Eucalyptus Oil For Menstrual Cramps: Benefits, How to Use and Best Type

When it comes to the use of essential oils for menstrual pain (aka dysmenorrhea), eucalyptus oil sometimes gets overlooked. Yet, this oil has historically been used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain reliever). In addition, some modern research is showing that eucalyptus is indeed beneficial for pain. So, in this article we’re going to look at how to use eucalyptus oil for menstrual cramps, including:

Which type to use.
The ideal concentration to use.
Its benefits for other PMS symptoms.
How to combine it with other period-friendly essential oils.

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.

HOW TO USE EUCALYPTUS OIL FOR PERIOD PAIN: BEST TYPE AND RECIPES

When using eucalyptus oil for menstrual pain it should always be diluted in a carrier oil. Not only does this help to protect the skin from burns and irritation, but it also slows down evaporation of the eucalyptus oil (thus giving the skin more time to absorb the eucalyptus oil).

In addition, it’s important to keep the following guidelines in mind as you use eucalyptus essential oil for menstrual discomfort:

A lightweight oil carrier oil – such as almond, fractionated coconut or grapeseed oil – is best. These oils are easily absorbed into the skin and since they are responsible for “carrying” the eucalyptus oil, this facilitates absorption of the essential oil.

With essential oils, more doesn’t always mean better. So, always start with a low dilution level of 3%. Then monitor how your body responds. If necessary, gradually work your way up to a 4% or 5% dilution (which will be more potent).

The two most common varieties of eucalyptus are eucalyptus globulus and eucalyptus radiata. According to the experts at the Tisserand Institute both are “useful” for pain. A third variety, eucalyptus citriodora, is classified as “very useful” for pain. However, this variety isn’t sold by many essential oil retailers (source).

Once you’ve got your eucalyptus oil, simply use the table below to figure out how to make a 3, 4 or 5% pain relief blend.

When your blend is ready, massage it onto your lower belly and/or your lower back, depending on where you tend to experience pain.

NOTE: only use these blends when you’re actually experiencing pain.

3% dilution	1 tablespoon carrier and 13 drops eucalyptus oil
4% dilution	1 tablespoon carrier and 18 drops eucalyptus oil
5% dilution	1 tablespoon carrier and 22 drops eucalyptus oil

BENEFITS OF EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL FOR PMS CRAMPS

Although there isn’t research that focuses exclusively on eucalyptus oil and period pain, eucalyptus oil is known for having anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and pain-relieving properties. In addition, there are studies showing that simply inhaling eucalyptus can alleviate pain (source).

Now, one of the main reasons why eucalyptus helps with pain is because it has a high concentration of a compound called 1,8 cineole.

According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, 1,8 cineole has the following properties (source):

Antispasmodic: 1,8 cineole increases the flow of blood and oxygen. As a result, this relaxes tight and tense muscles, which in turn helps to relieve pain.

Analgesic: analgesics are compounds that can either block pain signals that are sent to the brain, or affect how the brain “reads” pain signals. In fact, some research suggests that 1,8 cineole acts as an antagonist (i.e. in opposition to) to a channel called TRPA1, and as a result, lowers pain (source).

Antioxidant: some studies have shown that 1,8 cineole acts as an antioxidant, meaning that it protects the body from the damaging effects of free radicals (1, 2). This is especially significant when we’re talking about pain because free radicals contribute to inflammation, which can then manifest as physical pain.

Aside from the above benefits, eucalyptus essential oil is also a great mood booster and can help you feel more energized during your cycle.

Furthermore, if you tend to experience headaches before or during your period, then you’ll want to include eucalyptus in your period self care plan. Inhaling eucalyptus oil opens up the nasal passages, reduces tension and ease headaches.

ESSENTIAL OILS TO COMBINE WITH EUCALYPTUS FOR PAINFUL MENSTRUAL CYCLES

bottles of essential oils to use with eucalyptus for painful menstrual cycles

Since there are usually multiple factors that contribute to menstrual pain, you can blend eucalyptus with other essential oils that are known to support hormone balance, as well as other anti-inflammatory oils.

Here are some oils to consider using with eucalyptus:

Clary Sage: hormone-balancing oil that helps to lower cortisol, reduce stress and fight inflammation.

Frankincense: anti-inflammatory; creates a sense of calm and relaxation.

Peppermint: anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic; contains menthol which creates a cooling sensation on the skin; contains 1,8 cineole (about 5%, depending on the batch/harvest).

Lavender: anti-inflammatory; reduces stress and tension.

Copaiba: rich in BCP (beta-caryophyllene), a pain relieving compound that is most famously found in hemp plants. Copaiba actually has much higher levels of BCP.

EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL AND PERIOD CRAMPS: RECIPES TO TRY

All of these recipes use a 3% dilution and can be made with any variety of eucalyptus that you can get your hands on. I like to get most of my oils from Plant Therapy. Here’s their eucalyptus globulus, as well as their eucalyptus radiata, both of which are available on Amazon.

Please note that the globulus variety tends to have higher amounts of 1,8 cineole than the radiata.

If you’d like to try the less common eucalyptus citriodora, then one good supplier to get it from is Rocky Mountain Oils.

1. Peppermint and Eucalyptus Blend

1 tablespoon almond oil

7 drops eucalyptus oil

6 drops peppermint oil

2. Frankincense and Eucalyptus Period Pain Reliever

1 tablespoon almond oil

9 drops eucalyptus oil

4 drops frankincense oil

3. Copaiba, Lavender and Eucalyptus Blend

1 tablespoon almond oil

5 drops eucalyptus oil

5 drops copaiba oil

3 drops lavender oil

4. Eucalyptus, Clary Sage and Lavender Blend

1 tablespoon almond oil

5 drops clary sage oil

4 drops eucalyptus oil

4 drops lavender oil

CONCLUSION

Eucalyptus oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic that has both anecdotal and scientific evidence for its use as a pain reliever. When using it for menstrual cramps it can be used on its own or in combination with other oils like peppermint, frankincense and clary sage.

I hope this article has given you some insights into how you can incorporate eucalyptus oil into your menstrual cycle care plan.