Essential Oils & Aromatherapy For Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Aromatherapy has proven extremely effective as a drug-free treatment for the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. If you are looking for a natural cure for the discomforts associated with "that time of the month," look no further than your favorite essential oils!

For the moodiness that tends to accompany menstruation, there are several options. Choose whatever smells the best to you - your body is a master at sensing what oils will work best with its own internal chemistry, and scent attraction is one of the tools it uses. Essential oils of bergamot and clary sage work to improve overall mood, keep you even-tempered, and lift the spirits. If you find yourself generally irritable, look into obtaining some geranium essential oil. If you tend more towards sadness and depression, add essential oil of rose to your regimen.

The clary sage you purchased to deal even your mood will also help with menstrual cramps, when accompanied by lavender and/or Roman chamomile. Lavender and chamomile are also wonderful for inducing relaxation and restful sleep at the end of a hard day. You can also combine them with peppermint for relief from the debilitating headaches that sometimes accompany the fatigue and abdominal pain characteristic of PMS.

For a pick-me-up on a particularly difficult day, use a combination of a citrus oil like lemon, orange, or grapefruit with essential oils of rosemary and basil to energize and rejuvenate. Grapefruit and lemon also work wonders for bloating, as does juniper, and these are the same oils that will promote peristalsis and regularity, soothing a constipated or watery digestive system.

Once you have selected which combination of oils will best suit your needs, there are many ways you can apply them for effective relief. One of my favorites is to sit in a hot bath with five to seven drops of essential oil, inhaling the steam off the water, receiving the benefits of the oils through pores opened by warmth at the same time.

If you do not have time to take out of your already-busy schedule, you can mix 20-25 drops of essential oil into 4 ounces of a carrier oil like jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernel, or even the extra virgin olive oil from your kitchen cupboard! Rub a teaspoon of this mixture on your lower abdomen and your temples twice daily, or as needed. Alternatively, stir your oils into your favorite brand of unscented lotion and apply as moisturizer daily.