Going through your monthly cycle is never fun, but it all becomes way more annoying and uncomfortable due to those painful menstrual cramps. What many women don't know is that there are certain home remedies for menstrual cramps. Many of these menstrual cramps home remedies are super simple but are highly effective. In fact, many women find these simple remedies more effective than taking doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen during their periods. Keep reading to discover what kind of menstrual cramps home remedies will take you through your monthly cycle with little pain.
Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps
Heat
How It Helps: One of the simplest home remedies for menstrual cramps is to apply some heat on your lower abdomen. This will help relax the contracting muscles in your uterus to reduce pain.
How to Apply: Simply use a heating pad to apply heat on your abdomen. Fill a regular plastic bottle with hot water and apply heat on your abdomen as well as lower back to control menstrual cramps. Keep applying the heat until the pain subsides. Sometimes, taking a hot shower will also help.
Ginger
How It Helps: Ginger is good for so many things, and no wonder it's one of the finest home remedies for period pains. It works by bring down the levels of the pain-inducing prostaglandins. It will also help fix issues such as irregular periods and fatigue related to premenstrual syndrome.
How to Apply: Add some grated ginger to a cup of water and boil for 5 minutes. Now, strain it and add some lemon juice and honey for taste. Drink it thrice a day during your menstrual cycle for relief.
Basil
How It Helps: Basil contains the caffeic acid that has analgesic properties. And thanks to its painkilling properties, it can be equally effective in control period pains and cramps.
How to Apply: Fill a cup with water and add a tablespoon of basil leaves to it. Now, boil it for some time. Once boiled, cover it tightly and leave it for some time. Drink when cooled off to ease cramps. Drink every few hours to better manage your menstrual cramps.
Cinnamon
How It Helps: It has anti-clotting, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties and is quite effective in treating menstrual pain. It also helps load your body up with much needed calcium, dietary fiber, manganese and iron.
How to Apply: Take a cup of hot water and add one-fourth teaspoon of cinnamon powder to it. Stir it nicely to make cinnamon tea. Leave it for 5 minutes and drink after adding a little honey. Sip it slowly for better effects. Drink at least twice every day for a couple of days before your period is due.
Fennel Seed
How It Helps: It has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and phytoestrogenic properties and plays a great role in relaxing the muscles in your uterus. This will help relieve any discomfort caused by menstrual cramps.
How to Apply: Take a teaspoon of fennel seeds and add to a cup of boiling hot water. Now, reduce the heat and simmer it for another 5 minutes. Strain it, add a teaspoon of honey, and drink twice a day for at least 2 days prior to the start of your period.
Avoid Certain Foods
You can definitely use specific home remedies for menstrual cramps, but you can get better results if you know how to tweak your diet properly. Here are some of the foods you should avoid to make your cycle more manageable.
Sugar: The use of refined sugar will increase blood insulin, which in turn will lead to the production of prostaglandins and causing cramps.
Vegetable Fats: The excessive use of margarine and vegetable fats will again lead to the formation of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. Then cramps may occur or worsen.
Red Meat: It contains arachidonic acid that will contribute to your menstrual pain.
Salt: You should limit your salt intake, especially if you are overweight. Salty snacks like cheese and chips will make you feel bloated.
Acupuncture
You may find relief with acupuncture because certain points on your body will affect blood flow through your abdominal cavity. Apply acupuncture to these areas make it easier to manage your menstrual cramps. In fact, many researchers have found that acupuncture may work as effectively as OTC anti-inflammatory medicines. This will also make other positive changes, like a better sleep, a better digestion and a stable mood.
Take OTC Medication
If your experience cramps even after trying home remedies for menstrual cramps, you may consider taking OTC medications.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen and ibuprofen will help control pain because they block the contractions that cause cramps in the first place.
You can take up to 600mg of ibuprofen every 4-6 hours – you should never exceed the maximum dose of 2400mg a day. You can take ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil) or naproxen (Aleve).
Using birth control pills is another option because they are effective, readily available, and inexpensive as well. It is important, however, to take them daily at the same time – they may cause weight gain in some cases.
Do Proper Exercise
You can always perform some stretching exercises to help your muscles loosen up a bit, which in turn will alleviate cramps. Simply sit on the floor and stretch your legs apart. Now, lean forward to touch your toes. Keep your back straight and breathe in while stretching forward.
You can also learn certain yoga poses that will help reduce pains and aches in your legs, lower back and abdomen. You can try various yoga poses the moment you start experiencing some menstrual cramps.
Use Some Distractions
Yes, don't pay attention to those cramps. This could definitely be the simplest of all home remedies for menstrual cramps. You may read a book, socialize with friends, watch a movie, play a computer game, or spend time on Facebook to keep you distracted for some time. This will help you forget about the pain.
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