Dealing with persistent and overwhelming menstrual cramps every month? Feel like you've tried everything to get rid of the cramps that sneak up on you and make it difficult to live your life without luck? There’s one more stone to overturn.
Essential Oils For Cramps
Yes, studies show that specific essential oils may ease the pain and provide women with relief. (See below.)
But first, you’ll want to consult your doctor before making any changes to your health regimen. Then, consider adding these fresh-smelling, soothing essential oils to soften the blow of those painful PMS symptoms.
Lavender Essential Oil
You may think of lavender as a pretty-smelling oil that can help you to relieve stress after a long day. However, the truth is that Lavender Oil is powerful when it comes to pain relief.
A study done on nursing students back in 2012 showed that those who used lavender oil reported big reductions in cramping. That means that the beautiful lavender scent you love can actually help you to kick cramps to the curb.
Chamomile Essential Oil
Many people think of chamomile as a calming oil. While that's certainly true, you shouldn't discount this oil's ability to deliver some serious relief from menstrual cramps.
Chamomile oil is a pain-fighting gem that is full of anti-inflammatory properties that can ease menstrual cramps and relax your muscles. Imagine all of that pain and stress that comes with your period just floating from your body whenever you enjoy the familiar and soothing scent of Chamomile.
Rose Essential Oil
Sometimes cramps result from things being out of balance. Rose essential oil is used by many people to stimulate proper hormone levels in the body and regulate menstrual cycles without medication. This often helps to reduce cramping and PMS symptoms.
Cinnamon Essential Oil
Cinnamon essential oil can take the sting out of menstrual cramps. You probably think of Cinnamon as something that belongs strictly in your kitchen. However, this aromatic spice has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. That's because Cinnamon has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Using it topically on the lower abdomen may help to reduce inflammation and neutralize some of the pain of menstrual cramps. But, be sure before topical application to dilute your chosen essential oil with an appropriate carrier oil.
Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary sage oil is a popular at-home remedy for menstrual cramps because of how abundant it is in nature. Clary Sage has a long history of being used as a medicinal agent. The secret behind why Clary Sage is so effective at easing period pain is that this oil is an antispasmodic agent. What does that mean? The oil actually helps to reduce spasms. That means that it can reduce the spasms that occur in your uterus just prior to menstruation and create cramping sensations.
Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
This essential oil is actually a mild sedative. Many women believe that it helps to take the edge off of the pain associated with menstrual cramping. Ylang-ylang oil is a great choice if you're looking for an oil that can put both the mind and body at ease.
Secondary Benefits
The pain relief that comes from using cramp-busting essential oils is really the only reason you need to try this remedy. However, there are plenty of secondary benefits that go along with using essential oils for cramps.These oils also help to take care of many of the other PMS symptoms that often accompany cramps: bloating, fatigue, headaches and mood swings.
The essential oils shared above are also great at calming the mind and relieving anxious thoughts. You'll find that you feel better all around in the days leading up to your period when you use essential oils to tackle cramps.
Precautions
It is easy to use essential oils on your own and treat your menstrual cramps at home. However, it is important to speak with your physician about the use of essential oils if you are taking certain medications or undergoing treatments for medical issues or infertility.
What's more, you should discuss your use of essential oils with your physician if you are trying to get pregnant or if you're currently breastfeeding. Options like rose essential oil are known to create hormonal changes in the body.
Premenstrual Regimen
You don't have to wait until cramps strike to enjoy the benefits of essential oils. In fact, oil therapy can be a part of your plan for physical and mental wellness all month long. Using oils to stay in balance can help you to start working on minimizing the pain of cramps before cramps even begin.
The bottom line is that using essential oils is a great way to pamper your mind, body and soul. You will find that essential oils can help you to turn your painful cramps into a way to take time out for yourself and focus on health and wellness.