From almonds to jaggery: 5 home remedies to fight period cramps

Abdominal pain and cramps are a common and normal part of a menstrual cycle. However, some women experience more intense pain than others. It is usually felt as painful muscle cramps in the tummy, which can spread to the back and thighs. This can sometimes be so intense that some women will need a painkiller to manage it. While using painkillers is fine occasionally, using them frequently is not advised because it may disturb the hormonal balance. Well, you can try some simple home remedies for period pain relief.

Before we find out how to manage period cramps, let us know about the causes of pain during periods.

Causes of period pain

A hormone called prostaglandin is released in women’s ovaries during a menstrual cycle; this can be a significant contributor to period cramps. While some women experience excruciating pain during their periods, others don’t even feel it. Prostaglandin hormones are to blame for this. Since there is not enough blood in the ovary during periods, the muscles begin to contract, causing pain and cramping in the lower abdomen.

Effective tips to reduce period pain

These 5 effective remedies will give relief from period pain without causing any side effects.

1. Jaggery

Jaggery is effective in preventing weakness caused by blood loss during a menstrual cycle, according to the International Journal of Chemical Studies. Jaggery contains many essential nutrients such as sodium and potassium. Moreover, it also has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that help in reducing uterine cramps. Chew on a small piece of jaggery if you are suffering from mood swings, abdominal pain, and other symptoms during your period.

Jaggery can relieve period pain! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Heating pad

As per research published in Evidence-Based Nursing, the use of hot compresses or heating pads works effectively in reducing abdominal cramps during periods. This research also shows that women experience more relief from heating pads compared to painkillers, ibuprofen. It helps to relax muscle contraction and provides instant relief from period cramps. If you don’t have a hot water bag or heating pad, take a hot water bath as well as compress your stomach by dipping a towel in hot water.

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3. Massage

A National Library of Medicine study found that applying lukewarm oil to the lower belly and massaging with it during periods can reduce period pain. You can also massage the waist and legs. Before massaging, make sure the oil is lukewarm. Keep your hands very light and avoid applying too much pressure to the stomach while massaging to relieve period pain.

4. Magnesium-rich foods

According to PubMed Central, if you experience intense pain during periods, include magnesium-rich foods such as almonds, black beans, spinach, yogurt, and peanut butter in your diet. These foods can help you reduce stomach cramps. Magnesium-rich diet is also beneficial in reducing PMS symptoms.

5. Herbs and herbal drinks

Period pain and cramps can be eased by consuming herbal beverages made with fennel, cinnamon, and ginger. These herbs have anti-inflammatory properties which help to relax muscle contraction and reduce the severity of period pain. Along with this, you can enjoy mint tea.

So ladies, give these remedies a try and reduce period pain!