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If you haven’t tried using essential oils for menstrual cramps yet, it is definitely something you should consider.
Aromatherapy for menstrual cramps works when you use the right oils the right way. The essential oils that work best for menstrual cramps have certain properties that help induce the relaxation response in the body. This in turns overcomes and suppresses the stress response, which causes the cramps.
Cramping is one of the most common gynecological symptoms that women experience at the onset of their periods. Most women take pain relievers to ease the discomfort and pain. While these do work, taking painkillers every month can lead to a host of other problems.
Using aromatherapy for menstrual cramps is a gentler way to relieve those painful cramping when you get your periods without worrying about any side effects.
The next time you suffer from cramping, instead of reaching out for your regular over-the-counter painkiller, use one of the essential oils for menstrual cramps from the ones mentioned below.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil has very strong anti-inflammatory properties and has been known to calm and soothe the nervous system while easing inflammation. It also facilitates the flow of blood through the body, which reduces the severity of the cramps.
What makes lavender oil really beneficial for easing menstrual cramps are its psychological benefits. The aroma of lavender helps to calm and soothe you, which can lessen the moodiness that is typically associated with PMS.
7 other awesome benefits of lavender essential oil.
Rose
Rose essential oil is particularly effective for you if you tend to suffer from irregular or obstructed menstrual cycles. This oil contains a substance that stimulates the secretion of those hormones that trigger menstruation. This helps to regularize your periods.
Rose oil also helps reduce the frequency and intensity of the symptoms. In addition, its soothing and calming properties help you feel more relaxed, which reduces the intensity of the pain.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil is well known for its decongestant properties that help alleviate upper respiratory issues caused by colds and flu. What many people do not know though is that this essential oil also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help ease the symptoms associated with menstruation.
Read more about the top 10 eucalyptus essential oil uses for health here.
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil has strong antispasmodic properties. It has a soothing effect on muscles and a calming effect on the central nervous system, both of which help reduce the pain of premenstrual cramps.
Many other ways that you can use peppermint essential oil.
Geranium
Geranium essential oil has a relaxing rose-like scent and is known for its soothing properties. It works to relieve premenstrual tension cramps by balancing the hormones and boosting blood flow.
Other health benefits of geranium essential oil.
Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-Ylang essential oil has strong antispasmodic and antidepressant properties that help temper mood swings and reduce high blood pressure. The oils also have sedative properties that help those with PMS to better cope with the stress and anxiety related to depression.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon essential oil is a potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. In addition to being a pain reliever, it also reduces the bloating that is often accompanies menstruation.
Chamomile
Well known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, Chamomile essential oil contains an antispasmodic agent that relaxes muscles and relieves cramping and other PMS symptoms.
This essential oil offers a gentle yet effective treatment for irregular or delayed menstruation brought on by persistent stress and anxiety.
Yarrow
Yarrow is well known for its ability to slow down bleeding.
Yarrow essential oil is highly recommended if you experience heavy bleeding during your periods as it will help to control the bleeding. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Clary Sage
Clary sage essential oil works to relieve anxiety and reduce cramps, bloating and mood swings associated with menopause by encouraging the release of dopamine and balancing the estrogen levels in the body.
Clary sage also has powerful antispasmodic properties, which help relax nerve impulses that cause cramps, stomachaches, and headaches during menstruation.
Pure Turmeric
Turmeric oil contains powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Both of these work together to relieve pain and inflammation and prevent damage from free radicals.
Ginger
Ginger essential oil is one of the most effective home remedies for cramps. The oil is analgesic in nature and also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, both of which help to reduce pain and cramping.
When applied topically it works by warming and soothing the body. When inhaled, it works by boosting blood flow and circulation.
Marjoram
Marjoram essential oil has proven analgesic properties that make it an excellent for providing relief from the menstrual cramping.
Lemongrass
Drinking a hot cup of tea with a drop of lemongrass essential oil can suppress feelings of nausea, reduces pain and makes you feel calmer and less irritability.
How to use Essential Oils for Menstrual Cramping
You don’t have to suffer the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps every month unnecessarily. Essential oils offer a relatively safe and noninvasive method to address this issue with few if any side effects. They may be inhaled, applied to the abdomen and lower back as a part of a massage oil blend to ease discomfort, or added to a soothing warm bath.
A home diffuser that creates vapor from essential oils fills the room with the healing scent of the oil used, which makes it one of the most popular ways to use aromatherapy for menstrual cramps.
Another way to use aromatherapy for this purpose is by adding a few drops of the oil of your choice to a rice bag or a herbal bag, heat it for a few seconds in the microwave. Lie down and place the warm bag on your stomach
You can also ingest some of these essential oils for menstrual cramps but this should only be done under the supervision of a doctor or a qualified aromatherapist. Ingesting essential oils is not recommended as a general practice and definitely not unsupervised. Many essential oils can be toxic when consumed and their therapeutic properties may be affected during the digestive process.
A 2006 study conducted in Korea found the severity of cramping significantly decreased in college-age women when they applied a mixture of lavender, rose and clary sage essential oils blended into an almond oil base to their abdomen.
What You Need to Keep in Mind When Using Aromatherapy for Menstrual Cramps
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. If you are sensitive or allergic certain foods and plants, you must take care to avoid using that particular essential oil for menstrual cramps. You must be especially careful to check the list of all oils used if you are using any type of essential oil blend for relief from menstrual cramps.
Always look for all-natural, 100% essential oils from a reputed brand. 100% pure essential oils are therapeutic grade and not just some imitation perfumed version of essential oils.
Plant Therapy is my go-to brand for all things aromatherapy. You can buy their Plant Therapy essential oils either at Amazon.com or directly from the Plant Therapy website.
Best Essential Oil Blend for Menstrual Cramps While Traveling
Experiencing menstrual cramps can be a kill-joy at any time and more so when you are traveling. Imagine having to spend time trying to calm a cramping stomach when you could be out exploring the sights, scenes, and cuisines of your destination.
If your periods are due during your travel dates, here are two excellent ways to manage menstrual cramps.
Blend together these three essential oils in a small dark-colored 5 ml bottle:
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 15 drops marjoram essential oil
- 5 drops clary sage essential oil
Here are two ways to use this best essential oil blend for relief from menstrual cramps while traveling:
1 – Add 8-10 drops of the blend into a warm bath and soak in it for at least 30 minutes. This helps soothe menstrual cramps two ways – you inhale the aromas that arise from the hot water and the oils also get absorbed into your skin.
2 – Add 2-3 drops of the blend to a travel aromatherapy diffuser and inhale the vapors as they disperse around the room.
If you do not have access to a bathtub, use a warm compress using the same combination oils but in different ratios.
Blend together 2 drops each of lavender, marjoram and clary sage. Add the blend to 2 cups of water and mix well. Dip a clean dry cloth into the water. Wring out the excess water and place the warm damp cloth over your abdomen. Repeat a few times as long as the water is warm.
Don’t let cramps spoil your fun when traveling or at any time. Using aromatherapy for menstrual cramps can be liberating. Pick up your favorite essential oil from the options listed above.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your physician before using essential oils. See Full Disclaimer here.