Celebrate your femininity with essential oils

Aromatic extracts have accompanied women since the dawn of time. They are valued for their fragrance, their medicinal properties, and to complement rituals. Today, we will focus on some essential oils that provide support to women throughout their menstrual cycle. On the occasion of the full moon, we will then discuss a meditative ritual to celebrate one's femininity using an essential oil with sacred evocation.

The rose: queen of flowers

To address the theme of femininity, let's start by quoting the queen of flowers: the Rose*. Linked to mysticism and divine love, it represents the Virgin Mary. It is also associated with Venus and Aphrodite, goddesses of love, seduction and feminine beauty. You can also find it in the perfumes Belle Rose and Belle Aphrodite . The Damask Rose (Rosa Damascena) produces an essential oil with a deep floral scent, which is obtained by steam distillation. Although it traditionally has a feminine connotation, it would be a shame to reserve its vibrant fragrance only for women, because its symbolism around Love is universal and can appeal to each of us. It is an essential oil linked to the heart, to generosity and which reconnects each of us to the love of self and others. It brings harmony and confidence, soothing emotional shocks linked to emotional problems. In olfaction, it is also indicated in cases of mourning, deep sadness and feelings of inner emptiness.

Premenstrual syndrome and periods

Ragnagnas, poppies, menstruation, moons... All these words (and many others) evoke the first phase of the female cycle: menstruation. Essential oils can help you cope with these sometimes difficult days, as well as with premenstrual syndrome.

Premenstrual syndrome is a set of physical and psychological symptoms, generally occurring 2 to 7 days before your period: fatigue, tender breasts, swollen lower abdomen, headaches, irritability... To help you get through this period more serenely, rely on the essence of Bergamot* (Citrus Bergamia). With its sunny personality, it brings light when you are prey to negative thoughts while promoting lucidity of mind. Its essential oil is balancing (ideal when you experience mood swings), and it works wonders in cases of agitation, anxiety or sleep disorders. Its finesse and citrus notes brighten the soul. It is also used in the composition of the Divine Émeraude or Soleil Bergamote perfumes from Maison de Mars. To benefit from the benefits of Bergamot* essence: place one or two drops on a handkerchief. Approach it without touching the wings of the nose**, and take three deep breaths.

To soothe menstrual pain, rely on the antispasmodic properties of a great feminine plant: Clary Sage* (Salvia sclarea). Mix one drop of its essential oil with four drops of vegetable oil (apricot kernel, hazelnut, olive, jojoba) in the palm of your hand, and massage the lower abdomen. It is also an essential oil that harmonizes the female cycle and emotions. In smell, it has a positive effect on morale and self-confidence. With its warm, musky, and ambery herbaceous notes, it is also regularly used as a fixative in perfumes. It promotes creativity and vividly remembered dreams. It is part of the same family as White Sage (Salvia apiana), whose plant is dried and traditionally used as a fumigation in purification rituals.

To use Clary Sage* (Salvia sclarea) essential oil for olfaction, place one or two drops on a handkerchief. Hold it close without touching the sides of your nose**, and take three deep breaths.

Sacred feminine

The female cycle has been associated with the lunar cycle and the notion of ritual since time immemorial. The Sanskrit word "ritu" means "menstruation" and is the root of the word "ritual." In some Native American traditions, it was believed that at the time of menstruation, women were at the height of their power and should be honored. They would gather at the Moon Lodge on this occasion to detach themselves from external concerns and begin work within themselves, in order to receive visions and intuitions.

The term Sacred Feminine refers to the power of women, their complexity, and the "magic" (or energy) within them that unites them. Sensitivity and intuition occupy a central place, providing access to infinite resources to flourish in the world.

To accompany the celebration of this femininity, I suggest we look at Sweet Myrrh* (Commiphora myrrha), the feminine counterpart of Frankincense* (Boswelia carterii). Like Frankincense and Elemi, Myrrh is a sacred tree that, once tapped, yields an amber-colored resin. The balsamic and warm notes of its essential oil are a wonderful accompaniment to meditations and sacred rituals. Enveloping, it reassures those who are going through an emotional and spiritual desert. Like a guide, it helps to find one's path by promoting the will and physical strength to move forward. A great healer of bodily wounds**, in olfaction it also helps to dress the wounds of the soul.

Full Moon Scent Meditation

Create a warm and quiet atmosphere by arranging objects that are important to you and that inspire a sacred dimension. For example, light a candle, place your stones and crystals, or elements of nature (leaves, wood, flowers, etc.). Take Sweet Myrrh essential oil* (Commiphora myrrha) and a tissue or handkerchief. Place one or two drops of the essential oil on the holder, and bring it close without touching the sides of your nose. You can close your eyes and take calm breaths, starting from the belly.

Visualize a place you love, a place where you feel good. Then, return to the scent of Myrrh. Is it pleasant? Do images come to you? You can try to describe its scent, in your own words. Can you connect some of its facets to scents or atmospheres you know? Take a moment to analyze the emotions that run through you, without judging or attaching yourself to them. Let the thoughts come and go.

Give yourself time to soak in the benefits of the essential oil. When you're ready, you can return to normal breathing. Gently open your eyes and return to your own rhythm. If you'd like, you can use a notebook or a piece of paper to record your impressions.

To remind you of the benefits of this lunar meditation, find Myrrh in Amethyst Mysticism . Wear it as a talisman.

* Precautions: Essential oils should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women, in cases of hormone-dependent cancer, mastopathy, fibroids, in people with epilepsy, asthma and in children under 6 years of age. Seek advice from a person duly trained in aromatherapy in the cases mentioned above, before using them.

** If applying to the skin, dilute essential oils in vegetable oil (apricot kernel, hazelnut, olive, jojoba, etc.). If you apply a citrus essence to your skin (such as bergamot), be careful not to expose yourself to the sun in the following hours.

Article by Iris HAESENDONCK , aromachology practitioner