As far as natural remedies for menstrual cramps go, it’s hard to beat the efficiency and fast-acting powers of essential oils. And even though there are tons of oils you can use for cramps, today we’re going to zoom in on the use of panaway for menstrual cramps.
If you’re not familiar with panaway essential oil, it’s supposed to be a play on the term “pain away”.
It contains these 4 oils:
- Wintergreen oil
- Helichrysum oil
- Clove bud oil
- Peppermint oil
Individually, these oils are known to be very beneficial for pain and inflammation.
So, combined together, they can really help with severe menstrual cramps!
It’s also worth noting that the name “panaway” is trademarked and owned by Young Living (I have zero ties to the company – just highlighting the oil because it contains ingredients that really can make your life easier).
However, there are other brands that make this blend too and I’ll share that info with you in this post.
Now, to kick things off let’s take a quick look at why you’d wanna use panaway in the first place.
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.
BENEFITS OF PANAWAY ESSENTIAL OIL FOR MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
The main benefit of using panaway for period cramps is that it offers convenience.
Since it’s a pre-made blend you don’t have to buy individual oils and then mix them all up (and figure out the right ratios along the way!).
But the true benefit of panaway lies in its ingredients: wintergreen, helichrysum, clove and peppermint.
Let’s take a look at what each oil offers.
1. Wintergreen Oil
- Contains upwards of 85% methyl salicylate (a potent anti-inflammatory and pain-fighting compound).
- One of the few plants in the world from which methyl salicylate can be extracted.
- Acts as a natural analgesic (pain reducer) and antiarthritic.
- Contains antioxidants which are necessary for fighting overall inflammation (a major underlying cause of menstrual cramps)
(source)
2. Helichrysum Oil
- Acts as a natural antispasmodic, which means it prevents excessive spasms or contractions of muscles (such as the uterine muscles).
- Has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Supports the liver by protecting it from infections and inflammation. The healthier your liver is, the easier it is to get rid of toxins that contribute to inflammation and period cramps.
- Acts as a nervine (supports the nervous system). The nervous system takes on all the stress that we experience daily, and when it’s on overload, inflammation can get significantly worse.
(source)
3. Clove Bud Oil
- Contains the compound eugenol, which is a natural anesthetic that is known to numb pain.
- Kills microbes like candida albicans,which is a yeast that contributes to leaky gut and inflammation…two things that set us up for menstrual cramps.
(source)
4. Peppermint Oil
- Has pain reducing and antispasmodic properties.
- Increases blood flow to the area where it’s applied, which provides quick pain relief.
- Fights inflammation and also effective for other period-related symptoms like headaches and nausea.
- Natural muscle relaxant, eases mental tension/stress (which ultimately lowers systemic inflammation).
HOW TO USE PANAWAY FOR MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
The best way to use panaway for period cramps is to make a massage oil.
Here’s a recipe (made as a 3% dilution) that you can use.
Ingredients
27 drops panaway oil
Almond oil (or another liquid carrier oil of your choice)
1 ounce glass bottle
How to Make and Use
- Add essential oils to the glass bottle.
- Fill the rest of the bottle with almond oil
- Close and shake well to blend.
- Massage onto abdominal area or lower back when cramps strike.
Here are a few things to keep in mind about this blend:
- Panaway contains clove oil, which can be quite irritating for some people. So, before using this blend for cramps, test it on a small patch of skin first.
- This blend should only be used during your cycle. It shouldn’t be used as “prevention” during the rest of the month.
- This recipe uses a 3% dilution. If you don’t get the results you want, try making it more concentrated (4, 5 or even 10% dilution). But again, increase gradually to ensure you don’t irritate your skin.
- If you need to change the dilution, use this essential oil dilution guide to figure out how many drops you need.
- There are two ways to get the panaway blend: buy it from Young Living. Or if you want a non-MLM option, you can get a similar blend from one of my personal go-to brands, Eden’s Garden. Their blend is called Muscle Relief and it contains the same ingredients as panaway.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Is Ginger good for menstrual cramps?
Yes, ginger is excellent for menstrual cramps. In fact, research shows that when it comes to reducing period pain, ginger is just as effective as ibuprofen and the prescription drug, mefenamic acid.
To get the benefits of ginger you can add it to your meals, drink it as a tea or use the essential oil.
What drinks help period pains?
Smoothies are one of the best drinks for relieving menstrual pain. You can find tips and recipes ideas in this post on smoothies for pms.
Also, drinking water or lemon water regularly is great for helping your body flush out toxins.
Is turmeric good for menstrual cramps?
Since turmeric supports liver health, helps with pain and fights systemic inflammation, it’s an effective home remedy for menstrual cramps.
To get the benefits of turmeric for period pain, you can add it to smoothies, soups and other meals.
What tea is good for menstrual cramps?
Herbal teas like peppermint, chamomile, cramp bark,green tea, red raspberry leaf and dandelion tea are all good for period cramps.
How do you relieve menstrual cramps naturally?
Focus on reducing inflammation by eating whole fruits and veggies (especially the ones that are high in water like watermelon, oranges and celery).
Drink home-made smoothies or juices to flush out waste and give your body extra nutrients.
And also make sure to support your liver with bitter foods (they’re great for the liver!) like radishes, endives and green tea.
CONCLUSION
So that’s it for panaway oil and period cramps!
I hope this post was helpful and if you decide to try panaway for yourself, I’d love to hear how it goes.
If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below 🙂
Related Posts:
Copaiba for Menstrual Cramps: Benefits and Blends To Reduce Pain
What Essential Oils Are Good for Menstrual Cramps? Here Are The Top 10
7 Home Remedies For Menstrual Cramps That You Should Be Using
6 Essential Oil Blends For Menstrual Cramps
How to Use Peppermint Oil For Menstrual Cramps
Why (and How To) Use Frankincense Oil for Menstrual Cramps
