Period Remedy
January 21 2024 – Delikate Rayne
Is it that time of the month when you’re experiencing cramps and you need a remedy to cure it? While over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and Advil do work to lessen period cramps, they can be harmful if you take above the recommended dosage. Taking painkillers too frequently or in too high dosages can result in gastrointestinal issues, which can pose risks to your kidney and heart. Luckily, there are natural alternatives that can be taken to ease painful cramps. Here are 5 natural remedies you can use to treat your period cramps.
Heat
One of the more widely known remedies for treating period cramps is by treating it with heat. Whether it is from a hot bath, a rice pack, or a hot water bottle, heat helps relaxes the uterus since it is a muscle. Studies have shown that topically applying heat is just as effective as ibuprofen for treating period cramps.
Magnesium
Have you ever heard that it’s good to eat dark chocolate when you’re on your period? Other than being delicious, dark chocolate is good for your period because it’s a source of magnesium, which is known for reducing period cramps. Studies have shown that magnesium effectively treats PMS headaches, period cramps, and cravings, all while boosting your serotonin levels. Add more magnesium to your life through magnesium-rich foods (nuts, seeds, greens, whole grains), taking magnesium glycinate supplements, using magnesium lotions, or taking a bath with magnesium Epsom salts.
Essential oils
Massaging your lower abdomen with essential oils has been found to reduce period cramps. Studies have shown that women who massaged their abdomens with essential oils had their period cramp duration reduced by almost half a day. Some essential oils that are associated with helping period cramps are lavender essential oil, clary sage essential oil, and marjoram essential oil. Ensure you use essential oils safely by buying high-quality oils and by not applying pure essential oils directly on your skin. Dilute pure essential oils in either unscented creams, lotions, or carrier oils before you use them on your skin to avoid irritated skin.
Ginger
Ginger has been used for centuries for various medicinal purposes. Ginger is known for easing period cramps because of its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. A study has found that taking 200 mg of ginger every 6 hours was as effective as taking over-the-counter pain medications. Use ginger to treat your cramps by taking ginger supplements, drinking ginger tea, or eating ginger.
Omega-3.
Omega-3s have been found to fight period cramps due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can contribute to period pain. A study researched women who took omega-3 capsules for 3 months and then a placebo capsule for 3 months. The women experienced less menstrual pain and took less ibuprofen when they were taking the omega-3 capsules. Other than taking supplements, some other sources of omega-3s are chia seeds, cruciferous vegetables, hemp seeds, and walnuts.
Increase Omega-3 consumption by taking supplements, eating seeds, eating nuts, and eating cruciferous vegetables
Try these easy natural remedies to kick your period cramps to the curb!
Source: Natural Remedies for Period Cramps