The influence on menstrual cramps of lavender (Lavandula officinalis), clary sage (Salvia sclarea), and marjoram (Origanum majorana) mixed in cream was verified from the yielded result of the randomized clinical trial conducted in 2012.
48 patients that were diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea were recruited to participate in the study. The respondents were designated into two groups, namely, the essential oil group and the synthetic fragrance group. The essential oil group was instructed to apply a cream containing the oils lavender, clary sage, and marjoram with an oil ratio of 2:1:1. The blended oils were then incorporated in an unscented cream at 3% concentration. The essential oil volunteers were instructed to use the oil with cream every day while massaging their lower abdomen. This has to be done from the last date of their menstruation to the beginning of their next menstruation. Meanwhile, the other group took the synthetic fragrance.
The findings demonstrated that after one menstrual cycle intervention, the pain duration of the patients in the essential oil group was reduced from 2.4 to 1.8 days. The researchers have concluded that the efficacy of the blended oil was due to their analgesic constituents such as linalyl acetate, linalool, eucalyptol, and β-caryophyllene.
Practice consistency for better days ❤
Reference:
- Ou, M. C., Hsu, T. F., Lai, A. C., Lin, Y. T., & Lin, C. C. (2012). Pain relief assessment by aromatic essential oil massage on outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. The journal of obstetrics and gynecology research, 38(5), 817–822. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0756.2011.01802.x
Oil Therapy 