http://www.care2.com/greenliving/aromatherapy-massage-for-menstrual-pain.html
Aromatherapy Massage for Menstrual Pain
By Einav Keet, Natural Solutions magazine
Which colorful expletive haven’t women used to describe period cramps? Dysmenorrhea, which even sounds like a cuss word, can get the best of an otherwise pain-tolerant woman and have her reaching for the extra-large bottle of Advil. However, recent research points to a safer and more pleasant choice: Aromatherapy massage.
A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that women lessened the discomfort of their cramps by more than 50 percent when they massaged their abdomens with almond oil infused with two drops lavender, one drop rose, and one drop clary sage oils. So why did the aromatherapy work?
“These oils were chosen because they have been traditionally used for their anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties,” explains Valerie Cooksley, RN, an author, certified aromatherapist, and cofounder of the Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy. “They have been used effectively throughout the ages for easing menstrual pain and cramping.”
Essential oils of chamomile, basil, carrot seed, frankincense, jasmine, and rosemary also may put a stop to period pain.
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12 comments
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Konteyner
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Awesome! I could use this. lol.
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I just noticed that Kiss My Face Filthy Rich Moisturizer in Citrus Lavender contains several of these ingredients. It contains lavender, chamomile and rosemary (among other yummy things) For a scent-free person, the smell took some getting used to (but it doesn't make my head hurt like artificial fragrances) It's a nice thick moisturizer, and I had never thought to use it to ease cramps. Will be testing it out.
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Another way to do a skin patch test is to apply the essential oil diluted in a base oil, to the inside of the upper arm, cover loosely and wait 24 hours. If there is no reaction, then it is safe to use the essential oil in this diluted formula.
Too many people are too quick to smear oils all over themselves without checking first as to whether they might react or not. A person should always find out what the contraindications are of any oil they are considering using, too.
I see numerous postings on the web and in magazines touting essential oils and herbal formulas that are often either incorrect or incomplete when it comes to their properties and proper usage. Before using any natural remedy, make sure to do your homework and research.
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The use of Roman Chamomile can be very effective for any type of cramp or muscle spasm due to it's high ester content. However, anyone with hayfever or seasonal allergies should definitely due a skin patch test before using it, since it is in the same family of plants as ragweed. To perform a skin patch test:
Apply one drop of the essential oil, neat (this means undiluted & not mixed in a base oil) to the crook of the arm. Then raise your hand of that arm to your shoulder for 5 minutes. If the oil begins to make your skin itch, burn or redness appears, then you know you are having a reaction and should not use the oil or it must be very diluted. To halt the burning or itching sensation, swab the area with milk or a base oil like sweet almond and/or wash the area with a mild soap and warm water. It is wise to note that many essential oils are known irritants and should never be used neat.
Clary sage can certainly help with menstrual cramps, but anyone who is being treated for estrogen dependent cancer or struggling with hormonal imbalance issues, they consult their doctor before using it.
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clary-sage is great for cramps, but for the same reasons it works on cramps should not be used by pregnant women. In answer to a previous qu, Rosemary is great for general muscle cramps but not as good as clary sage for period pain. Rosemary should not be used by people with high-blood pressure.
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i don't have clary sage oil. can i subsitute it with a drop of rosemary?
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One drop of pure essential oil chamomile on the lower back. Works everytime.
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My yoga teacher taught me that massaging the back of the calf, especially from mid-calf down to the ankle, makes menstrual cramps go away. I love it, because it works, it's easy and free, and nobody notices a person sitting down and rubbing the back of her calf-so we can do it anytime we need to.
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It may sound crazy, but try a snack sized Milkyway candy bar (or 2 of the bitesized ones). I had cramps that would put me out of commission for days when a friend suggested this to me. Halloween became my time to stock up on candybars for medicinal purposes! I have suggested this info to other friends who have been astounded by the quick relief the have received form such a simple remedy. I don't know what is in a Milkyway that works...all I care is that they do. (BTW...SNICKERS don't work.) I hope it helps, esp if there are younger girls out there suffering and can't manage to tolerate the teas. Good luck!
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