The following herbs have been found to be helpful as aromatherapy during menopause:

• Basil alleviates fatigue.
  
• Chamomile and lavender in combination improve relaxation and calm nerves.
  
• Cypress, geranium, or rose ease heavy periods.
  
• Juniper, lavender, or rosemary ease muscle and joint pain.
  
• Lavender or peppermint case headaches.
  
• Lemongrass or ylang-ylang ease PMS.
  
• Neroli or lavender alleviate insomnia.
  
• Sage eases tension and depression and balances hormones.
  
• Thyme alleviates insomnia and improves circulation.

For irregular, scanty or difficult periods, these essential oils may be recommended:

Basil
Clary
Jasmine
Juniper
Lavender
Melissa
Peppermint
Rose

For depression that some women suffer during menopause, these or other essential oils may be selected:

Basil
Bergamot
Camphor
Geranium
Jasmine
Lavender
Neroh
Ylang-ylang

For anxiety or nervous tension, use the following essential oils:

Bergamot
Camphor
Cypress
Jasmine
Lavender
Melissa
Patchouli

The following essential oils may be prescribed for skin problems associated with menopause:

Benzoin
Chamomile
Geranium
Hyssop
Myrrh
Neroli
Sandalwood

For insomnia, these and other oils may be useful:

Basil
Marjoram
Rose
Sandalwood

You may inhale the vapors from these oils as they rise from a bowl of water, or mix them in a base oil and use in massage. You can also wear them as perfume or mix it in your bath water.

Combinations can be more effective than using herbs individually. In bath water combine three drops of each oil: basil and cypress, thyme or rosemary, or rosemary and basil.

Add to almond or olive oil for massage three drops of each oil: thyme, rosemary, basil, and cypress.