There are many fantastic things about being a woman, but there are also some uncomfortable aspects of womanhood we have to deal with. On one hand, periods are a sign that your body’s reproductive system is working normally, but menstrual cramps are often getting too painful to handle. Here 7 home remedies for reducing menstrual cramps.
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1. Heat
Applying heat to your lower abdominal area and your lower back is an effective way of making your menstrual cramps disappear. Something as easy as a heated towel or a hot water bottle applied to the area can be very helpful. You can also get a special heating pad if you frequently develop cramps. Finally, taking a warm bath can also help.
Read more: How To Choose Between A Pad, Tampon Or Menstrual Cup
2. Herbal teas
Drinking herbal teas can help you with a variety of issues, including menstrual cramps. Some herbs have an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effect, which is exactly what helps reduce your cramps. Herbal tea can also have calming properties and give you a good night’s sleep. Try ginger, chamomile, or fennel herbal teas for menstrual cramps.
3. Supplements
If your menstrual cramps are not a one-off occurrence but are actually as common as the periods themselves, you may need a long-term solution for reducing the pain. One study has found that supplements – specifically, fish oil and vitamin B1 – are very effective against menstrual cramps when taken together every day for several months.
4. Diet
Menstrual cramps, bloating, and tension are some of the most common period symptoms, but it turns out they are often triggered by the wrong foods and drinks you consume. Certain foods and drinks, including alcohol, fatty and fried foods, overly salty foods, coffee, and sweet carbonated drinks can actually make those symptoms worse, so if your goal is to reduce cramps, those products should be avoided.
Read more: 8 Foods You Should Avoid During Your Monthly Period
5. Physical activity
When you are experiencing menstrual cramps, your first instinct is to probably lay in your bed for hours hugging a warm water bottle or a heating pad. However, a healthy level of physical activity can make your symptoms less pronounced and help you get your mind off them. The most accessible form of a workout during your period is yoga, but if you enjoy running, swimming or gym workouts, you should know that they are safe during that time of the month and can also help with cramps.
6. Massage
Many of us know this trick from childhood: when you have a stomachache, not necessarily related to your period, massaging your stomach can alleviate the painful symptoms. The same works for period cramps. To make the massage even more effective, you can do it with the help of essential oils. The top oils to use in your are lavender, rose, cinnamon, clove, and sage. You can use them individually or create a blend with your favourite ones.
7. Hydration
Dehydration is one of the things that can make your menstrual cramps worse, and it’s very easy to become dehydrated during your period because you don’t drink as much. Try increasing the amount of liquid you consume while on your period and you will soon notice a positive change in the frequency and intensity of your cramps. Note that the number one liquid to drink is water, but you can also drink unsweetened tea and unsweetened fruit juice.
Read more: Easy Tricks To Drink More Water
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