Possibly the biggest complaint women have when going through menopause is hot flashes. The feeling of intense, overwhelming, internally sourced heat can come out of nowhere. It’s important to find ways to cope and diminish the heat, as this condition can be around for many years. Essential oils have been a valued solution for many women.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for hot flashes are:
• Clary sage
• Cypress
• Geranium
• Orange
• Peppermint
Avoid Triggers
To gain some control, watch for anything that may be a trigger, such as alcohol, stress, caffeine, and environmental temperature.
Adding these aromatherapy techniques may help you feel you have some control over flashes.
• Soothing massage. Blend your choice of essential oils in a carrier, massaging all over to mitigate hot flashes.
• Cooling compress. Soaking a cloth in cool water imbued with your favorite choice of essential oils and applying to the back of the neck or abdomen can ease the heat and refresh you.
• In the air. Stress is a common trigger of hot flashes. Uplift and calm by diffusing or inhaling essential oils, such as clary sage or geranium, to reduce the frequency of hot flashes.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Try acupuncture. Studies show that acupuncture may decrease menopausal symptoms.
• Get help from herbal remedies. Try one of the several herbal remedies, including black cohosh, to balance menopausal symptoms.
• Meditate. Keeping your stress levels low can help prevent hot flashes.
When you need relief fast, these are ready aromatherapy solutions.
This simple spray can cool you down quickly while supporting the body through fluctuating hormones. Try keeping it in the fridge for an extra burst of cool.
4 ounces filtered water
1 teaspoon vodka
20 drops clary-sage oil
20 drops geranium oil
20 drops peppermint oil
1 4-ounce spray bottle
Combine all of the ingredients in the spray bottle and shake to blend. Spritz on the mixture when needed for a cool down.
Prepare and be ready when the heat rises by concocting this remedy ahead of time. It’s a useful formula you can massage anytime to de-stress, which may reduce the frequency of hot flashes.
2 ounces carrier oil
10 drops clary-sage oil
5 drops geranium oil
5 drops cypress oil
1 2-ounce dark-glass bottle
Add all of the oils to the glass bottle and shake to blend. Massage the mixture onto skin, as needed.