Menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea are uncomfortable pains in the lower abdomen that women face just before and during their periods. It is also common to feel discomfort around your lower back and thighs when you’re menstruating. The pain from period cramps can range from mild discomfort to extreme and take a toll on your daily activities. Some women may experience vomiting, headaches, nausea, fatigue, or diarrhea, as well.
If period pain bothers you every month, there are some home remedies to ease your discomfort and lessen your pain during your next cycle.
Apply Heat
- Place a hot water bottle or heating pad against the abdomen to relax the muscles & relieve cramps
- The heat helps the uterine muscles to relax, which eases cramping & discomfort
- Placing a heating pad on the lower back can help get rid of back pain, which some women experience during periods
Massage with essential oils
- Take essentials oils like lavender, sage, rose or cinnamon oil & mix them with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba
- Rub a few drops of oil mixture between your hands & give your tummy a gentle massage
- Massage in a circular motion for just five minutes a day before & during your period to lessen cramps
Try Yoga
- Yoga can be helpful at easing cramps, anxiety, headache & other period-related symptoms
- Bound angle pose (Baddha Konasana), Reclined Bound Angle (Supta Baddha Konasana), Child’s Pose (Balasna), and Reclining Twist (Bharadvaja) are some yoga poses which relax abdominal muscles & help ease cramping
- These yoga poses also have calming effects on your mind
Ginger
- Ginger is a great option to reduce inflammation
- Crush up a small half-inch piece of ginger & place it in a cup of boiling water for 3-5 minutes
- Once boiled, drink slowly to ease the menstrual cramps
Sip Chamomile Tea
- Chamomile tea possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic properties that relax the uterus
- In a hot cup of water, dip the chamomile tea bag & let it steep for 10 minutes
- Remove the teabag & add honey & lemon juice to it
- Drink two cups every day a week before your period
Black Pepper & Aloe Vera
- An excellent combination that tackles symptoms like abdominal cramps, backache, & headache
- Add a pinch of black pepper powder to a tablespoon of aloe vera gel
- Consume it thrice every day during your period
Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
- It contains both potassium & calcium that eases cramping in the uterus muscles
- Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to 2 cups of cold or hot water, and drink
- You can add ginger for flavour and make it more effective pain soother
Soaking in a warm bathtub and eating the right kinds of foods may also help ease menstrual pain and make your life a bit comfortable during periods.