These 8 Essential Oils for Menstrual Cramps Are Like Nature's Midol

Cue that cooling feeling. "Peppermint is an herbaceous oil that's popular for its refreshing and invigorating aroma," says Sara Panton, co-founder of Vitruvi. "From headaches to cramps, peppermint essential oil has an incredibly refreshing and bright scent that leaves you feeling more balanced and can help decrease feelings of nausea and cramping associated with menstruation. Breathing peppermint oil in the air helps to promote deeper breaths, which improves oxygen in muscles and eases tension. When applied topically, the tingling sensation helps to increase blood circulation to that area." She recommends either diffusing the essential oil or, if you want to apply topically, adding a few drops to a carrier oil and massaging your lower abdomen.

Lavender can help with sleep, anxiety, and even acne and skin irritations, so its use for menstrual cramps is another bonus. "It's a natural muscle relaxer, which helps aid in releasing the tension associated with cramping. You can apply it topically on your abdominal area or add a few drops to a warm bath," says wellness coach Dana Kofsky of Wellness Styled.

"It's a natural astringent, so it helps flush out toxins and helps with water retention. You can use it in a diffuser, in a bath, or mix with some coconut oil and rub it directly on the skin," Kofsky says.

"Clary sage can help promote calmness and relaxation. It can be used as a natural pain reliever and even ease tummy troubles," celebrity nutritionist Cara Clark recommends. It also has sleep and anxiety benefits.

It's not just a flower. Not only do rose essential oils promote better sleep and a decrease in anxiety levels, but they can also relieve menstrual cramps. "It reduces inflammation and helps ease cramping. It's best used by diluting if applying it on the abdominal area. You can use coconut oil to dilute it with," Kofsky suggests.

Sourced from South American trees, copaiba is another option to try. "Another favorite of mine for all pain, but especially cramps, is copaiba," Clark says. "It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties for soothing tense muscles. You can actually place a drop directly under your tongue or apply it directly to the area of pain."

"It's a natural anti-inflammatory. You can massage it on your abdomen to help reduce inflammation," Kofsky says. Cinnamon essential oils are also known for their energy-boosting benefits, too.