Healthytalk8 Period cramps are one of the worst things, that happens to every girl every month, some women manage pain with changing lifestyles.
After every 28 to 32 days, some unfertilized female eggs need to come out through the blood, and this condition is called a period that lasts for 2 to 7 days.
But why is period is necessary? because periods start the reproductive system in females and connect the steps of becoming a mother.
During periods, pain is the worst thing, among other symptoms, for that she does a lot of tricks, like hot and cold water bath, chocolate, yoga, etc.
NOTE: Menstrual cramps are also known as periods of pain and in medical terms dysmenorrhea.
Essential oil is made from plant seeds, where oil is extracted by putting a tone of weight on seeds, instead of heat and any chemical additives.
But did you know there is some essential oil that can help in this by relieving pain but is really work? check this out
Essential oils That Are Excellent For Periods Cramps
Periods symptoms
Contents
Signs and symptoms of the period on every girl, before starting the first period, and during periods symptoms such as:
Before having first period signs include:
- Change in size of the breast start to enhances
- White water discharge comes
- Hormone changes
- Moisture in your personal area
Symptoms during periods include:
- Mood swings
- Bloating
- acne
- anxiety
- period pain
- Discomfort
- Irritability
- getting angry over small things
- angry talk
Can essential oil relieve Periods Cramps?
Yes, essential oil relieves period pain, because it contains varieties of properties like antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, etc, which are even used in cramps medicines.
So why not? medicine (which contains pain reduction chemicals), and essential oil contains natural anti-pain agents, with very few or no side effects.
NOTE: The essential oils that are extracted from a plant are a hundred times more effective than the plant itself.
6 Essential oil for Period Cramps
Lavender essential oil
Many studies have confirmed that the lavender plant has the unique ability to relax the muscle, reduce stress, as well an antispasmodic effect.
Lavender oil is one of the most used essential oil for its aromatherapy and in the cosmetic industry.
A 2012 research reported aromatherapy with lavender, clary sage, and marjoram oils in a 2:1:1 ratio reduced pain intensity of period.
Aromatherapy has been used traditionally to reduce the symptoms of period pain, relieve uterine cramps, and decrease pain and anxiety after childbirth.
Lavender oil may act as an anti-depressant, anti-spasmodic, anti-flatulent, also treat infertility, infection, anxiety, stress, which is symptoms of periods (2) (3) (4) (5)
A 2016 2 months study result showed, using lavender aromatherapy can be effective in reducing the pain severity of primary dysmenorrhea (6)
Clary sage
Clary sage oil really helps balance out estrogen hormone levels, due to its antispasmodic effect, Dr. josh Axe says.
High levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone hormone levels are the reason for painful periods.
NOTE: This essential oil for period cramps is considered one of the powerful essential oil which directly target the main two hormones.
An antispasmodic is really helpful in relieving abdominal cramps. Even antispasmodic is also used in medicine to relieve, prevent muscle spasms.
- Put 2 to 3 drops of oil on the lower abdominal, and then rub.
- Then apply a warm compress for 2 to 5 minutes, which allows oil to soak deeper in the skin to relieve fast.
Safety should be important, don’t use clary during pregnancy, because it is capable to change your hormones, which can cause uterine contractions.
Peppermint Essential Oil
A study suggests peppermint capsules are an effective treatment in reducing period pain when compare to Mefenamic Acid and placebo.
Also, it is a pure natural oil, so its side effects, are lower than other medical drugs.
Rose Essential oil
A study results shown that aromatherapy with rose essential oil, as a conventional treatment method may be beneficial for pain relief in Period cramps.
Rose oil has been used in different forms of administration for the treatment of menstrual-related symptoms like uterine and menstrual bleeding (8).
NCBI studies showed inhalation and oral intake of rose oil could improve premenstrual syndrome, and induced bloating, sweating, and pain (10) (11) (12) (13).
It also helps fight feelings of depression, anxiety, relief cramp.
Use -Take 2 drops of essential oil, gently rub it into your neck area, back of the neck, which is great for uplifting your mood.
Holy basil Essential oil
Using Tulsi essential oil, which acts as an adaptogen, means – your body better deals with stress and brings cortisol levels into balance naturally.
Cortisol hormone is a primary stress hormone, and stress can make the PMS symptoms worse, that is why is great for both men and women.
Holy basil and clary sage are 2 powerful essential oil if you want to balance your hormones level.
NOTE: You can use tulsi as its tea, which is massively famous in India, by just adding 2 drops of tulsi oil to tea.
Even clinical studies have also shown that holy basil improves headache and reduces inflammation.
- Apply topically to the wrist, neck region, and you can also mix it with clary sage
- Use oil in the lower abdominal region using a warm compress with that.
Safety – If you have blood clotting issues, then avoid it, because holy basil may be impaired liver function.
Combined Essential oil
As we know that aromatherapy is a great idea for relieving period cramps. But what about combining oil, which may be a more good idea?
Research: During a study, volunteers were divided into 3 groups.
The first group was given aromatherapy (including 2 drops of lavender oil, 1 drop of clary sage, and 1 drop of rose in 5cc of almond oil in the form of abdominal massage).
The second group was given a placebo and the third group received no treatment.
Result: The menstrual cramps were significantly reduced in the aromatherapy group than the other two groups at first and the second day of menstruation after treatment.
How To Use It For Periods Pain?
Take a test before trying any new essential oil:
- Take a patch of skin test first, when it mixed with carrier oil, especially pregnant or medical condition persons.
- Put 1 to 2 drops of essential oil in a pad and keep it on your skin, for 48 hours
- Remove the bandage, and check the irritation.
- If there is an itchy, redness, blisters, and swelling are seen under the bandage, then you should avoid that essential oil.
If there is no irritation, then you can apply that essential oil.
Now, you can use it as a massage on the abdominal or affected area. And can put 1 to 2 drops in a cup of tea, which gives relief pain from inside.
NOTE: Always use essential oil with a carrier oil, because essential oil is very concentrated, which alone is very harmful to the skin.
Carrier oil is also known as “Base oil or Vegetable oil“ that extracts from plants, the most common carrier oil are include:
- Avocado oil
- Coconut oil
- Jojoba oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Almond
NOTE: To avoid oxidation, they should be stored in a dark container with a lid.
Dosages
An ideal rule for taking essential oil is to take it in small doses, for the first time or when you switch to new oil.
Use a small amount of oil in your abdominal area every day, before a week, and during the period.
NOTE: Make sure, always dilute or mix the essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil for example – 2 to 3 drops of EO with 2 tbsp drops of CO.
Every 2 drops of lavender essential oil should be mixed with 5 ml of carrier oil with your choice, then 2% of concentration oil is prepared (14).
Check Out – Essential Oil ways to use for multiple purposes, with safety.
Side Effects
Essential oils are volatile and can cause irritation and inflammation of the skin, for topical use, they should be diluted with a carrier oil.
NOTE: Some essential oil is dangerous with children and pets contact, like rosemary, peppermint, etc.
The most common side effect of essential oil includes:
- Headache
- Stoamch pain
- Allergic reaction
If you are pregnant or have any medical condition, then first talk to your doctor, because it may interact with the unborn baby and with medicines.
Other ways to Treat cramps
There are many other ways to treat period cramps or pain which include:
- Chcocolates
- Pain reliever medicines, which fast way to treat cramps, but avoid frequent or long-term use, which can lead to many medical issues.
- Rest
- Hot and cold water bath or using a warm compress
- Avoid tright clothes, which can increase the pain, so wear comfort cloth
- Hydrate yourself with water
Check Out – Period Hacks: Which Can Save You From Being Embarrassed
NOTE: Prepare yourself to avoid the pain of the coming periods with these:
- Yoga (child pose, butterfly pose)
- Exercises, which gives you the strength tp beat the pain
- Eat plenty of healthy food, because lack of protein in the body, can make the periods cramps worse.
BOTTOM LINE
Make sure, always dilute or mix the essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil, because essential oil is very concentrated.
Some essentials should be kept away from children and pets, like peppermint, clove oil, patchouli, etc.
Pregnant women, and any medical condition person, must consult the doctor first because essential oil can interact with medicines.
