A lot of women suffer pain during their menstrual period. From mild discomfort to severe abdominal pains that may last several days, the level of pain differs as no two women are
During periods, the uterus contracts, and it’s these uterine contractions that cause painful cramps for some. The cramping usually occurs in the lower abdomen, although the pain can also spread to the lower back, groin, or upper thighs.
The typical period cramps can be sorted out with mild painkillers. Aspirin, paracetamol, and felvin are the most commonly used drugs. Now, if you are like me (meaning you hate medicine), you might want to consider non-pharmaceutical options. That’s where home remedies come in.
Let’s face it, before the advancement of modern-day science, women have experienced menstrual pains and as they say, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” During the years in which modern medications didn’t exist, there were several ways women relived that monthly pain, and many of them were passed down to us. As a result, you’d notice that this list of period cramps home remedies borders around nature-based solutions. Yes, those women sure did know more than they were given credit for.
Here are 5 age-old, tried, and trusted home remedies for period cramps…
#1. Heat
Applying heat to your abdomen has been known to help relieve period discomfort. Opt for a hot water bottle, hold it to your abdomen, and lie back. You can distract yourself with a movie or work while the heat melts the cramps away.
#2. Exercise
The benefits of exercise cannot be overemphasized. Exercise reduces fatigue, anxiety, stress, and migraines — these are discomforts that period cramps could cause. In addition, according to Women’s Care, “when you exercise, your brain releases hormones called endorphins. Endorphins block pain receptors in your brain, helping to stop pain signals from your cramping, contracting uterus.”
#3. Ginger tea
With all the benefits of ginger, here is one more reason to have some ginger tea and its menstrual pains! Crush about 1-inch of ginger and put it in a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes. Consume after meals and watch its healing powers take effect.
#4. Cinnamon
I love cinnamon so much so that I use it for practically everything – okay, almost everything. Because cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic agent, it can help to ease cramps, fatigue, and aches. You can use it in your tea or coffee to get relief from cramps.
#5. Bananas
What if I told you that eating bananas will help with your cramps? Banana has a high potassium content which helps ease the pain from cramps. You can have bananas by themselves, in the form of smoothies, or mixed fruit salads.
If you have more severe pains which last for many days or all through the duration of your period, you might want to visit your doctor for further evaluation.
Featured image: Polina Zimmerman | Pexels
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