The Most Effective Natural "Home Remedies For Menstrual Cramps"
There is certainly no shortage of home remedies for menstrual cramps. Different cultures, and even different families, have learned to deal with the unique challenges that women face in many ways. One thing that most women can certainly agree on, though, is that prescription medications to treat menstrual cramping are not the best answer.
Why Is That?
Why do women feel that way, in general? Well, there are a lot of reasons. One of the biggest reasons is that commercial medications are often created using harmful chemicals and with the intent of only covering up a problem, not cutting it off at the pass, so to speak. So, why should you waste time and money on such medications only to risk harsh side effects and not get any relief.
Fast Home Remedies:
There are a number of fast and simple home remedies for menstrual cramps, which you can easily try. Here are just a few:
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Those may seem like solutions that are too good to be true, but they really do work. That's especially true when you utilize all of them at once. However, no matter how much heat you have, how much rest you get or how healthy your diet is, you may still find yourself with some cramping.
Level Of Cramping:
If you follow all of that advice and still have menstrual cramps, it may be time to try some other options. Which options you go with should depend on the level of cramping. Primary cramping is what you might call normal menstrual cramping. Secondary cramping, on the other hand, is more severe.
Secondary menstrual cramping can be a sign of ovarian cysts, adenomyosis, endometriosis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or other medical issues. So, if you are in severe pain, it's important to talk to a doctor about your symptoms, even though it can be an embarrassing topic for some women.
Relieving Primary Cramping With Herbs And Vitamins:
There are many home remedies for menstrual cramps that involve taking herbs or vitamin supplements. So, if you determine that you have primary cramping (normal cramping), you may want to look into those as well. Here are some to consider.
Chamomile And Cinnamon Or Mint Tea:
Chamomile is an herb that has long been praised for its healing properties. It is a great natural pain and stress reliever. Cinnamon and mint are also known as excellent herbal substitutes for traditional period medications, since they can relieve pain, bloating and discomfort.
Many people drink chamomile tea by itself, but combining it with mint, cinnamon or other herbs can make it even more powerful. Also, it is a known fact that drinking any hot beverage can relieve some menstrual cramping pain. So, hot chamomile-mint or chamomile-cinnamon tea is extra good at relieving menstrual symptoms.
Basil And Parsley:
Basil is another one of the fabulous home remedies for menstrual cramps. It contains caffeic acid, which is known for its ability to relieve cramps. Also, parsley is actually known for its ability to regulate irregular periods. It can also relieve cramping by helping to increase blood flow and expedite the menstrual process.
Both parsley and basil are traditional herbs used in cooking. So, most people already have them readily available around the house. You can even grow your own potted parsley and basil, if you like. Then, simply harvest it and add it to your favorite recipes, especially at "that time of the month".
Potassium, Magnesium And Calcium:
Potassium, magnesium and calcium are also known to be home remedies for menstrual cramps. So, the next time you feel them coming on grab a banana, which is a great potassium source, or have a glass of calcium-rich milk. You should also try to eat foods that are high in magnesium or take a magnesium supplement pill, since magnesium makes it easier for your body to absorb and use calcium. |
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Ginger:
Ginger has long been known as something that can relieve nausea and upset stomachs. In fact, ground ginger or ginger root tea is often used as a remedy for seasick sailors. Well, it can also relieve cramping. However, not everyone likes the taste of ginger. So, you may need to add sugar or something else to alter the taste of your ginger tea.
A Combination Pill Or Supplement:
If trying to get enough of all of those herbs, vitamins and minerals in your daily diet sounds like too much of a problem, don't worry. You can take a pill or supplement that contains several of them at once. For example, there is a great remedy called Period Vitamin, which contains calcium, iron, magnesium, niacin, folic acid and several other vitamins and herbs. So, you don't have to make drastic changes in your routine to get everything that you need.
Other Options:
Of course, there are other options for treating your cramping and bloating. In fact, some people say that the simple act of having sex can relieve the cramping. So, if you happen to have a consenting partner, that can be a fun way to relieve the tension.
If, on the other hand, you are trying to manage your cramping on your own, try simply doing some exercises, drinking more water and staying as relaxed as you possibly can. Stress only tends to add to the symptoms that most women experience during and just before their periods. If you need to, you can read a good book, take up a hobby or even just take a long nap to get your mind off of the cramps.
Another thing to remember is that there's no reason that you can't do several of these things at once. One of the disadvantages of medications is that you can't really mix them. Mixing herbal remedies and home remedies for menstrual cramps doesn't create the same problems. That's just one more reason to walk down the path of natural treatments.
