Essential Oil Recipes for Menstrual Cramps

Period cramps can be uncomfortable, even incapacitating. Many women take painkillers to temporarily ease the pain, but there are better alternatives.

Certain essential oils are very effective at easing period cramps. They also offer other added physical and psychological benefits, such as calming the nervous system, regulating menstrual cycles, balancing hormones, and uplifting moods.

Essential Oil Recipes for Period Pain

Below are two essential oil recipes that can help ease menstrual pain and period cramps.

Recipe #1: Stressful Congestive Period Pain

This essential oil recipe may be more effective if you feel congested in the abdominal area before and during menstruation.

Roman Chamomile 10 drops

Roman Chamomile oil is famous for its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s widely used to calm allergies, skin irritations, and infections caused by bacteria and fungi.

And because of its anti-spasmodic effect, it’s also a wonderful remedy for muscle spasms, cramps and tensions, including those experienced during menstruation.

Clary Sage 5 drops

Clary Sage, referred to as “Clear Eyes” during the middle ages, is often used to improve vision and relieve tired or strained eyes.

Clary Sage oil also helps calm the nervous system, especially during times of stress, depression, and insomnia.

And because of its hormone-like components, clary sage oil is particularly helpful for women.

It can help ease menopausal discomfort (e.g., hot flashes) and regulate menstrual cycles, as well as relax muscular spasms, promote blood flow, and relieve period pain.

Red Thyme 15 drops

Thyme oil is most famous for its antibacterial properties. It’s considered an efficient and affordable alternative to antibiotics against resistant bacteria.

In addition, it also helps increase blood circulation, stimulate menstrual flow, calm nerves, and relieve menstrual pain.

Recipe #2: Spasmodic Period Pain

This essential oil recipe may be better if your period pain is more spasmodic in nature.

Lavender 5 drops

Lavender is perhaps one of the most popular and versatile essential oils in aromatherapy. It’s known for its calming and relaxing properties, which may aid in alleviating insomnia, anxiety, depression, restlessness, and stress.

Lavender oil can also help promote blood circulation, reduce muscle tension and ease period pain, while allowing your mind and body to relax and let go. It’s my favorite essential oil of all time.

Peppermint 10 drops

Peppermint oil is often used as a home remedy for stomach problems. It provides relief for indigestion and an upset stomach. It also helps ease abdominal pain by allowing gas to pass easily.

And the large concentration of menthol in peppermint oil makes it quite effective in decreasing muscle spasms and relieving pain, such as menstrual cramps and headaches.

Nutmeg 10 drops

Nutmeg, a popular ingredient in cooking, is famous for treating digestive issues when used as an essential oil.

Its warming and invigorating quality helps promote circulation, reduce swelling and inflammation, and relieve muscle pain.

As a result, nutmeg oil is commonly used as a natural painkiller to ease menstrual cramps and pain.

Cypress 5 drops

Cypress oil assists in regulating the blood flow in the body. Due to its astringent quality, it can help reduce bleeding during heavy menstrual flow, while relaxing muscles, controlling spams, and relieving period cramps.

Learn more about how to use cypress oil to reduce heavy periods and menstrual cramps.

How to Use the Essential Oil Blend for Menstrual Cramps

Add the above 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 lower back area, plus the shoulders.

Do this daily, including throughout your period.

You can also add the recipe to your favorite lotions, such cocoa butter or shea butter.

During the massage, some oils are absorbed into the skin and ultimately the blood stream to produce healing effects.

At the same time, your senses will be triggered by the aroma of the essential oils.

For example, lavender produces a more relaxing feeling, whereas peppermint is more energizing and invigorating.

Which oils are most effective depends on what’s causing the pain or cramps. You’ll have to experiment with oils and formulas until you find what works best for you.

To learn more about the healing properties of essential oils, I recommend The Complete Book Essential Oils & Aromatherapy.

The recipes in this post are extracted from this book, whereas the healing effects of various essential oils are based on my research.

Using essential oils is a fun and pleasurable way to harmonize your menstrual cycles.

If you’re interested in exploring the wonderful healing properties of essential oils and discovering your personal favorite remedies, I recommend Essential Oil Beginners Best of the Best, which includes the 12 most commonly used oils.

Connect to the flower essence in the essential oils – and the core of your being.

Sit back and allow healing to take place from within…

Image credit