Natural Remedies for Menopause Include Essential Oils and Diet
Although a natural occurrence at a certain life stage, the 10 to 15 years leading up to menopause can have a debilitating effect on a woman’s mind and body. HRT is a popular treatment for the symptoms of menopause; however, there is now increased awareness of the risk of cardiovascular disease, blood clots and cancer. Many women are now exploring natural remedies for menopause including diet, exercise, nutritional supplements, herbs and alternative therapies such as aromatherapy.
What is menopause?
Menopause is characterized by the end of menstrual bleeding; however, the symptoms can start 10 to 15 years prior to menopause and this period of time is called perimenopause.
Why does menopause occur?
Menopause occurs when there are no longer any eggs left in the ovaries. At the onset of perimenopause, which can start as early as 35 and last for 15 years, levels of estrogen and progesterone will begin to decline. This leads up to menopause where menstruation stops completely.
What are the signs and symptoms of menopause?
Read On
- Top 5 Expert Diet Tips
- Anti inflammatory diet
Symptoms of menopause include irregular periods, acne, weight gain, hot flushes, irritability, depression, forgetfulness, cold hands and feet inability to concentrate, frequent urinary tract infections and atropic vaginitis. They can also include loss of skin elasticity, wrinkles around the mouth, palpitations, disturbed sleep, loss of libido and vaginal dryness. As a result many women experience fatigue and general aches and pains which can be debilitating and also lead to a loss of “sense of self.”
How can aromatherapy help?
Essential oils can be balancing on the hormones and effective in the treatment of the various symptoms of menopause. For example:
- Geranium is an excellent hormone regulator and balancer. Rose helps to tone the uterus, regulate the menstrual cycle and help instill a sense of femininity. Sweet fennel contains natural phytoestrogens.
- Bergamot, Roman chamomile, clary sage, jasmine, neroli and ylang ylang are all calming and antidepressant.
- Lemon, cypress, patchouli, sage and geranium are good for reducing hot flushes and sweats.
- Lavender, Roman chamomile and sweet marjoram are excellent for treating insomnia.
- Lavender, Roman and German chamomile, rose, peppermint and sweet marjoram are excellent for treating headaches.
- Rose, melissa and ylang ylang are effective in the treatment of palpitations.
How do I use essential oils in the treatment of menopause?
Massage is one of the most nurturing therapies for perimenopausal symptoms. A selection of essential oils should be chosen to reflect the combination of symptoms present and blended together with a carrier oil to create a bespoke treatment. The blend can also be applied daily as a body moisturiser.What are the other natural remedies for menopause?Other natural remedies for the symptoms of menopause include the following:
- Eat foods high in phytoestrogens including fennel, celery, parsley, soy products, wholegrains, apples and alfalfa.
- Introduce evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil, antioxidants and vitamin B complex as your daily supplements. Flaxseeds are known as nature’s HRT as they contain the highest natural form of phytoestrogens.
- Increase intake of raw foods, fresh fruit, vegetables and wholefoods. Foods like broccoli, dandelion greens, kelp, salmon and white fish said to be highly beneficial.
- Avoid coffee, fizzy drinks, alcohol, sugar, fruit juice, fried foods and junk foods.
- Reduce salt and fat intake and increase fiber, complex carbohydrates and calcium.
- Drink plenty of water.
With such a diverse array of menopausal symptoms, essential oils with multiple healing properties combine with changes and additions to your diet can be very effective in dealing with the symptoms of menopause. Natural remedies for menopause are a great alternative to HRT.Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.Sources:Battaglia, Salvatore, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, The Healing Arts PressGrant, Suzi, Alternative Ageing, Penguin Books
Disclaimer
The information contained on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
#menopause #essential oil
Comments
Post a Comment