Let's Talk Aromatherapy and the Menopause
- Aug 1
- 8 min read
History of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses concentrated oils that are made from parts of plants which include flowers, fruit, seeds, leaves and roots. Aromatherapy is a practice based on the use of aromatic materials, including essential oils and other aroma compounds, for improving psychological well-being. It is used as a complementary therapy or as a form of alternative medicine, typically is used via inhalation and not by ingestion.
Exploring the history of aromatherapy and why essential oils are still such a popular form of natural medicine today .If we look back at the earliest origins of aromatherapy, we can see evidence of its use around different parts of the world dating back over 6000 years.
Aromatherapy By The Egyptians
The Egyptians are known for their use of essential oils especially resins, such as Frankincense and Myrrh which were found in tombs. Frankincense has been widely used in embalming throughout centuries and is still used today as an anti-aging ingredient in many skin-care products. It is believed that most essential oils were produced in Egypt by a type of effleurage (solvent extraction method) using animal fat.
Aromatherapy By The Greeks
Based on research in Ancient Medicine, according to Jouanna, J.(2012) The Greek Gods valued the therapeutic properties of natural perfume and fragrances. The Greek physician Hippocrates and Galen used different aromatic herbs and plants. Hippocrates actually suggested daily massage and scented baths using aromatic plants to improve health. He widely used Chamomile to treat fevers. While Galen was known to promote Cypress to reduce stomach problems. Myrrh ointment was used by soldiers in battle to prevent and heal infection. He also used Cumin, Peppermint, Marjoram, Saffron, and Thyme.
Aromatherapy In China
According to Eileen Burns (2020) Chinese Medicine has also used aromatic plants and essential oil resins since between (2697-2597 B.C.) during the reign of Huang Ti. The Yellow Emperor used Sandalwood to treat Cholera. The ‘Yellow Emperor’s Book of Internal Medicine’ is said to date back at least 2000 years B.C.
Aromatherapy In India
Ayurvedic Medicine which originated in India has used Cinnamon, Ginger, Myrrh, and Sandalwood. Sandalwood has been used to treat different ailments including healing wounds and it was also burned for exorcism rites for centuries.
Aromatherapy In Italy
During the Middle Ages, Bergamot (Citrus aurantium bergamia) was an ingredient used in Italian Folk Medicine. Essential Oil of Neroli was named for Anne-Marie de la Tremoille, Princess of Nerola, Italy. The princess used Neroli in her gloves, bathwater, and hair.
Aromatherapy In The Middle Ages
Avicenna, both physician and philosopher, introduced distillation, the extraction process where we get essential oils from herbs, plants, and fruits. He also created in-depth instructions on how to use plants essential oils, and massage to support health. In the 14th Century, Pine and Frankincense were burned during the Bubonic Plague.
Aromatherapy In England
Nicholas Culpeper, an English physician published his own herbal medicine which became a common reference for different plant remedies. In England, during Victorian times a bride’s head-dress would be made of Neroli blossom. This was said to represent chastity and to help soothe the bride’s nerves.
Aromatherapy In France
Experimental studies on the use of essential oils as anti-viral were undertaken in France by Chamberland as early as (1887.5) Cadeac and Meunier would publish the results of their research (Annales de l’Institut Pasteur 1888). In (1938), René-Maurice Gattefosse described the already considerable advancement of this research in his book, Antiseptiques Essentiels.
The Term Aromatherapy
The term “Aromatherapy” was introduced when French perfumier, and chemist Gattefosse, R, L. (1928) discovered the healing properties of Lavender Oil. He burned his hand in his lab and stuck his hand in the nearest liquid, “Lavender Oil”. From here he started to explore the properties of a wide range of essential oils and began to treat soldiers using essential oils during World War 1 and by 1928 he documented his evidence on Aromatherapy in a medical research paper. Dr. Jean Valnet (1920-1995), a French physician and aromatherapist, French scientist would continue the medical research into the therapeutic and antiseptic properties of essential oils. His teachings were then divided into several schools and teachings, which allowed thousands of doctors to get familiar with new anti-infectious approaches previously not acknowledged by medicine.
Aromatherapy In Austria
Madame M, M. (1895-1968) was an Austrian born biochemist who found that essential oils were absorbed by the skin. She would bring massage using pure essential oils to the UK. The Secret of Life and Youth was published in 1961, this helped pioneer the modern use of aromatherapy and essential oils in massage.
Modern Use of Aromatherapy.
Since the late 1970’s aromatherapy and essential oils have been increasingly popular not just in the use of aromatherapy massage, but also in the huge use of essential oils in the cosmetic, skincare, and pharmaceutical industry. Some of the most common essential oils used in these industries include Chamomile, Lavender, Rose( Geranium), Tea-Tree, Aniseed Oil, Benzoin, Bitter Orange Oil, Cajeput Oil, and Peppermint.
Essential Oils And The Menopause
Lifestyle choices and medical treatment can help, but some women find aromatherapy useful, too.The evidence supporting the use of aromatherapy for menopause is not consistent, but individuals may find it contributes to their well-being.
During the menopause, many women experience symptoms, such as hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, forgetfulness, vaginal dryness, and reduced libido.
Can essential oils help?
Essential oils are plant-based, and some contain phytoestrogens. These are plant-based substances that behave in a similar way to the hormone oestrogen. Some experts according to Villines, Z ( 2020 ) believe that essential oils containing phytoestrogens may help balance hormones and relieve symptoms such as mood changes and hot flashes.
Ways of using essential oils include the following
Diffuser
Sprinkle 3-5 drops of essential oil in water and allow it to diffuse throughout a room. Depending on the oil, this can help promote relaxation during the day.
Roll-on or spray
Essential oils are also available in products that people can apply directly to the skin. Individuals should check that the product comes from a reliable source and that the ingredients are safe because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate essential oils.
Massage
Dilute the oil with a carrier oil, such as sunflower, coconut, jojoba, almond, or evening primrose oil. Either apply to pulse points or massage all or part of the body. Research using essential oils from a (2007) study found people who were experiencing menopause symptoms had a weekly massage of the abdomen, arms, and back for 8 weeks and reported improvements in hot flashes, depression, and pain.
When purchasing aromatherapy products and essential oils for therapeutic use you want to ensure you purchase high-quality products. See references..
Essential oils for the Menopause
The top essential oils to use for peri-menopause and the menopause are: Thyme ,Clary Sage Lavender ,Sandalwood , Peppermint , Geranium and Chamomile
How to blend carrier oils with essential oils for best results
Generally, you should aim for 1% dilution for oils used on the face and 2.5% for oils used on the body. For example, 1% dilution, this equates roughly to 2 drops of essential oil to 10ml of carrier oil. When blending for the body at a ratio of 2.5% you will need 5 drops of essential oils to 10 ml of base or carrier oil. Or 50 drops of essential oil to 100ml of base or carrier oil.
Simply add the required amount and shake well to blend.
A Suitable Recipe For a Menopausal Client
2 drops of Clary Sage essential oil,
2 drops of Camomile essential oil,
2 drops of Geranium essential oil
20 mil of olive carrier oil.
I have chosen this recipe according to Parker,Gordon, J.( 2018) who believes Cary Sage can help to improve symptoms of the menopause, such as night sweats or hot flashes.
Geranium helps to stimulate salivary oestrogen secretion and manages hormonal changes.
It is quite safe to add one to two drops onto a tissue to be inhaled for an immediate stress relief. You can also add a few drops of the diluted essential oils to the water during a relaxing, hot bath. Camomile essential oil is another popular natural aid during menopause, because it alleviates stress (which also helps with sleep) and reduces pain, especially headaches that are common during this time. Camomile can calm breakouts and reduce inflammation.
Safety and Contraindications
Essential oils are very concentrated substances and should be diluted before applying them to the skin. Follow guidelines or recipes which recommend a 2 percent to 5 percent solution.
Phototoxic oils are essential oils that, if applied before sun exposure, can cause the skin to burn or darken at a faster rate. Angelica root, bergamot, lemon, lime, ginger, mandarin, orange, and grapefruit are all phototoxic.
Essential oils that can be used in their pure form, not diluted, are tea tree and lavender.
Read about an essential oil before applying it.
Essential oils can cause a prickly, irritating sensation to the skin. Do not rub water on the area. Doing so will cause the oil to spread. Apply any vegetable/carrier oil to the area; this will cause the essential oil to be absorbed and ease the irritation in minutes.
Keep essential oils away from your eyes. If contact occurs, rinse with a neutral oil, and then follow with water.
Keep essential oils out of the reach of children and animals.
Cats have livers that cannot tolerate essential oils in any amount.
If skin irritation or an allergic reaction occurs with any essential oil or product with essential oils in it, discontinue use.
Essential oils should not replace proper health care. If you are under medical supervision consult with your health care provider before using essential oils. Read the safety data on each essential oil before use.
Note: these suggestions for your safety are not to be considered complete and all-inclusive.
Contraindications
Certain oils are not recommended or should be used with caution.
Read each oil's safety data before use. People with the following conditions should take caution with respect to the below listed oils:
Epilepsy - people with epilepsy or the risk of seizure should stay away from stimulating essential oils such as: sage, sweet fennel, hyssop, eucalyptus, rosemary. Some oils that are safe: lavender, marjoram.
High Blood Pressure - avoid oils that will increase circulation and adrenaline: rosemary, peppermint, hyssop, thyme, eucalyptus, and sage.
Low Blood Pressure - avoid oils that are overly sedating clary sage, ylang ylang, and lavender in very high doses.
Essential oils should not be used on pregnant or breastfeeding women or children under 6 yrs.
Reference
The History Of Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Use Burns, E(2020) cited in
What causes mood swings during menopause? Dresden, D(2023)
Complete Guide to Carrier oils. .Kassim, D(2022)cited in
Can essential oils treat depression? Nichols, H(2023) cited
Essential Oil Safety. Aroma Web(2024) cited in
Essential Oils for Menopause: 11 Best Oils For Relief and How To Use Them. Living Well(2024) cited in https://livewellzone.com/essential-oils-for-menopause/
Essential oils and menopause: Can they help? Villines, Z(2020) cited
Aromatherapy Massage Affects Menopausal Symptoms in Korean Climacteric Women.
Hur, M, H, Yang, Y,S et al Lee, M, S(2007) Cited in
Aromatherapy Massage Affects Menopausal Symptoms in Korean Climacteric Women: A Pilot-Controlled Clinical Trial - PMC (nih.gov)
Essential Oil Haven . Carter, E(2026) cited in
Fresh Skin .co.uk
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