Every woman has a horror story about their cycle, and usually the one they tell is never the worst one they have! To ease their pain, many turn to over the counter aides, but those can only do so much and don’t work for everyone; so other than pain medications, what are some remedies for menstrual cramps? Luckily, there are plenty of home remedies and methods that can help ease a woman’s monthly burden.
One of the most effective means of making your period easier to bare is adding specific foods to your diet. The uterus’s preparation for a fertilized egg can leech a lot of vitamins and minerals, so it’s a good idea to consume foods rich in what you just lost. Vitamin C is a good place to start, as it helps your body absorb the iron that replaces what is just lost. Now, add in some buckwheat; in conjunction with a source of Vitamin C, the bioflavonoid in buckwheat can help reduce bleeding. As such, a breakfast with buckwheat pancakes and orange juice can go a long way in reducing the strain of your menstrual cycle. As for the iron itself, dried apricots, red meat, seafood, and fortified breads are all excellent choices. If you’ve ever wondered why you end up viciously craving a hamburger or a steak during your period, this is the reason why!
Your spice rack is also a good first aid kit for menstrual pain. Basil and thyme both possess caffeic acid, which can act as a pain reliever. Cinnamon, mint, and ginger are also good remedies, though they’re more helpful with inflammation and cramps rather than pain. Any of these herbs and spices can be effective consumed in foods or teas. The sole exception is ginger; while it can yield results in cookies or Asian inspired entrees, you’ll get them most bang for your buck if you infuse it into tea.
Exercising regularly can help increase circulation, which in turn can make the cramps and pain a little easier to manage. Obviously, you’re going to have to exercise long before your period shows up; once your Aunt Flo has dropped by, it’s a bit too late to reap the rewards! There is also water; it’s always a good idea to drink a lot of water and the time of your period is no exception. If you’re the type to live on coffee and soda, you could be suffering from a little dehydration and that can make your cramps even worse than normal. Water isn’t just limited to drinking, however; a nice hot water bottle or a warm bath can also be a pleasant way to soothe abdominal cramps. They can both reduce stress as well, which is something that can turn a period from bad to worse.
None of this is saying you have to take the acetaminophen and caffeine riddled menstrual aides out of the medicine cabinet and throws them away; they can be very helpful in making your time of the month a bit more manageable. None of these pills, however, give your body the things that the period took away in the first place. The addition of just a little more water and some specific foods can help turn a vicious period into a more manageable comma. read more about interesting health articles