Menstrual cramps can be easily alleviated with home remedies. We’ll show you how you can feel completely comfortable during your period.
For many people with a uterus, menstrual cramps are a part of their period. Once a month, they are plagued by various symptoms during and before their period in the form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Whether and how severe the symptoms are during menstruation can vary greatly. In this article, we will tell you which home remedies promise relief for menstrual cramps.
Symptoms and causes of menstrual problems
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On average, people with a uterus menstruate 65 days a year. The most common menstrual complaints are abdominal pain and cramps, which can sometimes radiate to the back and other parts of the body, according to the Pharmaceutical Journal. The reason for these period pains are the contractions of the uterus, which renew the uterine lining. Other typical complaints can include the following:
- Headache
- impure skin
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Water retention
- Mood swings
- Cravings
Important: Before you resort to home remedies, talk to a gynecologist about your menstrual problems. Diseases that could be the cause of your symptoms, such as endometriosis, should either be ruled out or treated.
Then the following applies: If the symptoms are so severe that you feel ill, then take a closer look. Perhaps your body needs more rest, exercise or a healthier diet? Perhaps you simply have too much hecticness and stress in your life? According to the Pharmaceutical Journal, painkillers promise quick relief, but they only suppress the symptoms and do not solve the actual problems.
Heat as a home remedy for menstrual problems
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According to a study in the journal Scientific Reports, heat has a positive effect on menstrual cramps. The heat can cause the muscles to relax and the contractions of the uterus to become weaker.
Cuddle up on your stomach on the sofa with your favorite blanket and a hot water bottle (for example from Avocadostore). Alternatively, you can use a cherry stone pillow (for example from Avocadostore). Treat yourself to a hot relaxing bath and a cup of tea to warm yourself from the inside.
Tip: Make sure you are dressed warmly enough. Don’t underestimate the good old undershirt.
Home remedies for menstrual cramps
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Teas not only warm you up, but can also relieve cramps. The following teas can relieve your menstrual cramps:
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Ginger tea: It is particularly valuable because it works against nausea and strengthens the immune system and circulation.
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Sage tea: Sage tea has an antispasmodic effect and can provide relief from menstrual cramps.
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Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea also has antispasmodic properties and can help. You can also use chamomile externally in the form of a chamomile bath to relieve your abdominal pain.
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Lady’s mantle tea: Lady’s mantle is considered a versatile medicinal herb. It is said to help not only with menstrual cramps, but also with many other ailments.
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Yarrow tea: Yarrow also has many healing properties and, among other things, has an antispasmodic effect.
There are also various women’s teas – herbal mixtures that are specially tailored to the female organism and are particularly good for you during menstruation (available in organic shops, pharmacies or, for example, at Avocadostore).
Another home remedy for menstrual cramps that many women swear by is cumin oil. This is especially helpful when taken regularly. You can use it, for example, to refine salads or oriental dishes such as lentil stews or bulgur dishes.
Chasteberry can also have a positive effect on your menstrual problems. The medicinal plant is used in particular to regulate hormones, including for PMS, but can also have an antispasmodic effect for period pain. According to the Pharmaceutical Journal, there are now higher-dose preparations in Germany that are said to be particularly effective. If you are considering taking chasteberry, you should seek gynecological advice first.
Free Menstruation: Consciously Relaxing Against Abdominal Cramps
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Some menstruating women do not want to use any aids at all and instead swear by free menstruation, also called free bleeding – the most natural form of menstruation, so to speak.
The blood does not flow continuously, but is released from the uterus in spurts. According to users, it only takes a little practice to be able to feel when it is time to go to the toilet. This can be every ten minutes or every hour – it varies greatly depending on the day of the cycle and the person.
If you feel a slight pressure in your abdomen – like when you have to urinate – then sit down on the toilet and just relax. By consciously relaxing your abdomen, cramps and pain can be significantly reduced. Sometimes this can even shorten the length of your period.
By the way: Many women also find wearing a menstrual cup more comfortable and less painful than using tampons. You can also try using a menstrual sponge or washable period panties. Just experiment and find out what works best for you.
Leaderboard: Organic tampons, washable sanitary pads, menstrual cups & sponges
1st placeLunette menstrual cup
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place 2Kulmine cloth pads & cloth panty liners
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place 3Almo panty liners & cloth pads
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4th placeMe Luna Menstrual Cup
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detail
Healthy and conscious lifestyle against menstrual problems
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Last but not least, a healthy lifestyle can also have a positive effect on your menstrual problems:
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Diet: A healthy and balanced diet can also relieve pain. If possible, avoid coffee, black tea and alcohol during your period. Magnesium can help due to its antispasmodic effect in the form of nuts, pulses, millet or as a supplement. You can read about the right diet during your cycle in our article.
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Smoking: If possible, you should avoid cigarettes during your period. Nicotine inhibits blood circulation and can therefore increase your abdominal pain.
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Exercise: Exercise can help reduce your menstrual cramps. Do whatever feels right for you. Even a short walk can help.
Remember: exercising during your period can be good for you, but it doesn’t have to be – listen to your body and don’t force yourself to do anything! Sometimes it’s enough to not be so strict with yourself: you don’t have to perform at your best during your period. It’s OK to take things a little easier.
Read more on Techzle\.com:
- Fighting cystitis with home remedies: what you need to consider
- Generally better: Alternatives to ob, Always & Co.
- Sewing cloth pads yourself – zero waste during menstruation
Revised by Marie-Theres Bauer