Cypress Oil for Heavy Periods

Heavy menstrual bleeding can be alarming.

And if you’ve been bleeding heavily over a relatively long period of time, it’s easy to grow accustomed to heavy monthly blood loss and forget how a normal flow feels.

This happened to a friend of mine.

She had heavy periods for years due to fibroids in her uterus. And because she’d grown used to it, she didn’t take the situation seriously.

Eventually she suffered from chronic, severe anemia. And a hysterectomy had to be performed to remove her uterus at age 35.

If she had paid attention to her heavy periods earlier, she would have had more options available for her. And the invasive surgery could have been avoided.

So if you have heavy menstrual flow, take it seriously.

Normal Menstrual Bleeding

We don’t lose as much menstrual blood as many of us may think.

The average blood loss during a menstrual cycle is 30-80ml, which is about 2-6 tablespoons.

If your menstrual bleeding is abnormally heavy (for example, soaking through a pad every hour or interrupting your normal life), I recommend that you see your gynecologist and get a pelvic ultrasound scan to rule out the possibility of fibroids or other more serious menstrual conditions.

Once you have a proper diagnosis, you can use cypress oil to help reduce the amount of menstrual bleeding during each cycle.

Cypress Oil for Heavy Periods

The botanical name of cypress tree comes from the Greek word that means “ever living.” And in many cultures, the cypress tree is a symbol for the immortal soul.

Its essential oil has a fresh and woody scent, and it has many wonderful therapeutic properties. 

Cypress oil helps regulate blood flow in the body, promotes liver, digestive and kidney functions, and provides a calming effect on the mind and body.

Some of the special qualities of cypress oil include its ability to tighten and strengthen tissues, constrict blood vessels, stop bleeding, and relieve pain – thanks to its astringent quality.

This makes cypress oil an excellent natural remedy for menstruation, as heavy menstrual bleeding often accompanies period pain, as well as mental and emotional tension and discomfort.

Caution:

Though cypress oil is non-toxic, non-irritant, and generally safe, it’s not recommended if you’re pregnant or nursing due to its effect on the blood flow.

How to Use Cypress Oil for Heavy Periods

Add 10 drops of cypress oil to 2 tablespoons of a base carrier oil (e.g., coconut, almond or olive oil) to make a massage oil.

Rub it over the entire abdomen, and give your belly a nice massage.

Place the palm of your dominant hand (left hand if you are left-handed or right hand if you are right-handed) above your belly button and the other hand on top.

Slowly rub your abdomen with both hands in a clockwise direction starting from the lower right of your abdomen for 20-30 times.

Then move your hands below your rib cage on either side of your torso and massage in a downward direction towards the groin 5-6 times.

Finish by kneading the abdomen in a circular motion 3-4 times, again in a clockwise direction.

This self-massage routine is simple to do, and only takes 5 minutes!

With the therapeutic benefits of cypress oil, it can help reduce heavy periods and ease menstrual cramps, while relaxing your body and calming your mind.

Starting a couple days before your period and then continuing daily throughout your menstruation to gain maximum benefit.

Give it a try and let us know if you find it helpful. Enjoy!

* The instruction for the abdominal massage is provided by Sarah Mortimer from Balance Holistics.

* Image credit