Essential oils are a fantastic way to support physical and mental health. Big, small, old, young — anyone and everyone can use these oils to enrich and enhance their everyday lives. In today’s blog, we hone in on essential oils that can benefit women, in ways specifically tailored to their needs. With the support of a physician, aromatherapy can be a fulfilling way to integrate natural wellness into any woman’s life. Below is our guide to incorporating essential oils, complete with common milestones, habits and ailments in the lives of women.

PMS/Menstrual Cramps

No two women are alike, which is why we specially formulated two different blends, PMS Ease and Gal Pal, to cover all the bases. Gal Pal includes Vitex, a powerhouse essential oil for women that has proven to reduce PMS and menopausal symptoms in women. PMS Ease contains Copaiba, Ginger and Patchouli, making it ideal for easing cramps and side effects such as indigestion, upset stomach and nausea.

PMS Ease and Gal Pal are recommended for those unsure about contraindications and effects of single essential oils on the body. A little goes a long way for many of the single essential oils in these blends, so we’ve taken the guesswork out of blending and included the perfect amount to fit your needs.

When experiencing cramps, make a 1 to 5% (depending on the severity of discomfort) dilution of PMS Ease with a carrier oil of your choice. A 1% dilution would amount to 1 drop per teaspoon of carrier oil, 2% is 2 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil, and so on. Apply the mixture to your lower abdomen and gently rub in circles. The lower back is also a good place to apply for pain relief.

When experiencing moodiness, apply diluted Gal Pal or Clary Sage to the pulse points on your wrist and neck.

Hint: Check out our dilution guides here and here.

Hint hint: Gal Pal and PMS Ease are also available pre-diluted as a roll-on.

Menopause

Perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms can be relieved in much the same way that PMS is. There are, however, certain essential oils that can be better suited to specific symptoms.

Hot flashes are an unwelcome reality of menopause. Fortunately, we know just the essentials oils for this occasion. To combat hot flashes, choose from:

• Grapefruit
• Lime
• Thyme
• Cypress
• Bergamot
• Geranium
• Lavender
• Peppermint
• Clary Sage

For best results, use these essential oils in a refrigerated concoction. We recommend replacing Rose Bergamot in the DIY Face Mist with a combination of these oils, or adding essential oils to a carrier oil at a 3-5% dilution and keeping it refrigerated (72 essential oil drops into a full bottle of carrier oil is a 3% dilution).

When experiencing menopausal sleeplessness, Gal Pal may be your best bet, as the presence of Vitex can support sleep while taming other side effects of menopause.

Fertility

The physical and emotional aspects of infertility can be difficult. When trying to conceive, many want to go the natural route and turn to essential oils for support. While essential oils cannot make a woman more fertile, they can encourage regulation of the menstrual cycle, increasing the chances of conception. It is believed that essential oils can support factors that affect fertility, such as the emotional and physical aspects of trying to conceive. At this time, much of the information that supports this theory is based on anecdotal evidence rather than scientific studies.

From comforting and uplifting to adding spiciness to a couple’s relationship, essential oils are a great addition to one’s journey to pregnancy. These aspects were in our mind when we developed this supportive pre-pregnancy blend. Try adding it to your daily regimen and remember never to lose hope.

35 drops Clary Sage

25 drops Cistus

24 drops Geranium

21 drops Rose

20 drops Fennel

To a 5 ml bottle, add the oils above. Try adding pre-pregnancy oils to a lotion base (formulated to have additional ingredients such as EOs added) or carrier oil before applying to the lower back, abdomen and inner thighs. A 2-3% dilution rate, applied twice a day, is recommended.

Pregnancy

Educating yourself about essential oils during pregnancy can be difficult, as there isn’t a lot of information available on the subject. It is very important that you only use essential oils that are safe during pregnancy, and generally limit your essential oil use. It’s important to note that the following safety tips are not comprehensive, so feel free to email our in-house aromatherapist at aaa@edensgarden.com with any questions you may have.

Safety Tips for Pregnant and Nursing Women

1. First Trimester: It is not recommended that you use essential oils in the first trimester, as this is considered the most delicate time in pregnancy.
2. Amount of Use: It is recommended that you use essential oils sparingly. Less is more.
3. Dilution: It is recommended that you dilute at 1% for topical application so as not to overwhelm your system.
4. EOs to Avoid: It is important to know which oils are regarded as unsafe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For example, solvent extracted oils, or absolutes, are not recommended to be used during pregnancy.
5. Diffusion: It is recommended that you do not diffuse for long periods of time, and that your diffuser is in a well-ventilated area. For example, try opening a window while your diffuser is running.
6. Aromatherapist: It is highly recommended that if you choose to use essential oils during pregnancy and breastfeeding that you work with an aromatherapist who specializes in essential oil use during pregnancy. Most medical doctors do not have experience in using essential oils and should not be relied on for aromatherapy advice.
7. Stay Educated: It doesn’t hurt to research essential oil safety. If you have the time, read Aromatherapy in Midwifery Practice by Denise Tran. This book is a good read for expectant, pregnant and nursing mothers using essential oils.

Essential Oils to Avoid While Pregnant and Nursing

• Oregano
• Thyme
• Cinnamon
• Cumin
• Fennel
• Star Anise
• Birch
• Wintergreen
• Carrot Seed
• Cassia
• Hyssop
• Myrrh
• Myrtle
• Nutmeg
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Vitex
• Yarrow

Essential Oils to Use With Caution (suggested to use alternatives, occasional exposure acceptable)

• Clary Sage
• Lemongrass
• Davana
• Mountain Savory
• Cumin
• Litsea
• Eucalyptus
• Clove
• Peppermint (suggested to avoid during third trimester)

Essential Oils Safe for Use During Pregnancy

• Bergamot - sleep, stress, circulation, focus, immune support
• Black Pepper - soreness, inflammation, digestive aid, energy
• Blue Tansy - stress, sleep, respiratory support, skin care
• Roman Chamomile - digestive support, sleep, pain, stress
• German Chamomile - skin care, sleep, pain
• Copaiba - pain, skin care, respiratory support, digestive support
• Cypress - circulation, mood, respiratory support, pain
• Frankincense-carterii - immune support, respiratory support, pain, skin care
• Geranium - skin care, stress, balance, mood, pain
• Ginger - circulation, nausea
• Grapefruit - circulation, immune support, focus, stress
• Helichrysum- italicum - skin care, stress, immune support
• Juniper Berry - circulation, stress, skin care
• Lavender (Bulgarian, French, Greek) - sleep, skin care, digestive support, stress, immune support
• Lemon - nausea, immune support, focus, energy
• Mandarin - emotional support, stress
• Sweet Marjoram - sleep, snoring, pain
• Neroli - sleep, stress, skin care
• Petitgrain - digestive support, skin care, stress, immune support
• Sweet Orange - digestive support, stress, immune support
• Tangerine - digestive support, stress
• Tea Tree - immune support, skin care
• Ylang Ylang - skin care, stress, sleep

Synergy blends to try: Align, Aromance, Awake & Aware, Balance, Citrus Cream, Energy Boost, Good Night, Relaxation, Simply Citrus, Sleep Ease, Stress Relief, Sweet Ambiance, Tranquility, Aches & Pains, Bee Happy, Breathe In, Breathe Out, Calm ‘Em Down, Focus, Focus, Focus, Germ Ease, Head-A-Sore-Us, Healthy Hero, Ouch Ease, Pollen Buster, Up & At ‘Em, Shoo Fly, Sleepy Head, Sniffles & Sneezes, Soothe & Smooth, Tummy Aid, Bergamot Key Lime, Cedarwood Spruce, Chamomile Lavender, Grapefruit Pink Pepper, Lavender Magnolia, Rose Bergamot, Vanilla Ylang Ylang

Top 3 Picks for Common Ailments During Pregnancy

Stretch marks: Geranium, Frankincense, Helichrysum- italicum

Heartburn: Sandalwood, Roman Chamomile, Petitgrain

Sleep: Lavender, German Chamomile, Sweet Marjoram

Morning sickness: Ginger, Spearmint, Lemon

Soreness: Black Pepper, Frankincense, Copaiba

Headache: Sweet Marjoram, Spearmint, Lavender

Nursing

As with pregnancy, using essential oils while nursing is all about moderation and caution. Cautionary use typically means occasional inhalation or diffusion is safer than topical use. Topical applications should be diluted to 1%. Note, an oil listed as safe for breastfeeding does not mean it's safe for infants. Use an essential oil inhaler or topical use for yourself only, avoiding any application to the chest or breasts.

Top 3 Picks for Common Ailments During Nursing

Stress: Juniper Berry, Bergamot, Clary Sage

Physical fatigue: Lemon, Spearmint, Turmeric

Mental fatigue: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon

Soreness: Black Pepper, Turmeric, Copaiba

Cold: Frankincense, Fir Needle, Tea Tree

Chafing: carrier oils like Argan and Avocado

Memory

Memory loss or forgetfulness is a common occurrence, especially as we age. Women are no strangers to multitasking, so any boost from essential oils is much appreciated. Researchers found that 1,8 cineole in Rosemary essential oil directly enhanced mood, memory and cognitive performance in volunteers. A similar study revealed that Peppermint essential oil (high in menthol and menthone) likewise was shown to boost mood and cognitive function. By inhaling or diffusing the following essential oils, you could very well improve your own mental capacity.

• Peppermint
• Rosemary- Moroccan
• Sage
• Cistus
• Spike Lavender

Skincare

Many women are conscious of the irregularities in their skin health. From childbearing to hormonal fluctuations to aging, it seems that a constant, exasperating battle is at hand. Below are some of the likely culprits of women’s skin woes — and the essential oils that may help.

Hormonal Acne

Unlike regular acne, hormonal acne cannot be fixed by simply washing your pillowcase or switching your face wash. It typically appears around the same time every month. Possibly later in life (well beyond the teen years), and can appear as painful cysts along the lower face. The first plan of action, in this case, would be trying to regulate hormones with the help of the following essential oils:

• Clary Sage
• Geranium
• PMS Ease
• Gal Pal
• Lavender
• Frankincense

Inhale or diffuse the blends (or a combination of single oils) to target the source of hormonal acne. For the skin itself, antiseptic oils like Tea Tree, Niaouli and Manuka can work wonders when combined with Tamanu or Rosehip carrier oils.

Scarring

Scars are a reminder of physical battles we have fought, but that doesn’t mean we want everyone to see them. By making a serum using the following carrier oils and essential oils, the appearance of a scar can be drastically reduced.

• Helichrysum- italicum
• Myrrh
• Frankincense (available in a roll-on)
• Rose (available in a roll-on)
• Neroli
• Hemp
• Carrot Seed
• Lavender (available in a roll-on)
• Copaiba
• Soothe & Smooth synergy blend (available in a roll-on)
• Tamanu carrier oil
• Rosehip carrier oil

Any treatments on the face should be diluted to 1% or less. It is easier to treat a closed, healing wound to prevent a scar than it is to make a current scar disappear. Creating a roll-on with the carrier oils and essential oils using our empty roll-on bottles is an easy and convenient way to apply.

Hint: Check out our roll-on dilution guide  here

Cellulite

Cellulite is caused by a variety of factors including genetics, hormones and stress. Don't let airbrushed magazine ads fool you; about 80% to 90% of post-adolescent females have at least a little cellulite. Create a sugar scrub or serum with the following essential oils to fade and reduce those pesky lumps.

• Basil
• Cypress
• Grapefruit
• Coffee
• Rosemary
• Sweet Orange
• Lemongrass
• Lemon
• Lavender
• Juniper Berry

Hint: Our Cellulite synergy blend has all the oils you need and smells great too!

Hint hint: Try the Grapefruit Pink Pepper bath salt as an exfoliator

Aging Skin

Aging is not a health issue, it’s a natural part of life. While we celebrate the joy that each year brings and remind ourselves that we are never defined by a number, we can still take care of our skin and keep a youthful, radiant glow using pure essential oils. Below our some of our favorites:

• Carrot Seed
• Palmarosa
• Geranium
• Frankincense
• Myrrh
• Lavender
• Age Defy synergy blend

Combined with Evening Primrose or Rosehip carrier oil, these essential oils have the power to keep wrinkles at bay.

Mood

It’s no secret that aromas can stimulate an emotional response. Boosting your mood can be as simple as inhaling any aroma that you find favorable or reminiscent of a joyful time. Citrus oils also tend to be the go-to oils for a happier mood. Lavender, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Rose, Peppermint and Lemon in particular have consistently been shown to improve mood.

Beyond general mood, the following list narrows down a few common variations of emotions and their recommended essential oils.

Grief & Sadness

• Melissa
• Neroli
• Frankincense
• Tangerine
• Sweet Orange
• Blue Tansy

Calming

• Rose
• Ylang Ylang
• Lavender
• Blue Tansy
• Worry Less synergy blend
• Frankincense & Myrrh

Aphrodisiac

• Jasmine
• Neroli
• Patchouli
• Ylang Ylang
• Cinnamon Bark
• Sandalwood
• Rose
• Aphrodisiac synergy blend
• XOXO synergy blend
• Allure synergy blend

Anger

• Blue Tansy
• Jasmine
• Frankincense
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Melissa
• Rose
• Ylang Ylang
• Angelica Root
• Align synergy blend

Confidence

• Cedarwood
• Hyssop
• Clove
• Lemon
• Rose
• Grapefruit
• Sandalwood
• Jasmine
• Cinnamon Leaf

Circulation

As women age, they find themselves at the mercy of reduced circulation due to hormonal changes. Pregnancy can also have unforeseen consequences on our circulation, often leading to varicose veins and fluid retention. Not to mention, the physiology of the female body keeps our core temperatures hotter than men’s, leaving colder extremities such as hands and feet. Try adding the following essential oils to a carrier oil at a 1-3% dilution and massaging the problem areas.

Varicose Veins

• Cypress
• Sandalwood
• Sweet Orange

Fluid Retention

• Juniper Berry
• Grapefruit
• Cypress
• Petitgrain
• Geranium

Overall Circulation

• Goldenrod
• Clary Sage

Lymphatic Circulation

• Juniper Berry
• Geranium
• Black Pepper
• Grapefruit

Sleep

According to the 2002 National Sleep Foundation, 63% of women experience symptoms of insomnia, compared to 54% of men. This leads to a higher likelihood of daytime sleepiness. The first step to overcoming sleeplessness is the introduction of supportive sleep habits. Essential oils make a great addition to a bedtime routine, so try diffusing the following oils or applying them diluted to your pulse points (wrist and neck). Feel free to try a variety, as each person can react differently to the constituents found in these oils.

• Bergamot
• Sandalwood
• Ylang Ylang
• Lavender
• Cedarwood
• Blue Tansy
• Peru Balsam
• Valerian
• Tangerine
• Muhuhu
• Vetiver
• Clary Sage
• Sweet Marjoram
• Buddha Wood
• Roman Chamomile
• Hemp

Synergy blends to try: Good Night, Sleep Ease, Sleepy Head, Sound Asleep, Chamomile Lavender, French Lavender Sage

Stress/Anxiety

More than 40 million adults in the United States suffer from stress, and more than 6.8 million American adults have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Aromatherapy has long been touted for its stress-relieving properties, and those already immersed in the world of essential oils deeply understand how valuable aromatherapy is in reducing stress. It is important to keep in mind that essential oils cannot cure anxiety, but aromatherapy can complement treatment. The following essential oils have been found to help calm nerves and curb anxious thoughts.

• Vetiver
• Lavender
• Bergamot
• Lime
• Grapefruit
• Palo Santo
• Roman Chamomile
• Melissa
• Clary Sage
• Ylang Ylang
• Sweet Orange
• Cedarwood
• Sandalwood
• Sweet Marjoram
• Frankincense

Synergy blends to try: Align, Joy, Tranquility, Anxiety Ease, Stress Relief, Relaxation, Quiet Time, Balance, Be Still, Hope, Meditation, Worry Less

Headaches

Headaches come in all shapes and sizes, and nobody is spared from the experience. From migraines to tension headaches, essential oils may help ease the pain. Inhalation and spot treatment at the source of pain (neck, temples, along the jaw, are ideal ways to target headaches.

Migraine

It is important to note that each individual is different, and some people may be overly sensitive to essential oils while experiencing a migraine. Try inhaling to make sure you do not have a reaction. If essential oils exacerbate your symptoms, discontinue use.

• Lavender
• Roman Chamomile
• Bergamot

Tension Headache

• Cypress
• Roman Chamomile
• Sweet Marjoram
• Peppermint
• Basil
• Frankincense

TMJ pain

• Black pepper
• Copaiba
• Turmeric
• Hemp
• Peppermint

Hangover

• Peppermint
• Spearmint

Synergy blends to try: Head Ease, Muscle Relief, Massage Therapy, Aches & Pains, Align

Self-Care

There are numerous studies about the importance of self-care but wellness sometimes gets overlooked in the busyness of life. Self-care is about building a life you’re proud of while giving yourself a break. Don’t forget to reward and nurture yourself with these self-care tips.

Hair Growth

For ideal use, add these essential oils to an unscented shampoo base made for adding essential oils. You can also add 6 drops of essential oil into 1 oz of a shampoo of your choosing (shelf life: 1 week).

• Rosemary- Moroccan
• Lavender
• Frankincense
• Cedarwood- Atlas
• Peppermint
• Coffee
• Basil

Hair Health

By reducing the appearance of dandruff, increasing circulation and overall strengthening hair, these oils are sure to upgrade your haircare routine.

• Tea Tree
• Lemon
• Lavender
• Clary Sage
• Basil
• Carrier oils like Coconut, Avocado and Argan

*Avoid getting essential oils in your eyes for your safety. Flush eyes with carrier oil if this does occur and seek medical attention.

Nail Care

After a long day or busy week, a manicure can be a self-care solution to stress. Although we would never discourage you from a little pampering, those mani-pedis may make your nails brittle and susceptible to breaks. Try out some of these tips to keep those nails happy!

1. Soak your fingers (or toes) in warm water for 10-15 minutes. Add a little Jojoba oil to the water for extra nourishment.
2. For faster results, keep your nails short by filing them often. Only use an emery board on the top of your nails and file in a single direction to prevent snags.
3. Massage either a body oil or essential oil/carrier oil combo of your choosing into your cuticles and fingernails and leave on overnight.
4. Wash your hands and repeat steps until you get the desired results.

Our suggestions for nail care

• Lavender Magnolia body oil
• Yuzu Cannabliss body oil
• Jojoba carrier oil
• Avocado carrier oil

Shaving

One of the key tips for shaving is to make sure you exfoliate before breaking out the razor. A carrier oil makes a great shaving cream, and be sure to follow up with moisturizer. We’ve listed our favorite suggestions below.

• Fighting Five bath salt as an exfoliator. You can also make your own sugar scrub using our line of body oils.
• Fractionated coconut oil as a shaving cream
• Tea Tree added to a carrier oil or unscented lotion (formulated to have additional ingredients such as EOs added) for an after-shave moisturizer.

Makeup Remover

While we don’t recommend using essential oils to remove makeup (we don’t want any eye-rubbing after all), we still offer the perfect carrier oils to massage into your face to remove impurities.

• Fractionated Coconut oil
• Sweet Almond oil
• Avocado oil
• Rosehip oil
• Grapeseed oil

If you do decide to use essential oils and promise you won’t use them on your eyes, then feel free to soak makeup pads in a solution of Tea Tree and Lavender with a carrier oil of your choosing. A 1% dilution is ideal.

And there you have it — our (hopefully) comprehensive guide to women’s wellness with essential oils. Feel free to leave comments below about anything we may have missed or any questions you have!