Fighting PMS: The Feminine Side of Essential Oils

In this ultra-modern age, it may surprise you that more and more women are finding relief from their premenstrual syndrome symptoms —not in the latest pharmaceuticals — but in a class of ancient remedies known as essential oils. This recent demand for a natural approach to achieving wellness has caught the attention of healthcare providers and given rise to a number of online companies which offer high quality 100% pure essential oils. Wearing an essential oil diffuser necklace allows you to enjoy all the benefits of essential oils while keeping up with the latest fashion trends. Here’s a look at some of the ways essential oils are being used to treat the monthly maladies of today’s modern woman:

• Clary Sage Essential Oil

  Clary Sage essential oil is a clear to pale yellow oil rich in antioxidants and exhibiting a sweet, musky fragrance, is believed to be beneficial in helping the body achieve natural hormonal balance. A key compound called sclareol, which has a chemical structure similar to the hormones produced in the body, is thought to be responsible for the Clary Sage’s hormonal effect. This can be helpful in regulating the menstrual cycle and provide some relief for pre-menopausal women. When combined with Lavender, Clary Sage may also be effective in relieving menstrual cramps and relaxing mind, body and muscles. Clary Sage Essential oil may be diffused or diluted 50/50 with vegetable oil for direct application to the wrists, ankles, abdomen, lower back, or other places of pressure. It may also be diluted and taken as a dietary supplement.

• Geranium Essential Oil

  Geranium essential oil is commonly referred to as the women’s oil. Many women have found it to be an effective sedative to aid in sleep and help to release much of the stress and anxiety associated with PMS. Geranium’s natural diuretic properties also make it helpful for alleviating fluid retention and breast tenderness often associated with PMS. Geranium Essential Oil can be inhaled, placed in a warm bath, or diffused for best results. It also blends very well with Clary Sage.

• Bergamot

  Bergamot is an essential oil that may be effective in treating PMS by helping to balance emotions and mood. It may help reduce the symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, irritability, or other emotional issues that may present themselves on a monthly basis. Aromatherapy with Bergamot, especially when mixed with equal parts of Grapefruit oil, has been shown to be invigorating and rejuvenating—providing much needed PMS pick-me-ups.

• Peppermint Essential Oil

  Peppermint essential oil is considered to be effective in relieving a host of PMS related maladies. These include fatigue, nausea, bloating, headaches and other discomforts. Due to its potential to cause skin irritations at full potency, Peppermint Essential Oil should always be diluted before being applied to the skin. Aside from topical application, Peppermint oil can be taken internally, used in a diffuser, or inhaled from a cotton ball or vial.

• Sweet Fennel Essential Oil

  Sweet Fennel essential oil, with its characteristic aroma of licorice, has been found by many to be an effective tool for relieving menstrual cramps or other abdominal or digestive discomforts often associated with PMS. Topically, full-strength Sweet Fennel oil can cause skin irritation and should always be diluted with vegetable oil before applying to the skin. Massaging the lower abdomen with Fennel oil diluted in vegetable oil can be effective in soothing the lower abdomen. Its mild diuretic effect may also help to relieve fluid retention. A blend of Sweet Fennel and Rosemary is also recommended for relieving the stress and fatigue that often accompanies PMS.