Using Aromatherapy Instead Of HRT

Using aromatherapy instead of traditional hormone replacement therapy for menopause can be both relaxing and beneficial. Aromatherapy is the practice of using non-medicated scents to relieve symptoms and reduce stress. Aromatherapy uses fragrant and natural botanical essential oils from leaves, bark, roots, seeds, resins and plants and flowers for healing. It can refresh and relax the mind and body without side effects from chemicals.

Women facing menopause, also face a multitude of unpleasant side effects. These side effects can include hot flashes, night sweats, restlessness, fatigue, nausea, mood swings and vaginal dryness. There are many women who take prescribed hormone replacement therapy to decrease the frequency and intensity of these symptoms. However, replacement hormones often have serious long-term side effects as well as short-term side effects. Many women choose to look at natural remedies to help with the symptoms of menopause.

Menopause is a natural process that a woman goes through as she ages. Taking medications are common choices for some women, but some women prefer natural remedies such as aromatherapy. There are several essential oils that are quite beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of menopause. Many health food and holistic stores carry a wide selection of oils to be used for aromatherapy. Essential oils can be used in the bath water, mixed with other oils, placed in diffusions to scent the room or massaged into the body.

Oils that are helpful for emotional and hormonal balance can be used for women experiencing stress and mood swings during menopause. These are often common complaints during menopause and most women feel these side effects. Jasmine, lavender, rose, chamomile and neroli are good to help balance the emotions, while rose, geranium, and neroli are good for hormonal balance.

Women that are plagued by hot flashes and night sweats can also benefit from using natural aromatherapy rather than taking prescription hormone replacement therapy. Using essential oils from clary sage helps with night sweats. Clary sage also alleviates hot flashes in addition to essential oils from peppermint and rose oil.

Decreased libido, or interest in sexual activity as well as vaginal dryness is also common problems during menopause. Both of these disorders can cause frustration with women and her partner. To help with decreased sexual drive and vaginal dryness, women should look into using aromatherapy. Essential oils from geranium, rose and neroli help with vaginal health. Ylang-Ylang, jasmine and patchouli are common oils that can help increase the desire for sexual activity.

In addition to these essential oils, there are several kinds of oils that can help a woman improve her overall sense of well being during menopause. It is common for women to suffer from many ailments during menopause. Promoting a sense of well being is important for living a healthy and active lifestyle. Essential oils from chamomile, cypress, fennel, rose, neroli, jasmine, lemon basil, basil and lavender can all promote a general sense of well being. These oils can help with the symptoms of menopause without taking harmful chemical and medications such as replacement therapy.