Most women know what it’s like to have a painful period at some point, and up to 50% have reported that such pain seriously disrupts their lives. Aromatherapy can be a natural way to help cope with period pains.
What are the causes?
As part of a woman’s regular monthly cycle, the body prepares for a possible pregnancy by building the lining of the uterus. If, at the end of this cycle, no pregnancy occurs, then this lining must be shed (like a period), to be replaced by a new one. To remove the lining, the womb undergoes contractions (cramps) similar to, but not as severe as, those seen during labor. It is these contractions that cause the pain during a period. During a contraction, the blood vessels in the wall of the uterus are compressed, temporarily reducing the supply of blood and thus oxygen to the uterus. This triggers the release of chemicals, some of which cause pain and others (called prostaglandins) that induce even stronger contractions. The degree of pain experienced depends on the strength of the contractions.
Some women are lucky and feel only a dull or dull ache; others experience violent cramps that seriously affect their quality of life. Severe menstrual cramps are known as dysmenorrhea. Period pain can be worse when we feel particularly emotional or stressed, or when we also experience pain from other causes. Painful periods usually become less intense after a woman has given birth to her first child.
How to help reduce menstrual cramps naturally
Many women who experience painful periods are reported to use pain relievers. However, if you prefer to try a more natural way to relieve period pain, here are some suggestions:
- Stress can exacerbate period cramps, so try to minimize your stress levels at this time. Certain essential oils are known to help reduce stress: try taking a warm bath with four drops of one of the following essential oils (geranium, neroli, rose palm, and/or clary sage) (or you can try a mix). You can also add the oils to a heating pad (add the oil after heating) or a hot water bottle and place it on your lower abdomen or back (be careful not to burn your skin).
- Aromatherapy massage. Recent research has found that a gentle massage with two drops of lavender (Lavandula officinalis), one drop of clary sage (Salvia sclarea) and one drop of essential oils of rose (Rosa centifolia) in 5 ml of almond oil significantly reduces the severity of the menstruation. cramps compared to women who received no treatment and those who received massages with almond oil only.
- Constipation can also increase the pain of a period, so it’s important to maintain regular bowel movements at this time. Eat plenty of fiber and drink plenty of water, especially since some women get dehydrated at this time.
- Regular exercise, such as swimming, walking, or cycling, has also been reported to reduce menstrual cramps, and of course, can also help prevent constipation.
When are menstrual cramps not normal?
Severe menstrual cramps should always be investigated to see if there is another cause that can be treated. Generally, if you’ve had severe menstrual cramps since the time your periods started, it’s less likely that a particular cause will be found. However, conditions like endometriosis can sometimes cause severe pain from a young age (although the pain usually gets worse with each monthly cycle). Other causes of severe menstrual pain include fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, and sometimes narrowing of the cervix.
The best guide is to first try to find a simple way to manage pain that works for you. If this doesn’t control the pain, or if the pain begins to interfere with your life, preventing you from working or coping with daily tasks, talk to your doctor.
Sources.
- Han SH, Hur MH, Buckle J, Choi J, Lee MS. Effect of aromatherapy on symptoms of dysmenorrhea in female college students: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Altern Complement Med 2006; 12:535-41.
- http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/crampsmenstrual/a/cramps
- Worwood VA. The Fragrant Pharmacy. A complete guide to aromatherapy and essential oils. Bantam Books, 1996.
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