Menstrual cramps home remedies to relieve for women to help in reducing the pain in that time of the month.
“Knock Knock”
“Who’s it??”
“I am your monthly guest, now c’mon let me in, you have no choice” and the door is automatically opened to welcome this regular guest.
Yes, I am talking about our beloved but most hated periods. We have to love them because the precious motherhood is embraced because of them but again, the other annoying guest which comes along with periods is the menstrual cramps pain.
Ohh!! We hate it!!
And we are like ‘Atithi tum kab jaaogee!!!’
So, let’s see how we can avoid this undesirable guest and still enjoy our periods.
Stay Hydrated –
Water is not only a universal solvent but also a universal medicine. The very basic and simple way to relieve this stress is by drinking a lot of normal or lukewarm water.
Avoid cold water.
Water reduces stomach bloating and also hot water intake can release the cramps on your muscles.
Plus, you get glowing skin… Wink!!
Warm bath-
Well, staying hydrated from the inside is good but taking a warm bath also relaxes your muscles of the uterus and also improves the blood flow. This water as it drifts down your body oozes your mental stress as well, uplifting your mood.
Take rest –
Resting is a better way to ease your pains, but in our daily hectic routines, we may not get that much time. So, a small method can give you temporary relief, lie back on your bed and rest your legs up on the wall.
This posture relaxes your feet, legs, lower back, abdomen and also your head is lightened. Close your eyes and listen to soothing music while you rest, also if needed use pillows to find the right comfort.
Massage with oils –
Menstrual cramp pain is caused due to endometriosis, a condition where the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus leading to thickening of the uterus. This tissue breaks and tries to bleed in each menstrual cycle. This bleeding constricts the uterus and the muscles are stretched leading to cramps. Massaging the lower abdomen or pelvic region, loosens the stretched muscles and enhances proper blood flow.
Also, the essential oils used for massaging have their own benefits for skin and are a pain reliever.
Herbal tea –
During endometriosis, prostaglandin- a lipid compound is released. This boosts the inflammation, pain and discomfort supporting menstrual cramps.
Drinking herbal tea like chamomile, peppermint tea, hibiscus tea, Echinacea tea, etc. hinders the prostaglandin and helps the easy blood flow.
Regular exercise –
A daily physical exercise builds your body in a way to withstand this stress.
As your muscles become strong due to physical activity, they can easily handle this pain and you need not suffer much.
This is on a daily basis, but in periods if you are going through pain, you can opt for light relaxing exercises, like walking or yoga poses focusing on abdomen and pelvic region.
Exercise provides oxygen to muscles and also releases endorphins and stimulates our metabolism as well.
Diet –
In all these remedies after water, diet stands second in terms of importance.
Whatever you eat have a direct effect on your menstrual cycles.
To reduce the effect of prostaglandin a good amount of intake of omega 3 fatty acids must be taken.
The three acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
Seafood is rich in EPA and DHA while plants are rich in ALA.
These acids are not produced by our body hence we need to consume them as they reduce the soreness and irritation in blood vessels.
Apart from this, one should avoid sugar and salty foods, instead try anti-inflammatory foods like apple, bell pepper, berries, etc.
Heating Pads-
A picked up method from grandma’s bag of remedies is a simple yet effective way to foment peace during periods.
Heating your abdomen releases your strained muscles and leaves you with calmness. There are many types of heating pads available in the market, like a water-filled heating pad and electric gel-filled pads.
But you can also create your own heating pad with uncooked rice and a sock. It’s a famous one, fill the sock with uncooked rice, tie a knot at the open end and microwave it for 1-2 mins.
Ginger –
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties which help in reducing the pain. A little amount of ginger can give you relief from menstrual cramp pain.
You can opt for ginger tea so that consuming it becomes easy.
A little amount of grated ginger in boiling water and a pinch of sugar or honey makes your tea perfect with a pleasant aroma.
Ginger not only reduces pain but also helps in getting regular and healthy periods.
Skip caffeine –
I know, that this is the best mental refresher you would always prefer. However, if you need to make peace with the menstrual cramps, it’s time to bid your favourite beverage goodbye ladies!!
Caffeine tightens your vessels leading to stress on uterus and muscle pain, so at least in these days substitute your coffee with some juice or herbal tea.
Acupressure –
In simple language, acupressure is a technique where you press certain points on your body which are connected internally to specific organs.
Pressing these points relieves the pain of these organs.
There are nearly 2000 pressure points in the human body, but for menstrual cramps, we need to remember just a few as some are listed below-
1. ‘Purlicue’, it’s a space between thumb and index finger– Pinch here for lightly.
2. Two inches below your belly button – press with both hands of about four fingers width in a circular manner, apply pressure according to your bearing capacity.
3. Just below knee between calf and tibia muscle – Apply pressure of about 4 fingers width.
Cinnamon –
It not only gives a sweet-smelling tea but also is a medicinal spice. This is easily available in all Indian homes. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which reduce soreness of uterus.
You can consume small amounts of cinnamon with honey as well.
Fennel seeds –
Another nice flavorful medicine for menstrual cramp pain is the fennel seeds. In Hindi, we call it ‘Saunf. It’s like a tradition to end our meals with a slight amount of fennel seeds on our palms and chew it until we enjoy its refreshing flavour.
These seeds may have vitamin c and quercetin which reduces the inflammation.
Dark chocolate –
And at last ladies, this is gonna be bright shiny happy light for your eyes, when you will read that dark chocolate is one of the best measures to get rid of cramps.
Yes, dark chocolate contains magnesium which is a pain reliever. Also, dark chocolate releases endorphins and relaxes our nervous system leading to the analgesic effect.
However, keep a bullet point in mind!!
EXAGGERATION LEADS TO DISTRESS.
All the natural medicines we suggested or exercise you do during periods or otherwise must be in a limit. No large amount of one take medicine will prove beneficial.
So, yeah!!! Now no need to cancel your plans or meetings just because of this unwelcomed guest that arrives every month with no fault of your own.
Let’s follow the rule of ‘No Fault No Suffer’.
Take Care tough ladies!
6 Myths About Menstruation That Need To Be Clarified
– Written by Rutuja Daphale (Intern at BOLDBLUSH)
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