So, you’re ready to explore the world of essential oils and you’re wondering where to apply essential oils for hormone balance. Well, you’ve come to the right place!
As you probably already know, what we apply on the is absorbed into the bloodstream. So, by applying your essential oil(s) of choice onto specific areas of the body, you can enjoy more of their therapeutic benefits (at least much more than what you’d get from inhaling the oil).
However, topical use of essential oils isn’t just about where you apply them. It’s also about how much you use (since they can seriously irritate if they’re not diluted properly). So in this article, we’re going to look at:
- the six main areas of the body where you can apply essential oils.
- the top oils to use for hormone support.
- general safety tips to always keep mind when using essential oils.
Note: this post contains affiliate links and I earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) if you use them to make a purchase.
6 BEST PLACES TO APPLY HORMONE BALANCE ESSENTIAL OILS
1. The Lower Abdomen and Lower Back
If you struggle with menstrual cramps, then you want to apply essential oils onto you lower abdomen.
Some women also experience menstrual pain in the lower back. If that’s you, then be sure to massage your oils on to that area too (in addition the lower abdomen).
2. On The Neck and Shoulders
Applying cooling oils to the neck and shoulders is particularly helpful for relieving hot flashes.
In addition, if you tend to get headaches as part of your PMS symptoms or during your cycle, then apply essential oils to the back of the neck (as well as the temples).
3. Bottom of The Feet
Though there is some debate over its effectiveness, some people swear by the application of essential oils on the soles of the feet.
However, it’s worth noting that the skin on the bottom of the feet is very thick. This means you are less likely to absorb as much of the oil (compared to applying to another part of the body where the skin is thinner).
So, with this method of application, it’s best to test it out and see if you notice any differences on the symptoms you’re trying to address.
4. Over The Thyroid
Menstrual cycle irregularities, fatigue, constipation and weight gain are just a few symptoms that are associated with thyroid imbalances.
So, if the thyroid happens to be a major area of concern for you, then consider massaging essential oils directly over the thyroid area.
By the way, if you’re not sure where the thyroid is located, it’s in the front of the lower part of the neck, above the collarbones.
And some thyroid-friendly oils that you can use include: frankincense, lavender, lemongrass and myrrh.
5. Over The Adrenal Glands Area
Adrenal fatigue symptoms are often quite similar to thyroid symptoms and they include weight gain, fatigue, low blood pressure, brain fog and difficulty sleeping.
You can provide direct support to the adrenals by massaging essential oils over the adrenal area. If you’re not sure where that is, the adrenals are located on top of the kidneys, which sit just underneath the rib cage.
Since we have two kidneys – one on the left and another on the right side of the body – be sure to give both of them equal amounts of TLC.
Some adrenal-friendly oils to use include: peppermint, geranium, clary sage and rosemary.
6. Over The Liver
The liver is a critical part of balancing your hormones because it makes hormones and also gets rid of toxins.
So, this is another part of the body that can benefit from essential oil application.
By the way the liver is located on the right side of the body, underneath the rib cage.
Some liver-friendly oils to use include: grapefruit, ginger, rosemary and frankincense.
ESSENTIAL OILS THAT ARE GOOD FOR HORMONAL IMBALANCE
In this section we’re going to look at some of the most popular and most beneficial oils for hormonal imbalance symptoms. This list is by no means exhaustive. However, if you’re brand new to oils, then this list is the best place to start your exploration.
1. Clary Sage Oil
- Regulates estrogen.
- Shown to reduce cortisol levels by as much as 36%…just by inhalation!
- Supports thyroid health.
- Improves sleep.
- Relieves PMS.
- Stimulates hair growth.
This is the queen of hormone-friendly essential oils and you can learn a lot more about it (plus get more recipes) in this article on how to use clary sage oil for hormone balance.
2. Peppermint Oil
- Provides quick relief from hot flashes.
- Soothes menstrual cramps.
- Lowers inflammation.
- Stimulates hair growth.
3. Geranium Oil
- Improves physical and emotional symptoms of PMS.
- Relieves hot flashes.
- Supports the menstrual cycle during perimenopause.
- Boosts mood.
- Reduces heavy menstrual flow.
4. Thyme Oil
- Regulates progesterone levels.
- Can help with menopause symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings and insomnia (which are often linked to low progesterone).
NOTE: thyme oil is considered a skin irritant and should be used at a maximum dilution level of 1.3% (source).
5. Sandalwood Oil
- Regulates testosterone levels, which can enhance libido.
- Natural aphrodisiac and mood booster.
- Can be helpful for acne since it regulates testosterone (too much of it contributes to acne).
6. Ylang Ylang Oil
- Enhances libido.
- Boosts energy and mood.
- Relieves PMS symptoms.
NOTE: ylang ylang can irritate the skin and should not be used above a 0.8% dilution.
HOW TO SAFELY USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR YOUR HORMONES
- No matter where you choose to apply your oils, always dilute them.
- The best carrier oils for diluting essential oils are light, liquid oils. This includes almond, apricot and fractionated coconut oil. If you’re going to use a solid oil, then regular coconut oil can be used. Avoid shea butter and other heavy butters because they inhibit proper absorption of the essential oils.
- You can make your own body oils or roller blends with essential oils. This way you have a batch ready to go whenever you need it.
- For topical use, a dilution ratio of 1 to 5% is generally okay.
- For thyme and ylang ylang, it’s best not to exceed 1.3% dilution and 0.8% dilution respectively.
If you’re not familiar with essential oil blending and dilution ratios, then please read this guide on how to dilute essential oils. It will help you understand everything before you start making your own mixes.
That said, if you’re not the DIY type, then I suggest getting a ready-to-go blend. No mixing or diluting required! Below are two blends from Eden’s Garden that are definitely worth considering:
- Gal Pal Roller Blend – this blend contains clary sage, ylang ylang, geranium (along with vitex, palmarosa and other oils). Based on the manufacturer’s information, it’s suitable for PMS, hot flashes, mood swings, nausea and general menopause support.
- PMS Ease Roller Blend – contains clary sage, ylang ylang and geranium (along with ginger, copaiba and others). The manufacturer recommends this one for nausea, cramps, hot flashes and mood swings.
RELATED QUESTIONS ABOUT WHERE TO APPLY HORMONE-BALANCING ESSENTIAL OILS
Is lavender essential oil a hormone disruptor?
Based on an analysis done by essential oil expert and chemist, Dr. Robert Tisserand, lavender oil does not disrupt hormones. In his own words: “Lavender oil does not mimic estrogen nor does it enhance the body’s own estrogens. It is therefore not a ‘hormone disruptor’.” (source).
CONCLUSION
As you can see there’s a variety of ways you can use essential oils to relieve hormonal imbalance symptoms.
Now, please bear in mind that depending on your symptoms and their severity, essential oils alone may not fully do the trick.
In many ways, essential oils are a supplement to a healthy diet and lifestyle. They’re not meant to be a substitute or workaround for diet and lifestyle.
So, as you add them to your routine, remember to pay attention to the other areas of your life that affect your hormones.
As you steadily build a diet and lifestyle that supports your health, your hormones will naturally find their way back to harmony.
Related Posts:
Top Benefits and Uses of Essential Oils for Estrogen Dominance
The Only Essential Oil Roller Recipe For Hot Flashes You’ll Ever Need
Essential Oils for Menopause: 11 Best Oils For Relief and How To Use Them
DIY Essential Oil Spray For Hot Flashes: 5 Recipes To Use
