Menstrual Cramps Relief Rub

For some women, “that time of the month” can be a mere inconvenience, with minimal cramping and light bleeding, and for others it is a tolerable interruption of life, with minor bloating, a pound or two of weight gain, slightly sore breasts, and moderate bleeding. But for others, periods can be disabling, including very heavy bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, a hormone-induced migraine, and severe cramping.

This blend contains herbs that deliver analgesic, nervine, antispasmodic, sedative, and antiinflammatory properties. When massaged into your abdomen and lower back, it will help ease cramping and relax tense muscles. Plus, the aromatic vapors will help relieve the emotional anxiety and nervous tension that often accompany premenstrual syndrome.

This recipe calls for only a small amount of St. John’s wort–infused oil. If you’ve made some at home, great. If not, then purchase a small bottle from your local health food store or herbal supplier. But I do recommend that you always have at least a cup of this multipurpose infused oil on hand — fresh and homemade is best, and much less expensive!

8 drops lavender essential oil
8 drops Roman chamomile essential oil
5 drops ginger essential oil
5 drops sweet marjoram essential oil
3 tablespoons St. John’s wort– infused oil
1 tablespoon castor base oil

EQUIPMENT: Dropper, dark glass bottle with dropper top or screw cap
PREP TIME: 15 minutes, plus 24 hours to synergize
YIELD: Approximately ¼ cup
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, away from heat and light; use within 1 year
APPLICATION: 2 times per day Add the lavender, Roman chamomile, ginger, and sweet marjoram essential oils drop by drop directly into a storage bottle. Add the St. John’s wort and castor oils. Screw the top on the bottle and shake vigorously for 2 minutes to blend. Label the bottle and place it in a dark location that’s between 60° and 80°F for 24 hours so that the oils can synergize.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Shake well before use. Massage ½ to 1 teaspoon of this blend into your lower abdomen and lower back. Cover these areas with a thin, soft cloth, such as flannel, or don an old, long T-shirt, and place a hot water bottle or heating pad on your abdomen. Lie down in a comfortable position for 30 minutes or so, until the pain subsides or at least becomes less intense. Repeat twice daily.

Check Your Diet 

Don’t dismiss the health of your colon with regard to menstrual cramping. If you experience uncomfortable menstrual cramping on a regular basis and are frequently constipated, it could be that your expanded colon is pressing against the uterus, spinal column, and lower back, where the “girdle of premenstrual pain” is felt.

Be sure to drink lots of water, eat a high-fiber diet that is rich in magnesium, take a good probiotic supplement, exercise regularly, and, if need be, visit your local health food store and purchase a good herbal colon-cleansing product to reestablish regularity.

Many foods can exacerbate cramping, muscular tension, and inflammation — I recommend avoiding excessive sodium, caffeine, refined foods, fats, sugar, artificial colors and flavors, and pasteurized, overprocessed, chemical- and hormone-filled dairy products. Many women experience dramatic relief from monthly cramping and breast tenderness when they adopt a clean, chemical-free, whole-foods, low-fat, vegan or vegetarian diet high in vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains.

This type of diet maintains estrogen and insulin levels in a healthy range, while reducing inflammation throughout the body. The addition of anti-inflammatory evening primrose oil or borage oil along with a natural B-complex supplement can also be helpful in eliminating breast tenderness, cramping, bloating, and water retention.

Bonus
This blend works quite well as a sleep-enhancing oil when rubbed into your temples, under your nose, on the nape of your neck, and on your throat, chest, and hands prior to sliding under the sheets. Breathe deeply of the soothing fragrance and enjoy sweet dreams!