The key to PMS relief might be right under your nose--literally. Aromatherapy options for premenstrual syndrome involve using essential oil blends in massages, compresses, warm baths and inhalations. Aromatherapy may ease some of the symptoms of PMS, which the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reports often includes cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, depression, fatigue and irritability. Use a mix-and-match system if you prefer one aromatherapy treatment to another. The essential oils in the massage blend, for example, work just as well in a bath or added to a diffuser.
Cramp-Relieving Compress
Lavender, sage and rose essential oils have been proven to ease the pain of uterine cramping, according to the New York Times. Add eight drops each to olive or caster oil. Warm the oil at a low heat in the microwave and soak a clean cloth or gauze in the massage oil. Apply this warm compress to your abdominal area. The heat in the compress provides additional relief for cramping, according to the New York Times. If you prefer, add a tablespoon of the lavender-sage-rose blend to a warm bath. Store the leftover essential oil-carrier oil blend in the refrigerator and reheat for additional compresses.
Mood-Boosting Inhalant
Aromatherapist Jeanne Rose recommends an essential oil blend of grapefruit, clary sage and geranium as an inhalant. Use five to seven drops, total. Grapefruit and clary sage help lift the spirits, while geranium fights irritability. AltMD recommends bergamot in place of grapefruit, and notes that adding rose to the blend may also relieve sadness. Experiment to find the essential oil combination that works best for you. Electric diffusers, clay pot diffusers and lamp rings represent the most sophisticated form of aromatherapy, but inhalation aromatherapy can be as simple as a few drops of essential oil in simmering water, or sniffing a handkerchief that has been sprinkled with the mood-enhancing blend.
Balancing Bath
Hormonal swings plague many women in the days leading up to their periods. AltMD notes that some essential oils contain estrogenlike properties that may help balance your hormones. This balance can provide relief from mood swings and physical symptoms like bloating and food cravings. Add two drops each clary sage, aniseed, sage and fennel to a warm bath, or use a tablespoon of massage oil containing this blend.
Alternatively, try a blend of the three essential oils most recommended by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy for balancing hormones: lavender, geranium and clary sage. Add two to three drops of each into a warm bath, or stir the essential oil blend into a cup of Epsom salt, which helps detoxify the body and reduce bloating. Add these scented bath salts to a warm, but not hot, bath. Excessive heat can reduce the power of the essential oils.
Energizing Rubdown
When fatigue drags you down but you can't afford to rest, apply an energizing body oil blend after you shower. Add about 25 drops of essential oils to 4 oz. of olive, jojoba or sweet almond oil. All of the citrus essential oils are considered rejuvenators, so choose from grapefruit, lemon, bergamot or orange essential oils. Citrus oils may make your skin extra-sensitive to ultraviolet rays. Use caution on body areas exposed to the sun. To the citrus oil, add juniper, rosemary and/or basil essential oils. According to AltMD, juniper, grapefruit and lemon essential oils carry the additional benefits of combating a bloating and a sluggish digestive system. A sample blend might contain eight drops each lemon, rosemary and juniper essential oils, with an additional drop or two of basil.
