Menstrual Cramps and Natural Remedies ...

Age can contribute to menstrual cramps. Women who are younger than 30 tend to experience period pain, especially those who started puberty at the age of 11. For those who don't have any medical condition that may cause period pain, menstrual cramp is said to lessen with age and giving birth can help to reduce or alleviate it.

Bleeding heavily or having irregular bleeding during your period can play a big factor in having menstrual cramps. When there is too much blood lining in the uterus to shed, the prostaglandin levels increase. This hormone triggers the expulsion of blood from the uterus by contracting the womb, which, in turn, results in pain as higher levels of prostaglandins can cause more severe menstrual cramps. When the uterus cramps, it presses the nerves around it, causing the interruption of oxygen flow to the organ, which results in more pain.

Family history contributes to having menstrual pain. It is found that having dysmenorrhea is genetic. If you are experiencing menstrual cramps, it is likely that some of the members of your family have period cramps, too.

Drinking alcohol and smoking may aggravate your menstrual cramps. Women who smoke cigarettes are considered at higher risk for period cramps as it causes the blood vessels to constrict. When this happens, the oxygen supply diminishes in the uterus, which contributes to pain. On the other hand, heavy drinking of alcohol can aggravate menstrual cramps by causing the menstrual fluids and blood to become thick, making it difficult to pass; hence the flow becomes more painful. Alcohol also affects the menstrual cycle by increasing the levels of estrogen and testosterone, which alters the hormonal functions in the body.

Menstrual cramps are usually managed by taking pharmaceutically available medicines, but there are also natural remedies that you can take to help ease the discomfort and pain. Here are some:

Chamomile tea is not only a relaxing tea to take, but it also poses antispasmodic and antioxidant properties which can relieve the pain caused by menstrual cramps. It is also said that drinking this tea can help reduce anxiety caused by period pain, and it can also lessen premenstrual syndrome mood swings. Drinking chamomile tea days prior to your period may help lessen PMS pains.

Ginger is widely used for cooking, but it also offers health benefits. It contains active ingredients such as gingerol, shogaol, and paradols that are not only responsible for preventing various cancers but also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can ease menstrual cramps and other muscle pain and other muscle pain, especially when taken at the beginning of the menstrual period. You can drink ginger for menstrual cramps as well as to help reduce nausea three times a day by grating a small piece in a cup of water and boiling it for five minutes before straining.

CBD oil is famous for its wide array of therapeutic benefits such as anti-nausea, anti-stress and anti-anxiety effects  and many people also use CBD for sleep disorders and other symptoms related to some illness and diseases. According to a study, CBD oil helps with menstrual discomfort, including lower abdominal cramps, lower back cramps, and tenderness, mainly due to its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties  Therefore, the use of CBD oil can help you deal with your period discomfort better. It also comes in many forms, including CBD capsules, CBD balms, CBD vape liquid and CBD oil which you can take as drops under the tongue for faster absorption or can be mixed in your drink.

Cinnamon is undoubtedly an aromatic spice that is great for cooking and baking. But this common household ingredient is also packed with health benefits such as antifungal and antibacterial properties  It also can improve gut health  helps with the reduction of blood pressure  including the management of menstrual symptoms  Due to its potential anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting qualities  it can help to relieve pain and period cramps. You can drink cinnamon tea by steeping a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of water for about two to three minutes.

Motherwort is a herb known for its many health benefits. Aside from helping with heart conditions, hyperthyroidism  and anxiety  it is also known for its antispasmodic properties that may help with painful period cramps. It is said to stimulate the release of the hormone oxytocin  which tones the uterine muscles and reduces cramps. It is available as tinctures and loose herbs, so you can infuse it in the water and drink it as tea.