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Happy Scentsational Sunday, Reader!

This week, let's talk about some herbs and essential oils that can be supportive of hormone balance in men and women.

Changes happen in our bodies throughout our lifetimes, from emergence into puberty, then to the reproductive years, then into meno- and andropause. All of these times can feel chaotic and for some of us, disturbing. They mark shifts in our life span, and as we move into the middle-age and elder years we realize how much time really matters, don't we?

Time aside, though, some of these hormonal shifts have some unpleasant physical manifestations such as mood swings, depression, various aches and pains, hair and skin changes, and more.

Did you know medicinal herbs and essential oils can be helpful?

There are folks out there who claim that herbs and essential oils can actually change our hormone balance and may even be substitutions for HRT or other hormone replacement therapies....but I disagree.

Herbs can support a healthy hormone balance when used correctly for an individual, and they're exceptional for those of us who want to age gracefully. They gently support the body as we move through the seasons of life.

Essential oils on the other hand, do not contain phytochemicals that mimic hormones like phytoestrogens, etc. like the whole plant parts do. BUT where essential oils can absolutely shine is by helping with many of the symptoms that present when we go through these natural changes. From cramps, body aches and pains, mood shifts and emotional upheavals, essential oils can be pretty amazing.

Essential Oils (and Herbs) to Consider for Hormone Support

1) Clary sage has clinically studied anti-depressant actions and may help lower blood pressure. Source​

2) Fennel has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in rat studies (and on me personally). Source​

3) Lavender has been heavily studied in both people and animal studies. It's been clinically proven over and over again to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety and for some, can improve sleep quality. Source

ALSO: I get asked so often if lavender causes gynecomastia (growth of breast tissue) in boys? The answer is: NO. This is a myth.

4) Geranium is one I personally love for this category of use. It has similar actions to rose essential oil but is a LOT less expensive. It helps balance hormones, supports regularity of menstruation, and improves mood. Source.​

5) A review and meta-analysis conducted in 2018 concluded that essential oils of neroli, lavender, fennel, geranium, and rose "significantly improved human sexual function." Source.

6) And then there's one of my favorites, both in herb form and essential oil form. It's Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus), from the chaste tree. The berry is the plant part that contains some amazing phytochemicals that support a wide variety of hormones in the female body. From mood swings to hot flashes, and more. Source. In my own experience with my body as well as students and clients, this is just a wonderful herb.

7) Pine (Pinus spp) essential oils: One study on rats without ovaries found that pine oil has compounds that may help reduce bone loss and help those with osteoporosis. Source

NOTE: The study utilized both the pine needles and the essential oil. The study also concluded that other essential oils (sage, rosemary, thyme) and some others were also helpful.

Isn't this exciting?

It's just another example of how perfectly God made the plants for us to use as food and medicine here in this earthly realm.

One quick thing I'd like to add, and this is my own opinion of the medical community's generalized take on menopause....

I think many women are made to feel like they are deficient, flawed, less than, and even "useless" as we age into post menopause years. All of the emphasis on allopathic procedures and therapies (hormone replacement) to keep us "youthful" in a variety of ways is degrading to the natural aging process. To the beauty of the elder woman. To the significance of a woman's past, present, and yes...future. Elders have SO much to share and to contribute, and I hope that modern society will shift back to old-fashioned valuing of the elder in families.

My quick little thoughts on herbs, essential oils, hormone shifts, and aging well......

"Wisdom is with the aged, And with long life comes understanding." ----- Job 12:12

and

"And even when I am old and gray, God, do not abandon me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come." -----Psalm 71:18

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A Diffuser Blend for Calm, Peace, and Joy

(and also for hormone support)

3 drops clary sage (Salvia sclarea) essential oil

3 drops patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) essential oil

2 drops geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) essential oil

2 drops bergamot (Citrus bergamia) essential oil

Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the diffuser.

ANOTHER TIP:

When I was in the throes of going through menopause and even now, I love adding a few drops of a combination of clary sage and patchouli to an unscented lotion base and rubbing into my upper arms, abdomen, and upper thighs.

First off, it smells amazing, and I can't tell you how many compliments I've received. I even had a woman standing in line behind me at a store one time get closer then tell me she need more of that scent! LOL

Second, it's VERY calming and soothing without being sedating in the least. It just makes me feel happy.

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Of Interest.....

You might be interested in this new updated article, which is for a tea blend I formulated years ago for Mr. V. It's since become a very popular blend, first when I had a products shop long, long ago, and then on my website:

​Manly Man Herbal Tea​

**I also discuss the science behind these herbs, too.

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And here's a video from last year on my favorite herbs and essential oils for supporting female hormones:

​Herbs, Essential Oils, Hormones, and Menopause​

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Yesterday was our Welcome and Orientation meeting for the 10th round of Ditch the Drugstore and Family Herbalist Certification students! It was so much fun!

If you'd like to join us, it's not too late, as we're just getting started! Come along with us and get your customized home apothecary built out, learn herbalism, get to know your beautiful body and mind and how to support them with plant medicine, and leave a legacy for your family.

Click here to join us before it's too late for this group:

​Ditch the Drugstore​

I hope you have a beautiful day, and if you can, I always say to put your face to the sun and breathe a deep breath of peace.

Hugs, Health, and Herbs,

Heidi

P.S. Please forward this along to a friend who might enjoy this information!

Click the button below for information and to join this 10th round of Ditch the Drugstore so you can become a family herbalist!