Menstrual Cramp

Most women dread the onset of their monthly period, as it usually brings mood swings, cramps and irritability amongst other things.

With many women experiencing menstrual cramps that are painful enough to disturb their everyday activities, it is no wonder that home remedies for period pain have long been used for relief.

Symptoms of Menstrual Cramps and Pain:

• Throbbing cramps in the abdomen and lower back
• Can be accompanied by vomiting, headache, nausea, dizziness and sweating

Of course, there are numerous over the counter medications available to treat menstrual cramps including Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Midol.

For severe period pain, medication can also be prescribed by a physician.

However, many women find that medications are ineffective after a period of time and swear by the power of home remedies.

Natural Cures for Menstrual Cramp:

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea:

Drink this tea at least once a day for 2-3 days before your period is about to start, and during menstruation.

This is a great natural cure to muscle cramps and stress relief.

Peppermint Tea:

Another well known home remedy for menstrual cramps is drinking peppermint tea.

Peppermint is a natural muscle relaxer as well as appetite suppressant so it helps to ease cramps and ward off junk food cravings.

Drink throughout the day during your period for best results.

Chamomile Tea:

Another natural cure for cramps is the chamomile flower.

Chamomile has been proven to relieve muscle spasms in the abdomen and uterus, and hence is a great home remedy for menstrual cramps.

Drink 1-5 cups of chamomile tea a day for a week before you get your period and throughout for optimum results.

If you are using loose chamomile flowers, use 2 tsp per cup, steeped in boiled water.

Red Wine:

Drink one glass of red wine before bed to help alleviate cramping at night.

Drink More Water:

Contrary to popular belief, drinking more water during your period actually reduces cramping and bloating rather than increase it.

By drinking more water, you will experience less water retention and cramping, so get more that your 8 glasses a day before and during your period.

Dill Pickle Juice:

Many women swear by drinking a half of a cup of dill pickle juice to ease cramps.

Don’t try this on an empty stomach as it is very acidic.

Hot Water Bottle:

Place a hot water bottle on your abdomen or lower back for instant relief.

Menstrual Cramp Hot Drink Recipe:

A recipe passed down through my family that works great as a home remedy is as follows:

Steep 1 cup of black tea and squeeze in the juice of one fresh lemon.

Then add 1 tsp of whiskey and enjoy!

Mineral Bath:

Let your pain melt away in a warm bath with 1 cup of Epsom salts added to it.

Exercises:

Natural cures are also effective in the form of exercise.

If you are wondering how to get rid of menstrual cramps, consider these easy and effective exercises:

• Stretching: Learn some basic yoga stretches to help relieve cramps and tension in the abdomen.
• Floor Positions: Lie on your back with your bottom touching a wall and your feet resting above. Relax in this position when you have painful cramps and they will be alleviated.