Women undergo various physical and mental changes when they enter puberty. It begins from the age of 13-14 years and lasts till the age of 45-50. The age varies from one woman to another and it is a monthly process. Menstruation is a nightmare for most of the females as it is associated with unbearable cramps or pain. Periods are associated with pain which may range from mild to severe and is associated with discomfort and stress. It begins from the lower abdomen along with the hips and thighs to legs. There are two types of menstruation pain - primary and secondary. As it is a normal growth process, it is better to seek home remedies for menstrual cramps unless it becomes secondary.
The medical name for menstrual cramps is dysmenorrhea. Along with the cramps there is a heavy feeling in the abdomen which gets bloated. The hormone prostaglandins are released during periods which contract the uterus so that it sheds its lining as there is insufficient blood supply to the uterus. This is the main reason behind the cramps. There are many symptoms of menstruation that may vary from one woman to another - vomiting, headache, nausea, dizziness, etc, are all associated with it. Relax yourself by taking a warm bath/shower. Placing a hot water bag/bottle or hot pad on the painful parts of the body is one of the age-old home remedies for menstrual cramps.
Increase your fluid intake by drinking hot liquids to reduce the pain by relaxing the muscles. Two of the effective home remedies for menstrual cramps are drinking wintergreen or peppermint tea. You can take mint candy as it relieves the cramps. Basil tea is an excellent cramp releaser. Or else you can develop the habit of drinking hot tea twice daily. Add dry chamomile flowers to a cup of boiling water. Allow it to soak for some time and then strain the liquid and drink it to get relief from the pain. You can drink ginger tea and include it in your daily diet to ease the pain. Sage tea soothes the pain too.
A light exercise routine is very helpful as it relaxes the body, allows blood circulation and builds stamina. It is useful in keeping you active. Among the age-old home remedies for menstrual cramps is practicing medication and yoga. Along with relaxing your muscles, it also reduces the other symptoms that are associated with menstruation. Exercise and yoga help in the release of endorphins - your body's natural pain relieving mechanism. Include vitamins in your diet or take vitamin supplements. Vitamin B is very helpful.
One of the most effective home remedies for menstrual cramps is including cinnamon in your diet as it is well known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties. You can make a drink by adding a few, i.e. 15-20 seeds of coriander in a glass of boiling water. Allow it to soak till the evaporation process is over, add some sweetener or just sugar and drink it. Drink the juice of parsley to get relief from the cramps. Include calcium in your diet and with it take magnesium so that your body can absorb the calcium. Avoid caffeine and aerated drinks. Massage the painful regions of your body to get relief.
