Period cramps are medically known as dysmenorrhea. They are mainly caused due to the contraction and relaxation of the uterine muscles that occur during the menstrual cycle. This causes an extremely discomforting pain around the abdomen, lower back, and thighs. Some women also experience nausea, diarrhea, and severe headache. Yet, not every woman experiences painful menstruation; some manage to sail through this phase smoothly. But if you are among those who go through painful menstruation every month, try the home remedies listed below for temporary relief. Read on for more information.
Home Remedies For Menstrual Cramps
1. Heating Pads
Applying heat to your lower abdomen may relieve cramps . Studies have shown that it is almost as effective as taking pain relievers like ibuprofen for reducing menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea).You Will Need
A heating pad
What You Have To Do
- Place a heating pad or water bottle filled with hot water
- on your lower abdomen and lower back for about 10 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can also soak a clean washcloth in hot water, wring it, and place it on your abdomen and back.
Do this multiple times daily.
2. Essential Oils
a. Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil is quite effective in treating period cramps due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Inhaling the oil relaxes you instantly.You Will Need
- 3-4 drops of lavender oil
- 1-2 teaspoons of coconut or jojoba oil
- Mix lavender oil with coconut or jojoba oil.
- Apply the mixture to your lower abdomen and back.
- You can also put a few drops of lavender oil in a diffuser and inhale its vapors.
Do this 1-2 times daily.
b. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil contains menthol, which is a popular decongestant and has pain and anxiety-relieving properties. The wonderful aroma of peppermint can also help in overcoming nausea and headache, which are symptoms of period cramps.You Will Need
- 3-4 drops of peppermint oil
- 2 teaspoons of coconut or jojoba oil
- 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
3. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is popular for relieving period cramps. It contains flavonoids that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and inflammation. Chamomile is also a natural antispasmodic and can help in relaxing the uterine muscles.You Will Need
- 1 chamomile tea bag
- 1 cup of hot water
- Honey
- Soak a chamomile tea bag in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes.
- Allow it to cool down a bit and then add some honey.
- Drink this tea daily.
Drink chamomile tea at least 2 times daily and a week before getting your periods.
4. Ginger
Ginger is a common ingredient used to relieve period cramps. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help in reducing the pain associated with menstrual cramps. It also helps cure nausea and calms an upset stomach.You Will Need
- 1 inch of ginger
- 1 cup of hot water
- Honey
- Steep an inch of ginger in a cup of hot water for about 10 minutes.
- Let it cool for a bit. Add honey to it.
- Drink it up.
Drink ginger tea 2-3 times daily.
5. Vitamin D
A single large dose of vitamin D was found to offer noticeable relief from menstrual pain and cramps.Vitamin D can reduce the production of prostaglandin, which causes period cramps. However, since studies are limited, it is better to limit the dosage of vitamin D supplements for this purpose. But you can go ahead and increase your intake of vitamin D via your diet by consuming foods like fish, cheese, egg yolks, orange juice, and cereals.
6. Green Tea
Green tea contains flavonoids called catechins that give it its medicinal properties. Green tea is a natural antioxidant and also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This can help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with period cramps.You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves
- 1 cup of water
- Honey
- Add the green tea leaves to a cup of water and bring it to a boil.
- Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes and strain it.
- Allow it to cool a bit and add some honey for flavor.
- Consume it.
Drink green tea 3-4 times daily.
7. Pickle Juice
Pickle juice, with its high sodium content, is an effective remedy for period cramps. It is known to relieve muscle cramps post-exercise quickly. Hence, it may be effective for menstrual cramps as well.You Will Need
1/2 cup of pickle juice
What You Have To Do
Drink half a cup of pickle juice.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once daily, preferably right after you experience menstrual cramps.
Caution: Avoid taking pickle juice on an empty stomach.
8. Yogurt
Yogurt is a rich source of calcium and contains trace amounts of vitamin D. The intake of both calcium and vitamin D helps reduce the symptoms of PMS and relieves period cramps.You Will Need
1 cup of plain yogurt
What You Have To Do
Consume a bowl of plain yogurt.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 3-4 times daily when you are on your period.
9. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Hence, it can help relieve period cramps and pain.You Will Need
- 1-2 cups of Epsom salt
- Bathwater
- Add a cup or two of Epsom salt to a warm bath.
- Soak in the bathwater for 15-20 minutes.
Do this 2-3 days before your periods begin.
10. Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds contain compounds like lysine and tryptophan-rich proteins, which account for a majority of their therapeutic properties. Fenugreek also possesses analgesic and pain-relieving properties, which can help reduce period cramps.You Will Need
- 2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds
- 1 glass of water
- Soak the fenugreek seeds in a glass of water overnight.
- Consume it on an empty stomach in the morning.
Drink this mixture once every morning, a couple of days before your periods begin.