If you want to use essential oils for PMS relief, here’s a list of ones 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 offers 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 relieving PMS.
Essential Oils for PMS Massage Oil Blends
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 Relief Bath Salts
- 1 teaspoon carrier oil
- 2 drops clary sage essential oil
- 1 drop roman chamomile essential oil
- 1 drop geranium essential oil
- 1 drop lavender essential oil
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 1⁄2 cup high-quality baking soda
Blend carrier oil and essential oils. Stir blend into salt and baking soda. Use in a bath.
Adapted from Essential Oil Hormone Solution.
PMS Diffuser Blends
Use these blends in an aromatherapy diffuser according to manufacturer’s instructions.
To relieve tension and volatility:
- 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
Or try this blend:
- 15 drops ylang ylang essential oil
- 7 drops clary sage essential oil
- 6 drops neroli essential oil
You can also add a few drops of this blend to a body lotion or an aromatherapy inhaler for on-the-go relief.
Source: Complete Aromatherapy Handbook: Essential Oils for Radiant Health