Relieving Period Pains With Essential Oils

Menstrual cramps can be a pain- literally. There are many different methods of easing the cramps that you can try, some more natural than others. Before you bust out that bottle of Midol, give essential oils a try. 

Even the Ancient Egyptians used essential oils in their ointments and cosmetics. It isn’t a new concept. Most medical research will take the angle of using essential oils for aromatherapy. However they can be useful in other ways, too, including helping to ease the pain of period cramps. 

Lavender Oil 

One essential oil that is great for period pains is lavender oil. The smell is calming, and if used in a massage oil, it can reduce discomfort and pain. There was a study in 2012 where nursing students tested the effectiveness of using the oil to treat cramps. Half of the test group were given a placebo oil, while the other half were given lavender oil. The students that were given lavender oil reported that the intensity of their cramps had greatly decreased. Lavender is a natural muscle relaxer, which can help to relieve the stress on your abdominal muscles during menstruation. 

Rose oil 

Rose essential oil has been proven to relieve pain related to menstruation. It reduces inflammation, promotes better sleep, and decreases anxiety levels. 

Clove oil 

Clove oil is a great oil for reducing period cramps. It limits excessive bleeding, shortens the length of your period, and relieves the pain fast. It contains eugenol, which helps to soothe the period symptoms. 

Cinnamon 

Cinnamon essential oil is typically used to reduce inflammation. Because of this, rubbing cinnamon oil on your lower abdomen can help to reduce the inflammation that comes with menstrual cramps. You can make your own roller blend using cinnamon oil and a carrier oil to apply to your lower abdomen during your menstrual cycle. 

Clary sage 

Clary sage is one of the top recommended essential oils for period cramps. Some people claim to feel pain relief within 10-20 minutes while using clary sage oil. It is a relaxant, and it naturally balances your hormones. This can help to regulate your menstrual cycle. It’s also antispasmodic, which means that it treats issues like muscle cramps. You could greatly benefit from rubbing clary sage oil on your abdomen with a carrier oil during and leading up to your menstrual cycle. 

Peppermint 

Peppermint is a must-have in your essential oil first aid kit. It helps with everything, from headaches to cramps. It had a refreshing smell and a cooling effect which can be very therapeutic. Peppermint oil also helps to reduce nausea, which can be brought upon by menstrual cramps and pain. 

Blending oils together 

In some medical studies, multiple essential oils were blended together to get the desired effect. For example, a 2013 study looked at a combination of rose, clove, cinnamon, and lavender. This combination of essential oils was blended with almond oil to create a massage oil. Women in the study used this massage oil during their menstrual cycle and they reported less pain and bleeding. Another oil combination that proved successful in a study is sage, lavender, and marjoram. 

How to use essential oils to ease period pain 

Your best bet is to apply the oil to your lower abdomen. You will want to add your essential oil to a carrier oil before you apply it to the skin. A carrier oil makes the potent essential oils easier to apply. The most commonly used carrier oils include coconut, avocado, almond, and extra-virgin olive. Once you choose your carrier oil and blend it with the essential oil, you will rub it on your abdomen daily. You can start doing this a week before your expected period. 

Don’t coat your entire abdomen in the oil the first time. 

Apply it to a small patch of skin and wait 24-48 hours to ensure that you won’t have an allergic reaction. Always dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil. You never want to apply it directly to the skin. 

Plants are medicine. 

There’s a reason essential oils have been used to treat ailments for centuries. They are natural and effective. You can purchase a menstrual blend oil roller here, inspired by the 2013 study cited above.