Can Ginger and Lemongrass Essential Oils Help with Menopause Symptoms? What the Research Says

Menopause is a natural stage of life, but it can come with frustrating symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, poor sleep, and fatigue. Because of this, many women search for natural remedies for menopause, including essential oils.

But do they actually work?

A 2025 clinical study looked specifically at ginger essential oil and lemongrass essential oil to see if they could help relieve menopause symptoms. Here’s what the research found.

Quick Answer: Do Ginger and Lemongrass Essential Oils Help Menopause Symptoms?

Yes—research suggests that ginger and lemongrass essential oils may help reduce menopause symptoms when used in aromatherapy.

In a 4-week clinical study, women who inhaled these oils daily experienced statistically significant improvements in both physical and emotional symptoms.

Research Summary (Clinical Study Breakdown)

Study Citation:
Sari, Fatmi N., et al. (2025). The Effect of Ginger Essential Oil, Lemongrass Essential Oil and Combination of Ginger and Lemongrass Essential Oils on Symptoms of Menopausal Women. African Journal of Reproductive Health.

Key Details:

  • Study type: Randomized controlled trial (RCT)

  • Participants: 355 menopausal women

  • Location: Public health center in Indonesia

  • Duration: 4 weeks

  • Method: Aromatherapy (20 minutes per day)

Groups:

  • Ginger essential oil

  • Lemongrass essential oil

  • Combination of both

Measurement Tool:

  • Menopause Assessment Scale (measures physical + emotional symptoms)

Main Finding:
👉 All three groups showed significant improvement in menopause symptoms

How the Study Was Conducted

Researchers divided 355 women into three groups. Each group used a different type of aromatherapy:

  • One group inhaled ginger essential oil

  • One group inhaled lemongrass essential oil

  • One group used a combination of both oils

Each participant used the oils for 20 minutes per day over 4 weeks.

To track progress, researchers used a standardized scoring system that measured:

  • Physical symptoms (like hot flashes and fatigue)

  • Psychological symptoms (like mood swings and anxiety)

What the Results Mean

After 4 weeks, all three groups reported improvements.

Key Benefits Reported:

  • Reduced hot flashes

  • Improved mood

  • Better overall comfort

  • Fewer menopause-related symptoms

The results were statistically significant, meaning the improvements were very likely caused by the essential oils—not chance.

Did One Oil Work Better?

The study found that:

  • Ginger oil helped

  • Lemongrass oil helped

  • The combination helped

However, the research does not clearly show that one option was significantly better than the others.

Why Ginger and Lemongrass Essential Oils May Help During Menopause

Ginger and lemongrass have been used for a long time in traditional medicine, and researchers believe they may help the body in several ways.

Ginger Essential Oil Benefits

Ginger is a common spice used all over the world, but it also has helpful properties. Studies suggest that ginger may:

  • Help fight bacteria and fungi

  • Act as an antioxidant (which helps protect your cells)

  • Support the body by reducing stress and inflammation

Ginger has also been used traditionally to help with:

  • Nausea

  • Headaches

  • Upset stomach

  • Joint pain

Some research even suggests it may help support brain function, especially in women after menopause.

Lemongrass Essential Oil Benefits

Lemongrass is often used for its fresh scent and calming effects. It may:

  • Help reduce stress and nervousness

  • Support relaxation and mental clarity

  • Have mild antiseptic properties

In aromatherapy, lemongrass is commonly used to help people feel more calm and focused.

Why This Matters for Menopause

Menopause symptoms often include both physical discomfort and emotional stress.

Because ginger and lemongrass may help with:

  • Relaxation

  • Mood

  • Overall well-being

They could be useful as a natural support option, which is exactly what the study found.

Important Note

While these benefits are supported by some research, essential oils are not a cure for diseases and should be used as part of a balanced approach to health.

Important Limitations of the Study

To keep things accurate and trustworthy, here are a few limitations:

  • The study took place in one location, which may limit how widely results apply

  • Symptoms were self-reported, meaning based on personal experience

  • The study only lasted 4 weeks, so long-term effects are unknown

  • Detailed breakdowns (like sleep vs hot flashes) were not fully provided

What Researchers Recommend Next

The researchers suggest future studies should:

  • Explore long-term use of essential oils

  • Include education-based strategies to help women manage symptoms

  • Combine aromatherapy with other lifestyle approaches

How to Use Ginger and Lemongrass Essential Oils

Based on the study, the most effective method was:

  • Aromatherapy (inhalation)

  • About 20 minutes per day

  • Consistently for several weeks

You can do this using:

  • A diffuser

  • A cotton pad with a few drops

  • Steam inhalation

FAQ: Essential Oils for Menopause

Do essential oils really help menopause symptoms?

Some research, including a 2025 clinical study, shows that essential oils like ginger and lemongrass may help reduce symptoms when used consistently.

How long does it take to see results?

In the study, women noticed improvements after about 4 weeks of daily use.

Is it better to combine oils or use just one?

The study found that both individual oils and the combination worked, but no clear winner was identified.

Are essential oils safe to use?

They are generally safe when used properly, but it’s always best to talk to a healthcare provider first, especially if you have existing conditions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a natural way to manage menopause symptoms, ginger and lemongrass essential oils may be worth trying.

While more research is needed—especially long-term—this study provides strong early evidence that simple daily aromatherapy could make a real difference in how women feel during menopause.

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References:
Sari, F. N., Said, M. SM., & Rashid, N. A. (2025). The effect of ginger essential oil, lemongrass essential oil and combination of ginger and lemongrass essential oils on symptoms of menopausal women. African Journal of Reproductive Health / La Revue Africaine de La Santé Reproductive, 29(9), 113–123. https://www.jstor.org/stable/27414647

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