Home remedies to relieve period cramps
Period cramps are the bane of the existence of any woman. Since our first bad period cramp, we have strived to find ways to relieve the unbearable pain. One of the biggest struggles, however, is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Sometimes what works for one person won’t work for someone else. You may not be a fan of taking painkillers every month and may want more natural ways to manage your pain.
Here are a few home remedies that one may want to utilize during their period.
Hot baths
Apart from being very relaxing and de-stressing, the heat from the water helps release the tension in the muscles of the uterus, ultimately easing the pain. This also works with anything that can transmit heat, such as heating pads or hot water bottles. However, I personally find baths more useful because it also helps to relieve the horrible leg and hip pain I experience during my period.
Tea
One of my go-to period cramp teas is cinnamon tea as it helps reduce the pain and menstrual bleeding. Ginger tea is also one of my favorites. This herb plays a key role in lowering the levels of the pain-causing prostaglandins. Ginger tea also helps fight fatigue commonly associated with premenstrual syndrome. You can do this simply at home by boiling water and adding cinnamon sticks or ginger squares to the water and drinking it mildly hot.
Avoid caffeine
Caffeine is a natural vasoconstrictor, meaning that it makes the blood vessels smaller by contracting their walls. Therefore, it tightens the arteries in the uterus, leading to more painful cramps.
Water, water, water
Stay hydrated on a daily basis. It’s not only about drinking more water during your period, but staying hydrated before your period makes the arrival of cramps less painful. It’s been proven in a series of studies that it even decreases the duration of menstrual bleeding in days. Afterall, 60% of the body is made of water, so it only makes sense that being properly hydrated makes our bodies work better.
Orgasms
When we climax, our bodies produce endorphins such as oxytocin and dopamine that act similar to painkillers. Additionally, the fluctuation of hormones during this time of the month may lead to many women feeling more aroused during their period, making orgasms a “fix-all” solution. Whether it’s with a partner or solo, having an orgasm can bring many benefits to your body and mind. While you might be hesitant at first, try different methods such as placing a towel under you or doing it in the shower.
Take your vitamins
Taking your vitamins, particularly Vitamin E, B-1, B-6, magnesium and Omega 3, can prevent severe cramps. Remember to take your vitamins every day even when you’re not on your period.
Exercise
An exercise routine before and during your period releases endorphins and reduces the inflammation that causes your cramps. When on your period, go easier on yourself with the workouts — try going for a walk or doing some light yoga.
If your menstrual cramps seem to persist and worsen even after utilizing different pain relieving methods, consider talking to your doctor. Specifically, you should contact your doctor at your earliest convenience if:
The cramps suddenly get worse and don’t let up (isn’t relieved by medication).
You are over 25 and you get severe cramps for the first time.
You have pain even when you are not on your period.
The bleeding is excessive.
