Being a woman brings about the natural tolerance for ample things which a man does not get to endure. A menstrual cramp or period cramp is one such painful situation. Women are used to monthly cramps and abdominal pains. But this causes a lot of discomfort and disrupts their life for the few days until it goes off. Around 50% of women face some sort of period cramps and there is no health hazard associated with it in most cases. But it causes a halt to the routine of every woman.
What are period cramps:
Most women keep looking out for ways on how to stop period cramps completely. The kind of pain and discomfort menstrual cramps bring are just too damaging for every women. Many have lower abdominal cramps, some have back cramps and many others have upper abdomen cramps. These are due to release of a hormone like substance called prostaglandin which causes uterine muscles to contract during periods.
Period cramps mostly subside after 3-4 days and while they stay they cause immense throbbing in abdomen, thigh and more regions. There can be other reasons which add up to the discomfort like genetic reasons, early puberty, sedentary lifestyle, heavy blood flow, Drugs and alcohol consumption. There are many ways on how to get rid of period cramps.
Home remedies for period cramps:
How to relieve period cramps at home and with all natural methods, is to help women in being comfortable and get rid of the immense pain month after month. These home remedies with ease off the terrible pain and also give energy to proceed with routine activities during those 3-4 days of the month. These home remedies to stop period cramps include:
1- Applying heat on abdominal areas:
Applying heat can help in relaxing the spasms and cramps. The muscles in uterus can relax after heat is applied thus preventing them from further contracting and causing cramps. Apply hot water bottle or hot bags on lower abdomen and lower back areas. Additionally take a hot shower and apply hot towels in abdominal areas
2- Massage with essential oils:
Essential oils massage can help in alleviating menstrual pain and period cramps quickly. Endometrosis causes pain in women during their periods. And studies have shown massages have been helpful in quick relief in women. Check out for massage therapies and points from trained masseur and learn how to proceed at home
3- Consuming ginger:
Ginger is a beneficial herb which eases and helps in curing menstrual cramps effectively. It helps in lowering the effects of pain causing prostaglandins. Ginger also helps in fighting fatigue associated with premenstrual syndrome and making the periods more regular. Drink ginger ale or juice along with honey and additionally add more ginger to your daily foods
4- Cinnamon:
Cinnamon is a fragrant herb with amazing soothing properties. Its anti-spasmodic, anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory properties can help in alleviating period cramps and menstrual spasms. It is also rich in dietary fiber and minerals like calcium, manganese and iron. Drink cinnamon water with honey 3-4 times a day during periods and otherwise too.
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5- Basil:
Basil is a rich herb which is rich in caffeic acid is a great analgesic and helps in reducing pain in our body. Drink basil water made after boiling basil in water for an hour. Also drink basil juice around a few spoons during periods. Add more and more fresh basil to your food
6- Fennel seeds:
Fennel seeds have a cooling and soothing effect on our body. They are anti-spasmodic, anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory in nature. They help in relaxing the muscles which contract and spasm causing immense pain. Drink fennel juice and fennel tea along with honey 2-3 times a day
7- Chamomile tea:
Chamomile tea has magical effects for alleviating period cramps. It is rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties. It also increases urinary levels of glycine. This helps in relaxing the uterus and easing spasmodic contractions which cause pain triggers during menstruation. Drink chamomile tea at least 3 times a day during periods and begin at least 4-5 days prior to your periods date.
8- Papaya:
Papaya is rich anti-inflammatory which has amazing benefits in reducing menstrual cramps. It is rich in iron, carotene, calcium, Vitamin A and C which help in soothing and relaxing uterine walls thus preventing contractions which cause cramps. Eat papaya daily and more specially during your periods.
Foods that must be avoided during menstruation to reduce the pain and cramps include alcohol, carbonated beverages, caffeine, fatty foods and salty foods. These cause dehydration in our body and also exaggerate the contractions on uterine walls. This adds up to the cramps and pain during periods.
[Read: Period myths that must banish]
More ways to prevent period cramps include:
1- Having an orgasm:
While there are no researches yet, but it does help in alleviating the pain from uterus and abdominal regions in many women.
2- After having a child, specially a vaginal delivery:
Most women post delivery face less frequency of period cramps than before. Vaginal delivery helps in reducing the cramps and spasms.
3- Consuming pain relievers:
Many women have severe cramps and they have to resort to anti-noninflammatory over the counter. Check with your OB GYN for more details and guidance.
4- Taking contraceptives:
Many women get benefited by consuming contraceptives as they help in reducing menstrual cramps. As they contain estrogen in low or medium doses which helps in alleviating the pain and cramps
5- Adding foods rich in magnesium in your diet:
Magnesium is known to reduce period cramps drastically in many women. Some foods rich in magnesium include; leafy greens, nuts, fish, yogurt, avocado, banana, dry fruit, dark chocolate and more.
The above compilation on Period cramps and how to relieve them at home is to help women in alleviating the devastating pain they undergo every month. All the pain and cramps which are unusually bad and too difficult to tolerate, see your OB-GYN immediately. Also consult your health care provider before picking any of the above
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