Surprising 11 Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps
09-02-2020 | Posted By: Shagun Parasher | 4410 View(s)
Women go through menstruation every month and what’s dreading is not the menstruation, heavy blood flow or PMS, but the cramps that come along with periods. The constant throbbing and cramping pain that comes along with periods is something which can quickly remind you of your ancestors. This article talks about why they happen and a few Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps. Read on!
Menstrual periods can be easy for some women while for others they come with painful cramps. Dysmenorrhea is the term used for painful periods. It is of two types:
1. Primary Dysmenorrhea- Pain starts before 1-2 days before your period, and the pain is in the lower belly area.
2. Secondary Dysmenorrhea- When your cramps occur along with lower back pain due to endometriosis.
What Causes Menstrual Cramps?
They are caused due to uterine contractions when your uterus lightens and relaxes allowing the blood to leave your uterus. Uterus releases prostaglandins which can increase the intensity of contractions, even higher if the level of this substance is high. This can also lead to nausea and lightheadedness.
Is it Normal?
Yes, it is entirely reasonable to have normal to mild cramps since they happen because of uterine contractions. If your cramps are bad and interfere with your daily activities, do not ignore it. Make an appointment with your gynaecologist and get yourself checked.
11 Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps
How to deal with Menstrual Cramps at home? Here is a list of 11 Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps that you can try at home and treat them instantly.
1. Apply Heat
Applying heat helps in relaxing the muscles that are contracting in your uterus and cause pain. You can use heating patches, pads or even hot water bottle and keep it on your abdomen for some time. This will give you instant relief, and your pain will reduce.
2. Drink Chamomile Tea
Known for its calming effects, chamomile tea helps in calming your muscles. Chamomile tea is believed to contain a natural anti-inflammatory drug known as Hippurate. Studies have found that this medication helps to decrease the prostaglandin production and this in return cures menstrual cramps. This is our personal favourite from the list of Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps that we have for you.
3. Exercise
We are advised not to exercise while on periods by elders, but that is wrong. It might sound a little crazy, but brisk walking or any physical activity can ease your cramps. The body pumps more blood when we exercise, and this helps in releasing endorphins which counteract the prostaglandins and decrease the shitty cramps. Exercising regularly is overall good for your body, and if you are prone to period cramps, then it should be a must in your daily routine.
4. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is helpful in relieving cramps. Through acupuncture, we tend to relax the nervous system that leads to increased blood flow in the internal organs. Acupuncture has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
5. Take Magnesium
Magnesium seems to be helpful in easing out the pain of cramps. It helps regulate the nerve and muscle functioning along with other jobs it got to do. Recommended dietary allowance for a woman of childbearing age for magnesium is 320 mg daily. It can be fulfilled by an ounce of dry almonds or a half cup of boiled spinach (80mg magnesium).
6. Take enough Vitamin D
Prevention is better than cure, and that is what we have heard all our lives. Make sure your body has enough vitamin D as it is crucial for preventing menstrual cramps. Studies have revealed that high doses of Vitamin D3 lead to a significant decrease in cramps.
7. Orgasm
Yes, you read that right. Orgasm helps relieve all kinds of body pain such as menstrual pain. Before an orgasm, your uterus is more relaxed and when you are about to orgasm, the blood flow increases, which help in relieving cramps. Endorphins are released to feel instantly better; they also help in relaxing your whole body and induce sleep so you will not feel any cramping at all.
8. Reduce Stress
Stress has a direct relation with periods. If you stress, your periods are likely to get delayed. Just like that, if you have a significant amount of stress, then that may increase your risk of menstrual cramps and their severity. It is, however, advised, to stay away from stress and keep your mind calm so that your body can feel the same.
9. Acupressure
In the last section of Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps, we would like to talk about the benefits of Acupressure. Just like Acupuncture, Acupressure helps in relieving the pain. It involves stimulating specific points in our body. In Acupressure, you start with gentle pressure on the skin instead of using needles. There is limited scientific data on the effects of Acupressure on menstrual cramps, but this procedure seems to be more effective than taking medicines to alleviate cramps.
10. Avoid certain foods
During menstruation, it is an excellent choice to avoid the following foods that are known to cause bloating and water retention. These foods are;
• Salty Foods
• Caffeine
• Carbonated drinks
• Fatty foods
Reducing these foods when your period is around the corner helps to alleviate cramps and decrease tension. Try ginger tea, mint tea or even the very basic lemon tea in hot water to relieve the pain. This is one of the Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps that you need to be doing even when you are not in your period.
11. Massage with Essential Oils
If you have severe cramps, then massaging with certain essential oils like lavender, marjoram oil etc. can also relieve menstrual cramp pain. Massage with for 5-10 minutes and then keep yourself warm. Some pain will be alleviated for sure.
So, this was about 11 Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps. We hope that you find this article useful. Stay Healthy, Stay Happy.
