Celebrating your femininity with essential oils

Aromatic extracts have been used by women since time immemorial. They are valued for their fragrance, their medicinal properties, and for complementing rituals. Today, we will focus on some essential oils that support women throughout their menstrual cycle. Then, on the occasion of the full moon, we will explore a meditative ritual to celebrate femininity using an essential oil with sacred connotations.

The rose: queen of flowers

To explore the theme of femininity, let's begin by mentioning 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 even find it in the perfumes Belle Rose and Belle Aphrodite . The Damask Rose (Rosa Damascena) produces an essential oil with a deep floral scent, obtained through steam distillation. Although it traditionally has a feminine connotation, it would be a shame to reserve its vibrant fragrance solely for women, as its symbolism of love is universal and can resonate with each of us. It is an essential oil connected to the heart and generosity, reconnecting each of us to self-love and love for others. It brings harmony and confidence, soothing emotional shocks related to relationship issues. In olfaction, it is also indicated in cases of mourning, deep sadness and feelings of inner emptiness.

Premenstrual syndrome and menstruation

Periods, poppies, menstruation, moons… All these words (and many more) evoke the first phase of the female cycle: menstruation. Essential oils can help ease these sometimes difficult days, as well as premenstrual syndrome.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a collection of physical and psychological symptoms that generally occur 2 to 7 days before menstruation: fatigue, breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, irritability, etc. To help you navigate this period more serenely, try Bergamot essence* (Citrus Bergamia). With its sunny disposition, it brings light when you're plagued by negative thoughts while promoting mental clarity. Its essential oil is balancing (ideal for experiencing mood swings) and works wonders for restlessness, anxiety, or sleep disturbances. Its delicate citrus notes brighten the soul. It is also an ingredient in Maison de Mars' Divine Emerald and Soleil Bergamot perfumes. To benefit from Bergamot essence*: place one or two drops on a tissue. Hold it close to your nose** and take three deep breaths.

To soothe menstrual pain, rely on the antispasmodic properties of a powerful feminine herb: Clary Sage* (Salvia sclarea). Mix one drop of its essential oil with four drops of carrier oil (apricot kernel, hazelnut, olive, or jojoba) in the palm of your hand and massage it into your lower abdomen. It is also an essential oil that harmonizes the menstrual cycle and emotions. When inhaled, it has a positive effect on mood and self-confidence. With its warm, herbaceous, musky, and amber notes, it is also frequently used as a fixative in perfumes. It promotes creativity and vivid dream recall. It belongs to the same family as White Sage (Salvia apiana), whose dried plant is traditionally used in fumigation during purification rituals.

To use clary sage essential oil* (Salvia sclarea) by inhalation, place one or two drops on a tissue. 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 concept 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 during their menstruation, women were at the height of their power and should be honored. They would gather at the Moon Lodge to detach themselves from external concerns and begin inner work, in order to receive visions and intuitions.

The term "Sacred Feminine" refers to the power of women, their complexity, and the "magic" (or energy) they possess that unites them. Sensitivity and intuition play a central role, granting access to infinite resources for flourishing in the world.

To accompany the celebration of this femininity, I suggest we explore Sweet Myrrh* (Commiphora myrrha), the feminine counterpart to Frankincense* (Boswellia carterii). Like Frankincense and Elemi, Myrrh is a sacred tree whose branches, once tapped, yield an amber-colored resin. The balsamic and warm notes of its essential oil are a perfect accompaniment to meditation and sacred rituals. Enveloping and comforting, it soothes those experiencing emotional and spiritual hardship. Like a guide, it helps one find their way by fostering the willpower and physical strength to move forward. A powerful healer of physical wounds**, its aroma also helps to heal the wounds of the soul.

Full Moon Olfactory Meditation

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

Visualize a place you love, a place where you feel good. Then, return to the scent of myrrh. Is it pleasant? Do any images come to mind? You can try to describe its aroma 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 arise within you, without judging or clinging to them. Let the thoughts come and go.

Allow yourself the necessary time to fully experience the benefits of the essential oil. When you are ready, you can return to normal breathing. Gently open your eyes and return to your natural rhythm. If you wish, 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 Mystic . Wear it as a talisman.

* Precautions: Essential oils should be used with caution by pregnant or breastfeeding women, in cases of hormone-dependent cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, or fibroids, and by people with epilepsy, asthma, or children under 6 years of age. Consult a qualified aromatherapist in the above-mentioned cases before using them.

** When applying to the skin, dilute essential oils in a carrier oil (apricot kernel, hazelnut, olive, jojoba, etc.). If you apply a citrus essence to your skin (such as bergamot), avoid sun exposure for several hours afterward.

Article by Iris Haesendonck , aromachology practitioner