Aromatherapy for Female Sexual Dysfunction
A Brief Look at the History of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy for women is a holistic healing treatment that incorporates natural plant extracts to stimulate health and well-being. It was first recorded over 5,000 years ago when aromatics were used for religious purposes, perfumes, and medicines. According to experts, the ancient Egyptians were among the first to use aromatics as medicines. Over time, aromatherapy transcended borders and reached ancient Greece, India, and China, where it was used for massages, skincare, and medical purposes. Although aromatherapy is popular among men and women alike, this article will focus on aromatherapy for women, primarily women with sexual dysfunction.
How Does Aromatherapy for women Work?
Aromatherapy works through the sense of smell and skin absorption by using products like diffusers, aromatic spritzers, inhalers, and bathing salts. Once inhaled, the scent from the essential oils stimulates the olfactory system [sensory system for smelling] and sends signals to the limbic system [the part of the brain responsible for behavioral and emotional responses] and hypothalamus [a structure deep within the brain that keeps the body in a stable condition] which affects the emotions, mood, and memory.
Benefits of Aromatherapy for women
Aromatherapy for women and men comes with a range of benefits. Some of them are:
- Stress Relief: Aromatherapy for women has shown favorable results in reducing stress and anxiety levels.
- Pain Relief: Several essential oils like lavender, rose, and sandalwood have pain-relieving properties.
- Boost Energy & Focus: Essential oils like peppermint and rosemary can boost energy and improve mental focus.
- Improved Sleep: Aromatherapy has successfully improved sleep for patients, making it a valuable treatment for sleep disorders.
- Improved Digestion: Certain essential oils like ginger and peppermint can improve digestion and relieve digestive discomfort.
- Improved Sexual Function: Aromatherapy has effectively improved sexual function in women, especially postmenopausal women.
Although aromatherapy has several benefits, it’s important to note that it should be used as a complementary therapy and not a replacement for medical treatment.
Possible Side Effects of Aromatherapy for women
Generally, aromatherapy for women and men is considered a safe treatment when used correctly. However, here’re some potential side effects to be aware of:
- Skin Irritation: Direct application of undiluted essential oils to the skin may cause skin irritation or even allergic reactions. Therefore, it’s crucial to correctly dilute the oils with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin.
- Sensitive to Essential Oils: Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to certain essential oils. It’s always recommended to perform a patch test to check for reactions.
- Photosensitivity: Some essential oils, such as citrus oils, can cause photosensitivity, which means the skin may become more sensitive to sun exposure leading to sunburn or skin damage. It’s advised to avoid sunlight after applying photosensitive essential oils.
- Interactions with Medications: Some essential oils may interact with specific medications. Therefore, it’s vital to consult a healthcare professional to ensure no potentially harmful interactions.
- Hormonal Effects: Certain essential oils like lavender and tea tree oil can cause hormonal effects. Although these effects are mild, it’s best to be cautious and consult a doctor, especially if the individual suffers from hormonal imbalance.
- Toxicity: Some essential oils can be toxic if consumed or misused. It’s vital to use essential oils correctly and under the guidance of a professional.
How Does Aromatherapy Help Women with Sexual Dysfunction
Countless modern medicine studies have recorded the impact of aromatherapy for women with sexual dysfunction. For instance, research conducted in 2019 with over 70 postmenopausal women concluded that aromatherapy successfully improved various spectrums of sexual disorders.
Here’s a brief description of how aromatherapy treats sexual dysfunction in women.
- Emotional and Psychological Support: As discussed earlier, aromatherapy has several stress-relief properties. The scents of the essential oils can help promote relaxation, reduce stress, and help create a promising atmosphere for intimacy.
- Stress Reduction: Aromatherapy has shown positive results in reducing stress which is a contributing factor to sexual dysfunction. Certain essential oils like lavender, rose, and neroli has calming properties which help alleviate stress and create a peaceful mind for a sensual experience.
- Increase Arousal and Desire: Specific essential oils have aphrodisiac properties and can improve sexual desire and arousal.
- Improved Mood and Well-Being: Aromatherapy positively affects the overall mood and well-being of individuals; this can directly help improve sexual function.
- Sensual and Intimate Atmosphere: By using essential oils with pleasant smells, aromatherapy can create a sensual and intimate atmosphere. This can improve the overall experience and promote a positive connection between the partners.
Get Help with Dr. Mozhgan
In summary, aromatherapy is a promising complementary therapy for everyone, especially women experiencing sexual dysfunction. However, it’s important to note that aromatherapy should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. If you’re experiencing symptoms of sexual dysfunction, get help from Dr. Mozhgan. She is a qualified and experienced healthcare provider who can help diagnose and treat sexual dysfunction successfully. Book an appointment with Dr. Mozhgan and take control of your sexual health!
Common Questions, Answered by Expert
Q1. Are there specific essential oils that are more effective in treating female sexual dysfunction?
Yes, certain essential oils have been found to be more effective than others. Here’re some examples:
- Low Libido: Essential oils such as ginger, fennel, and rose have been shown to increase sexual desire in women.
- Arousal and Sexual Desire: A combination of lavender, fennel, geranium, rose, and neroli has been shown to improve arousal and sexual desire in women.
- Female Stimulation: Essential oils like rose, ylang-ylang, clary sage, and jasmine has shown positive results for female stimulation.
As always, it’s recommended to use the essential oils correctly and under professional guidance.
Q2. What are the best ways to use essential oils to treat sexual dysfunction in women?
Here’re some of the best ways to use essential oils to treat sexual dysfunction in women.
- Inhalation: One of the most common methods to use essential oils is through inhalation. You can either use a diffuser to disperse the essential oils into the air or add a few drops to hot water and inhale the steam.
- Massage: Essential oils can be used as massage oils to help improve sexual function. Dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil and massage it into the skin.
- Bath: Adding a few drops of essential oils to a warm bath can improve sexual function and promote relaxation. Some of the recommended essential oils for baths are lavender, ylang-ylang, and clary sage.
- Aromatic Spritzers: You can also create your own aromatic spritzer by adding a few drops of essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Spray the mixture on your room or bed linen to improve sexual function and promote relaxation.
- Inhalers: Essential oil inhalers are small, portable devices that let you inhale the aroma of the essential oil throughout the day. You can also create your own inhaler by adding a few drops of essential oil to a cotton wick and placing it inside a small inhaler tube.
Q3. Are there any precautions that should be considered to avoid the side effects of aromatherapy for women?
Yes, there are a few precautions that you must follow when using essential oils. They’re:
- Always use high-quality essential oils
- Dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil
- Perform a patch test
- Avoid photosensitive oils
- Consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils
- Use under the guidance of a trained professional
Q4. How often should essential oils be used to treat sexual dysfunction in women?
There is no specific frequency to use essential oils to treat female sexual dysfunction. The frequency depends on individual conditions and preferences.
