The 10 Best Essential Oils for Women’s Health

Essential oils have made a difference in women’s health for centuries and, whether you realize it or not, they are all around us. When you walk through a field of flowers, enjoy the shade of a tree or squeeze the juice from a citrus fruit, you’re enjoying the benefits of essential oils. They are found in plants, roots, seeds, flowers, bark and fruit.

Consult this guide for the 10 best essential oils for women’s health, and tips on how to incorporate them into your everyday life. You’ll also want to be sure to familiarize yourself with the oil you use and make sure the oil is safe for topical application. Here are our picks for the best essential oils for women.

Best Essential Oils for Women’s Health

1. Clary Sage

Clary sage has long been a favorite when dealing with women’s health.  Not only is it naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, it’s also super beneficial for a number of women’s health issues.  It’s even considered to be an effective aphrodisiac.  Some other benefits of clary sage include:

• anti-depressant
• soothing properties
• beneficial during women’s menstrual cycles and mood swings, eases discomfort.

Everyday use: You can combine a few drops of clary sage with some milk and add to an epsom salt bath or combine a few drops with a carrier oil and massage directly onto your abdomen to ease cramps and discomfort.

2. Lemon

Lemon essential oil is such a happy oil.  Not only will it naturally brighten your day by boosting your mood, but it’s also a powerful antibacterial as well.  It has a wonderfully refreshing scent and is commonly used to:

• energize and de-stress
• reduce morning sickness
• eliminate germs and boost immunity

Everyday use:  Lemon is phototoxic, so it should only be used on the skin in very low dilutions and never directly before sun exposure.  Diffusing lemon essential oil is one of the best ways to enjoy its therapeutic benefits AND enjoy its delightful aroma.

3. Lavender

Because lavender is beneficial for so many issues, it’s no wonder that it’s also one of the best essential oils for women’s health as well.  It’s safe to use on young and old alike and is beneficial for just about any situation you come across. Just a few of the MANY benefits of lavender include:

• reduces stress and calms nerves
• helps with sleeping problems
• aids with skin issues

Everyday use: This is probably the most-used oil in our home. We diffuse it aromatically before bedtime, add it to our baths, and use it in our DIY beauty products.

4. Geranium

Not only does geranium smell luxurious, it’s also beneficial for supporting skin health as well.  It’s commonly used in skin care products, including products for mature skin. Some of the many ways that geranium essential oil is great for the skin include:

• balances oils in the skin
• aids with skin irritation
• conditions the skin

Everyday use: Add a drop to your facial or body moisturizer, and to your shampoo or conditioner to help balance oil production and moisturize your skin.

5. Basil

Basil may not be the first oil you consider when choosing essential oils for women’s health, but it’s actually a very versatile oil that has many therapeutic properties.  Some of the benefits of basil essential oil include:

• soothes sore and tired muscles
• can be used in cooking
• helps memory function and focus
• useful for headaches and migraines

Everyday use: A single drop can be used in a recipe for cooking or combine a few drops with a carrier oil to make a massage blend for tired muscles.  For memory, focus, migraines, and headaches, diffuse basil intermittently throughout the home.

6. Wild Orange

Citrus oils are a personal favorite of mine.  I love their crisp, fresh aromas that never cease to boost my mood and energize me.  Sweet orange is no exception. Unlike many other citrus oils, sweet orange is not considered phototoxic. Some beneficial properties of sweet orange essential oil include:  

• invigorating, mood lifter
• air purifier
• calming for nervous tension

Everyday use: Add a few drops into your body scrub and feel refreshed and awake as you step out of the shower each day.  Or simply diffuse sweet orange throughout your home to enjoy its mood-boosting and air-purifying properties.

7. Oregano

Similar to basil, oregano is another potent herbaceous oil with a wide range of benefits.  Considered to be one of the more potent essential oils, it has strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.  It’s a great option to consider when you’re needing something a little bit more potent to support your health. Just a few of the benefits of oregano essential oil include:  

• purifying
• immune boosting
• aids with digestive and respiratory function

Everyday use: Because oregano is a very potent essential oil–as well as a known sensitizer–it is best used by diffusing it throughout the home to purify the air, boost immunity, support digestion, and aid respiratory function.  

8. Melaleuca (Tea Tree)

Melaleuca or tea tree oil is a favorite essential oil among many essential oil users.  Its versatility and antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties make it useful in numerous situations. It’s also a gentle oil, so it can be used around most individuals. Some of the benefits of melaleuca include:  

• contributes to healthy skin and nails
• germ-fighting capabilities
• supports respiratory health
• helpful with allergies
• aids in wound care

Everyday use:  Melaleuca can be added to natural body care products or natural remedies for allergies or respiratory issues. It can also be diffused throughout the home to purify the air and fight germs.

9. Frankincense

Frankincense has increased greatly in popularity over the last few years. It’s no wonder, considering it has powerful antibacterial properties. Among other things, frankincense is considered beneficial for:

• skin injuries and irritation
• lifts your mood
• fights inflammation

Everyday use: Frankincense is wonderful for your skin. Add a drop to your moisturizer if you have sensitive skin, combine it with a carrier oil for inflammation, or diffuse it aromatically for a boost in mood.

10. Ginger

Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for stomach issues. Although it is beneficial for so much more, there’s no denying the fact that it has many therapeutic properties that are considered beneficial for stomach upsets and discomfort.  Some of its benefits include:  

• aids digestion
• helps eliminate motion sickness and nausea
• alleviates joint discomfort

Everyday use: Combine with a carrier oil to create a homemade massage oil to aid digestion and joint discomfort.  Or, consider diffusing ginger throughout the home or car to help with digestion, motion sickness, and nausea.

This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon, M.D., a university-trained obstetrician/gynecologist with 19 years of clinical experience. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.