Whether you’re an adolescent, college student, or adult, menstrual cramps are a part of life. In addition to the pain, discomfort, and feelings of weakness, you probably sense symptoms like irritability, mood swings, and depression. Your gynecologist will likely recommend that you take basic over-the-counter medication for relieving the discomfort. But, aromatherapy has a safer alternative in the form of essential oils for menstrual cramps. These scents help relieve the psychological, mental and physical symptoms so you can go through those 5 days comfortably.
Here are some of the most effective oils you can choose. Remember, you can always mix one or two of your favorite scents to lift your mood and feel wonderful.
1. Peppermint Essential Oil
Many women experience fatigue, food cravings, and insomnia during their periods. By inhaling peppermint oil, you can get that energy boost needed for going about your daily activities at home and work. Peppermint can also help you control your appetite, so you’ll have a better chance at dealing with the urge to wolf down an entire bar of chocolate.
2. Orange Essential Oil
Orange essential oil for menstrual cramps works best when you inhale it. Spread a few drops on your palms and inhale deeply. You’ll find that the scent helps relax you and calm the depression, stress, and anxiety that typically comes with menstruation.
3. Cinnamon Essential Oil
4. Clove Essential Oil
If you are prone to getting acne breakouts during your periods, clove oil can help since it acts as an antibacterial agent. Applying the oil on the pimples can help settle them, however, you might want to combine it with a carrier to reduce some of its potency. Coconut or olive oils can prevent the clove oil from irritating the skin.
5. Neroli Essential Oil
Neroli is an effective essential oil for menstrual cramps thanks to its relaxing properties. Extracted from orange tree blossoms, the oil is known to reverse the emotional upheavals like stress and anxiety caused by hormone imbalances. Consider inhaling the oil or adding it to a diffuser for good results.
6. Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary sage aromatic oils may well be the complete solution for menstrual issues. That’s because it works in different ways to help you. For instance, inhaling the oil provides pain relief so it can lower muscle cramps. The scent also has a calming effect on your emotions and is thus, a great stress reliever. Blend clary sage with a carrier and apply it on breakouts for quick relief.
7. Marjoram Essential Oil
8. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oils for menstrual cramps work well because of their pain-relieving properties. Not only does the aroma have a calming effect, it helps you sleep better, and regulates mood swings. If you get migraines, inhale a few drops of the oil for relief. Alternatively, massage the oil into your skin on the temples or rub it on your palms and breathe deeply.
In place of using aromatherapy oils individually, you can also combine different scents for better effect. For instance, combine cinnamon, clove, rose, and lavender oils into a carrier oil and massage on the belly for relief from cramps and heavy flows.
Try aromatherapy for menstrual cramps. You will be surprised by the effectiveness of the treatment.