Sniff Neroli to ease menopause, increase libido and reduce blood pressure!

Authors: 

Yeon Choi S, Kang P, Su Lee H, Hee Seol G

Reference: 

Design: 

This double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was designed to assess the inhalation of neroli oil and its effects on menopausal symptoms, stress and estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. Neroli oil was dissolved in almond oil at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.5%. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the 0.1% or the 0.5% or an almond oil control group. Participants in the three groups received 10 bottles, each containing 1 mL of the neroli oil in almond oil or the almond oil only. Each individual was self-treated for 10 sessions twice daily for five consecutive days. Each participant decanted the 1 mL of oil onto a fragrance pad while sitting, with the pad 30 cm away from the nose for five minutes. Pre-trial and day six surveys and measurements were performed.

Participants: 

A total of 81 South Korean women 65 years old or less were included if they had been through natural menopause, had not used hormone replacement therapy or aromatherapy in the previous six weeks, had no history of psychiatric illness, were not on any medications for anxiety or depression, had normal olfactory function and were free of aromatherapy allergies.

Primary Outcome:  

Primary outcomes were the effects of neroli oil on menopause symptoms, stress and serum estrogen level in postmenopausal women. Measurements used were the menopause-specific quality of life questionnaire (MENQOL) and the stress and sexual visual analog scale (VAS). Other measurements included blood pressure, pulse rate, serum cortisol and estrogen levels. The MENQOL is a self-reported survey consisting of 29 items, including 16 in the physical domain, 7 in the psychological domain, 3 in the vasomotor domain and 3 in the sexual function domain. Subjects scored each item on a scale ranging from a 2 (“not bothered at all”) to an 8 (“extremely bothered”).

Key Findings: 

Practice Implications:

It’s always a pleasure to see a simple home treatment for any health problem. This short study highlights the potential benefits of neroli aromatherapy to significantly improve menopause symptoms, increase libido and reduce blood pressure. This will be an appealing approach to some.