Menstruation is a part of a woman’s life and monthly visits aren’t something they look forward to. It’s painful and could be very annoying. Likewise, even though menstrual cramps aren’t always a concern, but if severe, it could disrupt regular activities and it could make any woman feel that it’s the end of the world. Fortunately, aside from taking pain relievers, there are a number of natural remedies that could ease the pain brought by menstruation it really effect on health. Here are some.
Home Remedy #1: Applying Heat
Considered to be the best and most effective way to control menstrual cramps is through applying heat on the lower abdomen. It helps in relaxing the contracting muscles in the uterus, which results in a soothing sensation.
Directions:
Hot water bottle or heating pad
- You could either use a regular heating pad or a regular plastic bottle that’s filled with hot water. Place it over the lower part of the abdomen.
- Heat should be applied until you feel a little more comfortable.
- Warm Towel:
- Soak towel in water, wring it, and place inside the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute.
- Just like the water bottle, place it over your abdomen and wait for a couple of minutes until the pain is gone.
Home Remedy #2: Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that could ease spasmodic contractions and relax the uterus, minimizing the pain brought by menstruation.
Directions:
- Prepare your chamomile tea like how you usually do.
- Cover and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes.
- Add some lemon or honey to taste.
- As much as possible drink at least 2 cups of chamomile tea a day during your period.
Home Remedy #3: Ginger
Ginger is considered to be a wonder herb, because it has a number of uses and it could even be an effective remedy for menstrual cramps. Likewise, ginger could lower the levels of pain brought by prostaglandins and it could help in fighting fatigue, that’s often caused by premenstrual syndrome.
Directions:
- Grate a small piece of ginger, place it in a saucepan, and add a cup of water and boil for about 5 minutes.
- Strain and add a little bit of honey or lemon juice to taste.
- Drink this herbal tea at least three times a day.
Note: If you want, you could also add some ginger in your meal, or just suck on some ginger candies. Both work the same.
Home Remedy #4: Cinnamon
Just like chamomile, cinnamon has anticlotting, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties that could relieve menstrual cramps almost instantly. Likewise, cinnamon tea is packed with iron, manganese, calcium, and an excellent source of fiber.
Directions:
Add 1/4 cup of cinnamon powder in a cup of hot water.
Let it sit for about 3-5 minutes and add a little honey if you like.
3) Enjoy 2-3 cups a day in order to experience its positive results.
Home Remedy #5: Fennel
Fennel seeds have phytoestrogenic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties that allow the body to relax and it could relieve the discomfort brought by menstrual cramps.
Directions:
- 1) Add a teaspoon of fennel seeds in a cup of boiling water.
- 2) Let it sit for a couple of minutes and add some honey.
- 3) Mix well and drink while it’s still warm.
Common Questions about Menstrual Cramps
- How painful is it to have menstrual cramps?
- Is there any effective alternative to Ibuprofen for menstrual cramps?
- What influences the severity of menstrual cramps?
- What is the best pain killer for menstrual cramps?
- What’s your worst menstrual cramp experience?
- Why is heat helpful in mitigating menstrual cramps?
- Does Aleve help relieve menstrual cramps?
- Does alcohol effects menstrual cramps?
- Do dogs have menstrual cramps?
- Why do some women get cramps while on their period?
- Do women’s menstrual cramps serve any evolutionary purpose?
- Can constipation feel like menstrual cramps?
- How does heat alleviate menstrual cramps?
- Does regular yoga alleviate menstrual cramps? If so, why?
- Does Motrin work for menstrual cramps?
- Is there any Ayurvedic treatment for menstrual cramps?
- Why does Coke help my menstrual cramps?
- Is it true that chocolates relieve menstrual cramps? If yes, how?
- Is there a correlation between menstrual cramps and iron intake?
- Is it safe to take hydrocodone for menstrual cramps? How effective would it be?
- What do I do to stop suffering from extremely painful and horrible menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)?
- What is the biological reason that menstrual cramps vary so much in intensity from one month to another?
- How can I create for myself the experience of menstrual cramps that my wife endures each month?