Let’s explore the top 9 essential oils for PMS cramps…
Essential oils are good for just about everything. So why wouldn’t they be good for relief of PMS cramps? Admittedly research backing essential oils for the treatment of menstrual cramp pain is lacking. However, there’s enough mild support to still consider giving these oils a shot. If you’re dealing with awful period cramps, what do you have to lose?
Now stress plays a huge role in menstrual cramps. So controlling stress consequently brings down cortisol levels, which introduce stress by keeping your body in constant fight or flight mode.
This is where essential oils come into play. Essential oils work amazingly to reduce stress. Not only do essential oils positively affect your moods. They can also help to relieve menstrual cramp pain and bloating. That said, let’s explore our options.
1. Clary Sage
First up is clary sage. Clary sage may just be one of the best essential oils for menstrual cramps. In fact, many have reported pain relief in as little as 10 to 20 minutes! Dr. Josh Axe, clinical nutritionist, says “Clary sage works to regulate the menstrual cycle by balancing hormone levels naturally and stimulating the opening of an obstructed system.”
2. Lavender
Next, lavender oil is well known for it’s menstrual cramp pain benefits. Due to it’s anti-inflammatory properties, lavender oil helps to reduce period cramps and menstrual bleeding. India Times reports that lavender oil soothes the prostaglandins that mediate pain and uterine contractions. Essentially, it helps to relax your muscles.
3. Clove
Clove oil, is an anti-inflammatory spice. Traditionally used for tooth and gum pain, clove oil is also super effective at alleviating menstrual pain. It can even limit excessive menstrual bleeding and shorten the duration of menstruation.
4. Cinnamon
Cinnamon oil is effective in reducing uterine contractions. Naturopathic physician, Dr. Jennifer Stagg says, “Cinnamon oil alone has been studied as a treatment for menstrual cramps, and was found to be very effective at reducing uterine contractions.”
5. Peppermint
Peppermint oil works best to lift your mood, which is good because fluctuating estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can leave you feeling fatigued. Additionally, peppermint is quite effective in relieving nausea, inflammation and bloating.
6. Rose
Like peppermint oil, rose essential oil is effective in lifting your mood. It has strong antidepressant properties. Rose oil can make the entire menstruation cycle more balanced by balancing the hormones that trigger menstruation.
7. Roman Chamomile
Roman chamomile oil is anti-inflammatory, which makes it quite effective in relieving menstrual cramp pain. It been used since ancient times for pain management.
8. Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-ylang oil was traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. That means it has mood-boosting potential, which makes it a great addition to your PMS-fighting routine. Essentially, it’s great for treating period-induced anxiety.
9. Cypress
Cypress oil is a wonderful warming oil that improves circulation, soothes body aches, and relaxes muscle and joint pain. As an astringent, cypress also helps flush out toxins and water retention, which makes it great for treating menstrual cramp pain.
When choosing your essential oil be sure to choose a high quality essential oil brand like NOW or Aura Cacia for the sake of purity and effectiveness. Besides that, its probably best to consider pairing the use of these oils with other lifestyle changes for optimal results. For example, making some dietary changes would make a great pairing.
Individually or blended these essential oils are a must have for your PMS-fighting routine. Add a few drops to a relaxing bath, on a hot compress or use them as a massage oil and rub them onto your abdomen. Either way, these essential oil give you a natural option for dealing with a natural bodily function.
Have you tried any of the top 9 essential oils for PMS cramps? Was it effective?
