8 Natural Remedies For Handling Period Cramps
Stomach period cramps is something every woman experiences every month. Luckily, there are home remedies that one can use to rid the pains. Find out how.
Jul 24, 2018
8 Natural Remedies For Handling Period Cramps
Period cramps can be the most uncomfortable and annoying part of womanhood. Some women tend to shudder at just the thought of experiencing a bloated stomach and cramps every month. Cramps take place at the onset of menstruation or just before. Period cramps affect girls and women and normally decrease with age. Another name for period cramps is dysmenorrhea.
Symptoms of Stomach period cramping include the following:
• A bloated stomach • Lower back pain • Headache • Irritability • Nausea • Diarrhea • Vomiting
Why Do Some Women Experience Excessive Pains?
There is an excessive pain if the womb contracts too strongly during menstruation. The womb may press against surrounding blood vessels. This may briefly block oxygen supply to the uterus resulting in cramping which can be either mild or severe. The severity of cramps depends on the lack of oxygen supply to the uterus or womb.
Cautionary Tip
If period cramps are too severe and last for more than two or three days, do not hesitate to contact a doctor and get checked. If cramps affect your everyday routine, prohibit social activities or normal work, take it as an indicating factor that should not be ignored. It is important to note that secondary dysmenorrhea is a condition where the cramping is due to a problem with reproductive organs. These conditions may vary from Endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), fibroids to stenosis (cervical narrowing).
Natural Remedies
Here are some fast effective ways of handling period cramps naturally:
1. Eat Almonds and Spinach
Eat a lot of spinach and snack on almonds before and during your monthly period. These foods contain magnesium, a mineral that helps to relieve the period cramps by regulating muscle and nerve function.
2. Exercise
Working out can chase away cramps and increase endorphins. In particular, aerobic exercises are known to be fast and effective even though it is a rigorous method of getting rid of cramps.
3. Take Fish Oil and Vitamin B1 To Rid Of Cramps
Researchers have proven that fish oil and vitamin B1 supplements are a natural option for getting rid of stubborn period cramps. This is according to studies carried out in September 2014. The two supplements if taken separately or in combination are effective in warding off cramps. The recommended daily dose of 100mg for vitamin B1 and 500mg for fish oil supplement will work wonders. This is a better option to over-the-counter medication for period cramps.
4. Herbal Teas
There are some herbal teas on the market that specifically address period cramps and help get rid of that under-the-weather feeling. You may want to try out feminine teas made from medicinal herbs ideally for period cramps. Aside from these, the two most common teas for cramps include chamomile tea and raspberry infusion. Studies have also shown that cramp bark tea is a valuable asset to keep in the house if you are prone to period cramping. The general recommended dose of herbal tea is to take one hot cup, three times a day. For consumers who have a history of hormonal cancers or high blood pressure, use with caution or contact a doctor before use.
5. Aromatherapy
Use of essential oils as a natural relief of cramps is a sure way to rid tension and stress. Oils such as lavender, clary sage, peppermint, and cypress are effective. A few drops can be applied to the back of the neck and just below the stomach. Compress with a warm towel to rid discomfort of cramps.
6. Apply Heat
For fast relief, applying heat to the lower abdomen will naturally relax the uterine muscles preventing cramps. A heating pad is a good choice for best results.
7. Cumin Seeds Reduce the Pains
Cumin has a relaxing, fast acting effect when made into a tea. It has a powerful anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory property that assists in getting rid of menstrual cramps and bloated feelings.
8. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds are cultivated in semi-arid areas. The seeds are commonly used as a medicine to rid pain. Soak a teaspoon full in warm water over-night and drink on an empty stomach. For best results, do not get rid of the seeds; swallow them whole. The seeds contain estrogen-like compounds that rid cramps and discomfort.
Essential Tips
Some very important tips to follow while applying natural remedies to handle period cramps are:
1. Rest
Plenty of rest is advisable while attending to your period. This will assist your blood flow to be moderate and give your natural remedy enough allowance to work for you against cramps.
2. Avoid Caffeine
Do not take coffee, soda or any other caffeinated beverage during your period. Caffeine triggers a heavy blood flow and prevents the onset of sleep. This makes period cramping a nightmare.
3. Avoid Salt
Avoiding consumption of salt may sound like a difficult task to undertake. However, if one is feeling under the weather, allow your natural remedy to align with a conducive environment by eliminating salt in meals. Salt increases fluid retention in the body, which may worsen cramps.
4. Avoid Tobacco
Smokers experience more chronic period cramps than non-smokers. Studies have shown that with the more cigarettes smoked, the more the period cramps increase in severity.
5. Avoid Alcohol
Studies have shown that alcohol intake can increase the length of time of period cramps. It may not technically cause the cramps, but instead, it prolongs the pain. Alcohol cannot go hand in hand with any natural remedies for period cramps.
6. Massage
Enjoy a soothing massage and concentrate on the lower back and stomach areas to naturally rid fatigue and alleviate cramps. This will help in adopting a feeling of relief while your natural remedy takes over the healing process of dealing with painful cramps. Natural remedies are the most sought-after solution for naturally getting rid of period cramps as compared to popping drugs. Therefore, keep your drugs aside every month. Calculate your savings and apply safe ways of relieving period cramps in order to get rid of those dark days every month. It is relieving to discover that period cramps are no longer a threat to enjoying your womanhood.