Now we’re all for celebrating womanhood. But honestly the only time we wouldn’t mind being a man instead is when we’re curled up in bed with gut-wrenching menstrual cramps. Feel us? And if that’s not enough, we’ve to deal with it every month.
Don’t get us wrong, we’re thankful for periods. Marked safe from getting pregnant is surely the silver lining. However, the problem with period is it’s a ruthless attention-seeker. Although abdominal cramps are prominent during periods in most cases, some women also experience headaches, lower back pain, leg pain, diarrhea and nausea. Let’s not even get started with the mood swings.
Curious to know what happens in your body to result in period cramps? Read on to know what causes menstrual cramps and why does it pain during periods.
- Certain hormones are produced by your uterus which cause it to contract.
- As a result of the contractions, blood supply to the uterus is momentarily cut off and this deprives the uterus of oxygen.
- It is this lack of oxygen that starts the dreaded menstrual pain.
There’s obviously no preventing your body’s natural process. So to make your monthly affair a bit easier on you, we’ve compiled a list of tried and tested home remedies so you can learn how to reduce period pain.
1. Clove Essential Oil
Why it works: This warm and comforting essential oil contains Eugenol which helps alleviate menstrual pain. Limiting the excessive bleeding is just an added bonus, we’d say.
Ingredients:
• 4 drops Clove Essential Oil
• 2 tablespoons of Coconut Oil
P.S. You can use any other carrier oil too instead of Coconut Oil.
Directions:
Step 1: In a bowl, mix the said measures of Clove Essential Oil and Coconut Oil.
Step 2: Dip a small piece of cotton cloth into the bowl and squeeze out the excess.
Step 3: Gently rub the cloth on your lower abdomen and back.
2. Lemon Juice
Why it works: The anti-inflammatory properties of Lemon help reduce period cramps. Besides, the Vitamin C in Lemon aids Iron absorption which is essential to make up for the depleted Iron levels.
Ingredients:
• 1/2 slice of Lemon
• 1 glass of warm water
• 2 drops of Honey
P.S. You’ll also need an empty stomach to ensure this remedy is more effective! So try this remedy first thing in the morning.
Directions:
Step 1: In a glass of warm water, squeeze some Lemon.
Step 2: Add two drops of Honey to the glass and stir well with spoon.
Step 3: Drink this juice.
3. Fenugreek seeds
Why it works: These golden-brown seeds contain compounds that mimic the properties of female hormone Estrogen to ease PMS. They are also known for their antihistaminic properties that ease pain.
Ingredients:
• 1 tablespoon of Fenugreek Seeds
• 1 glass of warm water
P.S. You need an empty stomach for this one too.
Directions:
Step 1: In a glass of water, soak one tablespoon of Fenugreek Seeds.
Step 2: Let it stay covered with a lid overnight.
Step 3: In the morning, drink it on an empty stomach.
4. Epson Salt and Clary Sage
Why it works: The key element in this salt is Magnesium which is anti-inflammatory and known for alleviating pain. Clary Sage essential oil which is an anti-spasmodic agent soothes muscle cramps and also takes care of mood swings and period cravings.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups of Epsom Salt
• 3 drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil
P.S. Follow this remedy for your bath time.
Directions:
Step 1: Add two cups of Epson Salt to your warm water bath tub.
Step 2: Trickle three drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil to the bath and mix with your hands.
Step 3: Soak and relax in the bathwater for 20 minutes.
5. Ginger Tea
Why it works: Ginger cleverly lowers the levels of prostaglandins, the hormones that contract muscles and cause cramps. On the plus side, it also helps fight PMS related fatigue and weakness.
Ingredients:
• 1 tablespoon of Ginger Tea leaves
• 1 glass of warm water
• 1 drop of Honey
P.S. Make it a part of your breakfast routine.
Directions:
Step 1: Add the Ginger Tea leaves to a cup of water and let it boil.
Step 2: Simmer for 2 minutes and strain it.
Step 3: Now add a drop of Honey for flavor and drink away your pain.
Tips on How to reduce Menstrual Pain
- Cut down on your weekly cocktail hour. If you wish to make your periods more tolerable, give the bottle a break.
- We cannot stress this enough, but exercise regularly. If mundane exercises are not your thing, turn on the music and dance to your favorite tunes.
- Stay hydrated with water and fresh juices. If you’re dehydrated it could affect the regular functioning of your body and add to the stress.
- Vitamin D3 supplements ease menstrual pain but should be taken under prescription.
- We know a hot water bath can dry out your skin; but trust us when we say: this is a good time for a hot shower. Just moisturize copiously after.
- Stay calm and try to avoid any kind of emotional stress.
- Massaging the pain areas with Lavender and Peppermint Essential Oils can help reduce the discomfort.
- Opt for high fiber foods such as Broccoli, Banana and Calcium-rich Almonds.
- You can also keep a track of your period cycle, so you know when your symptoms generally show and are better prepared for what’s about to hit you!
Nykaa Recommends: Purayati Vitamin D3 2000 IU, Juicy Chemistry 100% Organic Lavender Essential Oil
FAQs on How To Reduce Menstrual Pain
1. How to relieve period cramps fast?
Your best bet at easing menstrual cramps is a tummy massage with the potent blend of four essential oils and one carrier oil. Massage regularly for at least a week before the start of your period.
• Cinnamon essential oil
• Clove essential oil
• Rose essential oil
• Lavender essential oil
• Almond Oil or Avocado Oil (carrier oil)
Nykaa Recommends: Avnii Organics Natural Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil, Aroma Magic Clove Aromatherapy Essential Oil, Allin Exporters 100% Pure, Natural & Undiluted Musk Rose Oil, Khadi Essentials Pure Kashmir Lavender Essential Oil for Skin, Hair & Aromatherapy, Radiance & Shine, St. D'vencé 100% Pure And Natural Sweet Almond Oil, Biotique Bio Avocado Stress Relief Body Massage Oil
2. How to reduce menstrual pain instantly with the help of pills?
Ibuprofen, Aspirin and Naproxen are OTC pills that are known to reduce the intensity of period cramps. Consult with your doctor before using these pain relievers and use only when absolutely necessary.
Nykaa Recommends: Fast&Up Magnesium +Zinc Nutraceutical Lime & Lemon Tube 20 Tablets
3. How to relieve period pain with the help of exercises?
Brisk walking and light jogging can help reduce bloating while low-intensity aerobic exercises can promote blood circulation and release feel-good hormones called the endorphins. Yoga, Tai chi and Pilates also help release muscle tension making periods easier.
4. How to reduce back pain during periods?
Relax you back muscles with a heating pad or a hot water bag. Also avoid bad posture during the day as it could only aggravate the back pain.
5. How long till one has to deal with period cramps?
The intensity of period cramps lowers as you age. Especially after the birth of a child, a woman doesn’t experience much painful menstrual cramps.
6. How to overcome period pain?
Sometimes altering your lifestyle habits can make a considerable impact on reducing period cramps. Some of them include, getting enough hours of sleep, avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption, and incorporating leafy vegetables in your diet.
