Ouch! PMS & Cramps & Hormones. Oh my!

A woman with her hands on her flat, bare midriff, with black pants on.

Written by Erica Messenger

I am a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, a certified Koru Mindfulness instructor, I have a dual major degree in Public Relations and Advertising, and I was a non-commissioned officer in the United States Air Force. All of these experiences, and my passion to help others, guide me in working with clients. Sometimes it is unexpected life changes that forge new ways for me to interact with and help clients.

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July 27, 2020

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Well Being

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Are you trying to find a natural way to be at one with PMS? I was, too, after I discovered all the side effects of taking too much ibuprofen. Ibuprofen has its place in the world and great in a pinch, but if you want a more “mother earthy” alternative there are a few things that may put the kibosh on those symptoms.

THE SCIENCEY STUFF

Self care and compassion during our menstrual cycles are a must and I’m happy to report there are natural ways to manage those pesky symptoms.

Wintergreen is a shrub that produces red berries and sweet birch is a tree. Both have high levels of methyl salicylate. Wintergreen essential oil naturally contains about 98% methyl salicylate and sweet birch essential oil contains approximately 90% methyl salicylate.

Ummm…what the heck is methyl salicylate, you ask? It is used for temporary relief of mild to moderate aches and pains of the muscles and joints. It can be used for pain caused by muscle stiffness, soreness, or bruising, arthritis, sprains or strains, backaches, and, you guessed it, CRAMPS.

Geranium essential oil smells amazing and it was shown to significantly reduce PMS symptoms in a clinical trial. They used geranium oil during aromatherapy massage using the effleurage technique (rhythmic; circular; light pressure).

THE FUN “MOTHER-EARTHY” STUFF

Now that you know the sciencey stuff, it’s time to have fun! Try the Ouch Rub below. I’ve used this for more than just cramps. It smells amazing and it works for me. Give it a try!

Ouch Rub

1 Tbsp        Base oil (coconut, avocado, olive)
2 drops      Sweet Birch or Wintergreen essential oil
2 drops      Geranium (Egyptian) essential oil

Combine the ingredients in small dropper bottle. I use a portable size, like a 1 oz. amber glass bottle so I can pop it in my purse. Add a few drops to your palm and gently rub in a circular motion over the affected area(s); lower abdomen area for period cramps or directly on the affected muscle or joint. The Ouch Rub can be used frequently and as needed. I have used this successfully at the base of my skull for tension headaches.

THE SAFETY STUFF

NOTE: Always dilute essential oils. I am a proponent of using essential oils safely. I do not tout one essential oil company or another, so the intention of this post is to help you feel better, not to hock oils or give medical advice. If you are interested in the oils I use, message me and I’ll be happy to give you information on the various companies I’ve used over the years.