Period Pain Natural Treatment
Many women have painful periods, also called dysmenorrhea. The pain is most often menstrual cramps, which are throbbing, cramping pain in your lower abdomen. You may also have other symptoms, such as lower back pain, nausea, diarrhea, and headaches. Period pain is not the same as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
What causes painful periods?
There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary. Each type has different causes.
Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common kind of period pain. It is period pain that is not caused by another condition. The cause is usually having too many prostaglandins, which are chemicals that your uterus makes. These chemicals make the muscles of your uterus tighten and relax, and this causes cramps.
The pain can start a day or two before your period. It normally lasts for a few days, though in some women it can last longer.
You usually first start having period pain when you are younger, just after you begin getting periods. Often, as you get older, you have less pain. The pain may also get better after you have given birth.
Secondary dysmenorrhea often starts later in life. It is caused by conditions that affect your uterus or other reproductive organs, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids. This kind of pain often gets worse over time. It may begin before your period starts and continue after your period ends.
Menstrual cramps
1 1/2 Half water
Grated ginger 1/2 tsp
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
Boil for 5 min
Strain it and drink.
Women took cinnamon for less bleeding, pain, nausea, and vomiting. Ginger powder four times a day for three days helped with pain relief. It also concluded ginger was as effective as ibuprofen.
Period pain
Drink a cup of ginger water after your meal to keep painful menstrual cramps at bay.
Relief fast
Drinking 1 or 2 cups of peppermint tea per day during your periods can relieve menstrual cramps.
Apply heat to the abdomen
Placing a hot water bottle or heating pad against the abdomen can relax the muscles and relieve cramps.
The heat helps the uterine muscle and those around it relax, which may ease cramping and discomfort.
Natural Treatment
Holding a cold water bag or bottle on the stomach for 15 – 20 minutes can reduce menstrual cramps.
Diet
Generally, a diet geared toward decreasing menstrual pain should be high in minimally processed foods, fiber, and plants.
Give these foods a try:
- Papaya is rich in vitamins.
- Brown rice contains vitamin B6, which may reduce bloating.
- Walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds are rich in manganese, which eases cramps.
- Olive oil and broccoli contain vitamin E.
- Chicken, fish, and leafy green vegetables contain iron, which is lost during menstruation.
- Flaxseed contains omega-3s with antioxidant properties, which reduce swelling and inflammation.
- During the period, women should consume gooseberry (amla Murabba) to meet the deficiency of iron due to excess bleeding. This fruit is extremely rich in vitamin C, iron, and calcium.
Try to Avoid this Foods
During menstruation, it’s a good idea to avoid foods that cause bloating and water retention. Some of the biggest culprits include:
- fatty foods
- alcohol
- carbonated beverages
- caffeine
- salty foods
Reducing or cutting out these foods can help alleviate cramps and decrease tension. Try soothing (caffeine-free) ginger or mint teas or hot water flavored with lemon instead. If you need a sugar fix, snack on fruits such as strawberries or raspberries.
To help ease your period pain, you can try:
- Using a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower abdomen
- Getting some exercise
- Taking a hot bath
- Doing relaxation techniques, including yoga and meditation