Essential Oils For Period Pain
Medically known as dysmenorrhoea, period pain is a common symptom of every woman’s menstrual cycle.
Various essential oils have versatile effects on menstrual headaches, cramping and discomfort associated with your period. So, we gathered some of our most well known essential oils that may help give you the relief you need.
What Causes Period Pain?
There are two types of period pain a woman may experience: primary dysmenorrhoea or secondary dysmenorrhoea.
Primary dysmenorrhoea refers to the pain from just before or after your first period. It occurs when the uterine lining produces natural substances, such as prostaglandins, causing the uterus muscles to harshly contract. This causes pain and decreases blood flow to the uterus.
Secondary dysmenorrhoea is the pain as a result of various reproductive disorders such as endometriosis or fibroids. In these cases, period pain is part of a larger issue.
Benefits Of Essential Oils For Period Pain
Essential oils are filled with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that may relax muscle cramping and alleviate inflammation. They are also known to hold a host of calming properties that further work to reduce stress. In doing so, essential oils may provide the following relief:
- Relieve muscle spasms
- Reduce inflammation
- Relieve cramping
- Alleviate nervous tension
- Reduce stress
Best Essential Oils For Period Pain
Period pain can be a nuisance. Some essential oils have been seen to help relax muscle cramping and relieve pain associated with periods. They include:
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil has a subtle, sweet aroma and is one of the most well-known essential oils when it comes to reducing stress. As an aromatherapy massage oil, when diluted, Lavender Oil is known to reduce period pain and tenderness. In fact, a 2012 study found that nursing students favoured lavender massage oil over a placebo paraffin product, reporting that Lavender Oil effectively reduced cramping.
You can use Lavender Oil in the following ways:
Diluting: Dilute with your favourite carrier oil and apply it as a massage oil. We recommend a 2 - 4% dilution when used on the skin.
Diffusing: Diffuse Lavender Oil in your aromatherapy diffuser or electric vaporizer to create a calming environment.
Warm Bath: Add a few drops of Lavender Oil into a warm bath to help with inflammation such as cramping.
Essential Oil Spray: To promote restful sleep, dilute Lavender Essential Oil in water, add to a spray bottle, shake the dilution and spray the mixture onto your pillow before sleeping.
Cinnanom Bark Essential Oil
Cinnamon Essential Oil carries a spicy, sweet and musky aroma that has been seen to uplift the mood, ease tenderness and relieve inflammation. It is also known to combat feelings of exhaustion, while easing menstrual cramping when diluted and used as a massage oil.
Diluting: Dilute with your favourite carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it as a skin serum. We recommend a 2 - 4% dilution when applied on the skin, or a 1% dilution for facial application.
Diffusing: Diffuse Cinnamon Oil in your aromatherapy diffuser or electric vaporizer to create a calming environment.
Warm Bath: Add a few drops of Cinnamon Oil into a warm bath to help with inflammation such as cramping.
Rose Essential Oil
Rose Essential Oil has a deeply floral aroma and is one of the most versatile essential oils. It is filled with balancing, sedative and calming properties and may also help to relieve stress and cramps. It’s highly valued for its ability to reduce pain and migraines while treating fatigue and nausea.
Diluting: Dilute with your favourite carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it as a skin serum. We recommend a 2 - 4% dilution when applied on the skin, or a 1% dilution for facial application.
Diffusing: Diffuse Rose Oil in your aromatherapy diffuser or electric vaporizer to create a calming environment.
Warm Bath: Add a few drops of Rose Oil into a warm bath to help with inflammation such as cramping.
Clove Bud Essential Oil
Clove Essential Oil has a warm, spicy aroma and is known to be incredibly effective in relieving menstrual pain. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties with its main compound, eugenol, and may ease period symptoms including pain and excessive bleeding.
You can use Clove Oil in the following ways:
Diluting: Dilute with your favourite carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it as a skin serum. We recommend a 2 - 4% dilution when applied on the skin, or a 1% dilution for facial application.
Diffusing: Diffuse Clove Oil in your aromatherapy diffuser or electric vaporizer to create a calming environment.
Warm Bath: Add a few drops of Clove Oil into a warm bath to help with inflammation such as cramping.
Diffusion & Dilution Guidelines
Essential oils are very potent so it is important that they are diluted in carrier oils when applied topically. Here are some of our favourites carrier oils:
- Coconut Oil
- Almond Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Rosehip Oil
- Unscented Massage Oil
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult with your doctor or healthcare professional before using essential oils for period pain.
We recommend doing a skin patch before your first application to test for any allergic reactions. If you experience any reactions within 24 hours we recommend that you discontinue.
Other Tips For Period Pain
Aside from essential oils, you can also treat period pain with the following:
- Hot water bottles
- Paracetamol
- Exercise
- Take a warm bath
- Practice yoga
- Take supplements
- Avoid caffeine and high-salt diets
- Stay hydrated
- Try acupressure
Where To Buy Essential Oils For Period Pain
While essential oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores, it is important to keep in mind that the purity and quality of these essential oils will vary. That is why we recommend finding a reputable supplier.
Here at AWO, we have a wide selection of 100% pure essential oils and organic essential oils that are sold at reasonable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities our costs are significantly less, which allows us to offer our high-quality products at affordable prices. We are also based right here in Australia!
Essential Oil Safety
Whilst essential oils are natural products, they are extremely potent and can cause serious harm if used incorrectly. For this reason, we recommend the following:
- In line with the Therapeutic Goods Act, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils without the guidance of a registered Aromatherapist or Naturopath.
- Avoid using Essential Oils during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.
- We recommend storing your Essential Oils in a cool, dry place at room temperature, ensuring that they are not directly exposed to sunlight and are out of reach of children or pets.
- Essential Oils can be very concentrated and are likely to cause irritation or reactions if applied directly to the skin. For this reason, it is important to first dilute your essential oils before using topically (on the skin). Our recommended dilution percentages can be found under the ‘Best Essential Oils For Period Pain’ section.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness.
Resources
Apay, S.E. et al, 2012, 'Effects of Aromatherapy Massage on Dysmenorrhea in Turkish Students', Pain Management Nursing, vol.13, 4, pp. 236 - 240