Menstrual Cramps: Natural remedies to relieve period pain
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Contrary to popular belief, that time of the month does not have to be dreaded or a week of pain. Take it from a young woman who used got have 7 day long, painful periods. My time of the month is now usually about 3-4 days with little to no cramp pains. Read on to learn more about menstrual cramps and natural remedies to relieve period pain.
Friendly disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, a doctor, or gynaecologist. The sentiments and content expressed in this post are purely of my experience and for entertainment purposes only. Please continue to see your doctor or gynaecologist for persisting health issues.
Some links may be affiliated. This means I Amy earn a small commission from purchases made at no extra cost to you(:
Relieve period pain: Yoni Steaming
This method is something many women are not aware of but need to include in their lives, even those on meno pause. Yoni Steaming is the act of boiling herbs and sitting on top of the tea brew. Steaming may help to draw out impurities as well as toxins and ease the pain of monthly cycles. Some mixes may include: rose petals, rosemary, lavender, all high have extremely beneficial healing properties. Be cautious as to not burn yourself during this process.
Steaming is an ancient practice that has been noted to not only help ease menstrual cramps but may also aid in infertility, hormone imbalances, indigestion, and much more.
Find some great yoni steaming herbs here.
Switch to cotton pads/tampons
Are you wearing pads made from trash? Many popular and big name female sanitary product brands (those of which I shall not name) are infamously known for recycling plastic landfill waste (trash) in their products. These synthetic ingredients can cause a lot of irritation in women and discomfort during that time of the month. Many A few years ago in high school, I switched over to pure cotton, chlorine free pads and they helped me period greatly.
Here’s a link to purchase the cotton chlorine free pads I’ve been using for years to help reduce inflammation and pain. They can also be found in most mainstream grocery stores.
Relieve period pain: Eat more Plant Based Foods
As a plant based eater for over 5 years, I can testify how much consuming a wholistic, plant based diet has helped my feminine health regime. While eating meat, I felt hormonally unbalanced, easily angered, and had extremely painful cramps. When I switched over to a plant based diet, my periods beam less painful. I was actually able to start enjoying that time of the month.
It doesn’t have to be becoming vegan overnight or cold turkey. Instead, incorporating more plant based meals can help. Meatless Mondays or taco Tuesdays with walnut taco meat are so much fun! (My walnut taco meat recipe is a stunner, you wouldn’t believe its not meat! Grab it here.)
Anti-inflamatory foods
During the time of the month for women, bloating and inflammation happens to occur the most. It’s best to stay away from inflammatory foods during the menstrual cycle but also in general. Some popular (and unfortunately deeply beloved) foods that aid in inflammation are: red meat, white sugar, alcohol, and even cooking with heavy amounts of certain oils.
Instead, try to incorporate more delicious, immune boosting and anti-inflammatory foods into the daily diet such as ginger, turmeric, lemon/key lime water, and beets.
Relieve period pain: Herbals teas
Herbal teas are great for inflammation reduction, mucus thinning, colds, and easing menstrual cramps! Herbs such as chamomile, cinnamon, soursop leaf, ginger, red raspberry, and papaya leaf may assist in easing menstrual cramps. One of my favorite combos I personally drink every day (even off of my period) is grated ginger with cinnamon. It helps my digestion and is a great way to start off my day.
Cut out Dairy
A lot of dairy consumers are unknowingly lactose intolerant or have trouble digesting lactose, especially those of African or Asian descent. The extra work the stomach goes through (for some) to digest dairy can put a lot of stress on the body.
Relieve period pain: Drink more water
How can I stress this. Water and hydration is essential to maintaining good health for women AND men! According to studies, over half of the US population is dehydrated. Our bodies are made up of nearly 60% water so its important to replenish and maintain a healthy liquid content frequently. Apart from drinking fresh spring water, I love to stay hydrated and refreshed with fruits high in water content such as watermelon, blueberries, cantaloupe, or honeydew melon.
One of the ways I love to stay hydrated is to keep a pretty water bottle nearby me at all times. I never go anywhere without my water bottle and make sure to refill a total of 4 times to equal 1 gallon per day.
Yoga positions/ Exercise
Yoga is one of my favorite activity for meditation, stretching, and health. Certain movements and positions in yoga help more than others. Be sure to research a good menstrual cramp yoga routine on YouTube and get to stretching.
Exercising in general is a great way to get blood flowing and relieve period pain. I always find myself a lot more relieved after 30 minutes of moving. Opposed to staying cramped up in my bed feeling sad. Even a short walk around the neighbourhood helps me with bloating and indigestion as well as eases pain or cramps that may arise for myself.
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