When you are feeling the pain of fluctuating hormone levels and a crampy uterus during menstruation, try using these essential oils to ease your period pains.
For centuries, people have used oils to treat a variety of conditions ranging from headaches to heartburn. Today, these potent plant oils are gaining popularity once again as more and more people are turning to nontraditional treatments.
Essential Oils for Menstrual Cramps
Lavender Oil
Lavender with its medicinial value is estimate to affect the prostaglandins that mediate pain and uterine contractions. Lavender oil’s potential to lessen contractions makes it one of the best essential oils for menstrual cramps. “Lavender oil used as an inhalation has been shown to effectively reduce cramps and menstrual bleeding when compared to a placebo,” shares Jennifer Stagg, MD, a naturopathic physician and founder of the Whole Health Wellness Center in Avon.
Chamomile Oil
Aromatherapy was used for pain management by the ancient Egyptians, and one of their go-to oils was Roman chamomile. Adding a few drops to a foot bath can help diminish the intensity of cramps. Chamomile tea possesses anti-spasmodic properties, which can relieve the painful cramps associated with the menstrual periods.
Peppermint Oil
Its an amazing oil because it can relieve headaches and inflammation and boost energy. Fluctuating estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can leave you feeling fatigued at different points of menstrual cycle. A little peppermint EO can help!
Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is a flowering herb. This oil is extracted from the leaves and buds of the plant and can be used as a skin balm or gently inhaled as part of an aromatherapy treatment.
Women who use cream containing clary sage oil and other essential oils to apply onto their lower abdomens daily, between menstrual cycles have a significant reduction in menstrual cramps.
Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon has been used for centuries in alternative medical treatments. It is known to reduce inflammation in the body. Massaging lower abdomen with cinnamon essential oil may help reduce inflammation and symptoms of menstrual cramping.
A study examined a combination of oils from:
- cinnamon
- clove
- rose
- lavender
These oils were added to almond oil. Women were instructed to massage the oil combo into the abdomen. This study found that women using the essential oils reported less pain and bleeding during menstruation.
How to Use:
Before using essential oils, always mix them with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or jojoba oil. Carrier oils work by safely “carrying” the essential oil into your skin, and helping to spread the oil over a large area.