Two Rivers Ayurveda

Neroli is among the top essential oils I recommend to women based on research and clinical experience.

A systematic review of 12 clinical trials involving over 1,100 women highlighted the significant therapeutic potential of neroli EO across various stages of reproductive health. The study found that neroli is particularly effective in the "labor room" setting, where it significantly lowers anxiety, reduces the perception of pain, and helps stabilize vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate during delivery.

Beyond childbirth, the research indicates that neroli is a powerful tool for managing hormonal transitions; it was shown to alleviate physical and psychological symptoms of PMS and reduce the intensity of hot flashes and anxiety in postmenopausal women. The oil appears to work by influencing the endocrine system—specifically by lowering cortisol (the stress hormone) and potentially balancing estrogen concentrations. Because no significant side effects were reported, neroli stands out as a safe, evidence-based aromatherapy option for improving overall well-being and emotional balance in women's health.

In short, neroli is a great natural solution for women from beginning menstruation to post-menopause.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41936209/

Most commonly, I recommend applying diluted neroli to both inner forearms and spending ten minutes inhaling the aroma, once or twice daily.

The third trimester of pregnancy often turns sleep into an elusive luxury as the physical demands of a growing belly, frequent nighttime bathroom trips, and the constant search for a comfortable position collide with restless legs and a racing mind.

A small clinical study explored whether inhaling lemon EO could meaningfully improve sleep biology during late pregnancy. Thirty third-trimester women with poor sleep quality (measured by the validated Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) inhaled lemon EO each night for about 15 minutes before bed, using 5–10 drops placed on cotton, for seven consecutive days.

The results were promising: average sleep scores improved substantially (dropping from clearly poor to near the threshold of normal), with women reporting that they fell asleep more easily, woke less often, and felt more relaxed at night.

Mechanistically, this aligns with what we understand about olfactory input directly influencing the limbic system—the brain’s emotional and autonomic control center—where compounds in lemon oil (like limonene) can nudge the nervous system toward a calmer, parasympathetic state. While the study lacks a control group and is small, it offers a compelling, biologically plausible signal: a brief, nightly inhalation of lemon aromatherapy may provide a safe, non-pharmacologic way to improve sleep during pregnancy, a population where conventional sleep aids are often avoided.
https://jurnal.edi.or.id/index.php/jiksh/article/view/255

HI Folks - I've been virtually attending the National Ayurvedic Medical Association conference in the US this weekend and I am feeling pretty inspired! I've been enjoying all of the learnings and interesting panel discussions. It's been amazing to see fellow Canadians such as my friend Eva MoonChild and one of my teachers Jaisri Lambert AyurvedaDoctor on the discussion panels. Here are some of the learnings and best quotes that gave me 'a-ha' moments, surprised/shocked me, and/or inspired me. :)

𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒑𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒔𝒚𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒔? I hear a lot of complaints from other women my age, and while our minds and bodies are definitely going through a transition in the perimenopause years, it doesn't have to be a time of suffering. We must recognize that the transition is occurring and prepare our minds and bodies for those changes. We can't carry on with the same bad habits we may have had in our 20's and 30's, as they begin to catch up on us and take a toll on the body. It's important to honour the changes that are occurring and to adjust our diet and lifestyle to adapt. It is possible to make some of these changes naturally as opposed to immediately reaching for hormone therapy.

Hot flashes, night sweats, general inflammation, irritability and also some types of hair loss, are caused by a build-up of heat (Pitta) in the body. It's important to understand that some of our habits create this heat, and that over time it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms.

𝐇𝐨𝐭 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 🔥 - Try pure, preservative-free, aloe gel or aloe juice. You can take up to 1/2 a cup a day to support hot flashes. If you're experiencing hot flashes throughout the day and night, you can take 1/4 cup in the morning and then another 1/4 cup in the evening. Keep in mind it is a mild laxative. This will support the excess heat, but you also should consider addressing the root cause, which may include some of the factors listed on the graphic.

Contact me to learn more about balancing your health naturally during the transition years.