Honouring the Wise Woman: Menopause Through Sacred Rituals & Essential Oil

For centuries, women across cultures have turned to nature for support during life’s transitions—especially menopause. In ancient times, menopause was seen as a powerful rite of passage rather than something to be feared or hidden. It was a time of renewal, deep wisdom, and transformation, with rituals, herbs, and oils used to honor and ease the journey.

Claudia forest bathing during her menopause journey

But in today’s modern world, many women navigate this transition often without the guidance, community, or sacred traditions that once supported our ancestors. What if we could reconnect with these ancient practices from Egypt to India, China to Native America embracing essential oils, herbs, and sacred rituals to restore balance, calm the mind, and honor the profound changes happening within. These natural remedies are just as relevant today as they were centuries ago.

🌳 Middle Eastern & North African Traditions

In ancient Persian, Egyptian, and Arabic healing practices, women used essential oils and herbs to balance their hormones, ease discomfort, and support emotional well-being.

• Frankincense & Myrrh Essential Oils (Ancient Egypt & Arabia):
  Used in sacred ceremonies and for hormonal balance, these oils were believed to bring spiritual clarity and reduce stress. Egyptian women applied them to the skin and burned them as incense to calm the mind.

• Black Seed Oil (Middle East & North Africa):
  A staple in Islamic medicine, black seed oil (Nigella sativa) was known for its ability to balance hormones, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation—perfect for easing menopausal symptoms.

• Rose & Jasmine Essential Oils (Persia & Ottoman Empire):
  Persian women used rose water and jasmine oil to support emotional balance and skin vitality. Rose oil was especially treasured for its ability to uplift the spirit and soothe mood swings.

🌱 Ayurveda (India)

Ayurvedic medicine sees menopause as a transition from Pitta (fire) to Vata (air) and uses herbs, oils, and rituals to create balance.

• Ashwagandha & Tulsi (Holy Basil):
  Both herbs help manage stress, fatigue, and mental clarity, promoting a smoother transition through menopause.

• Sesame & Brahmi Oil (for Abhyanga, Self-Massage Rituals):
  Daily warm oil massages with sesame or brahmi oil help calm the nervous system, reduce dryness, and ground excess Vata energy.

🌸 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

In China, menopause is seen as a time when Yin (cooling, nurturing energy) declines, leading to an excess of Yang (heat, restlessness, and dryness). Herbal tonics, teas, and acupuncture help restore balance.

• Dong Quai ("Female Ginseng"):
  A blood-nourishing herb that has been used for centuries to regulate hormones and ease hot flashes.

• Goji Berries in Ningxia Red
  Support adrenal health and promote energy, preventing fatigue and mood swings.

🌿 European Herbal Medicine

Western herbal traditions also recognized menopause as a sacred transition, using plants to support body and mind.

• Clary Sage & Fennel Essential Oils (Ancient Greece & Rome):
  Greek and Roman women used clary sage and fennel essential oils for hormone balance and to reduce hot flashes. Clary sage, in particular, was considered a powerful herb for women’s intuition and transformation.

• Lavender Essential Oils (France & Mediterranean):
  Used for relaxation, stress relief, and sleep support—essential during the emotional shifts of menopause.

🌺 Indigenous & Native American Traditions

Indigenous cultures viewed menopause as a time of spiritual awakening and used plant medicines for healing.

• Wild Yam & Black Cohosh:
  Used by Native American tribes for centuries to support hormonal balance and relieve night sweats and mood swings.

• Sage Smudging:
  Women would use sacred smoke ceremonies to cleanse energy, release the past, and embrace new wisdom.

🌙 Bringing Ancient Wisdom into Today’s Menopause Journey

These time-honored traditions remind us that menopause isn’t just a biological event—it’s a deeply spiritual and transformative experience. The wisdom of these ancient cultures teaches us that we don’t have to struggle alone—there are tools and natural remedies to guide us with grace, ease, and empowerment.

💖 Inside my Goddess Program, we honor these traditions—integrating essential oils, herbs, and energy healing like Quantum Biofeedback to help you navigate menopause with balance and wisdom.

🌟 If you’re curious about how to bring these ancient remedies into your life, let’s connect! 📩 Book a connection call here