Menstrual Cramp Relief with Essential Oils

Aromatherapy Remedies Relieve Menstrual Pain & Cramps for Many Women

Sep 30, 2009

Monthly menstrual cramps can be a real pain, but many women who experience severe menstrual cramps find relief in natural essential oil remedies.

Menstrual cramping is completely unnoticed by some women, while for others it can be a debilitating monthly experience. Fortunately, there are natural aromatherapy remedies that provide relief for many who suffer through severe menstrual cramps.

What are Menstrual Cramps?

Menstrual cramping occurs when a woman's uterus contracts in order to expel its lining. The uterus is a large muscle and its contractions during the monthly period can be felt as anything from a mildly annoying throbbing through to truly painful cramping.

According to the experts at the Mayo Clinic, menstrual cramps or "dysmenorrhea" are perfectly normal for many women. Some women experience menstrual cramping as a result of known health problems (like endometriosis or uterine fibroids) but, in most cases, menstrual pain is linked with a normal, healthy period.

Normal menstrual cramps often include abdominal pain, which may or may not extend into the lower back and legs. Some women also experience loose stools, nausea, sweating, and/or dizziness during their periods.

Natural Menstrual Cramp Remedies

Knowing there's nothing wrong with period cramps doesn't magically cause the pain to disappear, though, so it's fortunate that there are plenty of natural remedies that work wonders in menstrual relief.

Among the most effective natural remedies are calcium-magnesium supplements, vitamin E, gentle exercise, plenty of sleep, and vitamin C. Any or all of these solutions can help in providing relief for severe menstrual cramps. Essential oils are another natural remedy that is often effective against period cramps.

How to Relieve Menstrual Cramps with Essential Oils

Essential oils are natural plant liquids that contain all the medicinal value of the plant in a more potent form. Herbs and essential oils have been used worldwide for millennia to treat all kinds of menstrual and reproductive health issues. They are highly effective when used topically – applied on the abdomen – or internally in capsules or drops on the tongue.

Caution: There are many different qualities or grades of essential oils, but lack of regulation make it difficult to tell which oils are safe (for internal or even topical use) and which ones are toxic. For more information on essential oil safety, see The Real Quality of Essential Oils.

Essential oils are most effective for relief of menstrual pain when used in combination with a healthy, balanced diet and plenty of rest.

Reference

The copyright of the article Menstrual Cramp Relief with Essential Oils in Aromatherapy is owned by Victoria Anisman-Reiner. Permission to republish Menstrual Cramp Relief with Essential Oils in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.