I remember having to take medication every time I was hit by relentless, persistent period cramps. Initially, I, like many others, believed that allopathic medicine was the only solution. However, I was mistaken. The pain relief pills could potentially cause more harm than good. Their use has been linked to a hormonal imbalance, weight gain, and stomach ulcers.
I was completely unaware of these potential side effects until my body started to exhibit symptoms. That’s when I realized how important it was to look into natural pain relief remedies and other methods for managing period cramps.
How to ease Period Cramps?
These are a few home remedies or methods you can use to alleviate menstrual cramps without compromising your health.
- Warm water — Warm water helps prevent bloating and keeps the body hydrated. The warm water will stimulate blood flow and help alleviate menstrual cramps.
- Nuts and seeds — Certain vegetable seeds and dry nuts are known to have high antioxidants and minerals such as manganese and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help ease muscle contractions and helps with body inflammation. When I have period cramps, I usually eat walnuts and flaxseeds, but you can also eat pumpkin seeds, almonds, and chia seeds.
- Aloe vera and rice water — Now, we all know about aloe vera’s high antioxidant content and the health benefits of rice water, right? When these two ingredients are combined, a magical solution for severe period cramps can be created. In order to make this solution, boil the rice then simmer it before straining the milky liquid into a glass. Add freshly squeezed aloe vera gel, making sure to remove the spines from the plant’s side edges.
- Yoga - Contrary to the popular belief, moderate physical activity and stretching can actually help relieve pain during periods. Yoga, in particular, provides benefits of both. Some yoga poses that you can try, to help with your cramps include Apanasana, Supta Matsyendrasana, Balasana, and Utkata Konasana as well as simpler poses like Cobra Pose, Cat Pose, and Cow Pose.
- Eating your rainbows — Fruits like papaya, lemon, oranges, bananas, and watermelon, as well as vegetables like kale, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and spinach, can help reduce period cramps due to their high antioxidant content and vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin K, and fibre. Studies have shown that these fruits and vegetables can be beneficial for alleviating period discomfort.
- Sipping green tea — Green tea is rich in antioxidants and sipping it during your period can significantly help alleviate cramps and relieve pain.
These home remedies have been incredibly beneficial in alleviating my period cramps, but it’s essential to remember that everyone is unique, and cramps can vary. It’s crucial to understand your body and its specific needs first.
