Thursday, July 16, 2009

Aromatherapy For Cramps


Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) soothes and relaxes the body, uplifts and elevates the mood, and cleanses and supports the skin. Allure magazine's blog includes a post about clary sage and cramps:

Aromatherapy For Cramps
By Kristin Cobb


Aromatherapy can be a source of pain relief for menstrual cramps, according to The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. In a study of 45 women who had severe menstrual complaints, some received a 15-minute abdominal massage with aromatherapy oils (lavender, clary sage, and rose) diluted in almond oil for seven days before and the first day of their menstrual period, while others were treated with plain almond oil. Only the aromatherapy group experienced a 42 percent reduction in pain from cramps compared with their previous menstrual period. Lavender may relieve muscular tension, and clary sage and rose may regulate the menstrual cycle and improve hormonal balance, says Myung-Haeng Hur, professor of nursing at Eulji University in Daejeon, South Korea. Though she and her colleagues comment in the study that "in rare instances, skin irritation could occur" after topical application of these oils, no side effects were reported among the participants. For treating menstrual cramps, the best way to deliver aromatherapy is through a massage or bath, Hur advises.

1 comment:

Karalie said...

I started using Clary Sage for cramps last month. I no longer need to take Ibuprofen. I just massage about 3 drops onto my abdomen in the morning and in the evening. I didn't think I would get this kind of relief from the oils, I'm quite happy not having to rely on OTC drugs any longer.