Essential Oils to Relieve Menstrual Cramps and Period Pain

Using Essential Oils to Find Relief from Menstrual Cramps and Pain

Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, can cause moderate to severe pain in the lower abdomen and back. For many women, over-the-counter medications provide sufficient relief for period cramps. However, others may prefer more natural methods. Using essential oils is one approach to alleviate cramping without relying solely on traditional medicine.

How Essential Oils Work to Relax Cramped Muscles

Certain essential oils contain active compounds that influence pain perception and relax contracted muscles associated with menstrual cramps. When massaged into the skin of the abdomen and lower back, these oils are absorbed into underlying tissues.

They work by binding to receptors that reduce the pain signaling to the brain. Simultaneously, they activate receptors that relax smooth muscles in the uterus to release cramping. The combined effect brings both mental and physical relief from menstrual discomfort.

The Best Essential Oils to Use for Menstrual Cramp Relief

While many essential oils can technically aid with period cramps, these specific oils demonstrate notable abilities to mitigate pain and discomfort:

Clary Sage

Contains antispasmodic, analgesic, and sedative properties that alleviate muscular tightness, pain, and stress associated with menstrual cramps. Clary sage also regulates excessive menstrual flow.

Cinnamon

Has pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic compounds that reduce cramp severity, calm the uterus, and promote blood flow to painful areas.

Peppermint

Menthol provides analgesia by numbing pain receptors. Meanwhile, smooth muscle relaxing compounds calm contracted tissues causing cramps and discomfort.

Rose

Its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and relaxant effects surround multiple mechanisms that suppress cramping sensations and soothe tense muscles.

Lavender

Contains analgesic, antispasmodic, and sedative properties helping alleviate cramps through various channels while also promoting relaxation further easing discomfort.

Marjoram

Has compounds called monoterpenes that relax uterine muscles. It also relieves headaches and mood issues accompanying cramping due to sedative properties.

Methods for Using Essential Oils for Menstrual Pain and Cramps

Essential oils can be utilized through several methods. Try these techniques to determine which works best for your needs:

Massage Oil Blends

For concentrated relief, blend 3-5 drops of cramp easing oils like clary sage, rose, or cinnamon into each teaspoon of a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond oil. Massage onto the abdomen, lower back, and sides of the torso. The warmth and muscle relaxation amplifies absorption and relief.

Bath Soaks

Add 8-12 total drops of essential oils like peppermint, lavender and marjoram into warm to hot bath water. Soak for at least 15 minutes up to an hour as schedule allows to ease cramps through aromatic, topical, and hydrotherapy relaxation pathways simultaneously.

Dilution Bottle Roller Balls

For portable pain relief, make a dilution bottle by adding 12-15 total drops of preferred oil combinations to a 10mL roller bottle. Fill remainder with carrier oil. Roll onto skin every 2-4 hours concentrating on the sides and lower back near the uterus area to relieve spasms.

Lifestyle Adjustments Further Easing Discomfort

While essential oils can substantially help relieve acute cramping, making positive lifestyle shifts reduces overall pain and discomfort related to periods holistically. Key areas to address include:

Reduce Inflammatory Foods

Minimize intake of inflammatory triggers like added sugars, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, caffeine, and high sodium foods several days before and during menstruation. Anti-inflammatory foods like berries, pineapple, bone broth and omega-3s specifically ease cramps.

Increase Magnesium, Calcium and Vitamin Intake

Load up on magnesium and calcium rich foods like dark leafy greens, nuts and seeds which relax uterine muscles. Vitamins E, B1, and B6 also calm cramps. Consider switching multivitamins to contain optimal ratios of these nutrients.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration makes muscles cramp more severely. Drink at least 64 ounces of purified water daily, more if exercising or sweating heavily. Herbal teas, bone broth, and electrolyte sources like coconut water also hydrate effectively.

Practice Self-Massage and Yoga

Actively stretching, rubbing and applying pressure to tender areas prompts muscles to release while increasing blood flow to distressed sites. Even 5 minutes every hour helps tremendously when cramping peaks.

Apply Heat

The warmth of hot packs, heating pads and hot water bottles penetrates tissues relaxing tense spots. Use for 20 minutes 1-2 times per day during the worst discomfort for quick relief.

Precautions When Using Essential Oils for Menstrual Symptoms

While most women can safely use common essential oils for period pain, those with sensitive skin or certain medical conditions should take precautions.

Skin Sensitivity

Always dilute oils properly and perform a patch test by applying a dime size amount on the inner arm and rechecking after 24 hours to rule out topical irritation or allergic reactions before wider use especially if skin tends towards sensitivity generally.

Hormonal Disorders and Complex Conditions

Some oils like clary sage and rose contain compounds that influence hormonal activity and should be avoided by those diagnosed with estrogen-dependent cancers, endometriosis, PCOS and other complex hormonal conditions until cleared by ones doctor as safe for use.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Cautions

Likewise, essential oils remain largely untested during pregnancy and lactation, so air on the side of caution when expecting or nursing unless a certified aromatherapist specially formulates an appropriate oil regimen for your situation.

Using Essential Oils Safely and Effectively for Menstrual Relief

When using essential oils for period cramps, adhere to proper dilution, dosing and usage guidelines. Certain oils suit some women better than others depending on individual chemistry and preferences. Keep track of blends and techniques offering you the most relief so you can repeat successes each cycle.

Further bolster oil efficacy by simultaneously adopting positive lifestyle shifts reducing inflammation, hydrating properly, consuming cramp-calming vitamins and minerals, practicing self-massage and heat therapy, and adjusting activities during peak flow. The multi-pronged approach can dramatically transform your experience of menstrual discomfort and pain.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.