Ladies, who here suffer from cramps during their periods? We know that most of us do and it is NOT pretty. It can be gruesome, painful and can last up to a week! Whoever thought that was a good idea? For women to just suffer every month? But, alas we have to pull through. There are quite a few ways to calm your menstrual cramps when you just can’t take it anymore. Grandmas and mothers will tell you that the best remedy is heat, water or some traditional herbal medicine.

But Beauty Insider has found that another remedy for menstrual cramps lies in essential oils. That’s right, they can do more than just make your room smell nice and freshen the air. Here are some methods you can use essential oils to help with menstrual cramps! 

8 Essential Oils For Menstrual Cramps

1. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is many people’s go-to for many different situations. Mostly because it smells nice and is also the most common. But, inhaling lavender essential oils has shown to help reduce menstrual bleeding and cramps effectively. Since it offers the benefit to help lessen contractions, it is one of the best when it comes to menstrual cramps. 

2. Cinnamon Essential Oil 

Cinnamon may not be a smell for all of us, but cinnamon essential oils are great for menstrual cramps. It can help reduce uterine contractions and can be applied topically. Simply just massage the oil onto your lower abdomen and its anti-inflammatory properties may help. 

3. Spicy Blend of Essential Oils 

When you have cramps, we always recommend placing a heat pack over your abdomen or even consuming warm water. This is because heat tends to soothe the aching muscles and relieve pain. So, it only makes sense that a spicy blend of essential oils can achieve the same results! A blend of clove, rose,  lavender and cinnamon essential oils was studied as a topical oil for the abdomen. According to the study, it was found that this spicy blend helped reduce the duration and pain intensity of cramps. 

4. Clary Sage Essential Oil

One of the most popular essential oils used to treat menstrual cramps is clary sage. This is because it is easy to find and is thought to be an antispasmodic agent. Meaning that it can help to reduce uterus spasms when cramps occur. So, there is no reason not to stock up on this essential oil!

5. Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

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image credits- neal’s yard remedies

According to archaeologists, aromatherapy was used by Ancient Egyptians to help ease the pain. One of their most-used essential oils was Roman Chamomile. Similar to many old wives’ tales on how to treat menstrual cramps, it is said adding a few drops to a foot bath can help ease the intensity of your cramps. So, there is no harm in trying out a method passed on by time. 

6. Frankincense Essential Oil

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Frankincense essential oils can be applied topically, to a diffuser, in a warm bath or diluted with other essential oils. This can all help to relieve any pain caused by inflammation. Out of all the other essential oils, frankincense is probably the most festive scent. Furthermore, this essential oil can also help treat a common cold and boost your recovery process. So, it will definitely come in handy! 

7. Cypress Essential Oil

To help you relax, apply some cypress essential oil into your diffuser and let it blend into the air around you. This is an aromatherapeutic scent that is most effective when inhaled. Compared to other essential oils, this one can help relax your muscles, which can help with any muscle aches. It can also help with improving circulation as well. 

8. Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil

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During our menstrual cycle, we tend to encounter many sudden mood swings. If you find yourself getting irritated easily or sobbing over spilt cheese, then you might want to try using ylang-ylang essential oil. This essential oil has the benefit to help calm and enhance your mood. It is also a mild sedative known to reduce pains associated with cramps. Aside from that, ylang-ylang essential oils are also thought to help with anxiety. 

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