Aromatherapy for women’s wellbeing: which essential oils are for you?

Aromatherapy is the subtle use of essential oils from fruits , flowers, and other fragrant plants and seeds.  If I were to recommend essential oils to support wellbeing throughout the changing phases of a women’s life these would be my personal choice.

Mandarin essential oil for children:

This is known as the children’s oil in France.  Its fruity aroma dissolves tiny tantrums and the refreshing scent cools hysterical outbursts. It’s great for tiny toddlers, but you should always use a highly diluted variation in vegetable based oil such as sunflower oil.

• How to use: One drop in 10 ml for massage or one drop on a tissue for inhalation.

Bergamot and geranium essential oil for menstruation:

The onset of menstruation can cause many symptoms from painful periods to bloating and mood swings. These two balancing and uplifting essential oils harmonise perfectly to alleviate monthly symptoms.

• How to use: Two drops of each in 15 ml of sunflower oil can be massaged into the abdomen and lower back for comfort or one drop of each can be inhaled from a tissue. For stressful and emotional symptoms try diluting three drops of each in a cup full of milk and swishing in the bath for a nice soak. These oils will carry us through our prime years.

Neroli essential oil for relaxation:

This is a deeply relaxing and gentle oil that helps us to unwind and recharge. It’s also gentle enough to use after pregnancy to prevent or ease postnatal depression.

• How to use: Diluted in rosehip and jojoba oil it can help to diminish stretch marks. It’s an ideal all round female oil.

Jasmine and vetiver essential oils for femininity: 

When our twilight years arrive, our body needs the extra grounding and confidence building aromas of these exotic plants. The aphrodisiac, jasmine, rekindles fading thoughts of femininity and vetiver cools our body and holds us together. They can be blended with lime essential oil for a refreshing, cleansing effect, keeping our energy field free from negativity.

• How to use: Apply diluted in a nourishing base such as sweet almond oil. Work on the upper body, especially close to the solar plexus.

Frankincense essential oil for anxiety: 

As we approach the final years of our journey, and that journey may be long, we can vaporise Frankincense for its soothing, calming and meditative attributes. It moves us forward like the kings and queens of Egypt, to an afterlife of riches. It quenches anxiety that often fills us with fear of ageing and ultimately the end of our physical life. We live on a very aromatic planet and we have an abundance of natural plant oils that are available today.

• How to use: Take time to find an aromatherapist or invest in a good book on the subject, and let your nose lead you to well being.

What types of massage are there?

There are lots of different types of massage, and each spa will then create its own protocols to enhance and personalise each experience. However, the broad options include: - Swedish massage - Deep tissue massage - Lymphatic massage - Sports massage - Oncology massage - Hot stone massage - Aromatherapy massage - Thai massage - Shiatsu - Reflexology - Pregnancy massage - Lava shell massage

Top aromatherapy tip:

For a wellbeing boost, have a Lavender Bath with milk and honey. Cleopatra did and so can we!  Simply add a cup of full fat milk to a tablespoon of honey and eight drops of lavender essential oil. Pour into a warm bath and soak your troubles away. It’s guaranteed to ease the stresses and strains.