Menstrual Magic: Frankincense Oil And Cramp Relief
Period cramps are among the many symptoms women endure during "that time of the month". While there are various approaches available to ease period pain, such as eating certain foods and taking over-the-counter medication, essential oils may also prove helpful in relieving symptoms.
One of the best remedies is Frankincense oil. A study conducted on it showed it could reduce pain among those suffering from primary dysmenorrhea (period pain).
Soothes The Nervous System
One of the main causes of menstrual cramps for women is stress. Luckily, essential oils may provide relief by soothing nerves and alleviating discomfort.
One such oil is frankincense. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, frankincense can reduce pain and swelling in the body while soothing anxiety and depression caused by periods.
Studies have demonstrated that massaging the lower abdomen with essential oils can significantly decrease menstrual cramp intensity. Ylang-ylang essential oil has proven particularly useful, stimulating pelvic blood flow while alleviating inflammation in the area and providing relief through reduced pain levels. Furthermore, its pleasant aroma helps lift spirits and release tightened muscles.
Peppermint oil can provide relief for headaches associated with menstrual cramps. A study published by Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice in May 2017 demonstrated this by using lavender essential oil on a massaged lower abdomen massaged reduce perceptions of menstrual pain. You can utilize peppermint in various ways: direct inhalation, topical application, or adding it to a diffuser/vaporizer device.
Frankincense oil can also help alleviate respiratory problems that surface during menstrual cycles, including chronic coughs or bronchitis. Its soothing properties help clear away chest and throat phlegm to make breathing easier - hence its widespread use as an ingredient in many sinus medications.
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Frankincense can also aid menstrual cramp relief by improving digestion. Its use may speed up food movement through your digestive tract and, consequently, help decrease gas and bloat by encouraging the secretion of bile and digestive juices that help remove excess gases.
Relieves Pain
Frankincense Oil can act as a natural analgesic to soothe menstrual cramps by increasing blood circulation and relaxing muscles, according to the National Institute of Health. You can inhale it via a diffuser, heat it with a hot washcloth, or rub the oil onto your abdomen directly for instantaneous relief.
Mix frankincense with another essential oil for optimal results when treating cramps, such as lavender, ginger, eucalyptus, marjoram, or ylang-ylang.
This blend is designed to relieve uterus cramps, PMS symptoms, and bloating while simultaneously balancing hormone levels. This blend features a high concentration of soothing and comforting ylang-ylang which will leave you feeling calm and relaxed. Lavender can ease pain and stress relief while eucalyptus and ginger both can reduce inflammation in the body; additionally, marjoram and German chamomile soothe your uterus and increase relaxation levels, thus decreasing stress levels.
Frankincense oil can help relieve both physical and gastric discomfort by encouraging the production of bile and gastric juices that support faster digestion, alleviating gas discomfort.
Frankincense and myrrh are an effective combination for treating indigestion, making it easier for your body to absorb essential nutrients. Myrrh is particularly effective at breaking up stagnant blood, as evidenced by its biblical history as one of Jesus' birth gifts.
Essential oils can be useful tools in relieving period pain, but they should never be treated as the ultimate panacea. Instead, essential oils should be combined with a healthy diet that includes leafy green vegetables and whole grains to ensure your body receives all of the essential vitamins it requires to function optimally. If the pain persists despite these measures, please visit a physician to rule out any underlying conditions. If none of them work for you then perhaps switching up combinations of oils or over-the-counter pain relievers might work better.
Decreases Inflammation
Inflammation is often the source of period pain, whether due to hormone fluctuations, an overactive immune system, or toxic exposure. Frankincense oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to alleviate inflammation while increasing blood circulation which further soothes discomfort and cramping.
Frankincense stands out as an effective menstrual cramp remedy and also works to ease other associated symptoms, including nausea, hot flashes, and mood swings. Additionally, this oil fights inflammation while simultaneously relieving bloating and aiding digestion.
For maximum effectiveness, combine essential oils in a diluted mixture. Diluting levels should depend on the severity of your discomfort; typically a 3-10% mixture works best. Always perform a skin patch test before using any new oil and discontinue use if it causes any irritation.
Frankincense's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help balance your hormones that impact the menstruation cycle, possibly combatting primary dysmenorrhea (period pain that typically manifests itself in the lower abdomen). It's believed to do this by inhibiting prolactin levels and blocking inflammatory chemicals.
Frankincense can be especially beneficial to many women as it can reduce irregular periods and delay menopause onset. Irregular menstruation can be both physically and psychologically exhausting, yet regular periods can be managed through regular hormonal balance, thus decreasing all associated symptoms. Luckily, frankincense helps balance hormones to provide relief from them.
Add CBD oil to a warm bath, massage your abdomen and lower back with it, put it in a diffuser, breathe its aroma, or combine it with other oils known to aid PMS symptoms such as clary sage, copaiba, or peppermint for the best results.
Supports Hormone Balance
Hormonal balance is essential to good health, particularly during menstruation. Hormones regulate everything from metabolism, energy levels, reproduction, and even our mood - and any imbalance can result in symptoms like inflammation, menstrual cramping, or PMS.
Frankincense oil can help balance hormones during your period. Packed with natural boswellic acid to reduce inflammation and promote cell repair, it works hand in hand with myrrh to increase blood flow and decrease swelling; so effective were these oils that they were thought worthy to give to Christ at his birth.
Other essential oils that can help during your period are lavender, sage, peppermint, and rose essential oils. You can mix these or select individual ones for optimal results. One common way of using essential oils is adding them to a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba and massaging them into areas of discomfort on your body. You could also try putting a few drops into warm bathwater or washcloth and placing them over your lower abdomen or back as an aid against pain relief.
Essential oils alone will not do the trick; to see real results it is also important to eat healthily and practice stress management. Supplements - specifically magnesium and vitamin B supplements can also be helpful; you can find these in pill form, capsule form, or liquid.
An active, healthy lifestyle can help alleviate menstrual cramps or prevent their onset altogether. If you are concerned about any period-related symptoms, consult a physician.
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If you're curious about trying frankincense essential oil for menstrual cramps, make sure that it is of high quality and pure. This type of product can be purchased either online or from most health stores; most people can safely take this supplement but always consult their physician before starting any new supplement or treatment regimen. Alternatively, seek guidance from an aromatherapist certified to assist in selecting an essential oil blend tailored specifically to meet your needs.