Apart from smelling absolutely amazing, essential oils can work some serious magic on your mood, energy levels and overall well-being especially at that time of the month. So put away the Panadol, chocolate and chips, and try the natural healing power of plant extracts to help you breeze through your period naturally.
For many women, having a period can be a challenging time of month fraught with mood swings, fierce food cravings, fatigue, and of course, period pains and painful cramping. This period pain is normal but can be an uncomfortable part of being a woman with a menstrual cycle. It’s usually caused by hormonal chemicals called prostaglandins which are made in the lining of the womb (uterus). These hormones trigger the muscle contractions that shed the uterine lining and create what is known as your period. Some women have barely any pains, while others can be buckled over in bed for a few days.
If you are one of the unfortunate ones who suffers from noticeable period related ailments like cramping, mood swings, irritability and bloating, read on to learn how essential oils can be a helpful aid in your monthly cycle.
How Essential Oils Work
When the scent of from an essential oil is inhaled, the healing properties pass through the fine hairs of the nostrils to the brain. This means the mood boosting or healing effects are felt very quickly. Naturally sourced oils can work wonders on a wide range of physical and emotional ailments including your monthly cycle.
Typically oils are inhaled for their therapeutic properties through diffusers and humidifiers. There are several ways you can choose to do this, or try a combination of them all. Diffuse oils that support the female process in the air by adding 6-8 drops to your diffuser. Or use the Mini Mister Diffuser on-the-go, my favourite.
You can use essential oils diluted down with a carrier oil such as Sweet Almond, Fractionated Coconut or Jojoba and applied to the skin. These can be rubbed onto key areas of the body such as the crown of your head, behind the ears, to your neck, temples or to the abdomen and back.
Below are my top suggestions on how you can use the healing powers of essential oils to calm your emotions, fight menstrual pain and find relief from your period.*
Essential Oils For Menstrual Cramps
he best way to use essential oils to relieve menstrual cramping is by massaging specific oils into the affected area. Always start by adding a few drops of your preferred oil to a carrier oil, such as Fractionated Coconut or Sweet Almond. Carrier oils help dilute the potency of essential oils and make it easier for the body to absorb. Common carrier oils include:
Avocado Oil
TO USE: simply massage a small amount of one of the oils listed below with one of the above carrier oils into the bare skin of your abdomen or elsewhere as instructed. Do this once per day during the week before your period starts or during to provide much needed relief.
Peppermint
Game changer! Peppermint has a strong aroma and powerful effect, therefore a small number of drops is enough to provide therapeutic effect. This oil can help decrease period related nausea as well as common cramping associated with menstruation. Diffuse the the essential oil or apply topically.
HOW TO USE: using a 1% dilution (20 drops per 100ml carrier oil maximum) massage your lower abdomen for cramping. As a compress, add 2 drops of essential oil to a bowl of warm-hot water. Agitate a face washer in the water, wring out excess moisture and apply washer to the affected area. Repeat two or three times as the compress cools down or warms up.
Bergamot
The sharp yet citrusy sweet scent of Bergamot oil is an effective pain killer and an oil I highly recommend for your periods. Its also effective if you suffer from PMS or feel out of sorts during your menses. Bergamot oil also doubles as an appetite stimulant, so if you tend to eat your emotions during PMS, a dab of this citrusy oil can truly make a big difference. Even a quick whiff can help combat the cravings. Try it!
HOW TO USE: Topically, mix 1 drop of the oil with 5ml of your chosen carrier oil (I like Sweet Almond for this) and apply to your wrists, chest or back of the neck. Alternatively, add 1-2 drops in your mini diffuser or just sniff the bottle for a refreshing blast. Bye bye food cravings!
Cinnamon
Do you feel rather flat with your month cycle? The fluctuating hormones can leave you feeling fatigued, moody and low on energy. Cinnamon oil has been widely used for its energy-boosting benefits and natural anti-inflammatory properties. A tea made from cinnamon bark can also help ease some menstrual symptoms.
HOW TO USE: in a 1% dilution (20 drops per 100ml carrier oil maximum) massage it on your abdomen to help reduce the uncomfortable bloating associated with your period and lesson the pain. Test a small patch first, as cinnamon can cause irritation in some people.
Clary Sage
Clary Sage is a renowned antidote to mild depression, anxiety and stress. Its been used to promote calmness and relaxation, and as a natural pain reliever. A rub made with 1 drop oil in 5ml of a carrier oil can be applied to wrists, abdomen or back of the neck. If used on the abdomen, the oil can help reduce the unpleasant uterus spasms associated with period cramps. Bonus--Clary Sage also aids sleep and anxiety too!
Clove Bud
Help regulate your menstrual cycle and improve hormone related issues during menopause with the healing power of Clove Bud Oil. This dry and spicy fragrant oil acts a gentle, mental stimulant and can help boost your mood and energy levels while menstruating. Clove Bud Oil contains eugenol, often used in Ayurvedic medicine for to treat toothache pain, it can provide fast relief from menstrual cramps. Using the oil can also reduce excessive menstrual bleeding in conjunction with other remedies.
HOW TO USE: a 2.5% dilution; up to 15 drops per 30ml carrier oil can be used sparingly to treat menstrual cramping. Always test a small patch of skin before using. A compress can offer comfort. To bowl of water, add 2 drops of the essential oil. Agitate a face washer in the water, wring out excess moisture and apply washer to the affected area. The compress to treat abdominal complaints and muscular pain.
Ginger
Studies suggest that Ginger Root can be helpful in the relief of dysmenorrhea (pain before or during menstruation) and can help reduce nausea. Ginger has anti-inflammatory effects and works to soothe the achy muscle cramping that often comes with periods. is very useful if you are experiencing a lack of motivation and passion, are feeling burnt-out or emotionally distant. Its warming properties will help rebalance your energy and mood.
HOW TO USE: a 2.5% dilution; 50 drops in 100ml carrier oil and massage your lower belly. Inhale in a Mini Mister Diffuser or add to a drop or two to your bath water and enjoy a therapeutic soaking.
Lavender
Lavender is a popular oil and well known for its relaxing and healing properties. The scent or topical use can help improve your sleep, reduce emotional stress and improve your overall well-being. Lavender is a natural muscle relaxer making it a useful aid in releasing the tension associated with period cramping.
HOW TO USE: 1 drop with your chosen 5ml carrier oil and applied topically to your wrists, temples or on your abdominal area can work wonders. Or add a few drops to a warm bath. Quick fix; a few deep inhalations using the Mini Mister Diffuser of straight from the bottle can help take the edge off period pain and moodiness.
Rose Oil
Rose oil can effectively help to treat period cramps, PMS associated fatigue, and even nausea, making it an absolute must-have period remedy. Rose oil can be used to rebalance your mood changes around your menstrual cycle and help regulate the menstrual cycle itself. Its also helpful in combination with the above, to relieve cramping and period inflammation. In particular, Rose Oil combined with Lavender Oil, Cinnamon, and Clove Bud Oil has been proven very effective.
HOW TO USE: add up to 5 drops in a dispersant such as oil or to the bath. Mix 1 drop of chosen essential oil with 5ml carrier oil and apply to wrists, chest or back of the neck. As a compress, add 2 drops oil to a bowl of water.
Vetiver
This earthy oil has been used to help support regular periods and improve hormone related issues during menopause. Vetiver oil is another essential oil that has been used to help treat anxiety, runaway emotions and even ADHD with its earthy, grounding properties.
HOW TO USE: as a 2.5% dilution; 50 drops in 100ml carrier oil, can be used for a therapeutic massage. Add 1 drop oil to 5mls carrier oil and gently massage into the souls of your feet. This will help realign you after a stressful day. Quick fix; take a few deep inhalations of Vetiver from the bottle or use in the Mini Mister Diffuser.
Ylang-ylang Essential Oil
If you’re a stressed out kitten every month during your period, Ylang Ylang is perfect for you. This deeply floral oil soothes the brain and central nervous system. It helps quell common PMS feelings of depression, irritation and anger making it easier to cope with stress while menstruating. Its definitely an oil to keep on hand.
HOW TO USE: 1 drop Ylang Ylang with 5ml of your chosen carrier oil and apply to wrists, chest or back of the neck. Add 2-3 drops to the corner of the shower to dull the crankiness and moodiness of PMS and or period pain discomfort. I love to add a drop to my Mini Mister Diffuser and use while on-the-go.
Take The Edge Off With Blends
Blending oils together can increase their healing powers three-fold and really up their potency. Three of my favourite essential oils to help women unwind and destress during their monthly cycle are Lemongrass, Lemon and Lavender used as a trio blend like this one. When combined, these three essential oils can help alleviate emotional stress from hormonal fluctuations, and boost and uplift mood. You can use them together in a room diffuser, mini mister diffuser, or in a rollerball applied on your wrists.
Do you seem to get cranky with your cycle? Essential oil blends can be used to combat this menstrual related moodiness. Anger and irritability can be gently alleviated with the trio blend, Mindful Moment when used in a mini mister diffuser or rollerball application. Just a few whiffs can help instil calm and take the edge off a moody period.
The Zen Blend is another excellent oil combo with Cedarwood, Frankincense, Lavender and Vetiver. The warm soothing scents can aid grounding, melt stress and help can restore you from feelings of aggression and anger to inner calm.
Do you tend to get more anxious around your period? An oil such a Anxiety Blend, combines Sweet Orange, Lavender, Ylang Ylang and Frankincense essential oils which help reduce nervous tension, squash the grumps and relieve symptoms of mild anxiety. Vetiver, Lavender and Chamomile are another blend that can help calm period related anxiety and mood.
Summary
Practising a little at home aromatherapy offers so many wonderful ways to ease the discomfort associated with your monthly period. I highly recommended keeping a few of the aforementioned oils on hand to support your wellness each month. You can use essential oils by inhaling them, either directly out of the bottle or by using a room diffuser or humidifier. You can also dilute essential oils with a carrier oil and apply it directly your skin to ease symptoms. Get a little creative and add your favourite blends to your body wash, shampoo, or the bath.
Just be sure tread lightly with essential oils, especially when you first start using them. Less is always more, and watch out for any adverse reactions.
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*DISCLAMIER: Before trying anything new, it is always advisable that you first check with your GP to see if you may be allergic to any of the oils or remedies suggested. This blog post does not replace the care and advice of your treating physical or health practitioner. When in doubt, check it out.
Health + happiness,
Emma Lisa xx
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