11 Essential Oils for PMS and Period Health

Bloating, fatigue, cramps, cravings, and mood swings — most women experience the 
wide array of PMS symptoms at some point in their lives. Helping balance hormone 
levels and combatting the physical and mental symptoms that arise during the 
menstrual cycle, essential oils provide an affordable, all-natural option to period relief.

Bergamot

Bergamot, a yummy additive to tea, also provides amazing calming effects, helping 
lower blood pressure and alleviate stress.

Chamomile

Known for its natural ability to curb irritability and anxiety, chamomile may also help 
alleviate cramping due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Clary Sage

Considered one of the best essential oils to support period health and hormonal 
balance, clary sage reduces stress hormone levels, aids in restful sleep, and helps to 
ease menstrual pain.

Frankincense

A powerful topical pain reliever, frankincense can be used to relieve premenstrual 
cramping and breast tenderness. Frankincense may also help to alleviate stress and 
anxiety.

Geranium

Geranium oil is thought to reduce fluctuations in hormonal levels, which can help to 
calm the skin, reduce feelings of fatigue, and balance the mood.

Ginger

Ginger has long been used as an effective remedy for nausea and indigestion. When 
used topically in massages or soaks, ginger essential oil can help to reduce abdominal 
cramping and decrease anxiety.

Jasmine

Long used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating pain symptoms, Jasmine is a great choice 
for those seeking relief from cramps, fatigue, and mood swings.

Lavender

A versatile essential oil, lavender’s anti-inflammatory properties help improve blood 
flow, easing cramps and headaches that are sometimes symptoms of PMS. Lavender's 
well-known calming effects may help relieve stress, insomnia, and symptoms of 
depression.

Peppermint

Used topically, peppermint is an effective method for reducing pain from cramping. 
When ingested, peppermint can help with the symptoms of bloating and nausea that 
sometimes accompany PMS.

Thyme

Thyme supports natural hormonal balance by aiding in the balancing of progesterone 
levels, which helps to lower stress and counter sleeplessness and mood swings.

Ylang-Ylang

Ylang-Ylang helps with sleeplessness, reduces anxiety and depressive mood swings, 
lowers blood pressure, and its antispasmodic properties reduce cramping.

How to Use Essential Oils

Essential oils can be used in a variety of different ways to unleash a multitude of 
benefits. Some essential oils may cause skin irritation, so take care when applying 
essential oils topically to always dilute the oils with a carrier such as coconut or olive oil. 
To use oils as an aromatherapy agent, use a diffuser or add a few drops to a soaking 
tub or hot bath. Most essential oils can be taken internally — ingested as teas, tinctures, 
or added to edibles. Be sure to obtain food grade oils for internal use.


