it with other essential oils and spray it around your house.
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14 Essential Oils for Menopause, Hot Flashes, and Night Sweats
Menopause is unavoidable. Some women cope nicely in this stage, while some don’t.
These essential oils will help you manage menopausal symptoms better.
If you follow the precautions, you won’t have to worry about experiencing side effects.
In some cases, you may continue to struggle with these symptoms. These home remedies may not also work for you every time. If you find these symptoms persisting and interfering with your daily life, you must consult a doctor.
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