11 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Period Cramps
Herbal essential oils for Period cramps are plant-derived oils that are obtained through the process of steam distillation, cold pressing, or solvent extraction, and are used to alleviate the symptoms of menstrual cramps, bloating, and mood swings associated with PMS.
These oils have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and analgesic properties that help to relax the uterine muscles, reduce pain, and promote a sense of well-being.
Examples of herbal essential oils that can be used to treat period cramps include Clary Sage, which helps to reduce stress and anxiety, Lavender, which promotes relaxation and calms the mind and body, Peppermint, which eases digestive issues and reduces nausea, Geranium, which balances hormones and reduces bloating, Frankincense, which has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces pain, and Ginger, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and helps to reduce nausea and cramps.
By incorporating these herbal essential oils into one's self-care routine, individuals can experience relief from period cramps and improve their overall menstrual health.
According to "Complementary therapies in medicine", essential oils for period cramps show evidence of efficacy in relieving menstrual pain in at least one randomized controlled trial, although the quality of these studies is low or unclear, warranting further research for definitive conclusions.
Below there's a list of the 11 best herbal essential oils for period cramps.
- 1. Zingiber officinale essential oils
- 2. Valeriana officinalis essential oils
- 3. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils
- 4. Mentha x piperita essential oils
- 5. Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils
- 6. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils
- 7. Cinnamomum verum essential oils
- 8. Foeniculum vulgare essential oils
- 9. Melissa officinalis essential oils
- 10. Curcuma longa essential oils
- 11. Piper nigrum essential oils
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1. Zingiber officinale essential oils
Zingiber officinale essential oils, derived from the ginger plant, have been traditionally used to alleviate period cramps due to their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties.
The bioactive constituents present in this essential oil, including gingerol and shogaol, help to inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that cause pain and inflammation during menstruation.
By reducing inflammation and relieving muscle spasms, Zingiber officinale essential oils help to provide quick and effective relief from period cramps, making it a popular natural remedy among women.
The benefits of using Zingiber officinale essential oils to treat period cramps include reduced pain, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being, making it an excellent alternative to traditional pain medications.
Related Study
According to "Frontiers in pharmacology", Zingiber officinale essential oils for period cramps have not been specifically mentioned in the provided study, but Zingiber officinale (Ginger) is listed as one of the commonly used ethnic medicines for women's menstruation health, indicating its potential use in treating menstrual diseases, including period cramps.
2. Valeriana officinalis essential oils
Valeriana officinalis essential oils have been traditionally used to treat period cramps due to their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative properties.
The essential oil helps to alleviate cramp pain by reducing muscle spasms and relaxing the uterine muscles, thereby providing relief from the discomfort associated with menstruation.
Bioactive constituents such as valerenic acid, valeranone, and isovaleric acid in Valeriana officinalis essential oils contribute to its therapeutic effects, which help to reduce pain and promote relaxation.
The benefits of using Valeriana officinalis essential oils to treat period cramps include natural pain relief, improved sleep quality, and reduced anxiety levels, making it a popular herbal remedy among women experiencing menstrual discomfort.
Related Study
According to "Disease-a-month : DM", Valeriana officinalis essential oils for period cramps may be beneficial, although more study is needed on its long-term safety and efficacy.
3. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils
Lavandula angustifolia essential oils have been traditionally used to treat period cramps due to their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties.
The herbal preparation helps to treat this ailment by relaxing the uterine muscles, reducing pain and discomfort, and promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
The bioactive constituents of Lavandula angustifolia essential oils, including linalool and linalyl acetate, contribute to its therapeutic effects by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and reducing inflammation.
Regular use of Lavandula angustifolia essential oils has been shown to provide relief from period cramps, reduce menstrual distress, and improve overall well-being.
4. Mentha x piperita essential oils
Mentha x piperita essential oils, extracted from the peppermint plant, have been traditionally used to alleviate period cramps due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The herbal preparation helps to treat this ailment by relaxing the uterine muscles, reducing spasms and pain, and promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
The bioactive constituents, including menthol, menthone, and limonene, contribute to its therapeutic effects by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are hormones that cause uterine contractions and pain.
The benefits of using Mentha x piperita essential oils to treat period cramps include natural relief from pain and discomfort, reduced nausea and vomiting, and improved overall well-being.
5. Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils
Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils have been traditionally used to treat period cramps due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties.
The flavonoids and saponins present in these oils help to relax the uterine muscles, thereby reducing the severity of menstrual cramps.
The bioactive constituents, including glycyrrhizin and licoricidin, have been shown to possess analgesic and anti-prostaglandin activities, which help to alleviate pain and inflammation associated with period cramps.
By using Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils, women may experience relief from period cramps and other symptoms associated with PMS, making it a beneficial natural remedy for menstrual health.
6. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils
Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils, also known as rosemary essential oils, have been traditionally used to treat period cramps due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The bioactive constituents present in rosemary essential oils, including carnosic acid, camphor, and borneol, help to reduce prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that cause menstrual cramps.
By inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, rosemary essential oils provide relief from severe period cramps, allowing individuals to manage their symptoms more effectively.
The benefits of using rosemary essential oils to treat period cramps include reduced pain, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being.
7. Cinnamomum verum essential oils
Cinnamomum verum essential oils, also known as Ceylon cinnamon oil, have been traditionally used to alleviate period cramps due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The bioactive constituents of Ceylon cinnamon oil, such as cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and linalool, help to reduce pain and inflammation, thereby providing relief from menstrual cramps.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Ceylon cinnamon oil also help to relax the uterine muscles, reducing the severity of period cramps.
By using Ceylon cinnamon oil, women can benefit from its natural and safe approach to managing menstrual cramp pain, promoting overall well-being and comfort during their menstrual cycle.
Related Study
According to "Daru : journal of Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences", Cinnamomum verum essential oils may have beneficial effects on menstrual and ovulatory dysfunctions, including potentially alleviating period cramps, in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
8. Foeniculum vulgare essential oils
Foeniculum vulgare essential oils, commonly known as anise oil, have been traditionally used to alleviate period cramps due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The essential oil contains bioactive constituents such as anethole, limonene, and pinene, which help to relax the uterine muscles, reduce pain and discomfort, and alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with menstrual cramps.
By reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation, Foeniculum vulgare essential oils help to provide relief from menstrual cramps, making it a popular natural remedy for women experiencing this symptom.
Regular use of Foeniculum vulgare essential oils can also help to regulate menstrual cycles, reduce anxiety and stress, and promote overall well-being, providing a holistic approach to managing period cramps.
Related Study
According to "International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics", Foeniculum vulgare essential oils for period cramps can be used as a safe and effective herbal remedy, providing relief from menstrual pain, however, it may have a lower potency than mefenamic acid in the dosages used for this study.
9. Melissa officinalis essential oils
Melissa officinalis essential oils have been traditionally used to treat period cramps due to their calming and analgesic properties.
The herbal preparation helps to treat this ailment by reducing inflammation, relaxing the uterine muscles, and promoting a sense of well-being, thereby alleviating the discomfort associated with menstrual cramps.
The bioactive constituents of Melissa officinalis, such as citral and limonene, are responsible for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, which contribute to its efficacy in treating period cramps.
Regular use of Melissa officinalis essential oils has been shown to provide relief from menstrual cramps, reduce anxiety and stress, and promote overall menstrual health.
10. Curcuma longa essential oils
Curcuma longa essential oils, derived from the rhizome of the turmeric plant, have been traditionally used to alleviate period cramps due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
The bioactive constituents, including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that help to reduce pain and discomfort associated with menstrual cramps.
By inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, a hormone-like substance that causes pain and inflammation, Curcuma longa essential oils provide relief from period cramps and other symptoms associated with PMS.
The benefits of using Curcuma longa essential oils to treat period cramps include reduced pain, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being, making it a popular natural remedy for menstrual health.
Related Study
According to the study, Curcuma longa essential oils have compounds such as curcumin, which may have potential in alleviating pain and discomfort, but further research is necessary to evaluate its effectiveness in treating period cramps.
11. Piper nigrum essential oils
Piper nigrum essential oils, extracted from black pepper, have been traditionally used to alleviate period cramps due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The herbal preparation's bioactive constituents, such as piperine and beta-caryophyllene, help to reduce prostaglandin levels, which in turn alleviate menstrual cramp symptoms.
Piper nigrum essential oils also exhibit antioxidant properties, which help to protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation associated with period cramps.
By utilizing Piper nigrum essential oils, individuals can potentially alleviate their period cramp symptoms and enjoy a more comfortable menstrual cycle.