Women Period Pain

How to relieve period pain 

Some get by with a few sores here and there, while others find it necessary to retreat to their bed – regardless of which group you belong to, period cramps can honestly be a major pain in the abdomen.

TOM (time of the month), Crimson Tide, Aunt Flo, the rag and bloody crime scene; oh yes, we're talking about menstruation and the immense uncomfortable feelings it brings forth!

While medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are known to keep the cramps at bay, why not opt for a more natural approach. The next time these annoying and painful monthly visits strike, heed these home remedies for menstrual cramps below.


1. Soothing Tea

The heat from soothing tea will help to increase blood flow and lessen the pain. There are a number of teas that are specifically therapeutic, take for example:

Raspberry leaf is considered to be a mild uterine tonic, as to relax the uterus. Note: look for herbal tea, not raspberry-flavoured black tea.

Chamomile is mildly sedative, which is why it helps to relax the body and ease pain.

Making a brew with ginger is helpful as it lowers pain-causing prostaglandins (hormone-like substance). A simple tea recipe would be to add in hot water to fresh ginger, honey and cinnamon.


2. Stay Away from Coffee

Coffee is high in caffeine, which is known to constrict blood levels and raise tension. This is why it is recommended to try and avoid it a week before having your period. Instead of taking coffee, take a cup of hot cocoa or hot tea (as per the point above) instead.


3. Water

This clear liquid is as important to the relief of painful cramps as it is to diet and exercise. Drinking warm or hot water helps prevent body from retaining water and also relaxes cramped muscles.


4. Use a Heating Pad

As applying heat to your abdomen and lower back effectively relieve pain, a heating pad is one of your best friends when you're having period cramps. Using a heating pad can reduce muscle spasms and make your tummy feel warm and comfortable.


5. Sleep

During this time of the month, women tend to experience increased sensitivity when tired; which is why scheduling a little extra rest and sleep will go a long mile in reducing cramps.


6. Exercise

Getting active helps your muscles to relax a little bit and releases feel good endorphins in your brain. But of course we're not asking you to get out there and move your body on heavy-flow days – moderate activity such as walking is sufficient enough.


7. Tumeric

Consuming turmeric at the beginning and the end of your menstrual cycle helps alleviate period pains and ensures a smoother period flow. To find out more about Tumeric and how it helps cure period problems, read our previous piece here.

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