Lavender benefits for menstrual symptoms
Girl, do your Menstrual cramps try to take you under for the first few days? Same. How about A week before your period you can become real short? Mhmm me too. It's safe to say when it comes to your menstrual cycle "ignorance isn't bliss", knowing the symptoms of your period helps you stay ahead of your cycle. By creating a personal period kit you will be 2 steps ahead of your period symptoms. Stay ready so you don't have to get ready!
One tool you should have in your kit is lavender! I’m going to share 3 benefits of using lavender for your menstrual cycle & 3 different ways to add it to your lifestyle
Benefits
Reduces mood swings:
Lavender is considered the "Swiss army knife" of herbs. It has the ability to adapt and soothe a variety of ailments. When on your period your hormone levels change drastically. For some women this can translate into mood swings. Now I know us menstrating people hate when men or other women suggest that its that time of the month. While its annoying for someone to imply that you are on your period because of your attitude, trust me I understand, but sometimes they aren't all the way off . its been scientifically proven that menstrating people can feel less like themselves during their time of the month. This is due to an imbalance in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels. Track your period for a few months you may start to see a pattern in your mood and how it changes through the month. Lavender in any form is great for combating this monthly imbalance
Lavender helps to reduce uterine swelling:
You know that heavy pressure that makes you want to pee and/or poop constantly while on your period? Yep, its your swollen uterus. During your menstrual cycle your uterus is shedding its inner lining; which comes out as period blood. Unfortunately for us this doesn't always feel comfortable. That's where lavender comes in. Lavender has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve some of your swelling.
Lavender helps soothe period cramps:
When those stomach & back cramps hit you, depending on the intensity of your cramps, they can really take you for a loop. Cramps around that time of the month can ruin your plans for a few days. They can have you in bed or on the floor, in tears.. just jacked up. Lol. Lavender helps to relax tense muscles. The inside of your uterus is made up of 3 muscle layers that are intertwined to one another. When in childbirth the uterus must contract (tighten; become shorter and tighter) to help the baby come out. This is the same during your menstrual cycle. Your uterus must contract to expel the period blood. So when those intense cramps hit grab you some lavender.
Ways to add lavender to your lifestyle
Lavender Tea:
increase your blood flow on your period to reduce pain. Tea is great for warming your body. Drinking lavender in tea form as apart of your lifestyle (3-5 cups/ week) will help reduce the intensity of your period cramps and a variety of other symptoms.
Lavender scent heat pad:
Since lavender is a muscle relaxer and heat is as well, this lavender heat pad is a game changer for cramps. your body will thank you!
Lavender essential oil:
Aromatherapy has great benefits for managing period pain. Lavender as stated before is a neutralizer herb, so as an essential oil its a relaxing scent to smell. Grab your favorite lotion or carrier oil (almond, coconut, jojoba, etc) and mix it with your lavender essential oil. Place this mixture on your hands, chest, and any achey areas. The combination of the scent and the muscle relaxing properties lavender contains should give you some relief. Another way to use essential oils is to place 3-4 drops of lavender on your a fabric bracelet, handkerchief, or cotton ball. Whenever you feel PMS symptoms you can pull this out and take a few deep breaths.
Get some lavender in your life, you won't regret it! The more frequently you are building up your period "immune system". You stand a chance when the cramps, mood swings, etc. creep up on you; your body will be prepared to fight back.. Versus you only trying to aid your symptoms once they are already alive and kicking your butt <3