19 Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps

Some days of the month are more stressful than others, as a busy schedule and looming deadlines are known to cause lots of stress.

These days come and go, and you can always hope that the next day, things go smoother and there is always a chance for these difficult days not to come at all for quite a while.

When it comes to menstrual problems, though, this kind of approach is nothing more than wishful thinking and the certainty of something coming your way and being powerless to stop it, only makes things worse. The symptoms are diverse, but the cause is always the same: menstruation.

Causes and Symptoms

Overcoming this monthly inconvenient is something that every woman has to do, but the symptoms are diverse, and there is no clear pattern. They can range from sore breasts, constipation, diarrhea or bloating, to more subtle ones such as backaches and headaches.

This does not mean that the pain and discomfort are any less intense and the fact, during this time of the month it is virtually impossible to concentrate on nearly anything, only makes things worse.

On top of that, food cravings, depression, and irritability give you a not so pleasant company, so any remedies that can alleviate the symptoms are worth trying.

When you have a menstrual period, the uterus contracts to aid in pushing out the lining. Hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, known to cause inflammation and pain, are famous for triggering uterine muscle contractions.

Many doctors are unclear as to how prostaglandins bring about initial menstrual cramping, but believe they play a significant role in the process. Other conditions can cause secondary menstrual cramping, such as:

• Endometriosis: Painful condition that causes the tissues lining the uterus to become implanted outside of the uterus.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Infection that attacks the female reproductive organs.


• Intrauterine Device (IUD): A method of birth control that involves a small, plastic, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus.
• Adenomyosis: Tissue lining the uterus begins to grow within the muscular walls of the uterus.
• Uterine Fibroids and Uterine Polyps: Non-cancerous tumors and growths that extend beyond the lining of the uterus.

The primary signs and symptoms of menstrual cramps include a dull or throbbing pain found in the lower abdomen and pain that travels throughout the lower back and thighs. Additional reactions may involve excessive sweating, loose stools, nausea, and vomiting.

Natural Remedies

1 Kitchen Towel:
For those of you who don’t have a hot water bottle handy, soak a kitchen towel in water and wring out the excess liquid. Place the towel in the microwave and heat it up for one minute. Place on the abdomen and pay close attention not to burn your skin.

2Regular Exercise:
Ease painful menstrual cramping by embracing sessions of routine exercise, as this practice increases the release of endorphins – one of your body’s natural methods of killing pain.

3Hot Water Bottle:
Place a hot water bottle on your stomach to relieve cramps.

4 Aspirin:
Treat menstrual cramping by taking an aspirin or another product containing acetaminophen. Over-the-counter selections with ibuprofen, like Advil and Nuprin, will also provide relief from cramping.

5 Water:
Keep a water bottle close to you because if you become dehydrated, you’ll only worsen your menstrual cramps.

6 Sexual Intercourse:
Relieve abdominal cramping by having an orgasm, as the repeated muscle movement causes blood and other fluids to flee your congested organs. In the end, you will enjoy much more than just pain relief.

7 Yoga:
Yoga stretching during your monthly period not only treats abdominal cramps, but also provides a much-needed burst of relaxation that can help ease other symptoms associated with your menstrual cycle.

8Mint:
Relieve your cramps with peppermint or wintergreen, especially when added to a tea. Drink one to two cups per day. Throughout the day, you may also suck on mint candy.

9 Drink Hot Liquids:
When your pelvic region feels congested and cramped, allow the warmth of hot liquids to increase your blood flow and relax your muscles. Some of the best drinks include hot herbal teas and warmed up lemonade.

10Mineral Bath:
Take a dip in your very own herbal spa treatment to relieve cramps. Comprised of one cup of sea salt and one cup of baking soda added to warm water, this home remedy works by relaxing your muscles. Soak for at least 20 minutes.

11 Ginger:
During times of a painful menstruation, use ginger as an effective home remedy. Pound a piece of ginger and boil it in a cup of water for a couple of minutes. Sweeten the infusion with sugar and drink three times daily after meals.

12 Vitamins and Minerals:
Make sure you get a decent amount of vitamins and minerals, which can lead to fewer issues with menstrual cramping. It is suggested to take a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement, especially one that provides the body with calcium. Choose supplements that deliver small doses so that you can take one after each meal.

13 Magnesium:
Calcium is greatly associated with lessening the amount of pain that menstrual cramps bring. Taking a magnesium supplement before and during your period will help your body effectively absorb more calcium.

14 Lay Off the Caffeine:
For some, the oils found in coffee can cause irritation in the intestines. Overall, the caffeine contained in tea, coffee, cola drinks, and chocolate can add to your menstrual cramping by increasing your nervous energy.

15 Basil:
Basil possesses a pain-killing component called caffeic acid, which can bring relief to menstrual cramping. You can either use it as a spice when cooking or steep the basil in a tea.

Add two tablespoons of basil leaves to one pint of boiling water. Cover tightly and allow the blend to cool at room temperature. Drink ½ to 1 cup of the basil tea every hour to ease your cramps.

16

Chamomile:
This sweet little flower is both anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. It is also helpful for women with digestive constipation contributing to pain. Because this herb is also a nervine and mild sedative it may help to reduce stress, relax the nervous system and induce a restful state in the body.

This can be very useful when experiencing menstrual cramping accompanied by anxiety and irritability. Chamomile is best sipped as a tea during menstruation.

17 Cinnamon:
The anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties associated with cinnamon can ease the symptoms of menstrual cramping. Sprinkle cinnamon on your breakfast foods or add to a tea.

18Ayurveda home remedy using papaya:

• Papaya helps to reduce the pain and regulates the flow
• Take pulp of an unripe papaya
• Blend it with 1 glass water
• Drink it twice a day

19Ayurveda home remedy using sesame seeds:

• Sesame seeds have pain relieving properties and also cure vomiting
• Crush 4 tsp of sesame seeds into powder
• Add 1 glass of water
• Mix well
• Drink 2 times a day