When you’re a woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), finding relief from your symptoms can be overwhelming. Often, doctors push you toward hormonal birth control, which has a long list of potential side effects. Trading symptoms of PCOS for symptoms of hormonal birth control and other harsh medications doesn’t really feel like healing, does it?
Luckily, there are a number of natural ways for women with PCOS to relieve their symptoms and take control of their life again. Many essential oils that potentially hold PCOS-fighting properties. These oils can help support Cysters while we balance our hormones by stimulating the limbic system (emotion center). And when joined with other positive lifestyle changes, they may help relieve your PCOS symptoms.
Today, I’m discussing all things essential oils and PCOS! When linked with other diet, exercise, lifestyle, and mindset changes, essential oils have been shown to help Cysters ease the effects of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Here’s the best oils for PCOS and how to use them:
7 Essential Oils For PCOS
Cinnamon
Many Cysters struggle with insulin resistance, which is when your body can’t properly process glucose and the result is fatigue, weight gain, irregular periods, and other difficult symptoms. Cinnamon has been found to help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol. Having the scent of cinnamon present in your home in a essential oil diffuser is not only pleasant, but it may be a reminder for you to add cinnamon to your tea to support your blood sugar!
Thyme
Low progesterone levels are also common in women with PCOS. This leads to irregular periods, fertility issues, sleeping problems, and more. Thyme can help support progesterone balance and help to alleviate these symptoms. Thyme essential oils may also have progesterone-balancing benefits. Try adding a couple of drops to a bath or body lotion.
Rosemary
Rosemary oil is thought to be an important essential oil for any woman dealing with hair loss. Studies show that it can help promote hair growth and strengthen your hair. Add a few drops of coconut oil or shampoo for a relaxing and effective scalp massage.
Sandalwood
Another common hormonal imbalance for Cysters is high testosterone levels. These elevated levels of androgens (male hormone) can cause acne, excess body hair, mood issues, and irregular periods.
Some doctors and researchers have gathered that sandalwood essential oil can help balance testosterone levels and alleviate these symptoms. Try it in a diffuser or in lotion to feel these effects.
Clary Sage
Research suggests there is a lot clary sage essential oil can do for PCOS. It’s been shown to potentially help lower stress hormones (cortisol), boost hair growth, reduce acne, and relieve period pain.
Most studies recommend inhaling clary sage for the best effects. You can also apply it to your skin by mixing it with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil.
Geranium
Anxiety, acne, and fertility issues are some of the most challenging symptoms of PCOS. Though essential oils can’t cure these for you, some oils like geranium essential oil can help support your PCOS body and give you symptom relief. You can inhale germanium, apply it topically with lotion or carrier oil, and add it to warm baths.
Lavender
Even if you’re not into essential oils, you’ve probably heard of lavender essential oil! That’s because it’s really popular for relaxation.
Studies have shown that a little lavender in a diffuser, in a lotion, or added to a bath can help with anxiety, depression, sleeping issues, and even PMS symptoms.
Ylang-Ylang
Here’s one more for anxiety and depression. Across several studies, ylang-ylang essential oil has been shown to help balance cortisol levels to ease mood issues. Plus, it’s thought to support hair growth and fertility as well. Mix it with a carrier oil or lotion and massage it into the skin to see if you notice these benefits!
How To Use Essential Oils for PCOS
We’ve discussed some ways you can use each essential oil, but what are all the options? We’ll list them below! Note: Ingesting essential oils is not on this list. It’s not safe as it can lead to serious poisoning with only a few drops. Please do not follow any internet advice that asks you to drink or swallow any essential oils. Instead, try using essential oils this way:
Diffuser
The most popular way to use essential oils is in a diffuser! With a diffuser, you can get the pleasant aroma of your essential oils and reap the benefits of inhaling them all day. You just fill the diffuser with water, add 5-10 drops of oil, and turn it on. Of course, make sure to read your diffuser’s specific directions. Then, put it in a high-traffic area of your home or in your bedroom – depending on where you spend most of your time.
Bath
For a luxurious bath, add essential oils. However, don’t add the oil straight to the bath, as this could potentially cause skin irritation! Instead, dilute a few drops in jojoba oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. A tablespoon of carrier oil and 10 drops of essential oil is generally a good ratio. Swirl it into your bath water before getting in. Then, enjoy your bath and the soothing aroma.
Topical
Again, pure essential oils may cause skin irritation. With that in mind, if you’re going for a topical salutation, don’t apply the pure oils directly to the skin. Instead, mix them with a carrier oil like coconut oil, which is already really good for your skin, and apply it that way. The oils you buy should have a dilution ratio guide, so study that before you rub the oils on your skin.
Products
If the dilution process is too complicated for you, search for quality products that have essential oils already inside. These include lotions, serums, creams, and more. This can be a really convenient way to get some of the benefits essential oils offer, without the hassle. Just be sure to do your research to make sure they’re trusted, high-quality brands.
Where To Apply Essential Oils For Hormone Balance?
So, you’re wondering if essential oils can help balance hormones for women with PCOS? The answer is, they might! Applying essential oils to certain areas of the body can potentially help alleviate symptoms such as menstrual cramps, stress, and anxiety. Some recommended areas to apply essential oils include the lower abdomen and lower back for cramps, and the neck and shoulders for stress and anxiety. Other areas that may be helpful include the inner ankles, wrists, and behind the ears. Just remember to dilute the essential oils with carrier oil before applying them to your skin to avoid any irritation. However, it’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before trying any new treatment, including essential oils.
What Essential Oil Is Good For Inflammation?
Inflammation is caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. To help reduce inflammation, you might want to try using drops of lavender essential oil. Lavender has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe irritated skin. Another essential oil that may be helpful is rosemary essential oil. This oil also has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used topically to help reduce swelling and inflammation. Just remember to dilute the essential oils with carrier oil before applying them to your skin to avoid any irritation.
Does Essential Oil Expire?
Essential oils do have an expiration date, just like other products. The shelf life of essential oils can vary depending on factors such as quality, properties, purity, storage conditions, and usage frequency. Some essential oils may last longer or shorter than others, with the average shelf life being 1-3 years from the date of purchase. However, certain essential oils such as sandalwood, vetiver, and patchouli that contain a high percentage of sesquiterpenes and/or sesquiterpenols can have a shelf life of 4-8 years. To determine if an essential oil has expired, you can look for the expiration date on the bottle or check for signs such as a change in color, thickening of the oil, or a rancid smell. It’s important to dispose of expired oils properly and recycle the containers.
Research shows that essential oils may help ease your PCOS symptoms.
For more ways to naturally heal your polycystic ovarian syndrome, check out my blog and podcast! And, once you start the process of reversing your PCOS, join the Cysterhood, a community of women just like you seeking lasting change in their bodies and disorder. We can do it together!
