Aromatherapy for Hormone Balance & Wellbeing

Medical cases of hormonal imbalance have become increasingly prevalent in today’s modern lifestyle. And unfortunately, as we age, some people experience a more drastic hormonal decline than others and as a result, such changes have profound effects on their mental, physical and emotional well-being. Hormones are chemical messengers and play a significant role in controlling your appetite, weight, and mood.

Knowing the typical signs of a compromised immune system can be a game changer because this way, you get a chance to address these red flags before they develop into serious illnesses. You may have a weak immunity if you continuously have the following symptoms;

• Constant fatigue
• Relentless infections including injuries that take longer to heal
• Persistent colds that last more than ten days
• Stubborn, swollen lymph nodes mainly on neck, groin, and armpits
• Recurring digestive issues
• Irregular sleep patterns
• Weight gain or weight loss

There are many ways to balance your hormones, and research has shown that in addition to having a regular fitness regime, consuming high-protein meals can optimise hormonal health and consequently increase metabolism and fat burning. You also need to avoid eating sugar, and refined carbs as these foods may promote insulin resistance in adults and adolescents and even cause polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women.

Stress can wreak havoc on your hormones, consequently, cause an elevation in cortisol levels in turn, lead to excessive calorie intake and obesity. Practicing 10 -15 minutes of stress-management techniques such as like aromatherapy, massage, meditation, yoga, or listening to relaxing music can lower your cortisol levels by 30% and increase levels of the mood-boosting hormone serotonin and dopamine by 28% and 31% respectively.

Benefits of Aromatherapy

Also referred to as essential oil therapy, aromatherapy is the topical or inhalation practice of improving a person's health or mood with the use of natural aromatic plant compounds that are have antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, antimicrobial activities, etc. In topical application, a few drops of essential oils are combined with carrier oils such as grapeseed or sweet almond oil, then applied to the body to boost circulation and increase absorption.

In inhalation application, essential oils are evaporated into the air or breathed in using oil droplets, sprays such as our atmosphere mists, or diffusers to stimulate the olfactory system and consequently provide psychological, respiratory disinfection, or decongestant benefits.

Aromatherapy may not cure diseases, but as a complementary form of therapy it may alleviate symptoms of the following conditions for people of all ages:

• PMS issues and menopausal problems – Oils such as lavender, clary sage, rosemary and basil. For more info on using aromatherapy to balance emotions and hormones relating to periods, click here for a previous journal entry on this subject.

• Nausea – Oils such as peppermint and ginger. Cure Joy lists many more here
• Stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia – Lavender is our go-to oil, plus frankincense is amazing for insomnia. See Sleepy Head pillow mist containing lavender, frankincense and chamomile
• Fatigue, muscular aches, headaches – Peppermint is great for headache and migraine relief, just a little massaged into the scalp is all you need, plus if you are feeling sluggish peppermint will re-energisise you in an instant. See Invigorate, our energizing atmosphere mist.
• Circulatory problems – Oils such as ginger, black pepper and rosemary.
• Mouth sores and toothaches – Oils such as clove, sage and teatree will lessen the pain and provide antifungal and antiseptic benefits if using all three together. Just mix with a carrier and gargle.