Are there Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps?

Period cramps, medically known as dysmenorrhea, are mainly caused by the contraction and relaxation of the uterine muscles that occur during the menstrual cycle. This causes crucial pain around the lower back, abdomen, and thighs. There could also be other symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and severe headache. Let’s discuss how to get some temporary relief from menstrual cramps.

13 Home Remedies to Manage Menstrual Cramps

Essential Oils

Lavender Oil

Lavender essential oil is effective in treating period cramps because it is anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving. Inhaling it gives instant relaxation.

What you Need

• 3-4 drops of lavender oil
• 1-2 teaspoons of jojoba or coconut oil

What to Do

• Mix lavender oil with jojoba or coconut oil.
• Apply the mixture to your lower abdomen and back.
• You may also add a few drops of lavender oil in a diffuser and inhale its vapors.
• Do this 1-2 time(s) daily.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil contains menthol which is anxiety-relieving and acts as an effective decongestant. Its aroma also helps in overcoming nausea and headache, which come with period cramps.

What you Need

• 3-4 drops of peppermint oil
• 2 teaspoons of coconut or jojoba oil

What to Do

• Mix peppermint oil with coconut or jojoba oil.
• Apply this mixture directly to your lower abdomen and back and massage gently.
• Do this once daily.

Heating Pads

Applying some heat to your lower abdomen may give some relief to cramps. It’s almost as effective as taking pain relief pills.

What you Need

• A heating pad, water bottle, or clean washcloth
• Hot water

What you Should Do

• Place a heating pad, water bottle filled with hot water, or clean washcloth in hot water and wrung on your lower abdomen and lower back for about 10 minutes.
• Do this multiple times daily.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is popular for relieving period cramps. Its flavonoids content has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain and inflammation. Chamomile is also a natural antispasmodic that relaxes the uterine muscles.

What you Need

• 1 chamomile tea bag
• 1 cup of hot water
• Honey

What to Do

• Soak a chamomile tea bag in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes.
• Allow it to cool then add some honey.
• Drink this tea daily.

Drinking chamomile tea at least twice a week before getting your periods would be super helpful.

Ginger

Ginger is a popular pain relief for period cramps. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing the pain associated with menstrual cramps. It also cures nausea and calms an upset stomach.

What you Need

• 1 inch of ginger
• 1 cup of hot water
• Honey

What to Do

• Dip an inch of ginger in a cup of hot water for about 10 minutes.
• Get it to cool and add some honey to it.
• Drink it up.
• Drink this tea 2-3 times each day.

Yogurt

Yogurt is rich in calcium and contains some amount of vitamin D. Both nutrients reduce give some relief for period cramps. You only need a cup of plain yogurt for this. Consume a bowl of plain yogurt 3-4 times daily when you’re on your period.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D reduces the production of prostaglandin which causes period cramps. Foods like cheese, egg yolks, fish, orange juice, and cereals are rich sources of vitamin D.

Pickle Juice

Pickle juice is high in sodium and is an effective remedy for period cramps. You only need half a cup of pickle juice for this.

What to Do

Drink half a cup of pickle juice once daily, preferably right after you experience menstrual cramps. Ensure you don’t have it on an empty stomach.

Epsom Salt

Epsom salt has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that relieve period cramps and pain. You only need a cup or two of Epsom salt and bathwater.

What to Do

• Add a cup or two of Epsom salt to warm bathwater.
• Soak in the bathwater for 15-20 minutes.
• Do this 2-3 days before your periods begin.

Lemon Juice

Lemon has anti-inflammatory properties. It is rich in vitamin C, which makes with more suitable for iron absorption which is usually lost during menstruation. Lemon juice is also great for the reproductive system, and lemon relieves period cramps.

What you Need

• 1/2 lemon
• 1 glass of water
• Honey

What to Do

• Squeeze half a lemon into a glass of warm water and mix properly.
• Add some honey to it and drink.
• Have lemon juice once every morning on an empty stomach.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds contain lysine and tryptophan-rich proteins that are therapeutic. Fenugreek is also analgesic and pain-relieving, making it suitable for reducing period cramps.

What you Need

• 2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds
• 1 glass of water

What to Do

• Soak the fenugreek seeds in a glass of water overnight.
• Drink it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.
• You may drink the mixture once every morning, a few days before your periods begin.

Foot Massage

Your feet have pressure points that give some relief when you suffer period cramps. These pressure points are located about three finger widths above your ankle bones. Gently massaging these points with your fingers may give some relief to period cramps.

Green Tea

Green tea contains flavonoids called catechins that make it medicinal. Green tea also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and is a natural antioxidant. This way, it relieves pain and inflammation linked to period cramps.

What you Need

• 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves
• 1 cup of water
• Honey

What to Do

• Add green tea leaves to a cup of water and bring it to a boil.
• Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes and strain it.
• Get it to cool and add some honey for flavor.
• Drink the tea.
• Drink green tea 3-4 times daily.

Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera has healing and anti-inflammatory properties and improves blood flow. This makes the juice effective in relieving painful period cramps. You only need 1/4 cup of aloe vera juice. Start drinking the juice once daily, starting a few days before your period begins.

Menstrual Pain Prevention Tips

Now you know the home remedies. Let’s explore ways to prevent severe menstrual pains.

• Have a healthy and balanced diet.
• Consume caffeine and alcohol.
• Consume less of sweet and salty foods.
• Manage stress better.
• Don’t smoke.
• Exercise regularly.
• Practise meditation and yoga poses such as Child’s Pose, Knees-to-chest Pose, and Savasana.
• Keep hydrated with plenty of water and fresh juices.

There are factors that determine the severity of menstrual cramps. The most common ones are overproduction of a hormone called prostaglandin, and being younger than 20 or just started experiencing menstrual periods.

Symptoms of Period Cramps

You probably just began to have menstrual cramps and you`re not sure what the symptoms are. We`ll take a look at the common ones.

• A throbbing or cramping ache in your lower abdomen.
• Dull or constant pain in your lower back.
• Nausea
• Mild diarrhea
• Headache
• Fatigue and dizziness

However, if you experience your menstrual period in these conditions, then you should see your doctor:

• You are pregnant.
• The pain worsens.
• The menstrual cramps last longer than usual.
• You develop a fever.

Now that you Know…

Your menstrual cramps can get less severe now with the home remedies and tips you just learned. So your fears can reduce when it`s that time of the month. Congratulations as you become a happier woman. Do share your new discovery with others.