Health

Menstrual Cramp Home Remedies To Help Relieve Pain

Here are home remedies to treat menstrual cramps.
By: Cherelle Lim / January 14, 2022

Menstrual cramps can be quite a pain. For every woman, the amount of pain they experience can vary as well. While some might feel zero to no pain at all throughout their menstrual cycle, others can experience intense pain. Sometimes, menstrual cramps can be so painful that you can’t even leave your bed. So, we should commend every woman who has ever endured the pain and went on with their day. No matter if it is at work, or even school. So, to help relieve the pain, here are some menstrual cramp home remedies. Is it too late to apply for sick leave? 

Menstrual Cramp Home Remedies 

1. Yoga Poses to Ease Menstrual Pain

Practising yoga once a week is an easy home remedy to reduce period cramps. You don’t have to do it during your period, but rather have a regular habit of doing yoga. The stretching of your muscles offers the benefit of lesser menstrual cramping and period distress. 

2. Heating Pads To Ease Menstrual Cramp 

Applying is a home remedy that can help soothe your period cramps easily. You can either use a heat pack, or fill a bottle with hot water. Rolling it around your abdomen can relax the muscles in the uterus. 

3. Painkiller to Soothe Inflammation 

If your menstrual cramp gets too painful, you can always take a few painkillers like ibuprofen or naproxen. The best way to ensure the least amount of menstrual pain is by taking a pill just before you get your period. Doing so can prevent levels of prostaglandins from rising. 

4. Acupuncture Can Help Relax The Nervous System

Acupuncture is an ancient healing method that relaxes the nervous system. It is also thought to help reduce inflammation and promote blood flow to the organs. Besides that, it can also help to relieve menstrual cramps. 

5. Herbal Tea Helps Calm Menstrual Cramps

Drinking certain teas can also help with relieving menstrual cramps. To calm down the body, peppermint and chamomile tea is usually recommended. 

6. Increase Magnesium In Your Diet

menstrual cramp

Increasing the intake of magnesium in your diet seems to offer benefits of menstrual cramp relief. Magnesium can be found in several foods such as yoghurt, almonds, spinach, black beans and peanut butter. If you want to take magnesium supplements, you would have to speak to a doctor. As the dosage depends on the severity of your cramps. 

7. Massage With Essential Oils

menstrual cramp

Massaging the areas of your abdomen, back and side with essential oils tend to help. 20 minutes of massage therapy is sufficient in relieving menstrual cramps. Essential oils such as lavender, rose and peppermint is most suitable. Remember to dilute the essential oils first before using them. Dilute it with vegetable oil. The recommended concentration is one drop of essential oil per teaspoon of vegetable oil. 

8. An Orgasm Helps

menstrual cramp

Believe it or not, having an orgasm can help ease your menstrual cramps. Since endorphins help boost your mood, it can also help relieve pain. Of course, aerobic exercises can help increase endorphins. But another effective way is to have an orgasm. This is because having an orgasm includes your whole body. So, your spinal cord will send signals to release neurotransmitters like oxytocin and endorphins. 

9. Improve Diet

menstrual cramp

Improving your diet is a great way to reduce menstrual cramps. Start easy and swap out less healthy fats like saturated fats from your diet. Swap it out for unsaturated fats that can be found in olive oil, nuts and fish. 

10. Take Birth Control Pills

menstrual cramp

Even though birth control pills may not be considered a home remedy, they can help alleviate menstrual cramps. Despite what you think, hormonal birth control helps reduce the amount of bleeding. Less bleeding also means lesser cramps. Menstrual cramp relief is just one of the benefits of taking some types of contraceptives.