Menstrual cramps, also known as “dysmenorrhea”, are the pain that is experienced by women in the abdominal and pelvic region during their menstrual cycle. The pain may vary amongst women from placid to intense and may also be severe in certain cases.
Every woman at certain point of life experiences menstrual cramps. You may encounter this pain or cramping before or during your menstrual periods.
Causes of menstrual cramps
During a menstrual cycle, the female uterus contracts, due to which the inner lining expels. A hormonal substance known as ‘prostaglandins’, triggers the muscle contraction in uterus which causes in more pain. The level of prostaglandin determines the severity of the menstrual cramps. The higher it is the severe can be your menstrual pain.
However there are several other factors that cause menstrual cramps. Theses may include ‘Pelvic Inflammatory Disease’ which is a kind of infection that affects the reproductive organs in female, non cancerous growth on uterus walls, ‘Cervical Stenosis’, where the cervix opening is small that impedes the blood flow, ‘Endometriosis’, which is a aching health condition, and may also due to ‘Adenomyosis’, where the tissues that lines the uterus grows into the uterine walls.
Do not always panic when you get a menstrual cramp because that does not always indicate a serious health problem.
Symptoms
In addition to menstrual cramps you may also experience symptoms like backache, mood swings, uneasiness, dizziness, frequent urination, reduced appetite, loose stools, excessive perspiration, nausea or vomiting, bloating sensation or heaviness, pain in abdomen which gradually radiates to thighs and lower back, pangs in lowers region of abdomen, dull pain in abdomen area.
To get relieve from the pain associated with menstruation, practice the following remedies
Home remedies for menstrual cramps
Bamboo leaves
Bamboo leaves are trusted and prescribed to cure menstrual cramps. Consume leaves of bamboo regularly to regulate and promote menstrual flow. This is a very effective herbal remedy for menstrual cramps.
Lemon grass
Lemon grass is equally beneficial herbal remedy for menstruation pain. Prepare a tea of lemon grass and drink.
Hot Water Bottle
Place a bottle containing hot water on stomach. It will relieve the pain.
Kitchen Towel
Dip a towel in water and squeeze out the surplus liquid. Heat up the towel by placing it in a microwave for 1 minute. Now place the towel on your abdomen and pay attention. Heat should be tolerable.
Basil
Boil few leaves of basil in water and prepare a tea. For better results you should drink 1 cup basil tea after every hour during your menstrual cycle. Basil tea is very effective in dropping menstrual cramps and pain. You can also sprinkle little cinnamon powder on your tea for added taste. Moreover cinnamon powder gives a positive effect on your health. This is an excellent herbal remedy for menstrual cramps. If you find difficult to drink basil tea due to its taste, add basil leaves (fresh) in your food.
Ginger
Ginger is used in numerous ways to treat severe menstrual cramps. You can prepare a ginger tea and add lemon juice or honey to it for taste. Drink this tea at frequent intervals the whole day. It will not only help to ease the pain but will also aid in eliminating other uncomfortable symptoms associated with menstrual cycle. Also use lot of ginger in your dishes while cooking. Ginger is a very trusted and effective home remedy for menstrual cramps.
You can also suck on ginger candy.
Flax seed
Increased amount of prostaglandin in female body is the main factor of menstrual camps. Flax seed help in reducing prostaglandin thus minimizing menstrual cramps. It is generally advisable to take 1 to 2 tablespoon flaxseed during your menstrual cycle. You can also sprinkle grounded flax seed on your morning cereal, salad, smoothie or in yoghurt. This is a proven natural remedy for menstrual cramps.
Mint
Mint is greatly beneficial in reliving menstrual pain. Add wintergreen or peppermint to tea and drink 1 to 2 cups everyday during the cycle. You can also suck mint candy the whole day.
Parsley
Parsley has multi faceted benefits on menstruation. It increase menstruation, regulates period and parsley juice helps in treating painful cramps. Blend 75 milliliters parsley, cucumber, carrot and beet juices and drink. The combination of the juices will give you best results.
Magnesium
Magnesium also greatly aids in lessening menstrual cramps. You can take a supplement of magnesium before or during period.
Recommended Products
Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties which help to alleviate symptoms associated with menstrual cramping. You can add cinnamon to tea or sprinkle it on breakfast foods.
Nuts
Nuts are also high sources of Vitamin E, magnesium, calcium and many other nutrients that aids in reducing menstrual pain.
Diet for menstrual cramps
Have a healthy diet consisting of vegetables, whole grains and foods the whole month.
Drink at least six to eight glasses water per day. Water helps in reducing bloating which may worsen the situation and also helps in maintaining hormonal balance. You should avoid chocolate, coffee and any caffeinated beverages and foods. Caffeine aggravates cramping.
Also avoid consumption of beverages and foods high in refined sugars and sodium. These may increase bloating. It is vital to have foods that are made of whole grains during a menstrual cycle. However do not have food items that are marked ‘enriched’ as those foods are not helpful. Eat plenty of fiber as fiber helps in reducing constipation that may worsen cramps. Fiber if found in whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
Magnesium and calcium deficiencies commonly lead to menstrual cramps. If diary products increase your cramp you should take green leafy vegetable like kale, spinach, soy, legumes, beans and seaweeds like kombu and kelp as sources of calcium. Broccoli, fishes like halibut and salmon are rich sources of magnesium. Also include seeds in your diet such as sesame seeds, sunflower feeds and pumpkin seeds.
Exercise
Exercise is very beneficial in dropping menstrual pain. It helps to release endorphins into blood that reduce pain. Women have reported benefit from exercise during periods. Aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, jogging, or biking raises heart rate and are effective in easing menstrual cramps.
Stick to the diet and follow the remedies and you will definitely overcome menstrual cramps.
