PMS Relief Using Essential Oils

If you want to use aromatherapy for PMS relief, here's a list of essential oils that might help:

• Basil ct. linalol
• Bergamot
• Black pepper
• Cardamom
• Clary sage
• Geranium
• Grapefruit
• Jasmine
• Juniper berry
• Lavender
• Marjoram
• Niaouli
• Nutmeg
• Peppermint
• Petitgrain
• Roman chamomile
• Rose otto or rose absolute
• Vetiver
• Ylang ylang
  

Source: The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

The book explains the best essential oil(s) will depend on the nature of your symptoms and gives blends based on various PMS symptoms.

For general relaxation, diffuse the essential oil(s) of your choice. Or add an essential oil to a carrier oil for a massage.

Here's one general aromatherapy for PMS blend:

• 12 drops mandarin essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 3 drops geranium essential oil
• 1 drop rose essential oil

Make the blend in a small dark bottle.

To use in the bath: Dilute 4 to 6 drops in one teaspoon milk or carrier oil. Stir into a warm bath.

To use for massage: Dilute 8 drops in four teaspoons carrier oil.

Source: The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness

If you have cramps, see essential oils for menstrual cramps. Otherwise, here are more massage and bath blends for PMS relief.

Massage Oil Blends For PMS Relief

Make a massage oil by blending the listed ingredients. Use the oil to either do self-massage, especially on your abdomen, lower back, and hips, or get a massage from a friend or professional massage therapist.

• 10 drops geranium essential oil
  
• 6 drops Roman chamomile essential oil
  
• 3 drops clary sage essential oil
  
• 3 drops angelica essential oil
  
• 2 drops marjoram essential oil
  
• 4 tablespoons carrier oil

or

• 3 drops clary sage essential oil
• 3 drops rose essential oil
• 3 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 1 drop mandarin essential oil
• 3 tablespoons sweet almond oil
• Two 250-mg evening primrose oil capsules (pierce them and drain the oil)

For tender breasts:

Make a massage oil for painful breasts by combing 60 drops geranium essential oil and 2 tablespoons carrier oil. Gently rub a little on and around your breasts a few times a day.

Sources:
Aromatherapy for Dummies and Massage & Aromatherapy: Simple Techniques to Use at Home

Aromatherapy Baths For PMS

To make an aromatherapy bath blend, mix the recommended essential oils with 1 teaspoon carrier oil or milk and add the blend to a warm bath.

To relax: 

• 5 drops bergamot
• 3 drops geranium
• 1 drop rose

To relieve PMS depression or apathy: 

• 5 drops bergamot
• 1 drop chamomile
• 1 drop rose

To reduce fluid retention:

• 4 drops juniper
• 2 drops lavender

Other essential oils useful to help relieve water retention include grapefruit and carrot seed.

To improve your mood:

• 2 drops neroli
• 2 drops clary sage
• 2 drops ylang ylang

Sources: Pure Scents for Well Being and Healing With Aromatherapy

PMS Diffuser Blend

To relieve tension and volatility, diffuse this blend:

• 4 drops rose essential oil
  
• 3 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 3 drops fennel essential oil
• 2 drops juniper essential oil

If you can't stop crying, place one drop of either clary sage, geranium, or rose on a tissue and inhale deeply.

Source: Essential Oils For Healing