10 Essential Oils for Your Period

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“It’s that time of month.” For many women, these dreaded words can mean pain, irritability, sleeplessness, bloating, constipation, headaches, and a slew of other symptoms. Some women simply suffer through the symptoms that accompany their periods, while others rely on popping pills and other methods. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies that can help ease period problems, including essential oils. Here’s a look at some of my favorite essential oils for your period.

Lavender

Lavender, often called the Swiss army knife of essential oils, has a multitude of benefits during your period. Stress is a major contributor to period pain, and inhaling lavender can calm nerves and ease emotional stresses. The relaxing effects may also help improve sleep quality and duration.

In the same way that lavender relaxes the mind and emotions, it can relax muscles that contribute to period cramps and pain. Studies shows the benefits of using lavender to ease dysmenorrhea, or pain associated with the menstrual cycle.

Ylang Ylang

The sweet, intoxicating aroma of ylang ylang essential oil is a favorite among so many women. From nourishing skin and hair, to bringing an added boost in the romance department, to soothing nerves, every woman needs YLYL in her life. What many women don’t realize is that ylang ylang actually helps to balance female energy. When you feel out-of-balance or off-kilter during your period, this essential oil can gently ground and center.

Ylang ylang also supports the heart chakra. When this chakra is out-of-balance, you may feel weak and needy, or at the opposite extreme, angry and closed-off. Balancing the heart will help you feel more confident and to give and receive love appropriately in spite of your period.

Clary Sage

Mood swings and occasional depression and sadness affect nearly every woman during her time of the month. Whether you experience mild irritability, sadness, or anxiety, these emotional swings can wreak havoc on your normal life and make it difficult to function.

Clary sage essential oil works in the brain by increasing serotonin levels and decreasing cortisol levels. Serotonin is termed the “happy hormone” because it increases feelings of well-being. Cortisol, also called the “fight or flight” hormone, serves many important functions in the body. However, when we experience too much prolonged stress, cortisol levels can get out of hand and make it difficult to simmer down.

Helichrysum

If you suffer from intense sporadic, debilitating cramps during your period, helichrysum essential oil may be your new best friend. This essential oil has numerous therapeutic properties, including the ability to ease muscle spasms. This can help with PMS cramps as well as digestive cramping associated with constipation or diarrhea that may accompany your period.

Geranium

Geranium essential oil is another favorite among women for calming nerves and easing stress. On top of that, geranium supports hormone balance, primarily estrogen. Low estrogen levels at the onset of your are to blame for PMS symptoms. This makes the soothing, balancing effects of geranium especially helpful if you suffer from irregular periods or severe bouts of PMS.

Cinnamon Bark

If you suffer from overly heavy periods, or menorrhagia, cinnamon bark may be your new best friend. Studies show that cinnamon can reduce period flow by directing blood circulation away from the uterus. Additionally, the gentle warming action of cinnamon bark essential oil can ease period cramping and muscle spasms as well.

Cypress

Many women naturally retain excess water during their periods. Edema is a result of hormonal fluctuations and inadequate hydration. If you experience weight gain or swelling in the hands, feet, face, legs, or abdomen during your period, you may consider increasing your water consumption in the week or two leading up to your cycle.

Cypress essential oil may also bring some relief. Cypress supports the lymphatic and circulatory systems and keeps things moving smoothly. For many women, it has a diuretic effect and can help relieve some of the period inflammation.

Ginger

As if cramping, bleeding, fatigue, and mood swings during you menstrual cycle aren’t enough, some women also experience painful and embarrassing digestive complaints. These range from bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, and hemorrhoids. Many people look to ginger essential oil to relieve many gastric issues. Ginger protects the gastrointestinal system and can help relieve a variety of tummy issues.

Wintergreen

When you just can’t drag yourself out of bed, wintergreen essential oil can provide the uplift and energy boost you need to function. The cool, minty aroma awakens the senses and brings the mind into focus. So when you just feel like you’re in a fog, take a big whiff of some wintergreen.

In addition to a simple pick-me-up, wintergreen essential oil can also help relieve period cramping. It contains natural methyl salicylate, which is a compound closely related to acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin. Studies show that wintergreen essential oil has analgesic properties when applied to the skin.

Looking for some essential oil recipes for your period? Check out Essential Oil Blends for PMS.

Ready to go more natural with your period and stop using all those chemical products? Check out this post about Thinx period panties and snag a $10 discount on your first pair.

10 Ways to Use Blue Tansy Essential Oil

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Blue tansy essential oil comes from the flowers of the Tanacetum annum plant. We find it in many high-end skin products because of its light, sweet aroma and therapeutic benefits for complexion. The rich blue color of this essential oil comes from the constituent chamazulene, which is also found in chamomile and yarrow essential oils. This unique and somewhat rare constituent presents many unique ways to use blue tansy essential oil.

Beauty & Hygiene

Soothe and Smooth Skin

Perhaps the most common use for blue tansy is to improve complexion. The word “chamazulene” comes from chamomile and azulene, which refers to the bright indigo color of this constituent. But this constituent does so much more than just lend a pretty color to skincare products. It is also a powerful antioxidant that scavenges free radicals that affect skin. This can help slow the signs of aging and reduce inflammation from acne and other skin complaints.

To enjoy these benefits for your skin, check out this recipe to make Blue Tansy Cleansing Cream.

Health

Relieve Soreness

Blue tansy also helps relieve minor muscle and joint soreness when applied topically. For a wonderful massage, add a few drops of blue tansy, wintergreen, and peppermint in a carrier oil. The wintergreen and peppermint will provide cooling relief, while the blue tansy goes to work reducing inflammation.

Support Natural Immunity

Because of its antioxidant characteristics, blue tansy supports the body’s efforts to combat everyday free radicals. A long soak in a tub with some drops of blue tansy essential oil may be just the ticket when you feel run-down or overwhelmed.

Emotional & Spiritual

Calm Down

The cool, blue color and subtle fruity aroma of blue tansy beg us to unwind and relax. The active constituent can help manage your body’s natural reaction to stress. This makes blue tansy an excellent choice for diffusing during work and study hours, as well as at the bedside to promote a good night’s sleep. Blue tansy can also help enhance relaxation and focus during your yoga routine.

Let Go of Frustrations

From an emotional aspect, blue tansy has the unique ability to help relieve irritation and anger. When we inhale essential oils, they interact directly with the amygdala portion of the brain. This area performs a primary role in the processing of memory, decision-making and emotional responses (including fear, anxiety, aggression, and anger). The chemical actions of blue tansy essential oil target these frustrations and help us to release them in a positive way.

Try a simple Four-Square Breathing Exercise:

  • Apply 2-4 drops of essential oil in your palm and slowly rub hands together.
  • Cup your hands over your nose and deeply inhale for the count of four.
  • Hold your breath for another count of four.
  • Slowly exhale, again while counting to four.
  • Finally, hold for the count of four before inhaling again.
  • Repeat this pattern of breathing for a few minutes until you begin to feel calmer and more centered.

Overcome Intimidation

When the root chakra is out of balance, we may feel insecure, ungrounded, and weak. This lack of courage can cause one to be easily intimidated. Blue tansy can help balance the root chakra and increase feelings of grounding and security. Try inhaling blue tansy while thinking or reciting “I am stable” to encourage this transformation.

Speak Your Piece

In addition to supporting the root chakra, blue tansy also comes to the aid of the throat chakra. In some ways, these go hand-in-hand because when a person feels insecure and ungrounded, they naturally struggle to speak up in many circumstances. Balancing the throat chakra brings appropriate communications that are authentic, clear, and not in excess or deficit. 

Learn more about balancing chakras with essential oils here.

Children

Send Them to Dreamland

When you’re loading up that diffuser in your child’s bedroom at night, add a few drops of soothing blue tansy. It will help settle your little ones and calm their minds for a restful night.

Because blue tansy is mild, you may even want to create a calming baby massage. Use just a drop or two of essential oil mixed in to a neutral carrier oil or baby oil.

Soothing Balm

The anti-inflammatory actions of blue tansy are very soothing to sore, chapped skin. Simply add a few drops to your diaper ointment or other lotion to smooth wherever your child’s skin needs a little extra TLC.

Pets

Puppy Zen

Don’t save the calming benefits of this essential oil just for the people in your family! Pets will love the relaxing effects too. Help stressed pets calm down with a few drops of blue tansy. You can apply the oil to bedding or place it on your hands and gently stroke your pet. Pets are very sensitive to the aromas of essential oils, so steer clear of the nose and face. Another option is to simply diffuse in the room near pets. This can be especially helpful for a pet with separation anxiety.

For more information on essential oils as well as answers to all your oily questions, check out my book!

10 Ways to Avoid the Flu this Season

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If every cough, sneeze, or sniffle you hear in public sends you running the other direction, you’re not alone. During this time of year, the flu sends Americans into a panic, and for good reason. This year alone, the CDC estimates as many as 36 million cases of the flu, and the season is still in full swing. So if the threat of the flu has you quarantined to your home, check out some better ways to avoid the flu this season.

Is it All Hype?

From people wearing masks in public to school closings, signs of the flu are just about everywhere. But is the risk really that great? According to the Centers for Disease Control it certainly is. Every year, thousands of people are hospitalized —and many don’t survive— because of the flu. Those at highest risk include the very young or old and people with compromised immunity.

Part of the problem with the flu is that infected people are contagious at least 24 hours before they start experiencing symptoms. Yep, that coworker you had lunch with yesterday and didn’t show up to work today. . .good chance she already gave you the dreaded flu. Or how about the hundreds of kids who “felt fine yesterday” and missed school today? They’ve already spread it to all of their classmates and teachers. This leads to tip #1 for avoiding the flu this year.

1. Stay Home

Okay, okay. I’m not telling you to become a hermit between the months of October and March. But if you feel the least bit under the weather, it’s best to stay home. If you have the flu, you will avoid sharing it with everyone around you. If you don’t have the flu, you may just have a cold or other minor infection, but this makes you more susceptible to catching the flu. When your immune system is the least bit challenged, your risk is much higher for contracting a secondary infection, such as the dreaded influenza. Staying at home when you don’t feel well is one of the most basic ways to avoid the flu.

2. Wash Your Hands

Your mom was right: The number one recommended way to avoid getting sick is frequent hand washing. Simply touching a contaminated surface won’t give you the flu. But studies show that we touch our faces an average of 15 times per hour. That means that germs from every doorknob, light switch, smartphone, and handrail goes straight from your hands to your lips, nose, eyes, and other absorbent membranous areas. Hand washing is the best defense.

3. Go to Bed

Your body needs sleep. This is especially true when it is dealing with constant challenges to the immune system. There is a reason why you can sleep for hours on end when you’re sick. Your body needs sleep to recover and to fight infection. Numerous studies show a direct correlation with immunity and quality of sleep. Establishing a regular sleep routine can help you avoid the flu this season.

4. Get the Flu Shot

I advocate for gathering information and making choices about healthcare based on what you feel is best for yourself and your family. So do your research, and then decide if the flu shot is for you. The flu shot may decrease your chances of catching the flu. We all know someone who got a flu shot and contracted the flu either as a result of the vaccine or because it simply didn’t work. But according to statistics, the flu shot does, in fact, decrease the odds of getting the flu, so many parents choose to get the shot for themselves and their children.

5. Try a Natural Immune Booster

Start looking for natural flu prevention, and you’ll find dozens of remedies with outlandish claims. In truth, many old wives’ tales have real merit for boosting natural immunity. One remedy that has become more popular over the past few years is elderberry syrup.

This is actually not a new remedy at all, but an old one resurfaced. Some sources report that the use of elderberry for health purposes dates back as far as the Middle Ages. Hippocrates, “the Father of Medicine” described the elderberry plant as a medicine chest because of its ability to alleviate a variety of ailments. But does it work?

Science says it does. Studies show that not only do elderberries help prevent the flu, but they can lessen the duration if you already have the flu. The best thing about elderberry syrup is that it’s relatively inexpensive to purchase or make yourself, and unlike Tamiflu and other flu preventives, there are virtually no side effects to drinking it. This makes it one of the easiest ways to avoid the flu.

Ready to try some? Check out this post for more information and a recipe to make your own Elderberry Syrup. Or click here you’d rather just buy some ready-made.

6. Get Your Sunshine Vitamin

Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, serves many purposes in our bodies. Besides helping our bodies absorb calcium, vitamin D improves heart health, supports the pancreas, fights cancer, and can help improve mood-related disorders. When it comes to immunity, vitamin D is a key player as well. Deficiency in vitamin D is associated with increased autoimmunity as well as an increased susceptibility to infection.

To get your daily dose of vitamin D, start by making an effort to spend time out in the sun regularly. If winter weather makes that an impossibility, consider adding a quality vitamin D supplement to your wellness arsenal.

7. Drink Your Water

It’s plain and simple: Water is essential for every single cell in your body. The more your body is taxed by toxins and pathogens, like viruses and bacteria, the more water it needs to flush them out. Plus, water keeps the lymphatic system working in top shape to boost immunity as well. So fill up your glass and drink up!

8. Eat a Balanced Diet

Your immune system thrives on healthy vitamins from food. In contrast, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods actually deplete the immune system. Be sure to get your fruits, veggies, and whole grains to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to keep the defenses strong.

9. Increase Vitamin C Intake

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that is essential for the growth and repair of tissues. It also strengthens the capillaries that carry oxygen and other necessary nutrients to all parts of the body via the bloodstream. Healthy blood function is vital when your body is fighting off intruders like influenza. Studies show that vitamin C supplementation can both prevent and treat systemic infections.

10. Stay Away From Sick People

Ok, this one seems like common sense. But think about that coworker who just feels a little “off” or the next door neighbor who “just has allergies”. Without being overly paranoid, avoiding the flu means avoiding anyone who may be sick. So if your friend just has a minor scratchy throat (“I’m sure it’s nothing”), take a raincheck on that coffee date. When the guy in front of you in line at the store is hacking and sneezing all over everything within a 4-foot radius, go ahead and excuse yourself to the back of the line.

While we’re on the subject, please train yourself and your children to cough or sneeze into an elbow. This simple behavior can help cut the spread of germs to others who’d rather not share them with you. And if you have the flu or some other illness, please stay home and get well soon.

Are Thinx Hazardous to Your Health?

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Recently, I have had dozens of questions from concerned women regarding the claims about toxic chemicals in Thinx panties. These allegations stem from a blogger who conducted a “study” and stated that Thinx panties contain polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Hang on a second before you get your panties in a wad. Let’s look at the evidence to see if Thinx really are hazardous to your health.

Let’s Stop and Thinx for a Moment

Y’all. This isn’t science. It is an article intentionally aimed to inflame consumer sentiments. And truly, I use the term “study” very loosely in this case. Valid research involves a representative sample of subjects in a controlled environment and unbiased evaluation. The particular study fails to be reliable on 3 parts:

  1. They only tested 2 pairs of panties. This is hardly a representative sample. Therefore, there is no guarantee that a problem actually exists. These 2 pairs of panties could have gone through completely different processes, shipping, handling, packaging, etc. from an average pair.
  2. This is a big one: There is no comparator group. Meaning, there is no standard with which to compare these results. So assuming PFAS was found in a pair of Thinx, who even knows if Company A, B, or C also contain these chemicals in 10 times the concentrations found in these two pairs of Thinx? Everyone is all up in arms that Thinx contains PFAS, but no one stopped to think if this actually applies to every single pair of panties in the drawer.
  3. The author is anything but unbiased. In her article, she actually promotes another menstrual undergarment company. It’s blatantly obvious that she is purposely trying to sabotage Thinx.

But Wait, There’s More

Even if we assume that the findings of this so-called study are reliable—which they aren’t— what does it really mean anyway?

PFAS refers to a group of chemicals that have been used in a variety of products since the 1940s. Many of these chemicals are no longer used in the U.S. because they accumulate in the body and can have detrimental reproductive, developmental, liver, kidney, and immunological effects. However, many products still contain certain types of PFAS.

You’d be surprised how frequently you come into contact with them. The most common sources of PFAS include pizza boxes and take-out containers, popcorn bags, outdoor gear and water repellent clothing, and even some cosmetics.

And believe it or not, two of the most common sources of PFAS include drinking water and fish and shellfish.

It’s just like anything else, folks: You can’t avoid every toxin. Every single day, we encounter all kinds of undesirable chemicals. Yes, we should do our best to avoid toxins as much as possible. Yes, we should take measures to help our bodies deal with the never-ending onslaught. But there’s a difference between being cautious and freaking out over every salacious headline.

A Peek at Some Real Science: Chemical Analysis of Thinx

Thinx plainly states on their website that their products undergo rigorous testing. 

"All Thinx underwear are REACH compliant and undergo testing that complies with the OEKO-TEX standard list of 100 chemicals. This includes testing for a range of toxic chemicals like PFAS. The truth is that U.S. regulations aren’t as strict as those in the EU, which is why we comply with both US regulations and the EU’s REACH regulations. For example, while the US has banned 11 chemicals from cosmetics, REACH bans 1,328. By complying with REACH, we’re also supporting REACH pre-market testing requirements — all to protect our customers’ safety and wellbeing."

I won’t bore you with descriptions of these agencies. For those who really want to delve into it, click the links in the quote above to learn more about them. The main idea here is that the products undergo rigorous testing by credible third-party agencies. That’s a bit more reliable than a biased blogger.

So I think we can suffice it to say that Thinx is, in fact, doing their part to ensure that their panties pass the safety test. They’ve even gone as far as posting individual results from tests of every type of panty they sell. So if you still have questions about whether Thinx are hazardous to your health, just see for yourself.

Transparency Builds Trust

This kind of openness and transparency is yet another reason I will continue to use and promote Thinx products. I reviewed the tests and the agencies which performed them, and I feel safe that my Thinx do not contain dangerous chemicals.

Just remember, when you read sensational headlines with big claims, it’s so important to fact-check before you go believing everything you read or hear. Headlines are intentionally salacious. That’s how they get us to click and read. So be smarter. Don’t believe it.

Want to learn about my experience with Thinx? Check out this post.