Home remedies for menstrual cramps: 7 methods to get rid of period cramps – Times Now

Remedies that an help you fight that troubling menstrual cramps&nbsp | &nbspPhoto Credit:&nbspGetty Images

Key Highlights

Menstrual cramps are a condition where a woman experiences mild or severe abdominal pain during the menstrual cycle

Some women can also experience nausea, vomiting and headaches along with the cramps

Menstrual cramps are not a life-threatening problem but sometimes greatly affects daily lives of women

The menstrual cycle – a regular monthly change in the female reproductive system, does take a toll on a woman’s body – from experiencing abdominal pain to mood swings, lower back woes, and fatigue – almost everything makes life tougher for women during the periods. Menstrual cramps are another condition where a woman experiences mild or severe abdominal pain during the menstrual cycle. Generally, menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea is not a worrisome health condition but for some, the intense pain can really choke their life. But there are remedies that can relieve your pain. Before that, let’s understand the science behind menstrual cramps.

During periods, the womb contracts and relaxes to help shed the built-up lining. These cause cramps. Some women can also experience nausea, vomiting and headaches along with the cramps. The menstrual pain is usually in the lower abdomen but it can also radiate to lower back, groin or upper thighs. Generally, these troubles take place during the beginning part of the menstrual cycle and as days pass, the cramps ease out.

1. Heat

A is all you need to get some relief from your menstrual cramps. Heat relaxes uterine muscles and those adjacent to it. The heat pad can also be placed in the lower back to fight back pain during menstruation. says that taking a hot shower or consuming hot fluids also provide relief during periods.

2. Massage with coconut/ sesame oil

Either a self-massage or from a professional relaxes the pelvic muscles and helps in fighting cramps. A massage from sesame or coconut oil or a lotion can be done gently.

Using sesame oil is an Ayurvedic treatment to menstrual cramps. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is rich in linoleic acid. During periods, it can be applied to the lower abdomen.

3. Massage with essential oils

For trying this remedy, people can add a few drops of any of the essential oil to a carrier oil and give themselves a gentle massage. The ideal proportion is one drop essential oil to one teaspoon of career oil. Give yourself .

Also when applying this massage, one should target specific points in the abdomen, back and side.

4. Herbal tea

Herbal teas also provide a good treatment when one faces menstrual cramps. Dr Malini Sharma, an Ayurvedic Expert advises taking ginger tea with black pepper. However, she adds that avoid adding milk to it. Not just it reduces pain during periods, it also makes periods regular and tackles fatigue related to pre-menstrual syndrome.

Chamomile tea can also be tried as it reduces the production of prostaglandins, which lessens menstrual pain.

5. Having an orgasm

There are not enough studies to back it but science suggests that this can be tried. Vaginal orgasms involve the spinal cord as well, which signals the release of neurotransmitters. Through orgasms, endorphins and oxytocin can be released. Endorphins can reduce pain perception.

6. Avoiding fatty food, alcohol, caffeine products

It’s best that during menstruation avoid having foods that cause water retention and bloating. And some of the foods in this list are fatty foods, salty foods, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, etc. So avoiding these foods will give relief to your cramps.

7. Light exercise

Women avoid exercises during menstruation due to excessive pain but studies have found that performing mild exercise can provide benefits. But weight and strenuous training should be avoided.

Some exercises that can be tried are walking, light stretching and yoga. Performing these exercises will also release endorphins which are a natural pain reliever to cramps.

When menstrual cramps are severe and home remedies are not working, consult a doctor. Other symptoms that require one to visit a doctor include heavy bleeding, cramps that are getting worse with age and cramps that affect daily life.