Essential Oils for PMS, Menstrual Cramps & More

By Caryn Gelmann

It’s “that time of the month again” and you feel less than stellar. As women, many of us think we just need to put up with the pain and discomfort before or during menstruation. Is that true? There is no magic wand, that’s for sure, but we can take proactive steps to improve our health and lower our stress which often does wonders for our symptoms! In this article, we’ll focus on essential oils for PMS, menstrual cramps, and other frustrating symptoms that can hit anytime between ovulation and menstruation.

Before we get into specific essential oils, blends, and recipes to combat your least favorite PMS symptoms, a gentle reminder to listen to your body. The most powerful component of essential oils is their smell so finding a scent you enjoy, that makes you feel more in harmony and at peace with your body is key. So listen to your nose, and don’t be surprised if you’re drawn to different scents depending on your cycle. Hormones play a role in the smells we like… and don’t like!

PMS

Tension Relief Aromatherapy Bath

A bath with no scent can be a great way to relax, but if you really want to relieve tension and fluid retention in those days prior to a menstrual period try this recipe.

2 drops Cypress
2 drops Chamomile Roman
3 drops Geranium
3 drops Marjoram Sweet

Blend and mix these essential oils for PMS into whipping cream, whole milk, liquid soap, Epsom or dead sea salts, and then add to warm bath.

Here are some additional e3 blends that many find helpful when feeling the extra tension associated with PMS: Mood Rescue, Relax, Stress Relief, Serenity, Adventurous. Once you find your favorite blend, try one of our aromatherapy inhalers that you can easily stow away in your pocket or purse when you need an aromatherapy moment.

Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual Cramp Essential Oil Rub

4 drops Lavender
2 drops Marjoram Sweet
2 drops Chamomile Roman or Clary Sage
3 drops Geranium
1 drop Ginger
1 oz. Carrier oil

Combine these essential oils for menstrual cramps with the carrier oil and apply to the abdomen, hips, and lower back. Or you could combine one of these e3 blends with a carrier oil for soothing comfort, Female Harmony, Muscle Soothe, Migraine.

e3’s Little Comfort Heart Pillow is another great option when you’re dealing with painful cramps. All you need to do is heat this aromatherapy pillow in the microwave for 2-3 minutes and it will provide approximately 45 minutes of soothing warmth for your abdomen.

Water Retention

Water Retention Essential Oil Rub

3 drops Grapefruit
3 drops Carrot seed
3 drops Cedarwood atlas
3 drops Juniperberry
1 oz. Carrier oil or lotion

Combine ingredients and rub upwards toward your heart two to three times a day.

You can also combine one of these e3 blends with a carrier oil or lotion to help with the discomfort, Purify, Lymphatic Support, Revitalize.

Headaches

Nighttime Headache Aromatherapy Tip

Add a drop of Marjoram Sweet on a tissue and insert it in your pillowcase.

e3’s blends, Head Soothe, Migraine, Cold & Sinus, Protection, can be applied as roll-ons to your temples or the back of your neck. Ideally, apply before the headache really locks in to benefit more fully.

Perhaps your pre-menstrual or menstrual symptoms suddenly feel much worse than normal. That may be a sign that your system needs balancing. Here’s a list of popular e3 blends that help balance your system: Female Harmony, Endocrine, Adrenal Support, Lymphatic Support, Digestive, Adventurous. (If you’re dealing with menopausal symptoms read, Essential Oils for Menopause — Experience The Calm!)

Hopefully, you’ll find these essential oils for PMS and the other frustrating symptoms associated with menstruation helpful. The key really is to invest some time in self-care. If we’re always on the run with a high-level of stress, our symptoms can come on much stronger. So take a calming breath or two, draw a warm bath, give yourself a rubdown… no it’s not magic but chances are you will feel so much better!

If you want to explore the Art & Science of Blending Essential Oils, download our free workbook and we’ll walk you through it! Questions? Our clinical aromatherapists are available to support you.