Updates from Neli Dume

. 🌿 Lavender Essential Oil for Menopause Support: Benefits, Research & How to Use



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🌿 Lavender Essential Oil for Menopause Support: Benefits, Research & How to Use

💜 Why Lavender Oil Is Becoming a Go-To Menopause Remedy

Menopause is a natural stage of life, yet it can bring challenges that affect both physical and emotional well-being. In fact, about 95% of women enter menopause and then spend roughly one-third of their lives in the post-menopausal stage.

Common symptoms include:
  • Hot flashes
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Sleep issues
  • Reduced sexual desire
  • Mood swings, depression, and anxiety
  • Cognitive changes
Many women look for natural menopause remedies to avoid side effects from conventional treatments. One plant-based option getting attention is lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia), known for its calming, hormone-supportive properties.


While lifestyle adjustments, diet, and exercise play a big role in symptom relief, natural plant-based remedies like lavender essential oil are also gaining attention — both in research and in traditional use.

🧪 Lavender Oil & Menopause: What the Science Says

A triple-blind clinical trial explored the effects of 80 mg of oral lavender essential oil (about two drops) daily for 60 days in menopausal women.
Results:
  • Both lavender and placebo groups improved in mood, anxiety, hot flashes, and depression.
  • Only the lavender group showed improved sexual function — a crucial but often overlooked part of menopause health.
📄 Reference:
Kargar Jahromi H, et al. (2020). The effect of lavender essential oil on menopausal symptoms: A triple-blind, randomized clinical trial. View on PubMe

This suggests that lavender oil may be especially helpful for supporting sexual wellness during menopause — an area often overlooked in traditional symptom management.
📄 Reference:
  • Kargar Jahromi H, et al. (2020). The effect of lavender essential oil on menopausal symptoms: A triple-blind, randomized clinical trial. Link to study

🌿 Lavender Oils in Aromatherapy & Traditional Use

According to the Essential Oils Desk Reference (Seventh Edition), lavender is one of the most versatile and gentle essential oils. Documented benefits include:
  • Relaxation & Sleep Support – Calms the nervous system, promotes deeper rest.
  • Mood Lifting – May help reduce anxious feelings and improve emotional balance.
  • Hormone Support – Traditionally used to support female health and hormone balance.
  • Skin Soothing – Comforts skin during hot flashes and irritation.
  • Intimacy Support – Creates a calming environment, may help enhance connection.
📄 Reference:
  • Essential Oils Desk Reference, 7th Edition, Life Science Publishing, 2016.

💧 How to Use Lavender Essential Oil for Menopause Relief

1️⃣ Aromatic (Diffusing)
  • Add 3–4 drops to a diffuser, especially at night.
  • Combine with cedarwood or vetiver for deeper relaxation.
2️⃣ Topical (Skin Application)
  • Apply 1–2 drops to wrists, temples, or back of the neck.
  • For hot flash relief: Mix 2 drops lavender + 2 drops peppermint in 1 teaspoon carrier oil; apply to neck or feet.
3️⃣ Internal (Only if labeled for dietary use)
  • Add 1–2 drops to a veggie capsule or herbal tea with honey.
  • Study dosage: 80 mg (~2 drops) daily for 60 days.


⚠️ Lavender Oil Safety Tips

  • Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
  • Dilute for sensitive skin.
  • If pregnant, nursing, or taking medication, consult a healthcare provider.
  • Use only pure, therapeutic-grade oils — most store lavender is synthetic or adulterated.

🌸 My Favorite Menopause Support Blend

  • 2 drops Lavender
  • 1 drop Clary Sage
  • 1 drop Geranium
  • Dilute in 1 tsp carrier oil and apply to lower abdomen or inner ankles morning & night.

💬 Final Thoughts

Menopause is a season of change — but it doesn’t have to mean losing your vitality, intimacy, or joy.
Research and tradition both suggest that lavender essential oil can be a gentle, natural support for physical comfort, emotional balance, and sexual health.



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“How to Use Essential Oils When You're New (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)”


Let’s be honest… when you’re first starting with essential oils, it can feel a little too much.
There are so many bottles. So many names. So many ways to use them.

You might be thinking:
“Where do I even start?”
“What if I do it wrong?”
“How do I know which oil is for what?”

So let’s break it down 💧

🌿 First: What are essential oils, really?

They’re highly concentrated plant extracts.
Think of it as the most powerful part of a plant — captured in a tiny drop.
They’ve been used for centuries to support mood, sleep, hormones, skin, digestion, energy, and more.
But unlike synthetic perfumes or fake “aromatherapy” products at the store… real essential oils (like Young Living) are pure and potent. That’s why we use just 1–2 drops at a time.


✨ 3 Easy Ways to Use Oils (Even If You’re New):

1. Smell them (Aromatically)

This is the fastest way to shift your mood or energy.
✅ Put a drop in your palm, rub hands together, and inhale deeply
✅ Or pop a few drops into a diffuser (I love Lavender + Orange in the evening)
🟣 My favorite to start with: Valor – it’s grounding, calming, and smells like confidence in a bottle.

2. Apply them to your skin (Topically)

Most oils can be used on the body — just mix 1–2 drops with a little carrier oil like coconut or olive oil.

✅ Rub on the bottoms of your feet, back of your neck, or your belly
✅ You can also make your own roller bottle blends (it’s easier than it sounds!)
🟣 Example: PanAway on sore muscles or Peace & Calming on your wrists at night

3. Take them with you (Daily Routine)

Start using oils as part of your normal routine — this is where the magic happens.

✅ A drop of Peppermint on your shirt before your walk
✅ A roll of Stress Away before your meeting
✅ A whiff of En-R-Gee instead of that 3pm coffee

Oils are tools. Use them daily, and your body will start responding.

🤔 But what if I don’t know which oils to use?

That’s exactly what I help women with — choosing oils that match your season of life, your body, and your goals.

Start simple. You don’t need 100 oils. You need 3–5 good ones you actually use.

Remember, oils carry energy and frequency. When you use them with intention, they know where to go and how to support you. It’s like your body and the oils are having a conversation — you just need to listen and trust the process.

So, don’t stress about having every oil under the sun. Use what you have, focus on your intentions, and let the oils do their magic.

If you want help picking your perfect 3–5 or learning how to use them with intention, I’m here for you. Let’s make it simple and powerful together!


🛒 Ready to Get Your First Oils?

I recommend starting with Young Living because I trust their quality. No fillers. No junk. Just pure plants.
👉https://www.youngliving.com/vo/#/enhanced-enrollment?sponsorid=3127882&enrollerid=3127882&isocountrycode=CA&culture=en-CA&type=member

✨ Not sure where to start?

Here’s my Summer Oil Bundle — it’s the perfect way to begin.
You’ll get a simple selection of oils + tips on how to use them with intention for energy, calm, and balance.
🌿 Start small. Feel the shift.
📦 Grab your Summer Bundle here ➡️ https://www.youngliving.com/vo/#/quick-order/product-info-page/49762/false/shopping-cart 


And I’ll personally help you choose what to get — no pressure. Just honest guidance.



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🌙 Why Do I Keep Waking Up at 3 or 4 a.m.? (And What You Can Do About It)





Waking up at 3 or 4 a.m. every night — especially if it's a consistent pattern — can be a sign that your body or mind is trying to tell you something. Here are the most common reasons this happens, especially for women over 40:

🧠 1. Stress or Cortisol Spike

  • Your stress hormone cortisol is naturally supposed to rise in the early morning — but if it's too high too early, it can wake you up suddenly.
  • This can happen due to chronic stress, overtraining, under-eating, or adrenal dysregulation.
Tip: Try calming oils like Lavender, Cedarwood, or Stress Away at bedtime. A diffuser or drops on your pillow can help lower cortisol.

🩸 2. Blood Sugar Drop

  • If your blood sugar crashes overnight, your body releases adrenaline to bring it back up — which can jolt you awake.
  • Common if you:
    • Skip meals
    • Eat low-protein/high-carb dinners
    • Drink alcohol before bed
Tip: Add a small protein + fat snack before bed (e.g., a boiled egg + a few almonds or Greek yogurt).

🌡️ 3. Hormonal Fluctuations (Perimenopause or Menopause)

  • Around 3–4 a.m., estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest, and that can mess with temperature regulation and sleep stability.
  • Hot flashes, night sweats, or anxiety-like awakenings are common.
Tip: Use hormone-supportive oils (like Clary Sage, Progessence Plus, or EndoFlex) and track your symptoms.

🧠 4. Overactive Mind or Emotional Processing

  • If your mind is racing with worry, planning, or emotional stress, your nervous system stays “on”, even while you sleep.
  • Waking up at the same time every night could be tied to emotional tension not being fully released during the day.
Tip: Journal before bed or use an oil like Frankincense or Sacred Mountain to calm your thoughts.

🌙 5. Sleep Environment or Lifestyle Habits

  • Blue light before bed, inconsistent sleep/wake time, caffeine after 2 p.m., or even a cold bedroom can disrupt your sleep cycle.
  • Sometimes waking up becomes a habit — your body learns the pattern.
Tip: Wind down with a solid bedtime ritual — no screens, warm tea, light stretching, calming oils.( Lavender, Cedarwood, Frankincense)


🔁 BONUS: Traditional Chinese Medicine Insight

According to the Chinese Body Clock, 3–5 a.m. is when the lungs and grief are activated. Some believe waking at this time reflects emotional release or stuck energy, especially if you're processing sadness or a big life change.


Reference: 
National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Circadian rhythm of cortisol
Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine – Impact of glucose levels on sleep
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) – Sleep and menopause
Sleep Foundation – How anxiety affects sleep
CDC Sleep and Sleep Hygiene Tips – Sleep hygiene strategies
Reference: Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine – Lavender and sleep quality
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14 Ways Cedarwood Essential Oil Can Support Your Health and Home



If you’re looking for an essential oil that works just as hard as you do — Cedarwood is it! This warm, woodsy oil isn’t just great for making your home smell amazing — it’s packed with incredible benefits for your skin, hair, emotions, and even your immune system.

1. Helps with Eczema and Skin Irritations

Cedarwood essential oil has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can calm down eczema flare-ups (1).
  • Try adding a drop to your daily lotion, mixing it with a carrier oil, or tossing a few drops into a warm bath to ease the itch.

2. Promotes Hair Growth

Cedarwood stimulates hair follicles and improves circulation to the scalp. A study published in Archives of Dermatology showed that a blend of Cedarwood, Thyme, Rosemary, and Lavender essential oils improved hair growth by 44% in people with alopecia areata over seven months (2).

3. Soothes Dry, Flaky Scalp

Its antifungal and moisturizing properties (3) make Cedarwood a great natural remedy for dandruff. Mix Cedarwood with coconut oil, massage into the scalp, and leave on for about 30 minutes before washing.

4. Natural Antiseptic Power

Research shows Cedarwood oil has antimicrobial and wound-healing properties (4).
  • Mix a few drops with coconut oil and dab onto cuts and scrapes.

5. Supports Arthritis and Joint Pain Relief

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory compounds (5), Cedarwood can ease joint pain.
  • Massage diluted Cedarwood oil onto sore joints and muscles or add it to a warm bath.

6. Acts as a Natural Deodorizer

With its warm, grounding aroma and antibacterial properties (6), Cedarwood freshens up your home and eliminates odors.

7. Encourages Better Sleep

Studies suggest Cedarwood has sedative effects (7), promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality.
  • Diffuse Cedarwood before bed for a deeper, more restful night.

8. Works as a Natural Diuretic

Cedarwood is believed to stimulate the urinary system, helping with fluid retention (8).

9. Boosts Focus and Helps with ADHD Symptoms

In one small study, inhalation of Cedarwood essential oil improved focus and learning in children with ADHD by 65% (9).

10. Eases Coughs and Respiratory Issues

When inhaled, Cedarwood’s expectorant properties can help clear up mucus and ease coughing (10).

11. Repels Bugs Naturally

Cedarwood oil has been shown to repel mosquitoes and other insects (11).
  • Add to DIY sprays or use on cotton balls in closets.

12. Provides Stress Relief

Its calming effects can help ease anxiety and tension (12).
  • Diffuse Cedarwood when you need to unwind.

13. Fights Fungal Infections

Cedarwood essential oil has antifungal properties effective against certain fungal infections (13). 
Apply it diluted to problem areas to help clear up skin issues.

Cedarwood essential oil has antifungal properties effective against certain fungal infections (13).

14. Helps Clear Up Acne

Cedarwood’s antibacterial and sebum-balancing properties (14) make it great for reducing acne when added to skin care routines.

✨ How to Use Cedarwood Essential Oil

  • Diffuse it: Add 4–6 drops to your diffuser for a warm, grounding aroma.
  • Topical use: Dilute it with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil).
  • Bath soak: Mix a few drops with Epsom salts and add to your bath.
  • DIY blends: Add it to body lotions, deodorants, and hair masks!
  • Direct inhalation: Inhale straight from the bottle or rub a drop between your palms.
  • Spot treatment: Dab diluted Cedarwood oil onto blemishes, bug bites, or dry patches.
✅ Always test a small area of skin first to avoid any reactions.

Final Thoughts

Clearly, Cedarwood is a must-have oil for any natural health toolkit! Whether you’re looking to boost your beauty routine, ease stress, improve sleep, or freshen your space, this earthy powerhouse has got you covered.
Ready to start using Cedarwood in your daily life?

References:

  1. Han, X., Parker, T. L. (2017). Molecules.
  2. Hay, I. C., Jamieson, M., Ormerod, A. D. (1998). Archives of Dermatology.
  3. Benencia, F., Courrèges, M. C. (1999). Mycoses.
  4. Onawunmi, G. O. (1989). Fitoterapia.
  5. Juergens, U. R., Stöber, M., Vetter, H. (1998). Phytomedicine.
  6. Boukhatem, M. N., et al. (2014). Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine.
  7. Miyazaki, Y., Motohashi, Y., Kobayashi, S. (2011). Physiology & Behavior.
  8. Leung, A. Y., Foster, S. (1996). Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients.
  9. Arnold, L. E., et al. (2001). Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids.
  10. Karaman, S., et al. (2014). Journal of Inflammation Research.
  11. Zhu, J., et al. (2001). Journal of Medical Entomology.
  12. Setzer, W. N. (2009). Natural Product Communications.
  13. Ali-Shtayeh, M. S., Abu Ghdeib, S. I. (1999). Mycoses.
  14. Prashar, A., Locke, I. C., Evans, C. S. (2006). Toxicology Letters.


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Natural Wellness at Home: 7 Essential Oil Hacks You’ll Love



Essential oils aren’t just for fancy spas or DIY projects — they’re for real life! These little bottles are packed with powerful plant goodness that can freshen up your home, lift your mood, ease aches, and even help you sleep better.
If you’ve ever wondered how to actually use essential oils every day, I’m breaking it down for you — nice and simple. No complicated recipes or routines. Just real-life ways you can bring a little more natural wellness into your home starting today!


1. Freshen Up Your Fridge

Let’s be honest — sometimes the fridge gets a little funky.
Here’s an easy fix: grab a small bowl, pour in some baking soda, and add about 15 drops of lemon essential oil. Stick it on a shelf, and you’ll have a fresh-smelling fridge for weeks. No more weird odors greeting you every time you open the door!

2. De-Stink Your Shoes

If you’ve got sneakers that could use some TLC, try this:
Add a few drops of peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus oil onto a cotton ball, and tuck it into each shoe overnight. You can even make a quick spray — mix water and a few drops of oil in a little bottle and spritz your shoes after wearing them. Easy, natural, and so much fresher!

3. Boost Your Energy

That mid-afternoon crash is real. Instead of reaching for more caffeine, pop a few drops of peppermint or citrus oils into your diffuser.
These oils are natural energizers — they’ll help you feel more awake, clear-headed, and ready to finish strong.

4. Calm a Queasy Stomach

Feeling a little off? Essential oils to the rescue!
Add a few drops of peppermint or chamomile to your diffuser for a soothing aroma. Or dilute some peppermint oil with a carrier oil and rub it on your wrists and temples. It’s especially handy if you’re dealing with motion sickness or that “blah” feeling.

5. Soothe Sore Muscles

Long day? Tough workout? No worries.
Mix a few drops of eucalyptus and peppermint oils with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba) and massage it into sore muscles. Not only does it help ease the aches, but the cooling, fresh scent is super relaxing too.

6. Boost Your Immune System

Stay ahead of sniffle season!
Eucalyptus is amazing for supporting your immune system, and when you blend it with lemon oil, it smells fresh and clean. Diffuse them together daily to keep your home (and your body) feeling strong.

7. Keep Bugs Away (Naturally!)

Nobody wants to be a bug buffet.
Bugs can’t stand citrus oils like lemon and lime. Mix a few drops in a spray bottle with water and mist around doorways, windows, or even your picnic table outside. It’s an easy, chemical-free way to enjoy summer without all the swatting.

Final Thoughts

Essential oils are like little bottles of nature’s magic — simple, powerful, and full of ways to make your everyday life a little better.
You don’t need to do anything fancy. Start small. Try one or two of these ideas and see how it feels. You might just fall in love with the way they make you, your home, and your family feel.

Got a favorite oil you can't live without? I’d love to hear about it! 💬✨


References:
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Meet Neli Dume

 

Hi, I’m Neli — Welcome!

With a degree in Physical Education and Sport, I always knew how to take care of my body. But when I hit midlife, things slowly changed. My energy dropped, the extra weight wouldn’t budge, and I didn’t feel like myself anymore.

What made the difference was blending my love for movement with essential oils and the Raindrop Technique—it gave me back my strength, energy, and balance.

Now, as an Aromatherapist and Certified Raindrop Technique Specialist, I help women over 40 feel strong, vibrant, and confident again—without the overwhelm. If you’ve been feeling tired, stuck, or unsure where to start, I want you to know you’re not alone.

If that’s you, get in touch—I’d love to help.










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Neli Dume

92 Mundy Street
Coquitlam, British Columbia V3K5L7
Canada
Phone: 7783178275
Email: dumeneli@gmail.com

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