Women are born with a strong spirit inside. You may look vulnerable and fragile outside with your gentle voice and an angelic face but inside you are like a brave tigress.
Women have bodies that can regenerate and have high pain tolerance. In fact, some women endure labor pains for almost eight to ten hours.
Giving birth can be more painful. In the past, they give birth naturally, without injecting any pain medication. Womanhood is not only about having your breasts and vagina.
It is about loving your body, your period and getting along with your cramps. Are you looking for remedies on how to get rid of period cramps?
This article will show you the 20 effective natural remedies to help ease the pain of your cramps, without using the medicine.
But first, let’s discuss it what causes your cramps.
What causes your menstrual cramps?
We know that. You have a love and hate relationship with your uterus. Your uterine muscle contractions are triggered by prostaglandins. You will have severe cramps if your body is producing higher levels of prostaglandins.
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for period cramps. Women usually experience annoying pains from the lower abdomen and pelvis. Normally, a woman only experiences cramps two years after she gets her period.
Dysmenorrhea usually occurs before or during menstruation and continues for up to three or four days.
Fact:
If you’re single and you suffer from cramps every time you’re having your period then you might be happy to know that they will be less painful after you give birth.
Also, as you age, the cramps won’t be as painful as before, back when you were younger.
Traditionally and culturally, most of your female ancestors were not allowed to complain against cramps. The society then thought it was an act of rebellion, going against nature and it was “unwoman”.
Good thing you were born in a modern world so yes, you can complain. Or you can find some natural remedies.
Here are some 12 effective natural remedies to get rid your cramps:
1. An Apple a Day Keeps the Cramps Away
Apple a Day Keeps the Cramps Away
It’s not just the apple but fruits and vegetables too. Stay away from fatty foods. According to a famous ob/gyn Aldo Palmieri, MD and UCLA Health professor, having a low-fat diet can decrease the inflammation levels of your body.
Remember that the more prostaglandins you have, the higher the inflammation levels. Also, eating healthy can have more benefits to your mental and physical health. So basically, you’re not just getting rid of cramps but you are also living healthy.
2. Heating Pads
Heating Pads for Cramps
Based on research, women who use ibuprofen and heating pad claim to experience complete pain relief. The study included women who suffer from cramps every now and then. The first group took ibuprofen and used heat pads.
The second took ibuprofen and used unheated pads (placebo). And the third group used heated pads and placebo pills. Obviously, women who took ibuprofen felt better after taking the pill.
However, it is important to note that most women who used heat pads felt cramp relief faster than those women who took the pill. And the group of women who used pads and ibuprofen felt completely better.
Conclusion:
A natural remedy is always the best choice. If you can avoid taking pills and other forms of medication, try other natural alternatives.
There are cute handy head pads that are available in the market. Never underestimate cute heating pads because they can do so many wonders on your cramps.
3. Fish Oil and Lots of Vitamins (natural ones) Can Do Wonders
We know vitamins are good for the body. But it’s unusual to take vitamins or fish oil for period cramps relief.
According to research conducted by scientists, taking fish oil and vitamins specifically vitamin B1 can actually lessen painful cramps.
They conducted a study involving 240 teenage girls taking fish oil, just B1, just fish oil, both fish oil and B1, and a placebo.
It was concluded in the study that those girls who took B1 or fish oil and both admitted that they experienced less menstrual pains.
4. Good Massage and Aromatic Oils
Nobody wants to say no to a good massage with scented oil, especially if you’re suffering from cramps.
Cypress oil can help improve blood circulation to ease cramps. You can also apply lavender oil and try to massage the back of your neck and abdomen.
5. Don’t Forget Your Tea
Women are big fans of tea. First, it helps you lose weight. Second, it’s an anti-aging drink, way cheaper than cosmetic surgeries just to get rid of wrinkles.
Lastly, it’s good for your cramps. In Asia, most women are very familiar with herbal teas.
Perhaps it’s one of the reasons why most Asian women do not suffer from severe cramps.
6. Acupuncture
Sometimes, you need to needle away those cramps. Most acupuncturists would surely agree that acupuncture has positive effects in relieving menstrual pains because they can help relax the nervous system and can promote good blood circulation to other organs because of its anti-inflammatory effect.
Also, it’s natural. Taking too many anti-inflammatory drugs can be harmful to your health. It’s not just good for your cramps but it’s also good for your physical health in general.
7. Twerk It!
Sex and exercise can help boost your mood when you’re having your cramps. When you are having an orgasm, your body releases endorphins that can help relieve menstrual pains.
8. Go Herbal
Ginger can help relieve cramps because it lowers levels of prostaglandins. Try ginger tea or you can buy ginger candies if you don’t like to add ginger in your food.
9. Hot Shower
Heat can actually help relax your uterine contractions. This is the main reason why we have heat pads. Take a hot shower to naturally feel relaxed and lessen your cramps.
10. Olive Oil
To avoid taking ibuprofen if you want a natural menstrual cramp remedy, try olive oil. If you don’t like drinking herbal teas, then you just simply apply warm olive oil to your stomach until you feel better.
11. Drink Enough of Water
We all know that water has a lot of health benefits in our body, especially if you drink enough of it. According to HealthLine.com “Drinking water keeps your body from retaining water and helps to avoid painful bloating during menstruation”.
Take note that it is best to drink hot or warm water because hot liquids increase blood to the skin and may relax cramped muscles.
12. Calcium
Yes, you heard it right! Calcium can help lessen muscle cramping during menstruation. It is recommended that you need to take 1,000 mg per day for women between the ages of 19-50, according to The Mayo Clinic.
List of foods that are high in calcium: leafy green vegetables, almonds, dairy products, sesame seeds and more.
13. Exercise
During menstruation, you may have cramps and may feel bloated and irritable. Working out or sports can be less comfortable. But it doesn’t mean that you have to alter your workout routine and wait until the end of your period. If you do regular workout and don’t want to spoil it, this is for you.
Walking – it is the best exercise that gets you moving. But if you’re feeling up for a jog, go for it.
Yoga – will help you relax, reduce leg and abdominal aches, calm your emotions, and ease other menstrual discomforts.
Aerobics – experts agree that this is the best form of exercise for relieving menstrual pain, something that gets your heart rate up. ” Aerobic exercise prompts your body to release endorphins,” explains Michelle Lovitt, fitness expert and strength-and-conditioning coach for ASICS. Endorphins are feel-good neuropeptides that provide a natural “high.”
Planking – Primarily known as an abdominal exercise. It’s a good way to naturally ease the pain that usually felt in the lower abdomen or back during your period.
14. Breathing Exercise
The breathing exercise known as Viloma 2 pranayama, is an effective way to ease the pain, says Iyengar. Start by inhaling and exhaling naturally through the nose. After your next exhale, pause for two seconds before inhaling. Repeat up to five times.
15. Basil
Basil is known as one of the most effective herbs to cure pains. A natural source of pain killer as it contains analgesic. Boil fresh Basil leaves for a few minutes when warm enough strain the leaves using a metal strainer and drink. It is especially known as a herbal remedy.
16. Fennel
Fennel Tea can improve blood flow and minimize the pain of cramps. Fennel is rich in antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is best known to relax the muscles, therefore, a perfect remedy to reduce the lower abdominal pain.
17. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an aromatic spice and also contains anti-inflammatory properties which contribute to reducing the discomfort during menstruation. It also helps regulate menstrual cycles, as it improves pelvic blood flow.
18. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe Vera juice contains multivitamins and folic acid. It is also rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc. Contains anti-inflammatory properties which help in reducing the lower abdominal pain during the period.
19. Carrot Juice
This delicious remedy is an effective relief for menstrual cramps. Carrot contains Potassium and anti-inflammatory properties which help in relieving any kind of body pain or inflammation.
20. Cold Packs
Cold Packs can also reduce pain due to menstrual cramps. Cold pack narrows blood vessels, which help ease the annoying pain from the cramps. Place it on your abdomen for about 15-20 minutes.
Living healthy the natural way is rewarding. And as a woman, it is your responsibility to take care of your health. Your menstrual cramps are there to constantly remind you of accepting the fact that you’re a woman.
