Essential Oils for a Woman’s Personal Use
Bloating, fatigue, cramps, cravings, and mood swings — most women experience the wide array of PMS symptoms at some point in their lives. Helping balance hormone levels and combatting the physical and mental symptoms that arise during the menstrual cycle, essential oils provide an affordable, all-natural option to period relief.
Essential Oils for a Woman’s Personal Use
Bergamot
Bergamot, a yummy additive to tea, also provides amazing calming effects, helping lower blood pressure and alleviate stress.
Chamomile
Known for its natural ability to curb irritability and anxiety, chamomile may also help alleviate cramping due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Clary Sage
Considered one of the best essential oils to support period health and hormonal balance, clary sage reduces stress hormone levels, aids in restful sleep, and helps to ease menstrual pain.
Frankincense
A powerful topical pain reliever, frankincense can be used to relieve premenstrual cramping and breast tenderness. Frankincense may also help to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Geranium
Geranium oil is thought to reduce fluctuations in hormonal levels, which can help to calm the skin, reduce feelings of fatigue, and balance the mood.
Ginger
Ginger has long been used as an effective remedy for nausea and indigestion. When used topically in massages or soaks, ginger essential oil can help to reduce abdominal cramping and decrease anxiety.
Jasmine
Long used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating pain symptoms, Jasmine is a great choice for those seeking relief from cramps, fatigue, and mood swings.
Lavender
A versatile essential oil, lavender’s anti-inflammatory properties help improve blood flow, easing cramps and headaches that are sometimes symptoms of PMS. Lavender’s well-known calming effects may help relieve stress, insomnia, and symptoms of depression.
Peppermint
Used topically, peppermint is an effective method for reducing pain from cramping. When ingested, peppermint can help with the symptoms of bloating and nausea that sometimes accompany PMS.
Thyme
Thyme supports natural hormonal balance by aiding in the balancing of progesterone levels, which helps to lower stress and counter sleeplessness and mood swings.
Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-Ylang helps with sleeplessness, reduces anxiety and depressive mood swings, lowers blood pressure, and its antispasmodic properties reduce cramping.
How to Use Essential Oils
Essential oils can be used in a variety of different ways to unleash a multitude of benefits. Some essential oils may cause skin irritation, so take care when applying essential oils topically to always dilute the oils with a carrier such as coconut or olive oil.
To use oils as an aromatherapy agent, use a diffuser or add a few drops to a soaking tub or hot bath. Most essential oils can be taken internally — ingested as teas, tinctures, or added to edibles. Be sure to obtain food grade oils for internal use.