Like the seasons, hormones are driven by cycles - how can aromatherapy support us? Hormones play an integral role, influencing sleep quality, emotions, weight and wellbeing, and when out of balance, you know all about it. It’s one of those days. You feel irritable for no good reason, then upset too easily for your liking. In short, it feels like you’re a passenger to all the emotions. We take a look at how essential oils can help get us back in the driver’s seat again… How Does Aromatherapy Help Balance Hormones? The hormonal, or endocrine system is regulated by the ‘master’ gland, known as the pituitary. Located at the base of the brain, it communicates with part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which works for basic survival needs, such as whether we’re hungry or thirsty, heat regulation, etc. These two parts of the brain communicate what hormones to release and when. This includes the limbic system where fragrance is processed in the brain. What links the nervous system and the hormonal/endocrine system is the hypothalamus. Whatever life stage we’re in, from our teens onwards, transitions are happening physically and emotionally, and this can be challenging. A few examples in which it can show up as: anxiety, sudden mood changes, irritability and night sweats. Using the limbic system’s processing of aromas can be worked to our advantage with the use of essential oils. And they shine in helping to bring balance to the emotions. What Essential Oils are Best for Balance? A selection of cooling and balancing oils… Geranium: Particularly supports regularity of cycles in perimenopause. Improves physical and mental symptoms of PMS (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6238350/). Rose: Beneficial in treating anxiety and irritability, as well as having a cooling effect. Helps to relieve menstrual discomfort (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/01443615.2014.958449?journalCode=ijog20). Bergamot: Uplifts emotionally – good for when feeling tired, heavy and tearful. Also encourages better sleep. Ylang-Ylang: This relaxing oil soothes and balances emotions, boosting self-worth and self-love. Thyme: Progesterone-balancing, improving its production. Needed by both men and women, as they tend to have low levels. Clary Sage: Helps lower the stress hormone, cortisol (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24802524/). One component, sclareol, mimics the effect of oestrogen, helping balance its production. Jasmine: Has plant constituents with a similar structure to oestrogen called phytoestrogens, meaning that it helps balance PMS symptoms. A Four Scents Balancing Routine The tougher days can be supported by our Autumn Harmony range, featuring essential oils of Thyme, Geranium and Frankincense that work synergistically to bring in calm and focus. Set yourself up for the day with our Toning Duo Ritual. Mixing a drop of the Essential Oil Blend with deeply moisturising Organic Rosehip Oil, and dab the mixture on the pulse points such as the neck, wrists and temples. This will allow the body to absorb the balancing properties of the oils, offering a gentle support, as well as a beautiful grounding fragrance. A Reed Diffuser, a spritz of Room Mist, or diffusing the Essential Oil blend in an oil/water-based burner, work well to provide a background for daily activities, whether that be doing the chores, a workout or yoga routine, or at work. The woody and resinous notes, particularly those of Palo Santo and Frankincense, help encourage mental clarity while offering a relaxing fragrance that naturally promotes deeper breathing. Our Autumn Harmony Candles make a soothing evening accompaniment, the fragrance effectively diffused by clean and eco friendly soya wax. And we couldn’t go without mentioning Himalayan Bath Salts as the ultimate unwinding treat. The magnesium content in the salts helps to calm inflammation, providing relief to cramps and discomfort, while bathing helps regulate the body's temperature, setting you up for a better night’s sleep. This is complemented with our Serenity Spa Pillow Mist – it features cooling and calming notes of Bergamot, Geranium, Rose and Jasmine as a final fragrant treat to help you drift off. Why Aromatherapy for Hormonal Balance? Part of a complementary routine, aromatherapy can work well alongside other factors, such as exercise, stress management and nutrition. It’s important to know that essential oils can’t replace, become or produce hormones. As always, consult a qualified practitioner if symptoms are severe or you have any concerns. However, for low-level discomfort physically and mentally, essential oils help bring harmony to the senses (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7309671/). They can offer adaptogenic properties, meaning that they help the body become more efficient at regulating hormones and helping adapt to stressors. Additionally, they are a natural way to support mood, stress and sleep. As well as reflecting Autumn’s earthy tones, our Harmony blend effuses a sense of grounding, tenacity and strength – exactly what’s needed for times of transition.
