Are essential oils helpful in PCOS? Well, before we get into the answer, let’s first understand what essential oils actually are.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils form the basis of aromatherapy. They are made by crushing plants to release their essence, in simple words, their fragrance. When the essence is naturally extracted, it is known as essential oil. So, in this video, we will talk about the use of essential oils extracted from plants as a treatment for PCOS.
How essential oils are used and how do they work?
Applied on skin
Essential oils can be applied on the skin through massage. The massage increases blood circulation to the target area and eases the absorption of oil. It is generally recommended to add a couple of drops of the essential oil to a base oil or a carrier oil like coconut oil and then massage onto the skin. This is done because some essential oils can burn or irritate the skin if applied directly.
Inhaled
The sense of smell has a powerful effect on our memory and emotions. It can also affect us physiologically. The sense of smell is linked with the emotional centre of our brain which can also impact our breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, stress and hormone balance.
Ingested
Although essential oils can be ingested, but it should be done only under the guidance of someone trained in aromatherapy.
Essential oils for PCOS
Now let’s understand how can essential oils help women having PCOS and which ones should we use.
Clary Sage
Many studies claim that Clary sage essential oil is supposed to be helpful in balancing estrogen levels and also helps with PMS and menstrual cramping. However, the simplest benefit of Clary sage oil without much argument is that it decreases cortisol levels, or in simpler words, stress. Clary sage essential oil has calming properties that help with stress relief as well as enhance mood and fight depression.
Thyme Oil
Thyme oil is helpful in balancing and improving Progesterone levels. This could be helpful for women with PCOS because we tend to struggle with low progesterone during PCOS. Progesterone is mainly produced once a woman has ovulated. But in PCOS, since ovulation isn’t happening, enough progesterone will not be generated which could result in
Insomnia, Mood swings, Weight gain or Hot flashes. Thyme oil can prevent these.
Lavender
Lavender is a really common essential oil that can be used in a number of ways and can treat a number of conditions in PCOS. Some of the symptoms where lavender can be helpful are anxiety, depression, reducing pain and improving sleep.
Sandalwood
Ongoing research states that Sandalwood oil could be helpful in balancing testosterone levels in both men and women. In women with PCOS, sandalwood essential oil can hence treat symptoms like acne, male pattern baldness and unwanted hair.
Remember – Essential oils alone can’t treat PCOS
Essential oils do help in managing some of the symptoms of PCOS. However, one shouldn’t rely solely on essential oils. Essential oils can work as an additional aid in fighting PCOS with diet, supplements and exercise.