Menstrual cramps, muscle spasms, and the aches and pains that accompany PMS and menstruation can affect a woman’s ability to enjoy her life. Though “period symptoms” during the menstrual cycle are often thought of as insignificant and no big deal, there are many women who suffer every single month and aren’t able to live a full life during this time and would do almost anything for a little pain relief.
Fortunately, if you are faced with menstrual cramps, achy joints, and other unpleasant symptoms associated with your period, there are safe, natural, and effective ways to manage the problem. Essential oils are one example.
How Can Essential Oils be Used to Ease Menstrual Cramps and Aches and Pains?
There are several ways essential oils can be used to help when you have cramps related to PMS or your period—or when you are feeling achy overall. Some of the most popular options include massage and aromatherapy.
Massage is one of the best ways to ease discomfort regardless of the cause. It stimulates blood flow, helps toxins make their way out of the body, and just feels good overall. Adding essential oil to a massage makes the experience even better. This is especially true when you choose oils that are shown to combat aches and pains.
Most massages incorporate oils to reduce the friction during the practice. Adding a few drops of essential oils to a carrier oil and massage the lower abdomen can reduce cramps by up to 50 percent. It also helps to relieve anxiety and makes it easier to sleep—two things that can also be problems that stem from PMS and menstruation.
Another way to incorporate essential oils into a self-care plan to combat menstrual cramps and achy joints is through aromatherapy. Diffusing oils into the air or putting a few drops of oils on a piece of cloth or something you keep near you can boost your mood and eliminate physical symptoms related to your period. There are even jewelry pieces that serve as diffusers which make it easier than ever to keep the scents that make you feel your best nearby.
Though it’s possible to add just a single oil to a diffuser, most women find that a blend of oils aimed at menstrual symptoms to be the best remedy. The list below of essential oils that help with menstrual cramps is a great place to begin. You can combine the oils to find just the right blend that appeals to your olfactory senses and that eases cramps and pain.
What Are the Best Essential Oils for Treating Menstrual Symptoms?
Marjoram Oil
Marjoram dilates blood vessels in the body so blood flow is increased. It also has analgesic properties to relieve pain. It offers muscle relaxation, reduced blood pressure, and suppresses inflammation of the uterus.
Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage helps regulate the cycle and has been shown to ease the symptoms of menopause.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is perhaps the king of relaxation oils and has anti-inflammatory properties. It improves blood flow and reduces cramps. It can also ease anxiety and moodiness and helps you feel better overall.
Geranium Oil
Geranium oil is soothing and many women find it helps them ease PMS symptoms. It balances hormones and improves blood flow, which eases the pain of menstrual cramps. Geranium oil is included in many oil blends that are created to help with feminine health and menstrual symptoms.
Chamomile Oil
Chamomile oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is a great natural option for easing the pain of menstrual cramps. It also helps with anxiety, stress, and tense feelings, and is an antispasmodic agent that relaxes muscles and reduces cramping.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is analgesic and has anti-inflammatory agents that reduce PMS symptoms.
Rose Oil
Rose oil not only has an amazing floral smell, but it also contains emmenagogues. This works to ease menstrual cramps and aches by stimulating hormonal secretions that trigger menstruation, so it can ease problems with irregular menstrual cycles. This oil also features antidepressant properties that improve moodiness and ease anxiety.
Ylang Ylang Oil
Another favorite in feminine oil blends, ylang-ylang has antidepressant and antispasmodic properties. It helps with emotional swings and lowers high blood pressure. There is also a sedative effect for people exposed to ylang-ylang, which can ease PMS symptoms and help with anxiety and depression. Some people also find that exposure to ylang-ylang help them soothe their brain and central nervous system.
Turmeric Oil
Turmeric is a health powerhouse in many ways. The oil features an antioxidant that prevents free radical damage and has anti-inflammatory qualities that relieve pain and inflammation, making it a perfect oil for dealing with menstrual cramps. Some people have also found it helps with the digestive distress that sometimes accompanies PMS.
Clove Oil
This warm oil is perfect for cold fall and winter days and features antispasmodic properties that help reduce blood pressure. Clove oil alleviates menstrual pain and reduces excessive menstrual bleeding.
Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil, which blends extremely well with clove oil, is anti-inflammatory and helps to facilitate menstruation and relieve menstrual cramping. It’s an analgesic that acts as a natural pain reliever and it can alleviate bloating by aiding in the release of intestinal gasses.
Peppermint Oil
This potent oil is an antispasmodic that is relaxing, soothes menstrual cramps, and ease digestive issues. There is also evidence it calms the nervous system. It pairs well with a variety of oils.
Ginger Oil
Ginger boosts blood flow and enhances circulation, making it one of the most effective remedies for menstrual cramps. It’s an analgesic, so it can lessen the pain of periods and help to make periods more regular. It, too, can help with digestive issues.
If you suffer from menstrual cramps or get achy joints related to menstruation or any other issue, essential oils can provide natural and safe relief. What’s more, blending essential oils and creating wonderful fragrance mixes that are used in your home and on your body is a lot of fun. It helps to ease stress and creates an environment that helps you feel your best.
This article by Madeleine Taylor is originally published at SundayScaries.
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