Best 4 Essential Oils For Menstrual Cramp Relief
Its that time of the month again. Sigh.
You know it, maybe even the people around you know it, and it’s all thanks to those pre menstrual symptoms and cramps.
Menstrual cramps or menstrual pain is something that cuts across all lines and all demographic. Affecting everyone differently, they can range from non existent, very mild, to so severe that you can end up in the emergency room.
While heating pads, ibuprofen, or midol might work, a more consistent, fast acting solution can be found by using essential oils. In this article, you will learn what essential oils are good for menstrual cramps.
Premenstrual Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
It’s defined as impaired functioning of the ovaries as linked to the menstrual cycle in women. It interferes with the emotional and physical state of a woman and sometimes affects the daily activities due to hormone fluctuation.
The syndrome appear 1-2 week before menstruation and generally disappears at the beginning of your period.
Causes of menstrual cramps
The most common reason for monthly menstrual cramps is an overabundance in the bloodstream of the chemical called prostaglandin. When this extra prostaglandin “leaks” into your intestines, the ordinarily painless, regular contractions of the uterus become painful.
This is because not enough oxygen is being delivered to during the tightening phase.
Other conditions include:
- fibroids
- endometriosis
- pelvic inflammatory disorder
- irregular periods
- bleeding in between periods
- foul smelling or a thick vaginal discharge
- pain when having sex
Common signs and symptoms of cramps 
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Swelling
- Headache
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Breast tenderness
- Back pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Essential Oils for Menstrual Cramps
While over the counter medication and heating pads may ease the pain for a little while, they don’t address mood swings, fatigue, or unbalanced hormones.
Thankfully essential oils can help both with your cramps and many other symptoms.
1. Lavender oil 
It’s one of the essential oils to have at your disposal due to its numerous benefits. It’s known to reduce cramps by enhancing blood circulation.
It also helps to relax the mind, improve sleep, overcome insomnia, get rid of migraine headaches, and is highly effective in combating PMS.
How to use– Place 8-10 drops into your favorite diffuser or 4-5 drops in a bowl full of warm water for stem inhalation.
Get the best price on lavender oil here!
2. Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory characteristics that assist in reducing menstrual cramps. The stimulating properties also help tp reduce moodiness and irritability as well.
How to use – Rub the oil on your abdomen for fast relief.
Get the best price on eucalyptus oil here!
3. Rose Essential oil 
Rose oil assists in stimulating hormone levels and regulating menstrual cycles. It’s known to provide the following benefits.
- Provides cramp relief
- Helps restore hormonal balance
- Works to maintain proper uterine health
- Boost postive mood
- Has a calming effect
How to use– Add the rose oil to lotions before massaging your body, or by diffusing.
Get the best price on rose oil here!
4. Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-Ylang essential oil is well known for its excellent antidepressant characteristic. This really helps keeps mood swings in check.
It also has soothing properties that can help you relax and fight anxiety all while it’s aphrodisiac property helps to boost your mood. Best yet, the Ylang-Ylang aroma can help reduce blood pressure and stress. Something we probably all could benefit from.
How to use- Add the oil to a topical mixture and apply to abdomen to reduce cramping.
Get the best price on ylang-ylang oil here!
How to use for pain relief
There are two effective ways oils can help which can be used independently or combined. It’s important to try both to determine which one works better for you.
Massage
In massage therapy, essential oils are directly applied to the body to relieve pain related to menstrual cramps. For best results it is recommended to apply the oils in this way for the first 3 days when you notice cramp or PMS symptoms ( because these tend to be the most intense days).
Directions
Take your topical lotion or favorite carrier oil, add few drops of your essential oil and mix thoroughly. Apply it to your lower abdomen and massage gently.
Aromatherapy
The word aromatherapy comes from aroma meaning fragrance and therapy treatment. Using aromatherapy during your menstrual cycle allows you to relax and eliminate stress; and can additionally address any illnesses such as asthma, insomnia, headaches, and eczema.
By using essential oils, exercising, and the proper amount of sleep each night, you should see some drastic improvements. So, the next time you anticipate menstrual cramps, start working on treating the problem before it becomes unbearable.
