Throbbing and painful menstrual cramps are mostly annoying but for some woman are downright immobilizing. Many factors determine how severe the discomfort is with menstrual cramps; they include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, stress levels, and diet. For menstrual cramps that do not have contributing causes, techniques to reduce painful periods or make the cycle more comfortable are offered with essential oils.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for menstrual cramps are:
• Clary sage
• Geranium
• German chamomile
• Lavender
• Neroli
Mild or severe, your menstrual cramps may be relieved by these aromatherapy techniques.
• Abdominal massage. Dilute a few drops of antispasmodic essential oils in the carrier of your choice, massaging the mixture onto your lower abdomen.
• Soothing soak. A relaxing oil-infused bath can fend off a number of cycle-related symptoms. Add oils that reduce inflammation and address irritated nerves.
• Hot compress. Apply a hot compress with essential oils, aiming for a combination of properties that are antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and soothing to the nervous system.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Sip some tea. Try chamomile tea for its relaxing benefits or fennel tea to reduce cramping and spasm.
• Move your body. Regular exercise and movement, including sex, help to ease cramps.
• Apply heat. Relief is heat on the lower abdomen, relaxing and lessening the pain of contracting uterine muscles.
These aromatherapy recipes relieve the range of pain from menstrual cramps.
Few things soothe sore muscles like a hot compress. This recipe uses a trio of calming and muscle-relaxing oils to moderate the pain of uterine contractions.
2 drops German chamomile oil
2 drops geranium oil
2 drops lavender oil
1 tablespoon carrier oil
1 cup warm or hot water
1 clean washcloth
Combine the oils in a large glass bowl, then stir in the water. Soak the washcloth in the water, wring it out, and apply it to your lower abdomen. Hold it there until the washcloth comes to room temperature. Repeat the process with a fresh cloth, as needed.
If you regularly suffer from painful menstrual cramps, keep a bottle of this blend at the ready. Some techniques recommend daily massage starting a week before you expect your period and continuing throughout the cycle.
10 drops geranium oil
5 drops clary-sage oil
5 drops neroli oil
2 ounces jojoba oil
1 2-ounce dark-glass bottle
Add all of the oils to the glass bottle and shake to blend.
Massage the mixture onto your lower abdomen, as needed.