At Kiwilimón, we care about your health, which is why we have these 6 natural remedies to relieve menstrual cramps and pain during your period, as we know they can be very bothersome and interfere with your daily life. If you want to know what is good for menstrual cramps, you can't miss this note.
What are menstrual cramps?According to the Mayo Clinic, menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, are sharp pains that occur in the abdomen, days before or during the menstrual period. While for many women the cramps are not bothersome, for others they can be very painful and annoying.
At Kiwilimón, we understand how troublesome cramps can be, which is why we recommend the following natural remedies. However, it is worth mentioning that if you experience very strong and painful menstrual cramps, it is best to consult a specialist, as this could be a symptom of a condition like endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
Natural remedies to relieve crampsIf your cramps are not very strong, you can try these teas and other recommendations. You probably have many of these herbs and plants at home, and you'll feel better right away!
Chamomile tea for menstrual crampsAccording to experts, chamomile tea could help you feel much better, as a scientific study published in 2012 indicates that chamomile helps relieve muscle spasms and, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is excellent for reducing pain and cramps.
Ginger tea for menstrual crampsEverything suggests that this fresh-tasting root is a good alternative for treating menstrual cramps, as a
recent study found that women who took 250 mg of ginger powder daily experienced less menstrual pain. In this case, you can prepare ginger tea or add some pieces of this plant to your water.
Drink plenty of waterAlthough it may seem obvious, staying well-hydrated will make all the difference during your period, as experts say women are more prone to cramps if they are dehydrated.
Remember that you should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, but the amount may increase depending on your physical activity. You can also drink chamomile or ginger tea, which will help you hydrate and feel much better.
FennelA
study published in 2012 indicates that fennel extract is a good option for relieving bothersome cramps, as it appears that fennel reduces uterine contractions.
Vitamins and mineralsAnother natural remedy to soothe pain is to take vitamins and minerals, which help reduce menstrual cramps. Although more scientific studies are needed, these vitamins are believed to be very helpful:
- Calcium
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin D
- Magnesium
- Zinc
Cinnamon for crampsA recent scientific study indicates that a group of women who took 420 mg of cinnamon during their period reported less cramping, less pain, and less bleeding. You can add a few pinches of ground cinnamon to tea, hot chocolate, or any food.
Foods to avoid during your periodAlthough many women tend to eat fatty, very sweet, and salty foods, junk food may not be the best option during your period, as eating healthy foods with anti-inflammatory properties could be very helpful in reducing cramps and pain. Try to include the following foods in your diet during your next period:
- Blueberry
- Cherry
- Tomato
- Squash
- Bell Pepper
- Fish
- Beans
- Almonds
- Spinach
- Lettuce
Other tips to relieve crampsIn addition to staying hydrated, drinking teas and vitamins, and modifying your diet, you can also implement the following tips during your period.
According to the
U.S. National Library of Medicine, these recommendations will help you relieve pain:
- Apply a warm cloth to the lower abdomen.
- Exercise or do yoga.
- Take a hot bath.
- Meditate.
- Take medications like ibuprofen and naproxen.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco consumption.
- Rest and sleep at least 8 hours.
It is important to consult a specialist if you experience very intense pain and many cramps, as in these cases natural remedies may not be the best option.