Essential Oil
Menstrual Health & Fertility Journey
Reclaiming the Rhythms of Your Body
Your cycle is a powerful teacher, a mirror of your inner seasons. Essential oils are ancient allies, helping to balance hormones, ease discomfort, and awaken fertility by reconnecting you to the wisdom of your womb. Learn to use these potent botanicals to regulate cycles, soothe PMS, and deepen your trust in your body’s innate intelligence.
Essential Oils for Every Phase of the Moon Cycle
Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5): Release and Relief
The first phase of the menstrual cycle typically lasts between 3 and 5 days. This phase begins when hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) drop, signalling the body to shed the uterine lining, leading to menstruation and introspection. This is the winter phase of the cycle; energy is lower, and the body craves stillness.
What Happens in the Body?
The uterus sheds its lining, resulting in bleeding.
Hormones are at their lowest, leading to potential fatigue, low energy, and heightened sensitivity.
The body prioritizes detoxification and renewal.
The immune system may be slightly weakened.
The hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (HPO axis) resets, preparing for the next cycle.
This is a time of letting go, rest, and renewal.
The veil between the conscious and subconscious is thin intuition is heightened.
What a Woman Needs Most During This Phase
This is a time of rest, reflection, and nourishment. The body is working hard to eliminate what is no longer needed, so supporting it with gentle care and nourishment is essential. Deep Rest & Reflection
Embrace slowness and solitude—this is a time to go inward.
Reduce obligations and create sacred space for renewal.
Use Journaling, Dreamwork, or Meditation to gain insights for the month ahead.
Nourishment & Warmth
Focus on iron-rich, warming foods: bone broth, lentils, beets, dark greens.
Drink herbal infusions (nettles, raspberry leaf, ginger) to replenish minerals.
Essential Oils: Clary Sage (hormonal balance), Lavender (calming), Ginger (pain relief).
Ritual & Ceremony
The red tent movements, menstruation is a time of profound wisdom and visioning.
Create a Moon-time ritual: Light a candle, set intentions, honour your cycle.
1. Rest & Slowing Down
Prioritize restorative sleep and gentle movement like yin yoga or walking.
Allow time for introspection and journaling—many women feel more intuitive during this time.
2. Nutrition & Hydration
• Focus on warm, iron-rich foods to replenish blood loss and boost energy:
• Bone broth, lentils, grass-fed meat, dark leafy greens (spinach, kale), beets, and eggs.
• Vitamin C-rich foods (citrus, bell peppers, strawberries) help iron absorption.
• Magnesium-rich foods (pumpkin seeds, bananas, dark chocolate) help ease cramps and muscle tension.
• Drink warm herbal teas like raspberry leaf (uterine tonic), ginger (anti-inflammatory), and nettle (mineral-rich).
3. Herbal & Holistic Support
• Essential Oils (doTERRA recommendations):
• Clary Sage – Balances hormones and relieves cramps.
• Lavender – Promotes relaxation and soothes tension.
• Peppermint – Helps with headaches and energy levels.
• Herbs & Supplements:
• Red Raspberry Leaf – Tones the uterus.
• Ashwagandha – Supports adrenal balance and reduces stress.
• Omega-3s (flaxseeds, fish oil) – Reduce inflammation and cramping.
4. Emotional & Mental Support
• Journaling – This phase is ideal for reflecting on emotions, setting intentions, and releasing negativity.
• Meditation & Breathwork – Helps reduce PMS-related anxiety or irritability.
• Connecting with Nature – Spending time outdoors can enhance mood and relaxation.
5. Gentle Movement & Bodywork
• Self-massage (Abdominal or Foot Massage with Essential Oils)
• Acupressure or Acupuncture – Can support hormonal balance and relieve cramps.
• Warm baths with Epsom salts – Soothe sore muscles and provide relaxation.
Key Takeaways
• Honor rest and go inward – Your body needs time to reset and renew.
• Nourish with warm, iron-rich foods – Support blood replenishment and hormone balance.
• Use holistic remedies like essential oils, teas, and herbal support to ease discomfort.
• Practice mindfulness and emotional self-care – This is a time for inner reflection.
During menstruation, the focus is on easing cramps, reducing inflammation, and promoting a sense of calm during the shedding process.
• Roman Chamomile:
Properties: Antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory.
Benefits: Helps soothe menstrual cramps and relax tense muscles.
• Lavender:
Properties: Calming, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory.
Benefits: Reduces pain and promotes relaxation during menstruation.
• Clary Sage:
Properties: Hormone-balancing and antispasmodic.
Benefits: Supports the regulation of uterine contractions and can help ease discomfort.
Essential Oils for Menstrual Health
Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5): Release and Relief
Objectives:
During menstruation, the focus is on easing cramps, reducing inflammation, and promoting a sense of calm during the shedding process.
• Roman Chamomile:
Properties: Antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory.
Benefits: Helps soothe menstrual cramps and relax tense muscles.
• Lavender:
Properties: Calming, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory.
Benefits: Reduces pain and promotes relaxation during menstruation.
• Clary Sage:
Properties: Hormone-balancing and antispasmodic.
Benefits: Supports the regulation of uterine contractions and can help ease discomfort.
Follicular Phase (Post-Menstruation to Ovulation Onset, Days 6–13): Renewal and Re-Energizing
Objectives:
In the follicular phase, the body shifts into a phase of renewal. The focus is on uplifting mood, supporting hormonal balance, and gently stimulating energy as the body prepares for ovulation.
• Bergamot:
Properties: Uplifting, mood-enhancing, and balancing.
Benefits: Helps boost energy and positivity while supporting emotional balance.
• Geranium:
Properties: Balancing for the endocrine system and calming.
Benefits: Aids in stabilizing hormones and enhancing overall mood.
• Lemon:
Properties: Refreshing, clarifying, and energizing.
Benefits: Promotes mental clarity and a sense of rejuvenation during the cycle’s renewal phase.
Ovulatory Phase (Around Mid-Cycle, Days 14–16): Peak Fertility and Expression
Objectives:
At ovulation, energy and sensuality peak. The focus is on supporting confidence, enhancing emotional well-being, and honoring the body’s fertility.
• Ylang Ylang:
Properties: Balancing, aphrodisiac, and mood-enhancing.
Benefits: Encourages sensuality and supports hormonal balance during the ovulatory surge.
• Jasmine:
Properties: Uplifting, harmonizing, and mood-lifting.
Benefits: Promotes a positive outlook and emotional balance during peak fertility.
• Rose:
Properties: Soothing, balancing, and supportive of skin health.
Benefits: Enhances emotional well-being and creates a nurturing atmosphere during this high-energy phase.
Luteal Phase (Post-Ovulation to Pre-Menstruation, Days 17–28): Preparation and Soothing
Objectives:
In the luteal phase, the body prepares for the possibility of pregnancy. Many experience symptoms such as mood swings, bloating, and tension. The focus is on soothing these symptoms and promoting balance.
• Lavender:
Properties: Calming and relaxing.
Benefits: Helps alleviate stress and tension that can arise during the premenstrual phase.
• Geranium:
Properties: Balancing and supportive of hormonal regulation.
Benefits: Aids in stabilizing mood and reducing emotional fluctuations.
• Marjoram:
Properties: Warm, comforting, and muscle-relaxing.
Benefits: Supports relief from PMS symptoms such as cramps and general tension.
Usage Tips and Considerations
• Dilution:
Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, or coconut oil) before applying them topically. A common dilution ratio is 2–3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon (5 mL) of carrier oil for adults.
• Application Methods:
• Massage: Apply diluted oils to the lower abdomen or back to relieve cramps.
• Compresses: Use a warm or cool compress with diluted oil for localized relief.
• Diffusion: Diffuse oils in your space to promote a calming atmosphere.
• Personalization:
Everyone’s body chemistry and cycle experience are unique. Experiment with blends and note which oils resonate best with your body during each phase.
• Safety:
If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any health conditions, consult a healthcare professional or a certified aromatherapist before using essential oils.
The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle & What Women Need Most
1. Menstrual Phase (Inner Winter) – Days 1-7
What’s Happening?
• The body is shedding the uterine lining, signaling a new cycle.
• Estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest, leading to fatigue, emotional sensitivity, and the need to turn inward.
• The veil between the conscious and subconscious is thin – intuition is heightened.
• This is a time of letting go, rest, and renewal.
What Women Need:
🌿 Deep Rest & Reflection
• Embrace slowness and solitude—this is a time to go inward.
• Reduce obligations and create sacred space for renewal.
• Use Journaling, Dreamwork, or Meditation to gain insights for the month ahead.
🌿 Nourishment & Warmth
• Focus on iron-rich, warming foods: bone broth, lentils, beets, dark greens.
• Drink herbal infusions (nettles, raspberry leaf, ginger) to replenish minerals.
• Essential Oils (doTERRA): Clary Sage (hormonal balance), Lavender (calming), Ginger (pain relief).
🌿 Ritual & Ceremony
• In indigenous traditions and red tent movements, menstruation is a time of deep wisdom and visioning.
• Create a Moon-time ritual: Light a candle, set intentions, honor your cycle.