13 Home Remedies To Relieve Period Cramps

Periods aren’t that bad. Or painful. Who am I even kidding? We, women, are nothing short of being superheroes when it comes to dealing with pain during different phases of our life. As much as we wish that our periods aren’t as painful as they are hyped to be, they never fail to leave us writhing and curling in pain every single time. Every 28 days, every… Let’s just stop there for now. Period cramps are indeed the most exasperating aspects of ‘that time of the month’, but not anymore! We have listed some amazing and effective home remedies for period cramps that can help relieve period cramps and their symptoms naturally. Read on!

Table Of Contents

• What Are Period Cramps?
• What Causes Period Cramps?
• Symptoms Of Period Cramps
• How To Relieve Period Cramps Naturally
• Preventive Tips
• When To Visit A Doctor

What Are Period Cramps?

Period cramps are medically known as dysmenorrhea. They are mainly caused due to the contraction and relaxation of your uterine muscles that occur during the menstrual cycle.
A few other factors may also decide the severity of your muscle cramps, and they are discussed below.

What Causes Period Cramps?

The following are associated with menstrual cramps:

• Heavy blood flow
• Having your first baby
• Overproduction or sensitivity to a hormone called prostaglandin
• If you are younger than 20 or have just started your periods

Period cramps are most often associated with a dull ache or pain in your lower abdomen or back. The symptoms are discussed below.

Symptoms Of Period Cramps

The common symptoms experienced during period cramps are:

• A throbbing or cramping ache in your lower abdomen
• A dull or constant pain in your lower back

Some women may also experience less common symptoms like

• Headache
• Nausea
• Mild diarrhea
• Fatigue and dizziness

As if periods alone weren’t enough, the cramps that accompany them just make things worse. Before your hormones and mood go all over the place, here are home remedies that can help relieve period cramps in the best and most natural way.

Best Home Remedies For Menstrual Cramps

1. Heating Pads

 

You Will Need

A heating pad

What You Have To Do

1. Take a heating pad or hot water bottle filled with hot water.
2. Place this on your lower abdomen and lower back for about 10 minutes.
3. Alternatively, you can also soak a clean washcloth in some hot water, wring it and place it on your abdomen and back.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this multiple times daily until you obtain relief.

Why This Works

Applying heat is one of the most preferred methods to relieve pain and cramps due to its relaxing and anti-inflammatory effects on the affected muscles (1). In fact, studies have shown that it is almost as effective as taking pain relievers like ibuprofen for reducing menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) (2). Therefore, the next time you have menstrual cramps, either place a heating pad on your stomach or simply take a hot shower.

2. Essential Oils

a. Lavender Oil

 

You Will Need

• 3-4 drops of lavender oil
• 1-2 teaspoons of coconut or jojoba oil

What You Have To Do

1. Mix lavender oil with coconut or jojoba oil.
2. Apply the mixture to your lower abdomen and back.
3. You can also put a few drops of lavender oil in a diffuser and inhale its vapors.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1 to 2 times daily.

Why This Works

Lavender essential oil is quite effective in treating period cramps due to its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties (3). And inhaling the oil relaxes you and induces sleep (4).

b. Peppermint Oil

 

You Will Need

• 3-4 drops of peppermint oil
• 2 teaspoons of coconut or jojoba oil

What You Have To Do

1. Mix peppermint oil with coconut or jojoba oil.
2. Apply this mixture directly to your lower abdomen and back and massage gently.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this once daily until your period cramps begin to fade.

Why This Works

Peppermint oil contains menthol, which is a popular decongestant and has pain and anxiety relieving properties. The wonderful aroma of peppermint can also help in overcoming nausea and headache, which are symptoms of period cramps (5), (6).

3. Chamomile Tea

 

You Will Need

• 1 chamomile tea bag
• 1 cup of hot water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Soak a chamomile tea bag in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes.
2. Allow it to cool down a bit and then add some honey.
3. Drink this tea daily.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink chamomile tea at least twice daily and a week before getting your periods.

Why This Works

Chamomile is a flowering plant that is quite popular for relieving period cramps. It contains flavonoids that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the pain and inflammation (7). Chamomile is also a natural antispasmodic and can help in relaxing the uterine muscles (8).

4. Ginger

 

You Will Need

• 1 inch of ginger
• 1 cup of hot water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Steep an inch of ginger in a cup of hot water for about 10 minutes.
2. Let it cool for a bit. Add honey to it.
3. Drink it up.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink ginger tea thrice a day if you suffer from period cramps.

Why This Works

Ginger is one of the best and easiest ways to relieve period cramps (9). The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help in reducing the pain associated with the condition (10). It also helps cure nausea and calms an upset stomach (11).

5. Vitamin D

 

A single large dose of vitamin D was found to bring noticeable relief from menstrual pain and cramps  (12).
Vitamin D can reduce the production of prostaglandin, which causes period cramps. However, since studies are limited, it is better to limit the dosage of vitamin D supplements for this purpose. But you can go ahead and increase your intake of vitamin D via your diet by consuming foods like fish, cheese, egg yolks, orange juice, and cereals.

6. Green Tea

 

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves
• 1 cup of water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Add the green tea leaves to a cup of water and bring it to a boil.
2. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes and strain it.
3. Allow it to cool a bit and add some honey for flavor.
4. Consume it.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink green tea 3 to 4 times daily.

Why This Works

Green tea contains flavonoids called catechins that give it its medicinal properties. Green tea is a natural antioxidant and also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with period cramps (13), (14).

7. Pickle Juice

 

You Will Need

1/2 cup of pickle juice

What You Have To Do

Drink half a cup of pickle juice.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this once a day, preferably right after you experience menstrual cramps.

Why This Works

Pickle juice, with its high sodium content, is an amazing remedy that not only rehydrates you but also relieves period cramps. It is known to relieve muscle cramps post-exercise quickly and is hence effective for menstrual cramps as well (15).

Caution

Avoid taking pickle juice on an empty stomach.

8. Yogurt

 

You Will Need

1 cup of plain yogurt

What You Have To Do

Consume a bowl of plain yogurt.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 3 to 4 times daily when you are on your period.

Why This Works

Yogurt is a rich source of calcium and contains trace amounts of vitamin D. The intake of both calcium and vitamin D helps reduce the symptoms of PMS and relieves period cramps (16), (17).

9. Epsom Salt

 

You Will Need

• 1-2 cups of Epsom salt
• Bathwater

What You Have To Do

1. Add a cup or two of Epsom salt to a warm bath.
2. Soak in the bathwater for 15-20 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this 2 or 3 days before your periods begin.

Why This Works

Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate. The magnesium in the salt is responsible for its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. When Epsom salt is absorbed via your skin, it can help relieve period cramps and pain (18).

10. Fenugreek

 

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds
• 1 glass of water

What You Have To Do

1. Soak the fenugreek seeds in a glass of water overnight.
2. Consume it on an empty stomach in the morning.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this mixture once every morning, a couple of days before your periods begin.

Why This Works

Fenugreek seeds contain compounds like lysine and tryptophan-rich proteins, which account for a majority of its therapeutic properties. Fenugreek is quite popular for its analgesic and pain relieving properties, which can help reduce period cramps (19).

11. Foot Massage

 

Your foot has a pressure point that can help you in getting immediate relief from period cramps. This point is usually located about three finger widths above your ankle bone. Gently massaging this point with your thumb and fingers can help relieve period cramps and their symptoms like bloating, insomnia, and dizziness (20). This massage is known as reflexology or zone therapy.

12. Aloe Vera Juice

 

You Will Need

1/4 cup of aloe vera juice

What You Have To Do

Consume aloe vera juice daily.

How Often You Should Do This

Start drinking aloe vera juice once a day, a few days before your period begins.

Why This Works

The healing and anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera help in relieving painful period cramps. It can also help in improving blood flow, which, in turn, reduces the intensity of the cramps (21), (22).

13. Lemon Juice

 

You Will Need

• 1/2 lemon
• 1 glass of water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Squeeze half a lemon into a glass of warm water and mix well.
2. Add some honey to it and drink.

How Often You Should Do This

Have lemon juice once every morning on an empty stomach.

Why This Works

The anti-inflammatory properties of lemon help in providing relief from period cramps (23). It is also rich in vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption (that is often lost during menstruation) and is good for your reproductive system (24), (25).

Apart from using these home remedies for period cramps, you can also follow the tips mentioned below to address the symptoms.

Preventive Tips

• Have a healthy and balanced diet that consists of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
• Consume less of sweet and salty foods.
• Exercise regularly.
• Take less stress.
• Do not smoke.
• Practise meditation and yoga poses like Child’s Pose, Savasana, and Knees-to-chest Pose.
• Drink plenty of water and fresh juices to keep yourself hydrated.
• You can also undergo acupuncture treatment to get relief from period cramps if necessary.

Inspite of using the home remedies for period cramps and following the tips, if you do not obtain relief, visit a doctor immediately. Listed below are a few scenarios that require medical attention.

When To Visit A Doctor

You need to visit a doctor if

• You are pregnant.
• Your pain is worsening.
• The menstrual cramps last longer than usual.
• You develop a fever.
• All your symptoms worsen and are more frequent.

In addition to following the home remedies for period cramps and tips mentioned in this article, you need to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to avoid the condition. Don’t allow period cramps to interrupt your day to day life. Which of these remedies worked for you? Do let us know in the comments section below.

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