Period Cramps: Effective Home Remedies For Instant Relief

While period cramps are tolerable to negligible in some cases, in most women period cramps or period pains are a specially crafted gift from hell. Bearing the pain and the frequent weakness is one thing, whereas dealing with continuous mood swings and non-stop cravings is a whole different agenda for women. According to a report presented by the American Academy of Family Physicians, 1 in every 5 women is affected by extreme period pains that create an imbalance in their daily activities. 

Period pain aka Dysmenorrhoea, is a common happening in women. But at some point in their lives, it affects them deeply. The pain is usually felt as cramps in your tummy muscles that slowly spread to your back and thighs. The pain can feel like intense convulsions in muscles at times or like a dull but constant ache. The main reason for this pain is the uterine contractions. 

Reasons Behind Period Pains

There are two types of Dysmenorrhea, primary or regular period pain and secondary dysmenorrhea which is common in women after 30 years of age. This is because of certain underlying medical conditions. Primary dysmenorrhea is a common occurrence and is not caused because of any disorder or disease. The common symptoms of secondary dysmenorrhea include

• Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of your uterus grows on other parts of your reproductive organs like ovaries and fallopian tubes resulting in extremely painful periods.

• Inflammatory disease in your Pelvic region: PID or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection causing to one or more upper reproductive organs including fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus. In simple words, all or most of your reproductive organs are infected causing inflammation which in turn contributes to painful periods.

• Fibroids: This is an infection in which muscular tumors grow inside or around your womb which results in painful periods. 

• Adenomyosis: In this infection, normally the tissue that lines the uterus suddenly starts growing in the muscular womb wall of the uterus. Thus, making the periods more painful than usual.

Common Symptoms of Period Pain

Some of the common symptoms associated with menstrual cramps are listed below.

• Throbbing or dull pain in your lower abdomen.
• Cramping pain in the lower back and thighs.
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Bloating in your belly area
• Lightheadedness
• Vomiting
• Loose stools
• Headaches

Now, let us take a look at the Effective Home Remedies to Get an immediate Relief from the Pain 

Home Remedies For Quick Relief From Period Cramps

These remedies are sure to regulate your period pains and provide you with less intense period pains upon regular use. 

• Cumin Seeds

Cumin Seeds Zeera or Jeera are used in making herbal tea or can be consumed directly with an ample amount of water. It is infused with natural anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic characteristics. These properties are essentially helpful in instantly relaxing cramped muscles providing you with pain-free cramps. It helps in the uterus contraction which allows the release of the blood that is trapped in. You can ingest the cumin quite easily by infusing it into a glass of water. Simply pour two tablespoons of cumin seeds into a glass of water and let it soak overnight, then drink it in the morning.

• Ginger and Black Pepper Tea

This herbal tea of amazing combination can reduce period stress and pains by lowering the prostaglandin levels in your body(a woman’s body). It is quite simple to prepare it. A drop of honey can be added to enhance the taste whereas ginger alone can reduce period pain as it is crucial in regulating the prostaglandin level of your body. Prostaglandins are nothing but cyclic fatty acids that constitute hormone-like effects. Ginger even plays an important role in converting irregular periods to regular ones and effectively eliminates fatigue associated with premenstrual syndrome. 

However, it is highly recommended that you go and see a doctor if your irregular periods stay for a long time.

• Fenugreek seeds or Methi

Yet another ingredient containing anti-spasmodic, anti-oxidant, anti-histaminic, anti-diabetic, and immunomodulatory properties. These medicinal properties help in reducing the period and fight against the pre-menstrual symptoms. All that needs to be done is to soak the seeds for about 12 hours in water and then drink it. 

• Sesame Oil Massage

This wonder oil which provides nourishment and warmth is a highly effective remedy to be cured of period pain. Sesame oil is enriched with linoleic acid, contains anti-inflammatory properties, and is a natural antioxidant. Linoleic acid helps in the alleviation of pre-menstrual symptoms. Heating the oil and applying it on your lower abdomen while you are on your periods, helps a lot. Not just this, it has numerous benefits which is why it is used in most Ayurvedic treatments. Sesame oil reduces your total and LDL cholesterol levels. 

• Heating Pads

Hot water bags are widely used to get relief from period pains. The heat generated from the bag helps enhance proper blood circulation in your body. In addition to this, heat aids in the relaxation of abdominal muscles and reduces muscle tension. It even reduces congestion, swelling, etc. These heat pads promote relief from the pain caused by frequent muscle spasms and nerve compression during periods. 

• Drinking Plenty of Water

Do not stop drinking plenty of water during this period of the month. Staying hydrated will promote easing the period cramps. Dehydration can only worsen your period cramps. Drinking plenty of water helps in fighting bloating as it flushes out the things from your system entirely. 

• Turmeric and Nutmeg

Turmeric is a popular natural antioxidant and contains anti-inflammatory properties while nutmeg is considered to be a spasmodic spice. Mixing these two can bring out plenty of wonders to the period pain. A bit of turmeric and nutmeg taken in warm almond milk or regular milk before bed can help you sleep better. 

• Exercising

It may seem foolish and stupid to perform exercises when you can barely move your body from the bed during menstruation. However, the right kind of exercise will help to fight the period pain and pre-menstrual symptoms. Yoga is the perfect solution as it can increase circulation around the pelvic region and release endorphins to counteract the prostaglandins. 

Asanas like Pranayama and Shavasana greatly help relax the body and are easy to perform as well. Moreover, exercise aids in pain relief by increasing the chemicals that block the pain. Pilates are also helpful in distracting you from the pain and discomfort that comes with your periods. 

• Warm Shower or Warm Bath

You can opt for taking warm showers or baths as the heat helps in dissipation and soothes the muscles. Additionally, heat helps to increase the pelvic blood flow to eliminate the local blood and body fluid retention and diminish swelling, thereby causing a reduction in pain. 

• Avoid Missing Sleeping Hours

People with irregular sleeping schedules and improper sleeping habits are going to face extremely painful period cramps. It is crucial to make a habit of having good sleep every day. During period cramps, you can go for a hot bath, have a delicious and refreshing cup of herbal tea, and get good sleep instead of engaging in other activities to distract yourself from the overbearing pain.  

• Massaging with Essential Oils

Massaging your abdomen, back, and thighs will provide you with relief and comfort from the pain. Oils such as Lavender oil, Rose oil, cinnamon oil, and clove oil are used to massage your abdomen and soothe your muscles from the pain. They lessen the pain when mixed with a base oil such as coconut oil.  

• Strictly Distance Yourself from Salty Food and Caffeine

Foods causing water retention are suggested to be avoided as such foodstuffs or beverages help in bloating and worsen your cramps during menstruation. Salty foods, fatty food items, caffeine, and alcohol should be avoided during menstruation.

• Acupuncture

This method might improve your blood flow to the uterus and ovaries. Acupuncture effectively reduces the intensity of menstrual cramps when performed right. This helps in the regulation of women’s menstruation cycle by normalizing the blood flow by calming the nerves and dilating blood vessels in your body. In addition to this, it helps to balance hormones, which in turn benefits the menstrual cycle, promotes ovulation, and the cycle repeats.  

Seek Medical or Professional Help When

• If the remedies and self-help are not making any progress with the cramps and it is interfering with your life.
• Sudden worsening of the pain.
• Experiencing extreme pain for the first time if you have aged over 25 years.
• Fever is a constant with your periods. 
• Continuation of pain even when you are not having periods.