Healthy hormone balance is integral to a well functioning body, mind, and spirit. In their correct balance, hormones help the body to thrive, but even small changes in hormone levels can have massive impact on our system functioning.
The endocrine system is the system of glands that secretes hormones into the body, and it influences all of the cells, tissues, and organ systems.
All hormones are created by glands and act like messengers that communicate to every bodily system the information it needs to function properly.
Some key hormones are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which influence our emotions, sex organ functioning, puberty, pregnancy, and our aging process. Another critical hormone to keep in balance is cortisol, the stress hormone that has a huge influence on our entire system. Stress, along with toxic chemicals, are the major reasons why our hormones go out of balance.
Hormonal imbalance can create many issues in the body including sleep disorders, fatigue, mental fog, mood swings, depression, anxiety, headaches, migraines, hot flashes, night sweats, skin problems, low libido, and more.
Why Essential Oils Are Good For Hormone Balance
Using pharmaceuticals to treat hormone imbalances can create side effects that present in other areas of the endocrine system. Essential oils are a natural way to lower stress, restore balance, and create optimal conditions for the endocrine system to function better as a whole.
Adaptogens are particularly useful for whole system health, because they are herbs that respond directly to what the body needs. If the endocrine system has some glands that are under functioning and some glands that are over functioning, an adaptogen can increase functioning of one gland while simultaneously calming down the functioning of the other gland.
Some of the following essential oils are adaptogens, and some are more specific in their benefits. All of them will support your body to come into a healthy hormone balance.
7 Best Essential Oils For Hormone Balance (And 1 Bonus!)
1. Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)
Clary sage is a powerful adaptogen that is probably the best and most often used oil for balancing hormones and hormone-related symptoms.
Research shows that it’s amazing for women’s issues like PMS and post-menopausal symptoms (though not as useful for perimenopause), as it helps to balance estrogen levels. It is also great at relieving stress, anxiety, and pain.
Clary sage also helps to quell emotional outbursts related to hormone imbalance. Even more impressive is that it can support you to more gracefully navigate your emotional experience while you integrate the realizations that arise.
Clary sage is a top choice oil to carry a bottle of, and inhale from when you notice you are feeling off center or overly emotional.
Note: Do not use when drinking alcohol, as it may cause nausea.
Best for: Balancing estrogen levels and symptoms of PMS and menopause.
2. Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)
Frankincense lowers levels of cortisol and is also known for supporting thyroid function. This is helpful for people with hyperthyroidism, a hormone-related affliction that can cause serious disrupt to a person’s system.
Hormone imbalance can lead to emotional upheaval, depression and anxiety, as well as mental issues, like brain fog and memory problems, all of which frankincense can help.
This is a great oil to support meditation, which is a really helpful practice for those dealing with the impact of hormone disruption. Diffusing 5-6 drops of frankincense when you are feeling hormonal and emotional, or while meditating, can do wonders to restore a sense of peace and balance.
Best for: Hyperthyroidism.
3. Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Hormone imbalance can lead to feelings of fatigue. Geranium is gently energizing and helps you to maintain focus when you feel scattered. It’s also helpful to balance mood swings, and supports greater clarity when sorting through overwhelming emotions.
Geranium is useful for postpartum depression, and depression related to PMS and menopause. It is also helps greatly with premenstrual tension.
As this oil supports skin health, a wise way to use geranium is in a massage blend. Use 2 drops of geranium mixed with 2 tbsp of coconut oil, and massage over your entire body.
Best for: Premenstrual tension (PMT).
4. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is also an adaptogen, and one of the best oils for reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional upheaval related to hormone imbalance. It lowers cortisol levels and is calming for the nervous system.
It’s a great ally to use for symptoms of PMS, both for physical pain and emotional challenges, especially for feelings like hysteria and worry.
Lavender is another oil that is supportive of skin health and is wonderful to use topically or via inhalation.
I love to add 8-10 drops to a hot bath and soak for at least 20 minutes when I’m feeling emotionally tender. This is a wonderful practice to do before bed to enjoy restful, calm sleep.
Best for: Emotional balance.
5. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme has been shown to help balance progesterone by improving progesterone production, a hormone that many men and women have low levels of. Thyme is also good for menopause, depression, and to address fertility issues.
Thyme energizes the body during times of stress, and also supports mental focus, concentration and relief of exhaustion.
It works great when applied to your inner ankles and the bottoms of your feet, so I suggest a warm foot bath. Add 2 drops of thyme to 1/4 cup of milk, mix well, and add the mixture to 1 gallon (or more) of warm or hot water in a foot basin. Soak feet for 20-30 minutes.
Safety Considerations: Patch test first, can be a skin irritant – keep away from mucous membranes. Use sparingly.
Best for: Encouraging progesterone production.
6. Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Sandalwood is a natural aphrodisiac that improves libido and balances the hormone testosterone. It is also good for relieving stress, anxiety, and nervous exhaustion.
Emotional upset created by hormone imbalance can throw off your ability to retain perspective. Sandalwood facilitates an ability to see the bigger picture, and to nurture a sense of self love despite roller coaster emotions.
Sandalwood is supportive for mental health, creating a sense of quiet calm in the mind. Hormonal shifts can create negative thinking patterns, which this oil can alleviate. Keep one drop of sandalwood oil on a cotton ball in your pocket as you move about your day to stay centered.
Best for: Mental focus, clarity, and perspective.
7. Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata)
Ylang ylang is well known as an aphrodisiac that boosts libido. It also soothes the nervous system and helps with depression and mood swings characteristic of hormonal shifts.
Noticing that your emotions are starting to feel erratic? Ylang ylang will soften the edges of your feelings. It does, however, bring the emotions a bit closer to the surface, so take care to be mindful as you take the opportunity to become more self-aware.
I suggest mixing one drop of ylang ylang with 1 tbsp of jojoba oil and giving yourself a deep hand massage, then massaging around your heart, and finally, your neck and temples.
Self massage can help you send yourself the message that it’s ok to feel just how you do, which is a good mindset with which to begin the self reflection that ylang ylang supports.
Best for: Boosting libido.
…And Last But Not Least, A Bonus Recommendation!
High CBD Hemp Oil (Cannabis)
While not an essential oil, CBD oil is a necessary recommendation because it’s SO good for balancing hormones.
This CBD oil brings much needed nutrients that balance the endocannabinoid system, which is the primary endocrine system, and the one that keeps our body in homeostasis. A healthy endocannabinoid system supports the healthy functioning of every other organ system.
There are endocannabinoid receptors all over the skin, so this is a great oil to use topically as a massage oil. You can even mix in your choice of any of the other essential oils for added benefit.
Best for: Whole body nourishment, endocrine system health, and stress reduction.
Best Essential Oil For Hormone Balance Recipes
Aromatherapy Blend For PMS
- 2 drops lavender
- 2 drops clary sage
- 1 drop geranium
- 1 drop ylang ylang
Add the oils to your diffuser and enjoy any time you are experiencing symptoms of PMS. This blend also works well for menopause symptoms. It balances the levels of estrogen in the body, and supports dopamine production, which helps to regulate mood swings that can happen right before menstruation.
Bath Blend For Mental And Emotional Stability
- 5 drops sandalwood
- 4 drops frankincense
- 3 drops ylang ylang
- 2 tablespoons milk
Mix essential oils with the milk and add to a running bath. The milk is a bonus nourishing agent for the skin. Use this blend anytime hormonal imbalance has you feeling scattered and in the midst of emotional upheaval.
Soak for 20-30 minutes and breathe in the calming effects of the oils while your body soaks up the benefits through your skin. Adding a simple meditation of focusing on the sensation of your breath coming in and out of your body can further support nervous system health.
Massage Blend For Increasing Libido
- 2 drops lavender
- 1 drop sandalwood
- 1 drop ylang ylang
- 4 tablespoons jojoba oil
This sultry, floral blend is the perfect one to use for exchanging massage with your partner when you want to get into the mood. Simply blend the essential oils with the jojoba in a small dish and alternate massaging each other’s entire bodies.
Use slow, long strokes and take deep breaths together to build up sexual energy and begin your connection with a sensual, nourishing intimacy ritual.
To Summarize
- Essential oils support the entire endocrine system to stay in balance, usually to better effect than pharmaceuticals. Add hemp oil to your regimen and enjoy enhanced overall health.
- Almost all essential oils are rock stars at lowering stress levels, which is the best thing you can do to keep your hormones in balance.
- Most of the listed oils have no known contraindications, though all should be avoided during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. Do not apply thyme oil directly to skin.
- Because hormone imbalances affect all the systems of the body, mind, and spirit, essential oils are a top choice, as they support restoration of homeostasis on all levels.
Read more:
- Essential Oils For Weight Loss – Top 5 Oils & How To Use Them!
- Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils – The Truth You Should Know.
