Overview

Essential oils have been used for ages for many different purposes. Recently essential oils are gaining wide relevance mainly because of their use and advantages related to skincare and hair care. Apart from this, one of the major uses and benefits of essential oils is for reducing menstrual cramps. Essential oils are potent plant oils that have many nutrients and properties that help treat many different skin and health conditions. Essential oils are extracted from different parts of plants like fruits, flowers, stems, bark, etc. In this article, an exhaustive list is provided covering essential oils for period cramps.

Cramps can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience, causing pain and disrupting daily activities. Many people seek natural remedies to alleviate cramps, and essential oils have gained popularity for their potential therapeutic effects. In this article, we will explore the best essential oils for cramps and how they can provide relief. Whether you're dealing with menstrual cramps, muscle cramps, or stomach cramps, incorporating these essential oils into your routine may help ease the pain and discomfort.

Continue to read and learn more about essential oils to get rid of menstrual pain:

Which essential oils help with menstrual cramps? | Best essential oils for cramps

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil is well-known for its calming properties and is often used to promote relaxation and help with periods. However, it can also be beneficial for alleviating cramps. Lavender oil has been shown to have properties that can help relax the muscles and relieve cramping. Applying a few drops of lavender oil to the affected area and gently massaging it can provide soothing relief. Massaging with lavender oil provides instant relief from pain. Lavender oil also has sedative properties, and diffusing it before bedtime can help you sleep properly during periods. A study found that women who used lavender oil reflected reduced period cramps [1]

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint oil is another excellent option for relieving cramps. It contains menthol, which has a cooling effect and can help numb pain. Peppermint oil also has properties that make it effective in reducing muscle contractions and relieving cramping [2] Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with carrier oil, such as coconut oil or almond oil, and apply it to the affected area for relief. You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil to your bath and enjoy a relaxing, calming, and cooling bath that can help reduce pain. Abdominal massage is a great way to use this oil and relieve menstrual cramps.

Clary Sage Essential Oil

Clary sage oil is commonly used to regulate hormones and eases menstrual discomfort. It contains natural compounds that can help balance estrogen levels and reduce muscle tension [3] Applying diluted clary sage oil to the lower abdomen during menstruation can help alleviate menstrual cramps. Using this oil on a regular basis can help PMS symptoms and can also help get rid of painful menstrual cramps over a period of time. This oil is a great choice to be used in aromatherapy during your menstrual cycle. It's important to note that pregnant women should avoid using clary sage oil as it may stimulate uterine contractions [4]

Marjoram Essential Oil

Marjoram oil is known for its warming properties and can be beneficial for soothing muscle cramps. It has properties that can help relax muscles and relieve pain. Dilute marjoram oil with carrier oil and gently massage it onto the affected area for relief from muscle cramps and spasms. This is a great oil for pain management [5]

Chamomile Essential Oil

Chamomile oil is renowned for its calming properties. It can help relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and alleviate cramps. Chamomile oil can be used topically by diluting it with carrier oil and applying it to the affected area. Additionally, drinking chamomile tea can provide overall relaxation and potentially help ease cramps from within. You can also diffuse chamomile oil at night to improve sleep and treat the issue of insomnia, which is commonly experienced during menstruation. Chamomile oil has sedative properties that help induce sleep by relaxing and calming you. It helps treat PMS symptoms [6]

Ginger Essential Oil

Ginger oil is widely recognized for its pain-relieving properties. It can help reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, and relieve muscle spasms. Ginger oil is a warming oil that can also improve blood circulation when massaged and thus relieves cramps and pain [7] Ginger oil can be applied topically by diluting it with a carrier oil and massaging it onto the affected area. Alternatively, consuming ginger tea or incorporating fresh ginger into your diet can also help you get relief. Start massaging with this oil before few days into your period to treat cramps.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus oil has a cooling effect and can help alleviate pain and inflammation associated with cramps. It contains compounds that can promote blood circulation and reduce muscle tension. Dilute eucalyptus oil with carrier oil and massage it onto the affected area for relief from muscle cramps. You can use this oil regularly to get relief from menstrual cramps. A few drops of essential oil soothes and manage your period [8]

Rose Essential Oil

Rose oil has natural calming and soothing properties that are believed to offer relief during your menstruation period. Massaging your lower abdomen using this oil can help reduce menstrual pain. Also, it is believed that rose oil can help fight other symptoms of menstruation, like nausea, insomnia, inflammation, etc. So, it is a must-have oil for your menstrual health. Using rose oil can also help treat symptoms of PMS. It is suggested that you should use this oil regularly for massaging purposes before your menstrual cycle starts as it will help in easing out the pain, and it might also help reduce the intensity of the pain during periods [9]

Clove Essential Oil

Clove oil is one of the warming oil and is believed to improve blood circulation in the affected area and thus offering relief from cramps. Massaging using a few drops of diluted clove oil can go a long way during your periods and is great for your overall period health. It is one of the most effective essential oils that help alleviate menstrual pain [10]

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang-ylang oil has soothing properties that can help calm both your mind and body. During menstruation, people struggle both physically as well as mentally to cope with the pain and other symptoms. Using ylang-ylang oil helps calm your mind and helps you cope with the cramps mentally. This oil is a great choice for controlling mood swings and pain relief [11]

How to use essential oils to treat cramps?

Menstrual pain is also called dysmenorrhea, and it can be very challenging for a few women out there. Essential oils are one of the best natural home remedies that can offer you relief without taking any medications. Following are some of the tips on how to use essential oils to treat primary dysmenorrhea issues:

Bath

Taking a bath infused with a few drops of essential oil is a great way to relax your body and ease menstrual pain. For this, start filling your bathtub with warm water and then add a few drops of essential oil, like lavender oil. Swirl the water to make sure that the oil is dispersed evenly. Then immerse yourself in this hot water bath and stay for 15 to 20 minutes. This will be a great soothing experience. The lavender-infused bath will help alleviate the pain and help you calm down.

Massage

This is one of the best ways to use essential oil for cramp relief. Essential oil massage helps relieve your muscle tension and eases pain. In order to use essential oil for massaging, you first need to dilute the oil with any carrier oil. Some of the common carrier oils include coconut oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, argan oil, castor oil, etc. This will reduce the concentration of the essential oil, as essential oils in the undiluted form are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation or itchiness. You can use clary sage oil for massaging as it has hormone-regulating properties that help in regulating menstrual pain and also help treat other symptoms. Mix clary sage oil with any carrier oil and rub it in a circular motion onto your lower abdomen. This will help in relaxing you and will release menstrual pain.

Inhalation

This is another way of using essential oils to alleviate menstrual pain. Peppermint oil is one of the best choices to do so. It has a cool menthol scent that is very refreshing and helps instantly calm down both your mind and body. You can add a few drops of peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water. Place your face above the bowl and cover it with a towel to trap all the steam.

This peppermint-infused steam will help in soothing your senses and release any sort of pain or discomfort.

Diffusion

This is one of the most commonly practiced methods for using essential oil. You can diffuse a few drops of essential oil into your space and enjoy the relaxing experience. It will help in alleviating your menstrual cramps. You can use eucalyptus oil for this purpose. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil in an electric diffuser through the nozzle provided for this purpose, and fill the water to the marked area or as directed by the manufacturer. Sit back and relax, and let the essential oil do its magic.

DIY essential oil blend recipes for menstrual health

Soothing Lavender and Clary Sage Blend

Ingredients:

• 5 drops of lavender oil
• 3 drops of clary sage oil
• 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (such as sweet almond or jojoba oil)

Instructions:

In a small glass bottle, combine the lavender and clary sage oils. Add the carrier oil of your choice and mix well. To use, apply a few drops of the blend to your abdomen and gently massage in a circular motion. This soothing blend can help relax the muscles, reduce inflammation, and provide relief from menstrual cramps.

Cooling Peppermint and Eucalyptus Blend

Ingredients:

• 4 drops of peppermint oil
• 4 drops of eucalyptus oil
• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel

Instructions:

In a small bowl, mix the peppermint and eucalyptus oils with the aloe vera gel. Stir well to ensure the oils are evenly distributed. Apply a small amount of the blend to your abdomen and gently massage until absorbed. The cooling sensation of peppermint and eucalyptus combined with the soothing properties of aloe vera can provide relief from menstrual cramps.

Hormone-Balancing Geranium and Ylang-Ylang Blend

Ingredients:

• 4 drops of geranium oil
• 3 drops of ylang ylang oil
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil

Instructions:

Combine the geranium and ylang-ylang essential oils with the coconut oil in a small glass bottle. Shake well to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Take a few drops on your hand, rub it, and massage your abdomen. This blend can help balance hormones, reduce muscle tension, and ease menstrual cramps.

Warming Cinnamon and Ginger Blend

Ingredients:

• 3 drops of cinnamon oil
• 3 drops of ginger oil
• 2 tablespoons of sesame oil

Instructions:

In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and ginger oils with the sesame oil. Stir well to ensure the oils are properly blended. Apply a small amount of the blend to your abdomen and gently massage. The warming properties of cinnamon and ginger can help improve blood circulation, relieve muscle cramps, and alleviate menstrual discomfort.

Calming Chamomile and Lavender Bath Blend

Ingredients:

• 5 drops of chamomile oil
• 5 drops of lavender oil
• 1 cup of Epsom salt

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine the chamomile and lavender oils with the Epsom salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the oils. Add the blend to a warm bath and stir the water to dissolve the salts. Soak in the bath for 15-20 minutes, allowing the calming aroma of chamomile and lavender to soothe your senses and relieve menstrual cramps.

Precautions

Before using essential oils, you need to know certain precautionary measures. There are certain essential oils that are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation. So, to avoid this, you need to follow certain safety measures as follows:

Always dilute your essential oils with carrier oils first before applying them to the skin. Mixing essential oil with a carrier oil helps in reducing its concentration and reduces the chances of skin irritation and itchiness. You can also add essential oils to your cream or lotion and apply it topically for effective results.

Essential oils are natural remedies and, thus, are generally safe to use. But there are chances that you might be allergic to certain oils, or there might be some side effects. So, to make sure that you are not allergic to any specific essential oil, always conduct a patch test before applying it. Apply a few drops of diluted essential oil inside your forearm and wait for 24 hours. If you do not see any allergic reaction, you are good to go and use it for topical application. If you see any signs of an allergic reaction, immediately rush to the doctor.

Keep essential oils away from the reach of our children. It can be dangerous for them.

Keep essential oils away from your pets. Also, avoid diffusing essential oils around your pets, as it can irritate them. If you still want to diffuse essential oils around your pets, make sure you are doing this in a properly ventilated room. Also, consult a veterinarian before doing so.

Avoid using essential oils if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Essential oils are natural plant extracts that are rich in many necessary nutrients and other properties. Essential oils may help treat period cramps. Massaging essential oils is one of the best ways to treat menstrual pain and discomfort. Always purchase pure essential oils to ensure their quality.