By Vannoy Gentles Fite

Essential oils have a wide range of uses—from household cleaners and natural mosquito repellent to reducing neck and back pain—so it probably comes as no surprise that they can help alleviate premenstrual syndrome (PMS). 

Studies show that as many as three out of four women are affected by premenstrual symptoms (PMS), including mood swings, bloating, fatigue, and other emotional and physical discomforts. Essential oils are derived from the plants that have been used for centuries to help balance hormones and bring natural relief to both the mind and body. 

PMS Bath Salts

At the core of many PMS symptoms is stress. This essential oil recipe is perfectly suited for that time of the month when you need to take some time to relax, lower cortisol levels, and uplift the spirits. The following oils contain restorative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, and tonic properties. 

Yield: 5 to 6 applications

• 7 drops tea tree oil
• 7 drops cypress oil
• 7 drops rosemary oil
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil
• 3 cups salt (pink Himalayan salt, sea salt, or Epsom salt)
• 1 tablespoon milk 

Add the oils to the salt and stir until the mixture is well blended. Transfer to a jar with a lid and let sit for twenty-four hours and stir once more before using. 

 As a tip, do not make the bathwater too hot since the essential oils will dissipate. Also, add the mixture once the tub is filled and the water is no longer running. While the tablespoon of milk is optional, it can help the essential oils blend into the water and not float on top. If you have any remaining salt mixture, store in a jar with a tight-fitting lid in a cool, dark area for up to three months.

Instant Relief with Aroma + Message Therapy

Research shows that massage therapy can help relieve some forms of PMS symptoms, including water retention, cramps, and overall menstrual distress. Combine the benefits of massage with aromatherapy to alleviate muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, and irritability. 

Yield: 4 to 10 applications

• 6 drops chamomile oil
• 4 drops sandalwood oil
• 3 drops bergamot oil
• 3 drops juniper oil
• 2 ounces carrier oil

Drip the essential oils in a small container and combine with the carrier oil. Rub the back, neck, chest, and temples with your fingertips or a soft cloth dipped into the mixture. As another option, you can pour the blend into a roll-on bottle and apply to desired areas. Store in a cool, dark area for up to three months. 

Hormone-Balancing Spray

Concentrated plant extracts have been shown to be an effective tool for decreasing the severity of PMS symptoms and balancing hormone levels. Whether you’re experiencing sleep disturbances or feeling anxious, the following restorative essential oil blend can help stimulate the limbic system—the area of the brain involved in controlling emotions, mood, memory, and behavior. 

Yield: 50 to 100 sprays per 4-ounce bottle

• 6 drops neroli oil
• 4 drops rose oil
• 3 drops geranium oil
• 2 drops clove oil
• 4 ounces water

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and lightly mist the affected area. Allow to air dry. The essential oils will be absorbed through the skin by contact or by the lungs if sprayed into the air. Store in the spray bottle in a cool, dark area for up to three months. 

Vein Decompress

As hormones begin to fluctuate during the premenstrual phase, women with varicose veins may experience more tiredness, sense of heaviness, and swelling of the legs and ankles. Traditionally, women have turned to essential oils to not only soften the look of varicose veins but also soothe related symptoms. 

Apply this compress while you rest with your legs raised, and you will be amazed how the pain-reducing properties of these essential oils work. Never massage a varicose vein with too much pressure as it can cause a rupture in the vein—a light, gentle, full-palm stroke can be an effective supportive modality.

This healing recipe can reduce the appearance of varicose veins and help boost circulation. The healing elements of this recipe include anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictor, antispasmodic, and restorative properties.  

Yield: 2 to 6 applications

• 4 drops chamomile oil
• 4 drops lavender oil
• 2 drops frankincense oil
• 1 ounce carrier oil

Mix the ingredients together in a small container. Dab a moist, warm cloth into the mixture and apply to the vein area as often as needed.

Zap the Acne

As hormonal changes prepare the body for menstruation, cue the acne breakouts. Plants and herbs have been used for centuries to control acne and prevent scarring. This recipe is the perfect blend of healing essential oils for eliminating acne-causing bacteria and minimizing inflammation. 

Ensure that your essential oils are clinical grade for highest therapeutic activity, purity, and safety. Ordering quality oils online can be a good option and be sure to read reviews and labels—you get what you pay for. 

Yield: 25 to 50 sprays per 2-ounce bottle

• 5 drops tea tree oil
• 3 drops rosemary oil
• 2 drops lemon oil
• 2 drops grapefruit oil
• 4 drops vitamin E oil
• 2 ounces water

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and lightly mist the face or affected area, shielding the eyes. Allow to air dry, and remember, a little goes a long way. 

Essential Oils Safety

When using essential oils, always first perform a patch test on yourself or others. To do so, mix the essential oil in a one to two percent dilution for children, elderly, pregnant, or frail individuals (3 drops of the essential oil mixed with 1 teaspoon of the carrier oil). For generally healthy adults, the ratio would be three to four percent dilution (3 drops of essential oil mixed with ½ teaspoon of carrier oil). 

Apply one drop of the mixture to your skin and wait thirty minutes to ensure there is no adverse reaction, such as redness, swelling, hives, itching, or difficulty breathing. Check periodically for twelve to twenty-four hours. If no adverse reactions occur, the essential oil should be considered safe for your personal topical usage. Note, if you are allergic to any food made from the herb or plant, then you may assume you are also allergic to the essential oils of the same plant. 

When storing essential oils, always use glass containers. Dark-colored amber or green bottles can help prolong the life and effectiveness of your oils. Most importantly, have fun! Research, experiment, and learn to love these plant medicines to support your health and well-being, particularly as you’re navigating physical and emotional twists of womanhood.

—

Vannoy Gentles Fite has been an herb gardener for more than forty years. A certified aromatherapist and student of Ayurvedic medicine, Fite is passionate about improving her mind, body, and soul daily, and loves healing the ailments of friends and family with plants and oils. She lives in Texas where she enjoys the outdoors, nature, silence, water, and growing her own vegetables.

Well Being Journal adapted the above excerpt from Essential Oils for Healing, Revised Edition by Vannoy Gentles Fite Copyright (c) 2023 by the author, and reprinted with permission of St Martin’s Publishing Group.