July 15, 2020 5 Natural Remedies to Relieve Menstrual Cramps
Time of the month got you down? When menstrual cramps strike, it’s easy to feel like your entire day has gone out the window. About 80% of women experience menstrual cramps at some point throughout their life. While some women experience mild symptoms, others experience ones that are more severe. Luckily, no matter how hard your cramps hit, there are a few things you can do to ease your pain and find a little bit of relief throughout your cycle. Keep these ideas handy for the next time you feel period pain is putting a dent in your day!
Using Heat
Many women find the act of putting a heating pad on their abdomen during menstrual cramps helps provide them with immediate relief. Whether you choose a Magic Bag compress that you heat in the microwave or another heat source of your choice, the act of heating up your stomach will help soothe your cramps and take your mind off the pain. Many of our customers have told us how they love having their Magic Bag nearby as pain relief for cramps. Simply pop your Magic Bag in the microwave, make a cup of hot tea, and lie down on the couch with a movie, and you’ll start feeling better in no time!
Exercise and Yoga
By engaging in aerobic exercises or yoga and stretching, you’ll help increase blood flow to the abdomen, easing some of the intense cramping. When you exercise, you also release endorphins, which help to reduce stress and give you back some much-needed good feelings.
Many restorative yoga poses, such as child’s pose, twists, and cat/cow’s, help to relieve tension and pain in both the lower back and the abdomen. By holding these poses for longer periods of time (3-5 minutes, in traditional Yin Yoga fashion) you can experience deep relaxation and muscle tension relief. You could even throw on a YouTube video with poses that are specifically geared towards helping with period pain.
Hydration + Proper Nutrition Are Key
Getting proper hydration throughout the day is essential for both preventing and relieving menstrual pain. Make sure to drink water in the days leading up to your period as well as during your cycle. If you’re someone who often forgets to drink, keep a water bottle beside you at all times as a visual reminder and remember to fill it up multiple times throughout the day. For an extra powerful shot of hydration, you can infuse your water with ginger or turmeric – two anti-inflammatory superfoods that will help relieve tension in your stomach. You can also reach for hydrating foods, such as watermelon and cucumber!
Give yourself a boost by eating a whole-foods diet complete with lots of fruits, leafy veggies and protein. Iron and magnesium rich foods such as lentils, tofu, quinoa,nuts and seeds, chicken and fish are all great options to support you during your time of the month (fish also contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which studies show reduce the intensity of period pain!).
Sip On Some Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is known for its soothing, relaxing effect, and is often used as a sleep-aid – but did you know it’s also a great home remedy for period pain? This is because certain compounds within chamomile (hippurate and glycine) help relieve muscle spasms and work to relax the uterus.
Chamomile tea makes a great alternative to coffee or caffeinated teas while you’re on your period. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it makes the muscles in your stomach further contract. This creates even more tightening in your abdomen, making your cramps that much WORSE than before! Seeing as coffee is a no-go, stick to Chamomile tea for your morning cuppa, or something like herbal peppermint or ginger tea will work wonders as well.
Take Magnesium
While perhaps you’ve been working to incorporate more magnesium-rich foods into your diet, you might want to make things a little easier on yourself by taking magnesium supplements. Magnesium works to relax your uterine muscles, providing you relief from the cramping. An added bonus? Magnesium works to combat stress and anxiety, which can also be heightened during PMS and while on your period. This mineral is a must-have in your toolbox to help cope during your period!
Menstrual cramps are never any fun, but luckily having these strategies handy can help you gain a bit of control the next time menstrual pain strikes. For best results, you could try a handful of strategies, or simply pick the one that suits your lifestyle best. By staying healthy and hydrated, engaging in regular yoga and exercises, getting adequate minerals and keeping a soothing Magic Bag nearby, you’ll be able to make your period just a little bit easier.
