Women's Menstrual & Hormone Health
As women, understanding how to take better care of ourselves and our sacred lady parts is imperative, especially in this highly endocrine-disruptive society. Chemicals in our food, skincare products and the environment have contributed to toxic overload, causing hormonal imbalances that affect our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. As a result, there's been a steady rise in women's health issues including endometriosis, PCOS, infertility and other hormone and reproductive-related disorders.
Menstrual and hormonal health have traditionally been reserved for taboo conversation, but they deserve the spotlight, therefore we've curated a Guide to Women's Menstrual & Hormone Health that feature intentional goods right here in our shop.
De Lune Menstruation Tonic | This tonic contains a natural blend of palatable ingredients that help to ease menstrual cramps and replenish essential nutrients that are lost during a woman's cycle.
Allison Walton, our in-house women's health specialist, recommends De Lune on the heaviest two days of a woman's period. "As someone who has been struggling with intense pain and discomfort related to hormonal issues, I've found much relief by sipping De Lune during my menstrual cycle. In my practice as a women's health and lifestyle consultant, holistic alternatives to pain-free periods are an ongoing conversation that I have with my clients, and it's wonderful that there is now a convenient offering to share with them. Proper ingredients and nutrients are imperative, and the replenishing dose of calcium, iron, magnesium, B6 and other essential minerals in De Lune create a potent yet palatable "moon time" tonic."
Living Libations Breast Massage Oil | Breasts contain an abundance of lymph vessels that support the circulatory system in maintaining proper fluid balance, however lymphatic flow can be obstructed by tight bras, poor posture, lack of exercise, shallow breathing, and tight neck, shoulder, chest and back muscles. Breast massage using this high quality oil helps to stimulate circulation and lymph drainage while encouraging the body to release excess stored estrogen and return the fluid to the bloodstream to be eliminated. Over time, massaging the breasts may also enhance the elasticity of the ligaments in the chest providing improved breast support.
From our in-house acupuncturist, Kelly Sherman, who has been indulging in this oil very recently: "Having cystic breasts runs in my maternal line and having dealt with sluggish liver detoxification of excess hormones on and off throughout my life, I jumped at the chance to do some targeted support - in terms of both upping circulation and blood flow to help move any stagnation out and bringing direct nourishment to my breasts. I love them smell and the ritual of using the Breast Massage Oil and have also noticed a huge decrease in cystic tissue and more suppleness overall. I highly recommend this product for anyone looking to facilitate hormonal balance, especially those that may struggle with estrogen dominance."
Living Libations Petal Primer & Soother Yoni Serum | Both serums sooth vaginal tissue and while they're targeted to support women pre and post-pregnancy, women of all ages can reap the beautiful benefits of these products.
The Petal Primer is a nourishing blend of pure, organic jojoba, sea buckthorn, calendula, tamanu, frankincense, lavender, rose, chamomile, cypress, vitamin D3, and St. John’s wort. When used in the three months leading up to birth, it prepares the delicate tissues of the perineal area for the passage of birth. Massaging regularly with this serum may prevent the need for an episiotomy by encouraging the tissue to stretch.
The Petal Soother, by its name, is more soothing to the yoni tissue - combining oils of jojoba, sea buckthorn, peppermint, lavender, yarrow, and frankincense. This cooling elixir calms irritated tissue the days and weeks following birth or after any vaginal injury or infection. Many also report that this serum is highly beneficial for easing cramping and an oxygen-deprived vagina.
Alexis Smart Moon River Flower Remedy | Flower remedies, also called flower essences, are herbal infusions made from the flowering part of wild plants, bushes or trees, which address emotional and mental aspects of wellness. Not to be confused with aromatherapy or essential oils, flower remedies are scentless and are taken internally in the form of liquid drops under the tongue. This specific flower remedy is targeted towards achieving women's balance where indications (symptoms) include monthly emotional woes and hormonal changes including PMS, pregnancy, post-partum and menopause. Several of our in-house practitioners, as well as those from our Boketto family, have been taking Alexis Smart's flower remedies and report positive, transformational shifts towards their overall wellbeing.
Wooden Spoon Mugwort Oil | This warming oil can be used as a tool for pain relief, in which case a few drops massaged on to the lower abdomen can help soothe moontime cramping. Our acupuncturists often use mugwort oil in their treatments to bring Qi and blood to the abdominal area / pelvic bowl while also moving Qi stagnation (which can manifest as pain and cramping).
Fur Oil | Liquid gold in a bottle. This signature oil softens pubic hair and clears pores for minimized ingrown hairs. Just as effective for legs, underarms and everywhere in between where hair meets the skin. Boketto owner, Jelena, can't stop raving about this product: "Fur oil has honestly been a game changer! I use it to nourish and keep ALL hair supple and soft."
Vitruvi Geranium Essential Oil | Not only is geranium one of our shop favorites (it's usually always a part of our daily diffusion blend), but this floral, sweet and feminine essential oil is highly therapeutic in balancing female hormones, especially in the second half of the menstrual cycle when PMS symptoms tend to heighten (and may help to reduce fluid retention, breast tenderness and chronic exhaustion). Since hormones have a direct effect on our mood, geranium can effectively combat depression, nervousness and weariness, which are usually symptoms of hormonal imbalance. For additional moon time support, pair geranium with the essential oils of lavender and clary sage.
Good Body Wild Yam Root & Geranium Menstrual Salve | This is a complete SHE salve in a jar, where a little goes a long way (but we've still been applying generously). Any time you begin to feel hormonal discomfort related to your period, rub a bit of this salve between your hands to warm and liquefy, then massage directly over your stomach and lower pelvic region. We especially love this as a pre-sleep ritual, placing heat on top of the belly and laying horizontal to completely relax and restore.
Shaman Shack Women's Complete | We can't seem to keep this on the shelves, and for good reason. Women's Complete truly lives up to its name, assisting the body with sufficient metabolism / weight management, fertility and youthfulness. This specific formula (including white peony, astragalus, cinnamon bark, rehmannia, dang gui, schisandra, pearl and a host of other Chinese herbs) also enhances blood production and promotes beautiful skin. Many women report a sense of renewed energy, balance, and "warmth".
Take care of your loving lady parts, and in turn, they will do the same for you.
For any additional questions on this topic, or your health and wellbeing in general, contact us directly so that we can connect you to the right practitioner.
Blog content curated by Women's Health Specialist Allison Walton exclusively for Boketto Wellness.