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7 completely natural ways to deal with severe period cramps

Period cramps are a part and parcel of menstruation. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with the pain, especially when you’ve got these home remedies on your side.
pelvic congestion
Be vigilant about cramps that you may be experiencing. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Dr Archana Batra Updated: 30 Oct 2023, 16:02 pm IST
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Most women experience a throbbing pain in their lower abdomen while on their period. These are what we call menstrual cramps or period cramps. There are a number of reasons why women go through this pain every month, including higher levels of prostaglandins, uterine fibroids or endometriosis. 

But to fix the cause, it is important to reduce the pain first.  Here are 7 ways to overcome severe period cramps.

1. Well balanced diet

If you suffer from menstrual cramps far too often, then it is time to make a few changes in your diet. A vegetarian low-fat diet will not only help you to boost your metabolism but also relieve cramps noticeably. Try to replace saturated animal fats with unsaturated plant-fats like nuts, olive oil, and vegetable oils.

Also, read: These 7 Ayurvedic herbs will work like magic to soothe your period cramps

2. Herbal peppermint tea

Herbal teas with peppermint oil help to reduce the pain as the herbs in them act the same as the oestrogen hormone. If you suffer from a blood pressure problem, then it is always advisable to check with your doctor first.
Vitamin and oil supplements

According to a report, if you consume fish oil and vitamin B1 supplements from your teen years, you are less likely to suffer from period cramps. Try to add natural sources of these nutrients in your diet like omega-3 fatty acid enriched fishes, eggs, seeds, milk, and oats.

3. Essential oil massage

Try to do a self-massage on your lower abdomen with a few drops of essential oils like lavender, marjoram, and clary. The scented fragrance helps to calm the nerves and reduce the pain gradually. Always dilute the essential oils before applying because they contain very strong fragrance which may cause nausea.

essential oils
Essentials oils are more than just a fad. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
4. Heat compress

This is a basic home remedy to cure menstrual pain which has been used by our ancestors from ages. If you apply a hot water bag on your lower abdomen, it accelerates fast relief. You can apply this method when you start getting mild cramps to prevent reaching a severe situation.

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5. Adding magnesium to your diet

Make sure to add magnesium enriched food items like spinach, pumpkin, different nuts and seeds to your daily diet. Magnesium effectively reduces menstrual cramps by regulating nerves and boosting the muscle functioning.

6. Acupuncture therapy

Acupuncture plays an active role in reducing pain by boosting the blood flow all over the body, including the internal organs. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which offer relief from menstrual cramps. As it is directly linked with the nervous system, it is better to practice acupuncture under expert guidance.

When dealing period cramps, remember…

In a recent study, it has been shown that every woman usually suffers from mild to severe period cramps for at least two days each month. Due to lack of awareness and the taboo around this topic, women hesitate before coming out with this problem. It is important to know the root cause by taking the help of a gynecologist because severe menstrual cramps can be a symptom of other health hazards like ovarian cancer or fibroids. So be alert and be safe!

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About the Author

Dr Archana Batra is a dietitian, physiotherapist, and a certified diabetes educator. Dr Archana has 12 years of experience in nutrition and diet counseling. She believes in maintaining healthy eating. Her specialization is on weight management diets and diets related to metabolic disorders like diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and hypertension etc. ...Read More

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