Nearly everyone deals with it; PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, can turn the sweetest lady into a raging monster of out-of-control hormones. Add in the unpleasant cramps, bloating, and other assorted discomforts, and hardly anyone can stay bearable. But there are a few simple things women can do to minimize the discomfort... for themselves, and for everyone around them.
Take a Moment to Think
The most important thing to remember when trying to deal with PMS, is to simply realize what's going on. If you know why you cry at the drop of a hat, or why you take your significant other's head off for one wrong word, you're halfway there. Stop a moment, take a few deep breaths, and try to relax. A soothing, calming blend of essential oils to inhale while trying to calm down can help immensely here.
Finding Relief from PMS Symptoms
There are dozens or even hundreds of things that can be tried to help alleviate the pain and mood swings. Aside from commercial pharmaceuticals, there are many natural, gentle therapies to try.
One good aromatherapy product option is a long relaxing bath with a few drops of PMS-aiding essential oils; Clary Sage is perhaps the best choice, but Geranium, Bergamot, Lavender, Rose, Nutmeg, Grapefruit, Chamomile, Lemongrass and Ylang-ylang are also good choices.
Massage, if there is someone willing to help calm the beast (quite likely if a poor significant other is getting his head ripped off regularly) is also highly effective. Buy a soothing massage oil, or make one using a good carrier oil like Grapeseed, Jojoba or Sweet Almond oils and one – or several – of the essential oils listed above, or any favorite soothing blend.
Aromatherapy Essential Oil Blends for PMS Relief
A wonderful blend of essential oils to use for PMS is as follows:
- 10 drops Clary Sage
- 5 drops Lavender
- 3 drops Jasmine
- 2 drops Sandalwood
Add this to a warm bath, or to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil. Mixed with oil, it can be used as a calming inhalant (simply open the bottle it is stored in and breathe in deeply), or as a massage oil. This is a good mood-balancing and relaxing blend.
Another blend to try would be:
- 12 drops Clary Sage
- 5 drops Geranium
- 10 drops Bergamot
Use in the same methods as above. This is also balancing, but more uplifting than calming.
Herbal Remedies for PMS Symptoms
There are also many herbs available to help with PMS, either taken as supplements or as a tea, as appropriate. Among the best are Chamomile for its calming and pain relief; Raspberry Leaf for mood (and hormone) balancing and pain relief; Black Cohosh to uplift mood and relieve muscle pain; and Peppermint for balancing moods.
And, despite the natural inclination, try to avoid caffeine and chocolate. Although they are 'comfort foods' for most women suffering from PMS, and have momentary uplifting qualities, they will actually make it worse when coming down from the rush.
Sources:
The Complete Book of Essential Oil & Aromatherapy, by Valerie Ann Worwood (New World Library, 1991)
Prescription for Herbal Healing, by Phyllis A. Balch (Avery, 2002)
The Green Pharmacy, by James A. Duke, PhD (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 1998)
Aromatherapy for Women, by Maggie Tisserand (Healing Arts Press, 1996)
Genevieve Kiger - Genevieve is passionate about all manner of natural subjects; herbs, herbalism, aromatherapy, and general natural health and body care.
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