Earthly Vibes (Period)
- Jaqueline Stone
- Jun 16, 2017
- 3 min read
Welcome back to Earthly vibes, and toady we are talking about a subject near and dear to my heart, periods!!! We already know how badly they suck so I’ll spare you the details about the leg numbing pain, late night cravings, and uncontrollable mood swings. This week we will be focusing on how to make periods more barrable by using natural, inexpensive, herbal remedies that you can make right at home. And don’t think for a minute, that we’re leaving men out of this equations. So , fellas, feel free to stay tuned for some quick tips to keep your lovely lady from biting your head off while she’s on her period. This not only helps you rack up extra cool points, but it also makes you look super usefully and understanding to her needs. Which means amazing woo-ha for you later! But seriously, these DIY remedies are simple to do, easy to make, and convenient for any woman, going through the most on her period.
First up we have a Lavender Compression to combat those terrible menstrual migraines. To help clear your head and ease tension. You’ll need:
Ingredients
-5 drops Lavender Essential Oils
-1 cup Cold Water
Materials
-Wash Cloth
-Large Bowl
In a large bowl add the water, and stir 5 drops of lavender essential oil. You’ll find that essential oils are the common denominator in all of these remedies. All of which can be sold separately or in variety pack online, or in your nearest health food store. I recommend, investing in a variety pack, that way you have your basic scents, plus a few to experiment with. For fast delivery and one-stop shopping for your essential oils, Amazon.com is the way to go. But for dried herbs, I turn to Etsy for all my organic needs. But back to business.
Lavender is widely used as an antidepressant, sedative, and calming agents. Many herbalists applaud it’s ability affect the limbic system, which participates in emotional response stimuli. Lavender has also been used to encourage restful sleep, clear migraines, and relax tension.
Swish the cloth around in the mixture, then place compression on the forehead and relax. Don’t like lavender essential oil? Then try out other stress relieving herbs such as peppermint, sage, eucalyptus, and rosemary.
Next, we have a Sage massage oil to help with heavy periods bleeding and cramps. You’ll need:
Ingredients
-12 drops Sage Essential Oils
-2 ounces Coconut Oil
Combine oils, and massage to the lower abdomen a few times a day. The original recipe called for vegetable oil, but I found that coconut oil feels more pleasant on the skin. It absorbs easily into the skin without leaving a greasy/sticky coating. Feel free to experiment with other oils such as grapeseed, olive oil, and other sensitive applicators, but Sage is essential ( Ha, there’s a little herbal humor for you.? This ancient herb is used to induce emmenagogue which refers to a substance the stimulates or increases menstrual flow in the efforts to regulate cycles and release certain hormones like estrogen.
After massaging in the oil, I sometimes place a warm cloth or heating pad over the area, this intensifies the aromatherapy and loosens the muscles. Be careful not to use extreme heat!
Lastly, we have a quick hot infusion ( aka tea) made with Shepherds Purse to help with heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Shepperd’s Purse aka “ Mother’s Heart” or Capsella bursa-pastoris, is mostly recognized for its usefulness in gynecological conditions. It is used to reduce bleeding, cystic, diarrhea, and even improve eyesight. And to think, this amazing herb was once thought of as a weed. Tsk Tsk. For this remedy, you’ll need
Ingredients (Standard Quantities)
-30g Dried Shepperd’s Purse
OR
- 75g Fresh Shepperd’s Purse
-To 500 ml of Water
Materials
-Teapot with Tight Lid
-Strainer
Place herbs inside the pot. Heat the water to boiling water, then pour it over the herb, cover it with the lid and allow to seep for 10 minutes. Just like making ramen, well almost! Feel free to add some fresh lemon and natural sweeteners such as honey or agave nectar to mask the bitter taste. Drink up to half ½ cup, three times a day to ease heavy flow and soothe muscles.
Now I bet you’re excited for next period, no well that’s fair. At least you have nothing to worry about with these DIY remedies. Keep in mind everyone’s mind, body, and period are all different. Eating habits, daily activity, and body chemistry can cause effects to vary. All in all, know what works for you, and build from there. Because there’s nothing wrong with going green!
Ingredients
Essential Oils-27-30 ( Pack) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KK90ZH8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Shepherd’s Purse (Dried)
References
https://draxe.com/essential-oils-for-headaches/
https://www.dartmouth.edu/~rswenson/NeuroSci/chapter_9.html
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/sage-essential-oil.html
http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/sage-oil.aspx
https://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/shepherds-purse.html
Books
Ody, Penelope. The complete medicinal herbal: a practical guide to the healing properties of herbs, with more than 250 remedies for common ailments. London: Dorling Kindersley, 1993. Print.
Keville, Kathi, and Peter Korn. Herbs for health and healing. Emmaus, Penn.: Rodale Press, 1996. Print.
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