Cramps, bloating, back pain, menstrual fatigue, headaches… period pains are no joke. And with as many as 3 in 4 women experiencing PMS symptoms at some point in their life, these menstrual pains and discomfort impact more than not.
To help you find period pain relief, here are a few of our favorite ways to, naturally:
Super herbs and functional super food plants
Menstruating means we’re losing key nutrients in our blood each month, and you might need more than just your meals – especially if it’s a heavy flow – to make up the missing vitamins and minerals. Check out our blog with REBBL on the best super plants and herbs for your period.
Herbal Teas
Chamomile Tea
The antioxidants in chamomile tea help calm abdominal discomfort, ease menstrual cramps and lessen PMS mood swings. Chamomile tea also acts as a hormone balancer, which will help lead to more regular cycles.
Dong Quai Tea
Dong Quai has been traditionally used in Asia for at least two centuries. This ancient herb can help manage menstrual cramps by regulating uterine contractions into a healthier cycle and aiding in relaxing.
Supplements
Various minerals and vitamins have been found to help stop period pain. As Courtney Mayszak, RDN, LDN, Lead Dietitian at De Lune found after years of research, when combined with a balanced, healthy diet, “nutritional and herbal supplements can be a safe and effective way of managing period cramps that’s nearly devoid of side effects…”. Here are few great supplements to play with:
Complete B Vitamin with B1, B6, and B12
- Vitamin B1 helps to manage period cramps by aiding in muscle contractions and nerve symptoms, making cramps less intense and less frequent.
- Vitamin B6 can be useful for balancing PMS mood swings. Researchers believe this is because Vitamin B6 aids in the creation of the happy chemicals, serotonin and dopamine.
- Vitamin B12 replenishes red blood cells, assisting in nerve health, energy levels, and period pain.
Zinc
Boost oxygen flow throughout the body’s muscles – even the uterus’s muscle! Take a supplement as zinc can help relieve menstrual cramps and back aches.
Ginger
A powerful anti-inflammatory (and sister to one of our favorite superfoods, turmeric), ginger has been proven to reduce menstrual symptoms. Studies have even found ginger to be as effective as ibuprofen for easing inflammatory pain.
Essential Oils
Lavender Oil
Rubbing and smelling lavender oil has been shown to reduce tension, stress, and cramping. As with all essential oils, be sure to add to a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or sunflower oil, before massaging onto your skin.
Clary Sage Oil
Clary Sage is thought to alleviate physical and emotional PMS symptoms by reducing mood swings and stress, and by relaxing the muscles that cause cramps.
Yoga Poses
Yoga practice can offer benefits to both physical and mental PMS problems. Check out our favourite yoga poses to help ease pain.
If you’ve tried yoga before and it’s not quite for you, check out these 5 alternative exercises to try while menstruating.
Heating pads or hot water bottles
Heating pads and hot water bottles can be a glorious way to help your body circulate blood, thus alleviating cramps. We prefer reusable heating pads, but there are many alternatives for on-the-go relief.
PMS and other period pains can be a pain. Luckily there are some natural relief alternatives for cramps and other menstrual symptoms. What is your go-to? Let us know in the comments below or on Instagram and Twitter: @Natracare.
The good news is if you can improve your diet, manage stress and take some of the suggested natural remedies, you can greatly learn how to reduce PMS symptoms and get rid of period cramps.
Only in the last 5 years has my mind been opened and I have found what I eat has an impact on my symptoms each month. Like cramps! Essential oils also help me massively particularly with moods.
Yea, it is amazing all the things which can impact the menstrual cycle! Which essential oils do you use?
Lavender and Tea Tree work great!
Some very useful information
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I have severe menstrual cramps everyday for a month now I’ve taken ibuprofen everyday and that barely works. My cramps are severe at night lately and I drank chamomile tea and was instant relief I’ve even tried cbd salve and it did mask the pain but not as quick as the tea.
Try Midol! It really helps!
I have to use Midol. It is good for kids and adults and it works fir 6 hours. 2 pills can go a long way!