Dys-meno-rrhea.

It comes from the Greek words dys (which means painful, abnormal, or difficult), meno (meaning month) and rrhea (meaning to flow). So, in other words, menstruation that can really hurt.

Relief is Just a Whiff and a Rub Away.

Painful periods decreased to less than 5 on a 10-point scale by massaging the lower abdominal area for 10 minutes with a 3% concentration of geranium (a hormone regulator and balancer), rose (a uterine tonic), and clary sage (anti-spasmodic and analgesic) in one study.

But What is a 3% Concentration?

A 3% dilution is about 20 drops of oil to 1 ounce of carrier. Oh, and by the way, a 5% dilution is about 30 drops to 1 ounce of a carrier, while a 10% dilution is about 60 drops of oil to an ounce of carrier. (And remember, there are 2 tablespoons to an ounce.)

Rose and Lavender.

In a large 8-year study with over 8,000 women, 1 drop of rose and 3 drops of lavender were mixed in 10 ml of a carrier lotion. It helped ease the pain, anxiety and nausea during labor and childbirth, while also enhancing contractions.

But How Much is 10 mL?

It’s about 2 teaspoons or 1/3 ounce, while 2 tablespoons or 1 ounce is the equivalent of 30 ml. Double that and you have 60 ml.

Any Other Oils Good for Cramps?

Yep. Some researchers have also used rosemary, wintergreen, lavender, bergamot, Roman chamomile, clary sage and sweet marjoram. Women applied them to the lower abdomen and lower back every 4 hours as needed.

Be Overly Careful in Pregnancy and Nursing, Please.

Essential oils may interfere with optimal bonding that occurs with mother’s own scent. Also, use on newborns or infants up to three-four months is not recommended as their organs are still developing and skin is quite permeable. And even after that, essential oils should be used at a very low dilution of only 1 to 3 drops in 1 ounce of carrier.

NAHA.

Learn more from the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy and watch my YouTube video “Relief from Women’s Health Concerns – Just a Whiff Away.”