From an aromatherapist’s point of view, the inhalation and dermal application of essential oils is a proven way to provide symptom relief (e.g., pain, nausea) from dysmenorrhea while also assisting mind-states (e.g., irritability, anger, depression) and stabilizing a woman’s terrain (some say “hormone balance”) by affecting the neuro-endocrine network. Following are select essential oils and…
Painful Periods: Dysmenorrhea and Essential oils – Part II
Modern Treatment Strategies Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the first line of treatment by clinical specialists for Primary dysmenorrhea (PD). The most commonly used NSAIDS for menstrual pain are aspirin, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid and naproxen. They work to reduce pain in dysmenorrhea by inhibiting the action of cycooxygenase (COX), an enzyme responsible for prostaglandin production. There…
Painful Menstruation: Dysmenorrhea and Essential Oils – Part I
Dysmenorrhea Dysmenorrhea, the term for painful periods, is derived from the Greek words dys (difficult, painful, or abnormal), meno (month), and rrhea (flow). Cathleen Morrow and Betsy Naumburg, authors of the excellent chapter “Dysmenorrhea” in Women’s HealthPrimary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, offer a thorough introduction to the topic. Primary dysmenorrhea is a gynecological condition…
Essential Oil Allies: Valerian
Valerian essential oil is obtained by steam distilling the roots and rhizomes of the perennial herb Valeriana officinalis. The resulting essential oil is an amber-brown that gets darker with age. It is often grown and distilled for its essence in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Russia and China. The plant is classified as one of…
Essential Oil Allies: Goldenrod
Goldenrod essential oil is steam distilled from the flowering tops of Solidago canadensis of the Asteraceae family. As the specific epithet (canadensis) indicates this gem is native to North America and often grown and distilled in Canada for its essence. S. canadensis is one of over 100 species of Solidago1 and may be identified by…
Essential Oil Allies: Carrot Seed
Carrot seed essential oil is distilled from the dried seed of Daucus carota subsp. carota which is commonly known as wild carrot, bird’s nest or “Queen Anne’s Lace.” It is grown and distilled for its seeds in France, Holland, and Hungary. Sometimes classified as a noxious weed by some states in North America1, it has…