Essential Oils for Menstrual Cramps That Actually Work

Essential oils have been used as a natural remedy for pain for centuries. So why wouldn't they work for some of the most painful, relentless conditions such as menstrual cramps? From lavender to eucalyptus, each of these oils will help relieve some of the worst PMS symptoms every woman has dealt with.

These are the top ten best essential oils for menstrual cramps, and the best ways to use them, so you won't miss a day of work for that pesky monthly visitor again.

Discovered in a study done by nursing students in 2012, lavender essential oil used during an aromatherapy massage was tested to relieve menstrual cramps. To do so, they applied both the lavender oil and a placebo massage.

Ultimately, the study discovered that those who used the lavender oil had greatly experienced reduced cramping. As one of the best essential oils for menstrual cramps, lavender will naturally relax and calm your body and mind.

Next, on our list of the best essential oils for menstrual cramps is Eucalyptus. Most known for its anti-inflammatory properties, your cramps will be no match for this natural remedy.

The essential oil is also great for its decongestant properties, which will help with other PMS symptoms such as moodiness and irritability. Improving your fatigue and energy levels, eucalyptus has a ton of great qualities and health benefits, especially when you have an unwanted visitor.

Rose is a great essential oil that can help alleviate PMS symptoms and even regulate irregular menstrual periods. Working by balancing your hormones that trigger menstruation, the essential oil will put a stop to menstrual cramps.

Plus, it even has strong antidepressant properties that will aid in balancing mood swings and irritability. For best results, you can both inhale this essential oil and add it to lotions to apply regularly. This will improve multiple symptoms of PMS and of course, alleviate the worst of your cramps.

Another great essential oil that is used to calm and relax your body and mind is chamomile. As one of the best essential oils for menstrual cramps, chamomile will allow you to relieve stress as well as irritability and anxiety that may be caused by your period.

Plus, its anti-inflammatory properties will reduce menstrual pain and relax your muscles, alleviating cramping and other PMS caused pains such as headaches and soreness.

For quick relief from cramps, citronella essential oil is an antispasmodic, which will tone down the contractions occurring in your uterine muscles.

For the best use, you should apply the citronella oil directly to the skin on your lower abdomen, which will immediately relieve any painful menstrual cramps that make it hard to get out of bed. It also has a great calming scent that will allow you to relax your muscles, as well as your mind.

Neroli oil is yet another one of the best essential oils for menstrual cramps. Coming from orange tree blossoms, the relaxing properties of this essential oil will allow your worst PMS symptoms to be alleviated.

Most used to alleviate anxieties or stress caused by your period, this oil will also allow you to better relax your lower abdomen muscles, lessening cramps, and benefiting your mood and irritabilities.

Clove oil too has antibacterial properties, which is great for those who suffer from acne breakouts during their time of the month. But does it help with cramps, too? Thankfully, yes, it will help treat your skin, and help calm your cramping muscles with its calming properties as well.

With earthy scents, clove oil is both comforting and warm, with a hint of spice. Best used as an aromatherapy while meditating, this essential oil can simply be inhaled for the best results.

Another one of the best citrus essential oils, orange oil is used for menstrual cramps. With a psychological effect, the oil will boost your mood, and improve your mindset into a more relaxed state.

As one of the best essential oils for menstrual cramps, you can best receive its relaxing effects by inhaling the oil, for the best experience. It will also aid in reducing your stress, depression, or anxiety that may be caused by PMS.

Ylang Ylang oil not only helps relax your body, thus minimizing your abdominal cramping, but it can also clean your skin, and boost your mood. What's better than that?

With three great properties in one, ylang-ylang oil is an antiseptic and will help fight bacteria that may be causing acne during this time of the month. It can also reduce blood pressure, stress, and improve your mood. Simply add a few drops to your diffuser, and you're good to go.

Last, but not least, on our list of the best essential oils for menstrual cramps is cinnamon. This cinnamon aromatherapy essential oil is best used to treat inflammation.

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, you can simply massage this oil into your lower abdomen to help reduce your menstrual cramping symptoms, as well as other period induced pain, like soreness, headaches, and even irritability. This is done by simply allowing the body to relax.