Natural Remedies for Menstrual Pain

Natural Remedies for Menstrual Pain : More than half of women who menstruate experience period pain (dysmenorrhea) for one or two days a month. If you experience period pain regularly, consider trying some natural remedies before reaching for over-the-counter medicine.

Period pain often manifests as headaches or general discomfort and is usually caused by menstrual cramps. Menstrual cramps happen when the uterus contracts to shed the uterine lining, causing pain in the stomach, lower back, groin, or upper thighs.

Let’s look at some natural remedies to help with menstrual pain.

Stay Hydrated

According to many experts, you’re more likely to experience menstrual cramps during your period if you’re dehydrated, so it’s important to keep up your fluid intake. Drink plenty of fluids to ease bloating which can make symptoms worse. Eating extra fruits and vegetables around this time can also help keep you hydrated. Visit Wellness Nova for more tips on healthy living for women.

Cut Back On Caffeine and Salty Foods

Another important part of staying hydrated is cutting out things in your diet that can dehydrate you. Such things can include caffeine, alcohol, fatty and salty foods, which can cause water retention, bloating, and general discomfort. A study from 2000 showed that a low-fat vegetarian diet can help reduce period pain and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.

Massage Your Abdomen With a Blend of Essential Oils

Massaging your abdomen with essential oils has been shown to reduce symptoms of PMS such as cramping. The most effective oils are those that are known to increase circulation, such as:

Clove
Cinnamon
Marjoram
Rose
Sage
Lavender

Be sure to mix the oils with a carrier oil, such as sesame (which is also good for circulation) coconut, or jojoba. Massaging your abdomen in a circular motion for just five minutes a day before and during your period can help ease discomfort and increase circulation.

Exercise

Including some low- to medium-intensity exercises three times a week for eight weeks has been shown to reduce symptoms of period cramps. Consider brisk walking, taking the stairs, cycling to work, or just dancing at home to your favorite music if you struggle to find the time to hit the gym.

Reduce Stress

Stress is likely to make cramps worse. Use stress-relieving techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or anything else that works for you to avoid and alleviate discomfort. Including such practices in your day-to-day life will also have a positive effect on your health overall by reducing inflammation and improved mental health.

Alternative Medicine

Before reaching for over-the-counter medicine, consider looking for relief in alternative medicine practices, such as acupuncture or acupressure. Both techniques can help release muscle tension, help you relax, and improve circulation, which can also help with any menstrual discomfort you may be experiencing.

To Sum Up

Menstrual pain can be an uncomfortable and sometimes painful experience. Luckily there are natural remedies and lifestyle interventions that you can use to ensure that these unwelcome monthly occurrences are kept to a minimum. Staying hydrated is always recommended and will help in reducing bloating which can cause discomfort.

Exercising regularly and including stress-reducing practices in your daily routine will help keep your body’s inflammatory response down and keep pain at bay. Consider alternative medicine practices instead of over-the-counter medication for a more holistic approach to your PMS.