Hormones have a significant impact on overall health. They help regulate various processes in the body, and their imbalance can lead to a range of health issues. There are natural ways to support hormonal balance, and we’ll briefly introduce how aromatherapy can help improve the balance of the endocrine system.
What are hormones?
Hormones include adrenaline, insulin, cortisol, thyroid hormones, as well as sex hormones – estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. They are secreted by different glands in the body, such as the pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid gland, thymus, and adrenal glands. Through the bloodstream, they reach specific organs and can stimulate them to perform specific processes. This happens with the help of receptors that recognize the hormones. The function of the hormonal or endocrine system is to control the levels of hormones in the body and can be compared to the work of a symphonic orchestra. If all the musicians play in tune, it creates a harmonious musical performance. But if one or more participants make mistakes, chaos ensues in the entire performance.
What causes hormonal imbalance?
The endocrine system is complex, and the cause of hormonal imbalance is usually multifaceted. For example, during prolonged stress, the adrenal glands constantly release cortisol, which suppresses the production of estrogen and progesterone. This happens because signals in the body indicate that reproduction is not safe, and mobilization for survival is necessary.
Other key factors that can disrupt the hormonal system, apart from chronic stress, are related to unhealthy habits and diet, lack of physical activity and exercise, insufficient sleep, and more. Harmful ingredients in cosmetics and household products can also pose potential risks.
Conventional treatment includes hormonal therapy, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Fortunately, there are more holistic methods to aid in restoring hormonal balance, one of which is aromatherapy.
Restoring balance with aromatherapy
Inhaled through the nose or applied to the skin, aromatic molecules from essential oils enter the bloodstream and almost instantly reach the brain. Different aromas stimulate different brain centers to release neurotransmitters, which are interconnected with the nervous system. This leads to changes in our body’s neurochemistry. For example, calming aromas like lavender stimulate centers in the midbrain, resulting in the release of serotonin, which improves mood, lowers stress levels, and regulates emotions.
Essential oils are highly concentrated and contain bioactive compounds that can support hormonal balance. Among them are phytoestrogens, which activate estrogen receptors in the body. They are much weaker than organic estrogens, resulting in milder reactions, but over time, they can aid in restoring hormonal balance. For breast or ovarian cancer, which are highly dependent on estrogen production, it is essential to consult your treating physician regarding the use of oils.
Some essential oils have the ability to adapt depending on the body’s condition and needs, such as stimulation or relaxation. They can balance the function of glands without creating further imbalances.
Balancing Hormones Naturally: 7 Essential Oils to Try
Clary Sage essential oil
According to research, Clary Sage oil (Salvia Sclarea) actively influences hormonal balance. Thanks to its natural phytoestrogens, it aids in regulating the menstrual cycle by balancing estrogen levels in the body and distributing it evenly. This is crucial since many women have excess estrogen due to various food and environmental factors that can elevate its levels.
Clary Sage oil is an excellent muscle relaxant, alleviating muscle spasms caused by mental or emotional tension and providing relief from menstrual cramps. You can massage the lower abdomen with 4 drops of Clary Sage diluted in 10 ml of carrier oil to ease discomfort and spasms during the menstrual cycle. It is also suitable for sitz baths when dealing with female health issues. The oil possesses antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties and helps alleviate PMS and menopause symptoms.
Other studies indicate that Clary Sage essential oil can improve thyroid hormone levels. It balances the nervous system and provides calming effects during stress and nervous tension by reducing cortisol levels, normalizing blood pressure, and increasing serotonin levels – a neurotransmitter that promotes mild euphoria and enhances mood.
Thyme essential oil
Thyme essential oil influences hormonal balance by increasing progesterone levels associated with reproductive health. According to research, Thyme oil naturally balances progesterone levels without the risk of side effects like synthetic hormonal therapy. Thyme oil has a general stimulating and toning effect on the body and demonstrates pronounced antiseptic and bactericidal properties, which are beneficial for the respiratory, urogenital, and gastrointestinal systems.
Lavender essential oil
Lavender oil is one of the most well-known calming oils in aromatherapy and has been proven to have a favorable effect on hormonal balance. It relaxes and strengthens the nervous system during nervous and psychological conditions such as irritability, insomnia, headaches, migraines, dizziness, melancholy, physical, and mental fatigue.
Studies show that inhaling Lavender can alleviate symptoms of depression and emotional fluctuations associated with premenstrual syndrome by reducing cortisol released by the adrenal glands.
Lavender is an adaptogenic oil and can adjust to the body’s individual needs, thus naturally balancing hormonal levels. For example, if one hormone is very high and another is too low, Lavender can help equalize both levels.
Bulgarian Rose essential oil
Bulgarian Rose essential oil (Rosa Damascena) is a complex of natural compounds with a general stimulating effect, and its aroma balances the secretion of stress-induced hormones. Rose oil harmonizes the hormonal background in women by balancing testosterone levels in the body. It is also known as an aphrodisiac that may help increase libido.
Rose essential oil balances cortisol levels, has a pronounced anti-stress effect, and relieves muscle tension. It promotes a sense of calm by reducing blood pressure, breathing rate, and improving serotonin and other neuropeptides levels.
Zdravetz essential oil
Zdravetz oil regulates blood circulation and balances fluids in the body, aiding in menstrual cycle irregularities and cellulite reduction. It has a toning and energizing effect and helps with emotional volatility, depression, and nervous discomfort.
Yarrow essential oil
Yarrow is known as a women’s herb because it helps with menstrual pain, menopause, dysmenorrhea, and hypermenorrhea. White Yarrow essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties and assists with climacteric disturbances, premenstrual syndrome, absent or painful menstruation, and inflammatory conditions. A sitz bath with 6 to 8-10 drops of Yarrow oil can alleviate these conditions. It soothes nervous tension, insomnia, mild depressive states, headaches, migraines, and frequent symptomatic conditions associated with female discomforts.
Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint oil has a general toning effect, relieves fatigue and muscle spasms, stimulates the nervous system, and in high doses can interfere with falling asleep. It has been proven to influence hormones that affect mood, emotional stability, and helps maintain healthy levels. Headaches often accompany hormonal changes, and inhaling Peppermint oil can help alleviate the pain. According to research from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, Peppermint oil has the same impact as taking 1000 mg of acetaminophen, but without potentially dangerous side effects associated with using large quantities of the drug.
Revitalize Your Hormonal Health with Face and Body Oils
Our 100% organic face and body oils – SPA MAAT PRODUCTS, contain carefully selected, self-produced organic essential oils, dissolved in plant-based oils. They are suitable for massage and have strong therapeutic effects.
Face and Neck Oil “Femina”
The name of the composition “Femina” (from French Femme – woman) hints at its therapeutic impact for women. This is due to the active combination of essential oils – Rose, Lavender, and Vitex, dissolved in plant-based oils. The composition gently balances hormonal levels, creates a deeply relaxing sensation, restores and hydrates, and has an anti-aging effect on the skin.
The active ingredients in Vitex reduce prolactin levels, stimulate progesterone secretion, and support the action of estrogen without raising its levels or causing side effects. It relieves premenstrual syndrome and accompanying issues such as swelling, acne, breast tenderness, and mood swings.
Face and Body Oil “Joy”
Face and body oil “Joy” contains Zdravetz and Clary Sage essential oils which enhance emotional stability and comfort. It alleviates various symptoms in women during perimenopause and menopause, such as hot flashes, tension, mood swings, and insomnia.
Balancing and Soothing Effects of Rose Oil in Nutritional Cosmetic Supplements
The La Vie en Rose series of nutritional cosmetic supplements, containing rose oil and supercritical rose extract, not only improves skin condition but also has hormone-balancing and calming effects. They positively impact mental well-being – the concentration of rose oil in the drops is lower, providing relaxation and soothing, while the capsules have a stronger therapeutic effect, aimed at enhancing balance, concentration, and productivity.
La Vie en Rose Drops
Daily use of La Vie en Rose drops brings a calming effect, making us more adaptive to stress and improving sleep quality – two fundamental factors for hormonal balance. Added to our drinking water, they transform mandatory daily hydration into an aromatic, rose-infused, and refreshing ritual that brings mood and harmony to life.
La Vie en Rose Capsules
Thanks to the CO2 extracts of rose and rosehip with powerful antioxidant, detoxifying, and calming effects, they support hormonal balance, alleviate symptoms around women’s menstrual cycles, and counteract aging processes in the body.
Learn more in the article: La Vie en Rose – Dietary Supplements for Youth, Beauty, and Health.
Essential Oils Usage Guide: Key Considerations for Safe Application
Essential oils have a strong effect on the brain and blood, which is why their quality is of utmost importance! Use them carefully, in recommended doses and methods of application! Buy organic products from proven and certified manufacturers to use pure and genuinely beneficial products.
Always use essential oils according to the instructions, paying special attention if you are pregnant, nursing, or have young children. If you have pets, check whether the essential oil you have chosen for aromatherapy at home is safe for them.
The essential oils from ECOMAAT are obtained through steam distillation from 100% organic certified plant ingredients, following the requirements of the USDA’s NOP regulation. They comply with the BDS ISO 16128-1:2018 standard.
The market is saturated with products from different manufacturers with varying prices and quality. Choose products carefully and inquire about the origin of the raw materials, the distillation method, and the quality certificates.
In case you have any questions about the products and how to use them – we will be happy to answer at hello@ecomaat.eu or on our FB page.
