Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia – Sedative
Its Menopause Awareness Month and over the month of October, I am taking a look at four essential oils that could support you through perimenopause and beyond. Today, I am looking at Lavender.
The key word for Lavender is Sedative
During perimenopause, levels of oestrogen and progesterone begin to fluctuate and decline, which can significantly impact sleep quality.
Why so?
Oestrogen – plays a key role in regulating serotonin and melatonin, two hormones essential for initiating and maintaining sleep.
Progesterone – has a naturally calming influence on the brain. As levels decline during perimenopause, this soothing effect diminishes, which can contribute to sleep changes.
Sleep disturbances can be deeply disruptive, affecting both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Maintaining a regular bedtime routine is always going to be helpful for a good night’s sleep and Lavender, as one of the most researched essential oils, is a wonderful accompaniment for your bedtime routine.
Soft and floral in its aroma Lavender has been used in plant medicine for centuries, its considered one of the safest essential oils to use and its efficacy as a sedative is renowned.
How to use
- Add up to 8 drops to a diffuser 20 mins before going to bed, close your bedroom door to allow the room to fill with the soothing sedative aroma. Always turn off your diffuser as you turn off the lights.
- A hot soak in the bath is a great way to prepare for a good night’s sleep. To 10ml of blending oil add up to 4 drops of Lavender. Run your bath to desired temperature and depth, then add HALF of the blend. (keep other half for another night) Stir the water before getting in, lie back and inhale the sumptuous aroma!
- If you are too tired to do either of the above, you could always put 1-2 drops of Lavender onto your pillow, away from where you face will lie. Easy and effective!
What does it blend with?
Lavender is one of the easiest essential oils to blend, it goes with so many other aromatic types, other florals, the woods, the citrus family and the more medicinal aromas, so versatile!
For further advice or a personal consultation, don’t hesitate to get in touch.