Effective Essential Oil Recipes for Menstrual Cramps
INSIDE: I’ll be sharing information about how essential oils are perfect for any woman who experiences cramping due to her period or for other reasons. I’ve formulated two different recipes for you, too, and I think you’ll love these!
One question I get asked often in my herbal practice is about essential oil blends for menstrual cramping. Monthly cycles are different for every woman, and for some of us, painful cramps can raise their ugly heads any time during PMS through the entire process of menstruation. Here are two different massage oils using essential oils that can help relieve monthly discomfort.
But first, let’s talk about the essential oils. There’s a reason an oil is added to a recipe. There’s an intention behind it. These oils are strongly therapeutic, as well as smelling nice….but scent is definitely the secondary factor in my decisions when creating a formula for supporting wellness.
Here’s a quick rundown in categories so you know why I chose the essential oils I did.
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About the Essential Oils I Chose in These Anti-Cramping Recipe Blends
In a pre-clinical study using rats, scientists found that these essential oils were excellent for helping with muscle spasms in both smooth muscle and voluntary muscle: anise, tarragon, German chamomile, Roman chamomile, lavender, peppermint, fennel, damiana, melissa, basil, rosemary, lime, orange, lemongrass, sweet marjoram, sage, and geranium.
Here are some of my specific favorites to use:
Sweet Marjoram:
Sweet marjoram is probably my number one essential oil for any kind of cramping, especially in a synergy with other calming oils. It’s got very strong properties when it comes to natural relaxation of the nervous system as well as for soothing smooth muscle.
In fact, it’s a favorite of mine for a blend I use to calm my heart. You can find out more research about essential oils and hypertension here.
Lavender:
Lavender contains two chemicals specifically known to calm and soothe both the mind and the muscles. Linalool and linalyl acetate are champions in this arena.
The Chamomiles:
Both German and Roman chamomile are very helpful for relaxing tension, including muscle spasms. In fact, if you want to dig deeply into the science, here’s a scientific report and studies on chamomile for use with pre-menstrual cramping.
The Citruses:
Specifically lime and orange can have anti-spasmodic benefits. In addition, all citruses contain compounds that uplift the mood, and bergamot shines in this arena. You can learn all about lemon here. It’s a great substitute for any of the citrus oils in these recipes. Just be sure to know which ones are phototoxic or not (bergamot and lemon are, as are some distillation types of lime).
The Spices:
Culinary spices such as anise, cardamom, fennel, tarragon, ginger, basil, rosemary, and lemongrass contain powerful compounds that soothe both the spirit as well as premenstrual issues. Some of these also calm the mind (ginger, tarragon, black pepper, lemongrass), while others help with alertness (basil, rosemary, cardamom, anise). You can keep this in mind if you decide to blend your own abdominal cramps massage oil.
Black pepper, I just want to note, is also high in a chemical called b-caryophyllene, which is the same chemical that helps CBD be so effective for pain relief.
Others:
Peppermint essential oil is a favorite used by aromatherapists whenever there’s any kind of inflammation or pain involved. It contains high levels of menthol, which not only opens the respiratory system, but also soothes aches and pains.
Clary sage is an excellent essential oil for women. It’s thought to help with hormone balance, and like lavender, it contains high levels of linalool and linalyl acetate.
I know that was a quick rundown of my choices for these blends. Be sure to do some additional research or check out the links above for more information.
Now….let’s go get rid of some menstrual or muscle cramps!
Lavender contains well-studied chemicals, linalyl acetate and linalool, that work to calm and soothe emotions, bring down anxious feelings, and work on a physical level to relax the body.
Recipe #1: Relaxing and Uplifting Massage Blend for Abdominal Cramping and Discomfort
This is a massage blend to be rubbed on the abdomen, then cupped around your nose for inhalation. It’s soothing and lovely, while helping with abdominal pains caused by uncomfortable cramps.
Ingredients:
5 drops sweet marjoram essential oil (Origanum majorana)
4 drops lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustivolia)
3 drops Roman chamomile essential oil (Chamaemelum nobile)
2 drops bergamot essential oil (Citrus bergamia)
5 drops orange essential oil (Citrus reticulata)
1 ounce carrier oil of choice (jojoba, sweet almond) or unscented body cream
Directions:
Using a non-porous and non-metal stir rod (I like glass stir rods), combine the essential oils well into the cream or oil.
To use, apply a quarter-sized amount to the abdominal area and massage in. Cup your hands over your nose, and enjoy the aroma while allowing the molecules to enter your cells.
Click here to get your free Herbal Remedy Guide and Cheat Sheet! It’s perfect (and beautiful) for your kitchen or home apothecary!
Recipe #2: Warming and Soothing Massage Blend for Abdominal Cramping
This is a 5% dilution and is for short term use.
Ingredients:
You’ll need a one-ounce amber glass bottle for this blend.
One ounce of carrier oil of choice. Almond oil is absorbed quickly, while olive oil being heavier, will last on the skin a bit longer. Both are fine to use, as well as jojoba oil or fractionated coconut oil.
5 drops nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) essential oil
10 drops black pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil
5 drops clary sage (Salvia sclarea) essential oil
2 drops lavender (Lavendula anguvstifolia) essential oil
2 drops fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) essential oil
2 drops peppermint (Mentha x piperita) essential oil
Directions:
Add your essential oils to the bottle. Then add the carrier oil. Shake well to fully disperse the essential oils into the carrier oil.
To use, take a nickel-sized amount and massage into your abdomen as needed.
Chamomile is a wonderful plant that yields an extremely helpful essential oil. Used in its plant form, it’s also helpful for relieving anxiety and soothing stress.
Where to Purchase Your Essential Oils
I’m fairly non-brand specific, but I do have some qualifications for the companies I choose to support.
Basically, I make sure the company is transparent about their sustainability practices, they can show a GC/MS (chemical) report for each batch, that the prices aren’t over the top when it’s not necessary, and that they are pure.
Always check the ingredients, but please be aware that sub-standard companies often adulterate their essential oils with fillers and scents. High quality companies won’t do this. Here are companies I trust and where I purchase my own oils:
Starwest Botanicals (I love this company for my soap making essential oils because they have bulk options)
And there are many others that are high quality. Just do your due diligence when choosing, and if the essential oil is “cheap” or too inexpensive, then that’s a sign something is probably awry. Conversely, if the company price gouges, watch out.
Find out how to make an herbal tea blend that supports symptoms of perimenopause and menopause! You’ll also find out why these herbs actually work.
Final Thoughts on Using Essential Oils to Soothe Pre- and Menstrual Cramps
If you’re a woman, you’re probably aware of how debilitating menstrual cramping can be. Besides the actual pain, the accompanying bloating, fatigue, and other common complaints during your moon cycle can be vicious on the system.
Using calming (or uplifting, depending on your own needs), anti-spasmodic, pain-relieving essential oils can bring much needed relief. And the scents can also soothe the spirits, in case you’re one of many who experience mood changes.
In fact, if you want to read more about essential oils and mood, you can do that here.
Here are some other articles you might enjoy:
10 Essential Oils to Have Ready for Cold and Flu Season
De-stress and Relax Herbal Tea Recipe
The Complete Guide to Frankincense Essential Oil
Using Herbs and Essential Oils Together: A Beautiful Synergy
Videos:
Calming Massage Oil for Sleep and to Support Your Heart
How to Make a Lymph Moving Massage Oil with Herbs and Oils
Best Diffusers for Essential Oils
Cayenne Infused Pain Relieving Salve or…you can read the recipe here.
Finally, be sure to check out my website and my YouTube channel! There are tons of natural living, herbalism, and aromatherapy recipes and article and videos in these places….hundreds in fact! :-)
Hugs, Self-Reliance, and Natural Living,
Heidi
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Try one or both of these incredible abdominal massage blends to relieve menstrual cramps FAST. Find comfort and relax through the painful PMS times! #PMS #menstrual #cramps #essentialoils #essentialoilblends #relievecramps #massage
Disclaimer: I’m NOT a medical doctor, and in no manner, stated or implied is any information here meant to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. I’m a certified professional aromatherapist and herbalist, and these statements are for your information only. Be sure to consult a medical doctor if you have serious needs.