There is one force on earth that can create an instant bond between any two women on earth. Menstrual cramps! I’ll set the scene for you:
You’re walking past the confection aisle in the supermarket, your will is strong and you’re not even looking at the chocolate. Suddenly, a woman stomps past, there’s murder in her eyes and she knows where she’s going. She chooses her favorite treat, dumps it in the basket and looks up as if daring someone to say something.
You know. You understand. As she walks by, there’s a moment between you and her. Neither of you say anything, but you don’t have to. This unspoken bond has been shared by all women ever. There isn’t a woman on earth who wouldn’t give up her menstrual cramps in a heartbeat.
We can’t take the cramps away, but we can help you to soothe and ease them.
Here’s everything you need to know about essential oils for natural period cramp relief.
Essential Oils And Menstrual Cramps
When you’re stressed, you’re more aware of pain. Think of stress as a magnifying glass on your pain. Unfortunately, stress and pain go hand-in-hand during the menstrual cycle and is aggravated when you’re already facing anxiety due to life.
You need to get rid of the magnifying glass. Look toward relieving the stress then the pain. Certain oils such as Lavender and Rose are known for their stress relieving properties.
The right oils can also help alleviate moodiness. They bring about glorious calm by gently soothing nerves and some even offer hormonal support.
Now, how have you ever done this before without your essentials?
The Best Essential Oils for Menstrual Cramps
We have gathered some of the best essential oils for easing menstrual cramps. They won’t work the same for everyone, but you’ll have all the information you need to make your next cycle a little less painful.
1. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Not only does it smell heavenly, but it has soothing properties that makes it a necessity for your next menstrual cycle. This wonderful oil is known for fighting stress and having a calming effect.
One of the reasons why this oil is such a good fit for easing menstrual cramps is the fact that it has anti-inflammatory properties.
As you know, when you’re on your menstrual cycle, your uterus is trying to shed its inner lining. This means that everything from your uterus to the blood vessels surrounding it is inflamed. That’s where the Lavender oil comes in.
The Lavender oil works to soothe your aching muscles. It also tries to relieve you of the stress of having a uterus that’s trying to shed its inner lining.
Lavender oil blends well with Clary Sage and Marjoram essential oils.
Lavender oil is especially helpful if you blend 2tbsp. coconut oil with 1 tsp. Lavender essential oil. Rub the mixture between your hands and massage it into your abdomen for a about a week before your cycle and while you’re having cramps.
2. Rose (Rosa damascena)
Rose oil works to fight inflammation, which is a big contributor to the painful cramps. Besides that, rose oil is also has antispasmodic properties which helps against the actual cramps that you experience.
The oil also stimulates hormone secretions that trigger menstruation. This will help you if you experience irregular or obstructed menstrual cycles. Altogether, rose oil will help to ease your cramps and fight off the nausea and fatigue that usually accompany your cycles.
It blends well with Geranium, Jasmine, Clove, and Palma Rosa essential oils.
3. Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
This sweet floral oil has a more powerful punch than anyone would expect. This oil is known for having calming properties, which is very important during this difficult time. If you have trouble controlling your stress levels, then it would be a good idea to try this oil. Not only does it soothe the brain and nervous system, but it also has other useful period-centric uses.
Ylang Ylang essential oil is also known for relieving inflammation and lifting moods. Many people also claim that it supports hormone balances, which is never a bad thing.
This oil blends well with Bergamot, Geranium, Lemon, Grapefruit, Marjoram, Vetiver and Sandalwood.
4. Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
It’s widely acknowledged that you can face almost any trial if you have the right attitude. The first thing that Roman chamomile does is work to improve your mood, ensuring that you can tackle your menstrual cycle with a good attitude.
Its antispasmodic properties ensure that it relieves cramps, headaches and other pains caused by influences beyond your control. Great news! It can even help to clear up any acne caused by this hated time of the month.
Roman chamomile blends well with most floral essential oils, it especially smells heavenly when paired with Lavender oil.
5. Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
Clary Sage oil is one of the top essential oils for women. The oil deals mimics estrogen which helps to support healthy reproduction, and does wonders when regulating your flow. It can also ease menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms.
Clary sage naturally regulates your hormones which makes your menstrual cycle a little more comfortable. Not only does it ease cramps, but it also reduces inflammation, bloating, mood swings and food cravings. If you are thinking of using any of these oils, then Clary sage should be at the top of your list.
Clary sage blends well with Wild Orange, Bergamot, Cypress, Geranium, and Sandalwood.
Essential Oil Recipes for Menstrual Cramps
If you’re looking for a few useful blends to ease the pain, then this is the place for you. These blends are known for helping with typical PMS symptoms including painful menstrual cramps.
PMS Relief Blend:
- 2 drops of lavender
- 2 drops of clary sage
- 2 drops of marjoram
- Coconut oil
- 5 oz liquid bath soap
Mix the essential oils with the coconut oil (1oz of coconut oil with 2 oz of essential oil), and then blend the mixture with liquid bath soap and add it to your bathwater. Adding a few drops to your diffuser should help with brain fog and other typical PMS symptoms. You can also use this relief blend with a carrier oil and massage it into the affected areas to experience relief from menstrual cramps.
Cramp Cream:
- 7 drops of Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) oil
- 7 drops of Cedarwood (Cedrus) oil
- 5 drops of Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) oil
- 2 oz of Shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa)
- 4 oz glass jar
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly in the glass jar. You can smear this cream over your lower abdomen about a week before your period and a few days during. This should prevent painful cramps and symptoms.
Natural Period Cramp Relief Blend:
- 5 drops of roman chamomile
- 5 drops of vetiver
- 5 drops of lavender
- 1 oz coconut oil
- 4 oz glass dropper bottle
Pour all the oil into the bottle and shake well to mix. When you have cramps, place 5 drops on your hand, rub your palms together and massage the affected area.
Bath Salts:
- Handful of Epsom salts
- ½ cup of whole milk
- 5 drops lavender
- 5 drops geranium
- 5 drops of clary sage
Toss the Epsom salts into the bath as you’re pouring the waters. Then mix the rest of the ingredients together and mix them into the bathwater. This recipe should provide you with a relaxing bath that will smell heavenly and be especially relaxing.
To Summarize
- Menstrual cramps are caused by your uterus contracting at the start of your cycle.
- The best essential oils for menstrual cramps have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and hormone regulating properties.
- You can use your essential oils to make a lovely topical oil, scented cream and bath salts.
- You could use this time to start your very own journal detailing your journey with essential oils.
Read more:
- Lavender Essential Oil Benefits (King For A Reason?)
- Roman Chamomile Essential Oil Uses (Unique & Powerful!)
