PMS has a bad reputation with very good reason. Painful cramps, mood swings, depression, fluid retention, bloating, breast tenderness, cravings, headaches, back pain – We all know, it’s definitely NO fun!
Thankfully, there are some simple and natural tips that can relieve symptoms of PMS or even prevent pain.
We show you the best home remedies for menstrual cramps.
#1 Heat is your best friend
Heat helps to relax the contracting muscles in the uterus. Applying a hot water bag on the lower abdomen is the easiest way to control menstrual cramps. A warm bath is another effective form of heat treatment used to reduce the pain.
(Add a cup of Epsom salt. It is high in magnesium, which is important for your muscles – and muscular contraction of the uterus is what causes cramping during menstruation.)
#2 Stay away from caffeine and dairy products
Try to avoid caffeine and milk as much as possible. Having too much of them can make your cramps worse. Avoid foods and drinks that contain caffeine or cow milk during your period. (even one cup of coffee can increase pain by 30 percent.)
#3 Chasteberry
In modern medicine, chasteberry is the most commonly recommended herb in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome. Also known as the “woman’s herb“, chasteberry affects many hormones that regulate women’s reproductive cycles. It is even approved as a drug in Germany for these purposes.
#4 Iron
Poor nutrition can lead to deficiencies which will worsen menstruation symptoms. Include essential vitamins and nutrients in your diet to rid cramps. Take an iron supplement if excessive bleeding occurs (especially if you are vegetarian as well).
#5 Potassium & Magnesium
Both can act as a muscle relaxer for the uterus and can prevent spasms and cramping. Eat foods that are high in potassium and magnesium like bananas, leafy greens, such as spinach or kale and fish, like salmon, halibut, and tuna.
#6 Ginger, Fennel or Basil
Ginger is a wonder herb that can effectively ease menstrual cramps and the antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties of fennel and basil can help relax the muscles in the uterus. Try fennel tea, add fresh basil to your diet or put a small piece of ginger into a cup of boiling water and drink this tea three times a day during your menstrual cycle.
#7 Take a daily fish-oil supplement
Omega-3 fatty acids could help you reduce pain caused by menstrual cramping. One study found that women who took daily fish oil supplements had less pain associated with cramping than women who simply took a placebo.
#8 Vitamin D
This Vitamin is helpful in reducing inflammation that builds up during the menstrual cycle. Reducing the inflammation will reduce pain in the back and joints.
#9 Do yoga poses
Choose poses that promote relaxation and the stretching of your abdominal muscles. Breathe deeply while you maintain your yoga poses to help you relax your uterine muscles.
#10 Exercise
It may be the last thing you want to do, but exercising helps ease the pain during and after. In addition, studies show that women who perform regular exercise have less menstrual pain. Even if it’s just 30 minutes of walking fives times a week, moderate exercise is better than no exercise at all.
#11 Essential oils
A little lavender oil can make a lot of difference to your mental state and calm you down. You can also try clary sage oil, it is fantastic to massage into your stomach to relieve menstrual cramps.
Wherever you are in the world, have a lovely day ❤
I love heat bags for cramps and some fennel tea. Thanks for sharing x
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You are most welcome ❤
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Avoid caffeine!? Dairy! Wow! Good to know. Huge coffee drinker and cheese lover here and going to test this out. Thanks
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Its crazy wheat these things do to our insides – It’s good to watch documentaries on these ❤
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i love essential oils. i never tried clary sage though. i dont get periods any more, but i might still try that and the fennel tea too. xox
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Sage is GREAT! & lavender ❤
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Good tips thanks! I didnt know coffee and milk Made it worse. I drink coffe and milk alot so i will avoid it next time and see if it helps a bit. Because the pain is from hell for me
Thanks again ❤️🌹
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You are most welcome ❤
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I’m definitely going to be trying out some of these. I get the absolute worst pains, but nothing seems to help. Had no idea about caffeine! Very useful, thank you!
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I am so happy this was helpful for you ❤
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I needed this this week! I always get super thirsty and exhausted. Working out definitely takes a back seat. I’ll try to push through this week! Thanks for the advice. =)
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I am so happy to hear this came when you needed it ❤
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Very helpful, thank you. 🤗
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You are most welcome ❤
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such a cruel misery… an unavoidable reminder of the consequences of our actions affecting so many others. Reproduction and therefore the woman’s body ovulating was originally meant to be pain free, but one selfish act changed all that. Praise the Lord for His mercy and grace in medicines, herbs, and aides in reliving pain and allowing comfort. It’s just like His great love.
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❤
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Thanks for the info!! ❤️❤️❤️
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You are most welcome ❤
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Thank you for re-blogging ❤
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Reblogging to Success Inspirers World ☺
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Thank you for re-blogging my work ❤
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Totally agree! I love yoga but exercise is such a chore when I’m on my period, just want to lie in bed with a hot water bottle and watch Netflix for the entire week!
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Haha, I feel ya! It is most def tempting BUT.. we have to keep the body moving ❤
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