essential oils for heavy periods

Given that there seems to be an essential oil for just about everything, it’s no surprise that there are also essential oils for heavy periods (aka menorrhagia).

Cypress, ginger, geranium, rose and cinnamon essential oils can be used individually, or in a blend, to improve heavy periods. These oils have a combination of anti-inflammatory, astringent, hormone-balancing and hemostatic (anti-hemorrhaging) properties that make them noteworthy natural remedies for heavy periods and painful cramps.

Now, if you’re not familiar with these oils, have no worries because we’re going to go over their benefits as well as how to use them safely.

So, without further delay, let’s start by looking at the benefits of each oil for profuse menstrual bleeding.

Note: this post contains affiliate links and I earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) if you use them to make a purchase.

THE 5 BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HEAVY PERIODS (AND PAINFUL CRAMPS)

1. Cypress Oil

essential oils for heavy menstrual flow cypress

Cypress essential oil promotes blood clotting, which is a must-have process for stopping any kind of heavy bleeding in the body.

Overall, there are two main reasons why cypress helps with blood clotting (source): 

  • First, it has hemostatic properties, meaning that it can keep blood within a damaged blood vessel. 
  • Secondly, cypress oil is astringent, which means it can constrict or tighten tissues as a way of controlling excess bleeding.

Aside from its ability to stop profuse bleeding, cypress can also provide relief from period cramps and anxiety (which are two symptoms that often occur with heavy cycles).

2. Ginger Oil

Some research suggests that high levels of hormones known as prostaglandins can be a major contributor to a heavy flow and menstrual pain (1, 2).

Basically, the elevated prostaglandin levels can trigger pain and inflammation, ultimately leading to negative side effects during the menstrual cycle.

One way of addressing those negative side effects is through the use of ginger oil, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory and natural pain reliever.

NOTE: other forms of ginger – such as the root – have other benefits for the menstrual cycle. This article on ginger root for heavy periods covers the different ways in which this herb can bring more ease to your cycles.

3. Geranium Oil

There’s anecdotal evidence indicating that geranium oil can stop small wounds from bleeding.

This is because geranium promotes blood clotting and also helps blood vessels to contract (or tighten) which ultimately, reduces excessive flow.

Since geranium is known to act on small wounds, combining it with another oil (like cypress) can enhance the effects.

In addition, geranium essential oil is a go-to oil for menstrual cramp relief, relaxation and hormone balance.

4. Rose Oil

Rose essential oil supports the health of the uterus, regulates the menstrual cycle and lowers profuse bleeding.

In fact, a 2013 study confirmed that rose oil (combined with cinnamon, clove and lavender) moved the participants from “excessive to average menstrual bleeding in the first and second days.”

Now, even though there were other oils in the blend, the researchers state that they attribute the success of the blend to two oils: rose oil…and cinnamon oil (which we’re going to talk about next).

5. Cinnamon Oil

essential oils for heavy menstrual flow cinnamon

As I mentioned above, cinnamon oil is the other oil that researchers consider to be very effective for heavy periods.

According to the study I cited above, cinnamon oil not only reduces blood flow, but it also supports the work of estrogen.

Now, this last point is important because estrogen is responsible for thickening the endometrium so that it’s easier to shed during the menstrual cycle.

However, when estrogen is too high (without enough progesterone to balance it out) then heavy bleeding is more likely to occur.

So, all in all, there are multiple benefits to using cinnamon oil for a heavy flow.

Furthermore, you should know that you don’t have to combine cinnamon with other oils to get these benefits.

The Science Direct database also states that cinnamon oil used by itself, is an effective natural remedy for heavy flows. 

ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS FOR SEVERE PERIOD BLEEDING AND PAIN

Here are some essential blends (as well as single oil guidelines) that you can use to ease a heavy flow.

I’ve also included links to my go-to essential oil brands (in case you don’t already have a preferred brand of your own).

CINNAMON OIL REMEDY

You can use either cinnamon bark oil or cinnamon leaf oil for this.

However, keep in mind that both cinnamon oils are known to irritate the skin.

Therefore, the recommended maximum usage is 0.1% for cinnamon bark: 0.1% and 0.6% for cinnamon leaf.

Also, always dilute these oils with a carrier oil (like almond, coconut or jojoba oil).

Based on the above guidelines, here’s how to use cinnamon oils to reduce menstrual bleeding:

  • Cinnamon bark oil: combine 1 drop essential oil with 2 tbsp (30ml) carrier oil. Apply every 3 to 4 hours.
  • Cinnamon leaf oil: combine 4 or 5 drops essential oil with 2 tbsp (30ml) carrier oil. Apply every 3 to 4 hours.

CYPRESS ESSENTIAL OIL REMEDY (4% dilution)

Combine 36 drops cypress oil with 2 tbsp (30ml) of carrier oil.

GINGER AND ROSE BLEND (4% dilution)

CINNAMON, CLOVE, ROSE AND LAVENDER BLEND

This blend comes from the cinnamon/rose study that I mentioned earlier.

The study used cinnamon, clove, rose and lavender in a 1.5 : 1.5 : 1: 1 ratio, at a 5% dilution.

Now, since we’re not in a lab, it’s not easy to measure out half a drop! 

So, I adjusted the recipe to whole drops.

NOTE: if you want to make a larger or smaller batch of these blends (i.e. change the amount of carrier oil) use my essential oil dilution guide to figure out what you need.

HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR A HEAVY MENSTRUAL FLOW

Although essential oils provide therapeutic benefits when inhaled or used in a bath, doing a self massage is the best option when it comes to regulating a heavy cycle.

Here’s how to do a self massage:

  • Apply your essential oil blend over the entire abdominal area.
  • Use one hand to massage the center of the lower abdomen using circular motions.
  • Then place each hand on either side of the lower belly and massage using circular motions. Avoid pressing down too hard on your belly. Just apply firm pressure.
  • Now continue massaging towards the mid and upper abdomen, keeping each hand on each side of your belly.
  • Do this for at least 5 minutes until you’ve covered the entire abdominal area.

RELATED QUESTIONS ABOUT ESSENTIAL OILS AND HEAVY MENSTRUATION

How do I stop heavy menstrual bleeding?

Diet is one of the first things to look at when you want to improve heavy periods. Focus on eating anti-inflammatory foods, and also, make food choices that support each phase of the menstrual cycle. I cover this in greater detail in this guide on what to eat during each phase of the menstrual cycle. In addition, adding herbs or supplements to your diet may help with nutritional deficiencies that are contributing to heavy cycles.

For more resources you can use, please make sure to see the list of related articles at the end of this post.

CONCLUSION

Whether your period has always been heavy, or it’s something more recent, essential oils are a simple and effective home remedy that you can use.

Just make sure to follow the safety guidelines so that you protect your skin from potential irritation.

As always, if you have any questions or feedback about this post, just drop a comment below 🙂

essential oils for heavy periods pin

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3 Reasons To Use Blackstrap Molasses for Heavy Periods

Top Benefits of Vitamin K For Heavy Periods and How to Use It

Why (and How To) Use Frankincense Oil for Menstrual Cramps

10 Herbs for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (That You Need To Know!)

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