Endometriosis is a condition where tissue closely related to the uterine lining manifests in regions outside of the uterus. Treatment generally requires hormone therapy, pain medicines, and surgery, and certain people also take advantage of alternative treatments, including essential oils.
Those who incorporate aromatherapy into their daily lives believe that particular oils may prove effective in providing relief for endometriosis symptoms in a safe manner. Despite this, there is limited scientific evidence to back up this treatment.
Discover a few of the best essential oils that may be beneficial for relieving menstrual pain as a part of an endometriosis treatment.
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Are Essential Oils Effective?
While there may not be enough scientific evidence to support the claim that essential oils impact endometriosis, some research highlights that aromatherapy — which involves inhaling essential oils or using them in massage — can help relieve endometriosis symptoms. For instance, a 2018 meta-analysis uncovered that various essential oils may provide relief from painful periods.
Some evidence deemed that aromatherapy could serve as a complementary therapy, helping to mitigate some symptoms, but not ensuring a cure.
The main focus was on cramps and pain throughout menstruation, which are typical symptoms of endometriosis. Regardless, particular groups of people with the condition also endure pain as well as other symptoms between periods.
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A study published in January 2022 in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that Black women were 50 percent less prone to receive a diagnosis of endometriosis than Caucasian women.
That disparity is partially because of a widely held misconception within the medical community that endometriosis is not as prevalent in Black people.
Unfortunately, this was due to flawed research [as noted in a piece in Reproduction and Fertility in April 2022] that failed to include sufficient Black participants and didn’t take into account the way biases in healthcare prevented or delayed the diagnosis of endometriosis in Black women.
Now it is acknowledged that anybody can develop this condition.
RELATED: 7 Drug-Free Ways To Banish Your Pain
Most Recommended Essential Oils for Menstrual Pain Relief
Some researchers have looked into whether particular oils or mixes have the power to help people find relief from severe symptoms of endometriosis. Here are some specific oils and mixtures that may be just what you need if you struggle with intense cramps:
A Delightful Concoction of Clove, Cinnamon, Lavender, and Rose
Data from a 2013 study indicated that combining cinnamon, clove, lavender, and rose essential oils may decrease menstrual pain.
The study included aromatherapy massage on the abdomen with a concoction of oils along with an almond oil base. A control group was given the exact massage, only missing the essential oils.
The group that was handed the essential oils massage disclosed a drop in the interval of time and intensity of pain throughout the initial three days of their cycle.
Lavender? We Know Her
Lavender is a well-known essential oil recommended for its ability to relieve several symptoms and foster relaxation and sleep.
Research from 2015 points out that, once you dilute it and use it during a massage, lavender essential oil can help reduce pain associated with your period.
This study also included a control group that got a massage without the lavender essential oil. Those who got the lavender essential oil massage had lesser pain scores compared to those in the control group.
Set the Stage for Relief With Marjoram, Sage, and lavender
A little bit of marjoram, sage, and lavender oils may also bring you relief from period pain.
In a 2012 study, participants with diagnosed menstrual pain applied a combination of oils in an unscented cream to their bottom abdomens. A control group used a cream with a synthetic fragrance. Both groups applied the cream daily for an entire month.
The group that used the cream with essential oils documented less pain during their next menstrual cycle and lowered periods of pain, from 2.4 to 1.8 days.
Method of usage
Essential oils are derived from plant leaves, flowers, roots, and seeds. Before using an essential oil in your massage, don’t forget to dilute it in a carrier oil. This makes the oil safer to apply directly on your skin.
Types of carrier oils include:
- olive oil
- coconut oil
- almond oil
To create a skin-friendly blend, aim for a minimum of 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
You can apply the mix to your chest, neck, or underneath your nose, to inhale the vapors. Another option is rubbing the mixture directly on your lower tummy.
Last but not least, you can also put drops of oil in a diffuser or pot of steaming water to help disperse the aroma in your environment. In today’s age, there is still unfortunately no cure for endometriosis, but there are treatments that can ease your symptoms. It doesn’t have to interfere with the quality of your life.
