At The Way Apothecary, each of our formulas is created by a certified clinical aromatherapist with over a decade of experience in the safe and effective use of essential oils. We know that using aromatherapy to support hormonal balance may be a new concept for some—and that there's a lot of misinformation out there. This page was created to offer clarity. Here, you’ll find not only the scientific research behind our most-used ingredients, but also broader studies on essential oils and their role in supporting perimenopause, menopause, nervous system health, emotional well-being, and more. We believe the most powerful approach blends traditional wisdom with modern research—and we’re committed to both. Check back here often as we will update this page as new research becomes available.

The Essential Oils

• Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) Oil
  Clary sage oil has been studied for its potential to reduce cortisol levels and improve mood in women, suggesting benefits for hormonal balance and stress relief.
  Reference: PubMed – PMID: 24802524

• Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) Oil
  Inhalation of rose geranium oil has been associated with increased salivary estrogen concentrations in perimenopausal women, indicating potential support for hormonal balance.
  Reference: PubMed – PMID: 28326753

• Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus) Extract
  Vitex extract has shown efficacy in alleviating menopausal symptoms and promoting hormonal equilibrium.
  Reference: PubMed – PMID: 31067851

• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Essential Oil Inhalation Improves Mental Health and Well-Being
  This study found that inhalation of bergamot essential oil improved mental health and well-being in participants.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5434918/

• Sandalwood (Santalum album) Oil
  A pilot study examined the effects of inhaling East Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) oil on individuals subjected to experimental stress. The findings indicated that sandalwood oil inhalation significantly reduced systolic blood pressure and salivary cortisol levels during the recovery phase, suggesting its potential to alleviate physiological responses to psychological stress and promote relaxation.
  Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30549622/
  

• Copaiba Balsam (Copaifera officinalis) Resin
  The Effect of Copaiba Oil Odor on Anxiety Relief in Adults under Mental Workload: A Randomized Controlled Trial
  This randomized controlled trial investigated the anxiolytic effects of inhaling copaiba oil odor in adults subjected to mental workload. The study found that participants who inhaled copaiba oil exhibited significant reductions in anxiety indicators, including decreased salivary cortisol levels and heart rates, suggesting that copaiba oil aroma may help alleviate anxiety.
  Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35449818/

• Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) Oil
  A review published in Frontiers in Pharmacology highlights that citrus essential oils possess pleasant scents that impart relaxing, calming, mood-uplifting, and cheer-enhancing effects. The diffusion of these oils creates a fresh feeling, enhances relaxation from stress and anxiety, and helps uplift mood and boost emotional and physical energy. ​PubMed Central

• Anise (Pimpinella anisum) Oil
  Anise (Pimpinella anisum) essential oil has been studied for its potential benefits in alleviating menopausal symptoms. In a double-blind clinical trial involving 72 postmenopausal women, participants consumed three capsules of anise extract daily (each containing 100 mg of extract) over four weeks. The results indicated a significant reduction in both the frequency and intensity of hot flashes among those who took the anise extract compared to the placebo group. This suggests that anise extract may effectively mitigate certain menopausal symptoms.
  Reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667031321000452

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Oil
  Fennel's Impact on Menopausal Health: A meta-analysis published in Journal of Menopausal Medicine concluded that fennel effectively alleviates vasomotor symptoms, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, sexual function, and sleep disturbances in menopausal women. ​
  Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28349618/

• Neroli (Citrus aurantium) Oil
  These findings indicate that inhalation of neroli oil helps relieve menopausal symptoms, increase sexual desire, and reduce blood pressure in postmenopausal women. Neroli oil may have potential as an effective intervention to reduce stress and improve the endocrine system.Reference: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4082953/

• Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) Oil
  This study explored the impact of aromatherapy massage using jasmine oil on human subjects. The results demonstrated that jasmine oil increased autonomic arousal, leading participants to feel more alert and vigorous. The study concluded that jasmine oil has a stimulating effect and may be beneficial for uplifting mood and alleviating symptoms of depression.Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20184043/

• Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) Oil​Research indicates that sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) essential oil may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine evaluated the impact of sweet orange aroma on experimental anxiety in humans. Forty male volunteers were exposed to the aroma of sweet orange essential oil before undergoing an anxiety-inducing task. The results showed that individuals exposed to the sweet orange aroma experienced a lack of significant increases in state-anxiety and tension levels during the task, suggesting an acute anxiolytic activity of sweet orange essential oil.
  Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22849536/

• Angelica Root (Angelica archangelica) Oil
  Angelica root oil contains compounds that have exhibited anxiolytic effects in animal studies, suggesting potential benefits for anxiety reduction.
  Reference: PubMed – PMID: 22960104

• Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) Oil
  Roman chamomile oil is widely used for its calming and anxiolytic properties. Studies have shown it may reduce anxiety and support nervous system balance through possible GABAergic modulation.
  References: BMC Complementary Medicine – Aromatherapy with Matricaria chamomile reduced anxiety in cardiac patients, PubMed – Anxiolytic effects of Roman chamomile in zebrafish model

• Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var. amara) Oil
  A case study published in Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery investigated the impact of various essential oils on mood states. Participants reported that petitgrain oil was particularly effective in providing a refreshing and stimulating effect, indicating its potential role in enhancing alertness and mood.
  References: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0962456202000814

• Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) Oil
  This study evaluated the impact of inhaling patchouli oil on stress levels among emergency nurses. Participants who inhaled patchouli oil reported significantly reduced stress levels and increased compassion satisfaction compared to the control group, suggesting that patchouli oil inhalation may improve professional quality of life and reduce occupational stress.
  References: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/acm.2020.0206

Of Further Interest

Relevant Studies on Aromatherapy and Anxiety

Anxiety is a common experience during perimenopause and menopause, driven by natural hormonal changes that affect mood and stress levels. Research shows that specific essential oils can effectively support emotional balance and promote a lasting sense of calm.

1. Essential Oils for Treating Anxiety: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
   A thorough review of RCTs showing effectiveness of essential oils—particularly Citrus aurantium (bitter orange)—in reducing both state and trait anxiety.
   PubMed – PMID: 37325306
   
   

2. Effects of Aromatherapy on Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
   Meta-analysis showing aromatherapy with various essential oils significantly reduced anxiety in diverse populations.
   ScienceDirect
   
   

3. Benefit of Inhalation Aromatherapy as a Complementary Treatment for Patients with Stress and Anxiety: A Systematic Review
   Focuses on the anxiolytic effect of inhaled essential oils in clinical and daily life contexts—relevant for stress-related menopausal symptoms.
   ScienceDirect
   
   

4.  A Systematic Review on the Anxiolytic Effects of Aromatherapy in People with Anxiety Symptoms
   Supports the safety and effectiveness of aromatherapy for individuals experiencing general anxiety—widely applicable to menopause-related anxiety.
   Liebert Publishing
   
   

5. Anxiety-Reducing Effects of Lavender Essential Oil Inhalation
   Demonstrates the anxiolytic benefits of lavender oil inhalation—one of the most relevant and widely used oils for menopausal anxiety.
   MDPI – Healthcare Journal
   
   

6. Effectiveness of Aromatherapy Inhalation on Anxiety and Hemodynamic Variables: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
   Found that aromatherapy inhalation reduces anxiety, heart rate, and systolic blood pressure—beneficial for stress regulation during menopause.
   Wiley Online Library
   

Relevant Studies on Aromatherapy and Insomnia

Research indicates that aromatherapy may help improve sleep quality and alleviate insomnia, particularly in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Here are some studies exploring this relationship:

• Aromatherapy with Lavender for Menopausal Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy on physical and psychological symptoms in menopausal women. The analysis included 16 interventional studies with 1,092 postmenopausal participants. Results indicated significant improvements in menopausal symptoms, sleep quality, and reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure following lavender aromatherapy.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32379682/
  
  

• The Effect of Aromatherapy on Sleep and Quality of Life in Menopausal Women with Sleep Disturbances
  This quasi-experimental study investigated the impact of lavender-scented steam inhalation on sleep quality and quality of life in menopausal women experiencing sleep problems. The findings demonstrated that aromatherapy significantly enhanced sleep quality and overall quality of life in the intervention group compared to the placebo group.
  https://karger.com/cmr/article/27/6/421/78327/
  
  

• Effects of Various Physiotherapy Modalities on Insomnia and Depression in Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review
  This systematic review assessed the efficacy of different physiotherapy interventions, including aromatherapy massage, on insomnia and depression in perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women. The results indicated that aromatherapy massage, along with reflexology, yoga, and walking, had a significant positive impact on reducing insomnia and depression in this population.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37422660/
  
  

• Effect of Aromatherapy on Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review
  This systematic review examined multiple studies on the use of aromatherapy to improve sleep quality. Findings suggest that aromatherapy, particularly with essential oils like lavender, can effectively enhance sleep quality across various populations, including menopausal women.
  https://ijnhs.net/index.php/ijnhs/article/download/728/506/5288
  
  

Relevant Studies on Aromatherapy and Depression

Shifts in hormone levels during perimenopause and menopause can lead to low mood and emotional heaviness. Studies show that aromatherapy can ease depressive symptoms, offering a natural and supportive way to uplift mood and restore emotional well-being.

• Effect of Aromatherapy on the Treatment of Psychological Symptoms in Postmenopausal and Elderly Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  A meta-analysis demonstrating that aromatherapy massage significantly improved psychological symptoms, including depression, in postmenopausal and elderly women. Some studies included oil blends without lavender.
  Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6127019/

• Effects of Aromatherapy on Menopausal Symptoms, Perceived Stress, and Depression in Middle-Aged Women: A Systematic Review
  This review evaluated the use of aromatherapy (including blends with geranium, neroli, and rose) to reduce menopausal symptoms. It found aromatherapy massage to be effective in relieving depression and perceived stress.
  Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27857006/

• A Systematic Review of the Effects of Aromatherapy on Depression and Anxiety in Postmenopausal Women
  This review investigated aromatherapy interventions (including clary sage, rose, and frankincense) for depression and anxiety in postmenopausal women, showing beneficial effects on emotional well-being.
  Reference: https://www.koreamed.org/SearchBasic.php?RID=2547470

Relevant Studies on Aromatherapy and the Nervous System

During perimenopause and menopause, fluctuating hormone levels—especially estrogen and progesterone—can directly affect the nervous system, leading to increased sensitivity to stress, mood shifts, anxiety, and disrupted sleep. These hormonal changes impact how the brain regulates neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, which play a central role in emotional balance, resilience, and nervous system regulation.

Research has explored the impact of essential oils on the nervous system, revealing various physiological and psychological effects. Below are several studies examining these relationships:

• Effects of Essential Oils on the Central Nervous System: Focus on Mental Health
  This review discusses how essential oils can influence neurotransmitter systems, leading to physiological effects in the brain. Clinical trials have demonstrated their impact on parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, brain wave composition, and cortisol serum levels, with concomitant psychological effects.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860651/
  
  

• Therapeutic Effect and Mechanisms of Essential Oils in Mood Disorders: Interaction between the Nervous and Respiratory Systems
  This study highlights the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of essential oils like lavender and chamomile, suggesting that inhalation can decrease levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in older adults. The effects are associated with the suppression of sympathetic nervous system activity.
  https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/9/4844

• Continuous Inhalation of Essential Oil Increases Gray Matter Volume
  This study found that aromatherapy stimulates physiological responses in the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, affecting heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, brain wave activity, and immune function. Continuous inhalation of essential oils was associated with increased gray matter volume in specific brain regions.
  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0361923024000297
  
  

Further Reading

Hot Flashes / Vasomotor Symptoms

• Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Menopausal Symptoms: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
  This study demonstrated that aromatherapy massage significantly reduced menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, compared to a control group.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22549173/

Mood Swings / Emotional Regulation

• Role of Alternative Therapies to Improve the Quality of Life in Natural Menopause
  This review discusses how alternative therapies, including aromatherapy with essential oils like lavender, neroli, fennel, rose, and geranium, can balance cortisol levels and reduce stress and anxiety during menopause.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38312763/

Libido and Sexual Function

• Aromatherapy for Sexual Problems in Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  This systematic review found that aromatherapy with essential oils such as neroli and lavender significantly improved sexual function in menopausal women.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29765928/

Cognitive Function / Mental Clarity

• Role of Alternative Therapies to Improve the Quality of Life in Natural Menopause
  This review discusses how alternative therapies, including aromatherapy with essential oils like lavender, neroli, fennel, rose, and geranium, can balance cortisol levels and reduce stress and anxiety during menopause, potentially aiding cognitive function.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38312763/

Fatigue and Low Energy

• Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Menopausal Symptoms: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
  This study demonstrated that aromatherapy massage significantly reduced menopausal symptoms, which may include fatigue, compared to a control group.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22549173/
  

Myths & Misunderstandings

1. Myth: Lavender is an Endocrine Disrupter

• Clarification: There has been ongoing concern and misinformation surrounding lavender essential oil and its supposed estrogenic effects. However, these claims have not been supported by robust scientific evidence. In fact, a detailed review by aromatherapy expert Robert Tisserand clarifies that lavender oil does not mimic estrogen nor does it act as an endocrine disruptor. Tisserand cites multiple sources showing that lavender has not been linked to increased estrogen activity or heightened risk for estrogen-dependent cancers. For those navigating perimenopause and menopause, it’s important to separate fear-based narratives from well-founded science. You can read his full explanation here: Lavender Oil is Not Estrogenic – Robert Tisserand. For further reading go here: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scientists-confirm-essential-oils-unrelated-to-hormone-disruption-301427170.html

2. Myth: Essential Oils Do Not Expire

• Clarification: Essential oils can degrade over time due to factors like exposure to light, heat, and air. This degradation can alter their chemical composition, reducing efficacy and potentially leading to adverse effects. Proper storage in dark, airtight containers can help prolong their shelf life. For a detailed article on this topic, click here: https://roberttisserand.com/2013/07/lemon-on-the-rockskeep-your-essential-oils-cool/

3. Myth: Ingesting Essential Oils Is Always Safe

• Clarification: Ingesting essential oils is not recommended without professional guidance due to their high potency and potential toxicity. Some oils can be harmful or even fatal if swallowed. Though this can be an effective method in some cases, it is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare provider and/or an aromatherapist trained in internal use before considering this modality.

4. Myth: All Essential Oils Are Suitable for Everyone

• Clarification: Individual reactions to essential oils can vary based on factors like age, health status, and existing allergies. Certain oils may be contraindicated for specific populations, such as pregnant women, infants, or individuals with certain medical conditions. Personalized consultation with a knowledgeable practitioner is advisable.

5. Myth: You can safely apply essential oils directly to your skin without dilution.

• Clarification: Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation, sensitization, or even chemical burns when used undiluted. Proper dilution with a carrier oil ensures both safety and effectiveness unless specified by a trained professional.

6. Myth: Inhalation of Essential Oils Doesn’t Do Much

• Clarification: Inhalation is one of the fastest and most effective ways to influence mood, stress, nervous system response—crucial during hormonal fluctuations.