Essential oils are a natural alternative to manage pain associated with menstrual cramps and premenstrual symptoms. The healing properties found in essential oils can help ease the discomfort during your period, providing calming, uplifting, and therapeutic benefits.
Essential oils can be used through direct massage on the abdomen or other targeted areas, inhalation via a diffuser or hot water bowl, or steam baths with an oil blend mix. Different types of essential oils offer different effects for period cramps depending on the oil’s properties.
Here are thirteen essential oils you may want to consider incorporating into your self-care routine:
• Clary Sage – Clary sage has anti-spasmodic properties which can help relieve muscle spasms caused by uterine contractions that occur during menstruation. It is also thought to reduce feelings of stress and evoke a sense of calm during painful periods.
• Lavender – Lavender is made up of frilly purple blossoms that produce powerful essential Oils for Your Period 13 Oils for PMS Cramps and Morea calming effects when inhaled before and during sleep, helping you to de-stress after a long day. It’s also known to soothe headaches caused by hormonal changes associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
• Roman Chamomile – Roman chamomile has an uplifting fragrance with anti-inflammatory properties that helps reduce pain from menstrual cramps and other aches in the body caused by menstruation-related hormone changes.
• Rosemary – Known for its woody scent that resembles evergreen trees, rosemary helps promote circulation in problem areas like the stomach where PMS symptoms often occur during one’s menstrual cycle.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are naturally derived, volatile substances found within shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, and seeds. They are obtained through steam distillation or cold-pressing and contain the unique aromas and healing properties of each plant.
While essential oils have been used medicinally for centuries to address various ailments, they can also be used to enhance physical or emotional well-being in modern times.
The active components in essential oils – monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes – stimulate the limbic system of your brain, providing numerous beneficial effects such as a relaxed feeling of well-being or alertness.
When used therapeutically with massage or inhalation it’s thought that aromatherapy helps your body activate its own natural healing capabilities by unblocking energies and restoring balance.
Various essential oils carry specific benefits based on their composition including uplifting emotions or soothing sore muscles. These aromatic compounds help dilate blood vessels to promote circulation as well as target certain hormones in the body to create physical and mental harmony.
Benefits of Essential Oils for PMS Cramps
Essential oils have many uses during the menstrual cycle, from relieving PMS cramps to reducing symptoms of depression. Many women use essential oils to bring about a sense of peace, comfort, and harmony.
They can have a positive effect on everything from stress and headaches to irritability and mood swings. Essential oils can also be used for skin care during menstruation, helping to alleviate inflammation and reduce acne breakouts.
When it comes to cramps, there are several essential oils that can provide relief from the pain associated with PMS cramps. Clary sage is an effective choice as it can help improve circulation as well as relax muscles.
Lavender oil is another great choice because it helps reduce muscle tension, while chamomile can promote relaxation and provide calming relief from stress. Eucalyptus oil is great for reducing inflammation and discomfort related to menstrual cramps meanwhile peppermint oil increases blood flow which decreases the severity of menstrual pain.
Finally, cypress oil helps reduce the intensity of contractions in the uterus which helps reduce painful sensations related to PMS cramps.
Essential Oils for PMS Cramps
Monthly periods can be a real source of physical and emotional discomfort for many women. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies that can bring relief from menstrual cramps and other period-related woes.
Essential oils are one of the most popular options, as they are easy to apply and can provide lasting relief. In this article, we’ll discuss 13 of the best essential oils for reducing PMS cramps and other period-related struggles.
Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils due to its calming and sedative effects. It acts as a great remedy for PMS cramps, as well as nerve pain. When used aromatically, lavender has the ability to help you relax and cope with stressful situations that can often accompany PMS.
Used for centuries for its medicinal properties, lavender essential oil has calming, sedating, and antispasmodic properties which make it an excellent choice for relieving menstrual cramps.
It can also be used on sore muscles and joints, tension headaches, mood swings, stress and depression associated with PMS. Lavender essential oil is known for its soothing aroma which can help to balance mood swings that often occur during this time of the month.
When applied topically at a painful area (stomach or lower back), lavender oil can quickly relieve muscle aches and pains due to its ability to act as a natural analgesic.
Just mix 4-5 drops of this essential oil with a carrier oil (olive or almond) in a small bowl then use your fingertips before massaging the affected area gently until all of the mixtures is gone. This massage might also help improve circulation in order to naturally prevent cramping during your period.
Clary Sage
Clary Sage essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils used to ease menstrual cramps. It is known for its calming and warming effects on the body, which can be helpful in reducing pain and discomfort associated with cramps.
Clary Sage can be massaged over the lower abdomen or applied topically over affected areas, such as the lower back and padded area around your hips, to further provide relief. This oil has a sweet, slightly herbal aromatic note that is calming and enhances relaxation.
Its aroma is known to have a direct effect on the nervous system and helps alleviate stress, anxiety, and mood swings that are common during PMS. In addition, it helps balance hormones, reduce inflammation and improve digestion that can be aggravated during PMS.
Marjoram
Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is part of the mint family, and it is known for its soothing and calming qualities. It has antispasmodic properties and can help relax tight and painful muscles experienced during periods of PMS. Marjoram oil can also be used to relieve cramping in the lower abdomen, as it helps to regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle.
When used topically, marjoram can be massaged directly on the affected area with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. Adding marjoram to a warm compress or bath before bedtime can help provide relaxation during those times of intense PMS symptoms.
Along with providing comfort Physically, marjoram has been known to reduce anxiety, stress, irritability, and frustration that arise during monthly cycles due to hormonal imbalances.
Inhaling the aromas from diffusion or steam inhalation of marjoram essential oil helps normalize hormone production, allowing women to regain control over their emotions during times of PMS or menses irregularities.
A few drops added to diffusers or lamps will provide an all-day workspace atmosphere that promotes focus and concentration amid the chaos that hormonal fluctuations can bring about.
Rose
Rose oil, which is steam distilled from the petals of rose buds and carries a delicate floral scent, has been used for thousands of years for its calming and balancing properties. As a natural remedy for PMS cramps rose oil works to soothe muscle tension throughout the entire body.
It also helps to reduce feelings of frustration and sadness that often accompany premenstrual symptoms. Massaging several drops of rose oil into problem areas can help reduce inflammation, relax tense muscles, and produce an overall calming effect on the body.
Additionally, Diffusing rose essential oil in your home or office can help create a peaceful atmosphere that supports relaxation and emotional balance.
Roman Chamomile
Roman chamomile is a sweet-smelling herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Its essential oil has calming and sedative properties, making it an excellent choice for relieving PMS cramps as well as other types of menstrual pain. The oil also helps reduce anxiety and irritability, both common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
When applied topically, Roman chamomile essential oil penetrates quickly into the skin and can be particularly useful in soothing abdominal cramps, nausea, and headaches. It can also be combined with other relaxing essential oils such as lavender or ylang-ylang to create a calming blend that you can use in your bath or diffuser.
Other natural treatments include massaging the abdomen with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil combined with a few drops of Roman chamomile essential oil or taking an oral dose of chamomile tea throughout the day.
Geranium
Geranium essential oil is most known for its relaxing effect and is believed to be beneficial in relieving symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It helps reduce irritation, cramps, and bloating by decreasing stress hormones in the body.
You can use it topically by massaging it on your lower abdomen or chest area, as well as inhale it using a diffuser or carrier oil. Geranium’s calming benefits may also help improve mood swings during PMS.
Additionally, geranium oil is believed to help regulate hormones and balance monthly cycles by regulating the production of estrogen. Since geranium has been linked to the endocrine system, some women have reported that regular use of this essential oil eased symptoms such as PMS-related headaches, back pain, and irritability.
Ylang Ylang
Ylang ylang is an essential oil with a sweet and powerful scent derived from the flowers of the tropical Canaga tree. Its aroma is described as fragrant, exotic, and soft. Ylang ylang may help to improve mood and reduce stress by releasing serotonin and calming the mind. It has been used traditionally to alleviate stomach aches, headaches, and menstrual cramps.
When used in aromatherapy for menstrual cramps, ylang ylang can be applied topically – using a dilution of 1-3% – directly on the affected area or through inhalation from a diffuser or steam inhalation.
Ylang ylang has anti-spasmodic properties that can help to soothe muscle pain by increasing circulation to the pelvic area while promoting relaxation. In addition, it can also help to relax tight muscles in the abdomen which are often associated with PMS cramps.
When blended with other essential oils such as lavender or clary sage it can further enhance its effects on reducing tension associated with PMS symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, and bloating. As with all essential Oil use remember less is more; long-term use can create sensitization so limit your usage until you have established that this works for you.
Bergamot
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a type of citrus essential oil. Its sweet, fruity aroma is both calming and uplifting. It has an antispasmodic and analgesic effect on the body, making it beneficial for relieving pain associated with PMS cramps.
Besides relieving physical symptoms of PMS, bergamot essential oil has also been found to help improve moods by helping to reduce feelings of stress and depression, two common issues during menstruation. Use it in an aromatherapy diffuser or diluted in vegetable oil to massage onto the abdomen and lower back for relief from PMS cramps.
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil is great for relieving PMS cramps thanks to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This oil can be applied topically to the affected area, or it can be diffused in the air for inhalation. When applied directly, it can reduce swelling and the intensity of pain. Alternatively, when used in a diffuser, peppermint essential oil helps relax the abdominal muscles and reduce tension which helps alleviate cramps. It also helps to improve mood and energy levels with its uplifting scent.
Cypress
Cypress is a powerful aromatic oil that contains calming compounds like camphene, alpha pinene, and sabinene. Physically, it helps to relieve muscle aches, cramps, and spasms associated with PMS discomfort.
When used in aromatherapy, cypress helps to create a feeling of stability and inner peace, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels which can also alleviate PMS-related discomfort.
Inhale directly or diffuse 3-5 drops of cypress oil whenever you feel stressed or anxious—or use topically with some carrier oil over your abdomen or wherever you are feeling tenderness.
Frankincense
Frankincense essential oil is one of the most useful and versatile natural products available and has been traditionally used since ancient times to help address physical ailments and emotional maladies. Extracted from the Boswellia shrub (also known as olibanum) native to Somalia, this essential oil has powerful anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and sedative properties.
Studies have shown frankincense essential oil to effectively reduce cramping and discomfort during menstruation when massaged into the abdominal area. The antispasmodic action helps by relieving temporary pain felt from contractions of the uterus walls during PMS.
The sedative quality of frankincense can also create an environment that is conducive for regulated hormones during this time, which can have a positive effect on mood swings before periods.
To get the maximum benefit from frankincense essential oil for PMS discomfort, it should be blended with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba prior to being applied topically or aromatic diffused in your home or workspace.
Jasmine
Jasmine essential oil has many benefits, including its ability to reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is a natural mood enhancer and antidepressant, which can help elevate the symptoms of mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression that are often associated with PMS.
It is also a mild diuretic, helping to reduce bloating that is caused by water retention. Jasmine oil is also soothing to the skin due to its antiseptic and moisturizing properties, therefore it can provide topical relief when applied to your lower abdomen or massaged along the reproductive organs.
When blended with other oils like clary sage or rosewood, jasmine oil can have an even greater effect on PMS symptoms such as cramps and soreness.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a great essential oil to use for menstrual cramping, as it has warming and analgesic properties. It helps relax tense muscles, providing soothing relief from cramps and pains during that time of the month.
It also has antispasmodic and antifungal properties which can be beneficial for women experiencing PMS-related symptoms. To use, mix a few drops of the oil with a carrier oil and massage into affected areas. You may also diffuse cinnamon in your home when feeling stressed or reaching for comfort foods due to hormonal fluctuations associated with PMS.
How to Use Essential Oils for PMS Cramps
Essential oils provide an all-natural, holistic solution for many menstrual issues like cramps, bloating, and fatigue. With these 13 essential oils for PMS Cramps, your period can be comfortable and more enjoyable.
Using a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil is recommended when using essential oils topically to prevent skin sensitivity. Adding two to three drops of essential oil to a teaspoon of your chosen carrier oil will make your blend powerful enough to experience the wanted effects.
Significantly diluting the blend before use is suggested on young and delicate skin areas such as the face.
Here are some of the best essential oils for menstrual cramps:
–Cypress Oil: This oil assists with circulation in areas where there may be pain and discomfort during menstruation. It can also reduce anxiety and irritability associated with periods and lower bloating caused by water retention. Applying Cypress Oil directly or blending it with carrier oil is suggested when experiencing menstrual cramps as it can act quickly and effectively in clearing up any discomfort that you may have.
–Clary Sage Oil: This essential oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve pain from PMS cramps bringing soothing comfort for periods that come unexpectedly hard on you physically and emotionally. It’s best used topically alongside other massage blends or baths fitted with this special herb’s scent embedded in it.
–Lavender Oil: A magical ingredient known especially for its’ calming effects this beautiful herb is recommended for reducing mood swings during periods along with lubricating pain away from inflammation of muscles within the uterus walls that cause most menstrual pains making lavender an excellent choice among the list of essential oils for PMS Cramps!
Precautions
It is important to always use caution when using essential oils during your period. Essential oils are incredibly potent and in some cases can cause an adverse reaction when combined with certain medications or if too much is used. Here are a few things to keep in mind when using essential oils on your period:
• The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not consider any of the essential oils mentioned here to be safe for ingesting, so it is best to avoid consuming them.
• Always remember to dilute essential oils before applying them directly on the skin. Mix up to 5 drops of essential oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil (sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, etc.).
• Before starting a regimen with these essential oils, be sure that you’re not allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients in them. Perform a patch test using 1 drop of the respective blend mixed in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil; apply this sample solution on the inner part of your arm and wait 24-48 hours for signs of reactions before using it regularly.
• Speak with your doctor or health care provider before incorporating any essential or carrier oil into your everyday routine if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have any other medical issues/concerns. Also, make sure they are aware that you’re taking/using it alongside other medications or treatments that may also be prescribed for PMS symptoms.
Conclusion
The use of essential oils for menstrual cramps and other menstrual complaints is becoming increasingly popular among women. Essential oils can be very powerful tools in managing periods and reducing symptoms, as they work with the body to balance hormones and reduce emotional stress, mild anxiety, and depression associated with PMS.
Essential oils also promote relaxation, helping you to manage mood swings and get a better night’s sleep during your period. With their natural antimicrobial properties, some of these essential oils can even help you keep your pelvic area clean and healthy.
They also help regulate the body’s hormones, which is essential for a balanced cycle and reduced PMS symptoms.
Essential oils are often used in combination with herbal supplements or lifestyle changes such as massage therapy or acupuncture to further boost their benefits. Keep in mind that some essential oils must be used sparingly due to their potency — test for allergies first and never apply undiluted versions directly onto the skin.
