Period pain? We feel ya

February 27, 2020

·

Written by Alice Chen

February 27, 2020

·

Written by Alice Chen

Here’s how to deal with period pain naturally – Edition 007

When Aunt Flo visits every month, she often brings with her the gift of unbearable period pain.

This includes but is not limited to intense menstrual cramps, blinding migraines, muscle aches, diarrhea, bloating, killer back pain, and more. These symptoms are no walk in the park, but sometimes they’re so bad that you’re left confined to your bed cocooned in a blanket burrito. Taking painkillers so frequently is not a great solution as it can lead to ulcers and other health problems long-term.

So if you’re not keen on popping pills every month and thinking of how to stop period pain naturally, we’re right there with you. We’ve rounded up a list of natural period pain remedies that’s been known to alleviate some of the agony that we go through every month.

Natural period pain remedies

Here are seven natural ways to deal with the dreaded period pain each month.

1. Warmth

Ever notice that when you have a stomach ache, it’s worse when you’re cold? Heat eases cramps because it increases blood flow to help relax muscles. Use a hot water bottle or heating pad on your abdomen, lower back, or anywhere you have aching muscles really. Alternatively, draw a hot bath for yourself to relaxes and contracts your whole body. For some extra relief, add Epsom salts to your bath. Their magnesium and anti-inflammatory properties will relax your muscles even further.

2. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is not as scary as it sounds: lots of thin needles strategically inserted in your skin. You barely feel the needles, and acupuncture is anti-inflammatory and can help relieve cramps by relaxing the nervous system and stimulating blood flow.

3. Massage

A massage for as little as 20 minutes with essential oils such as lavender or clary sage can help relieve menstrual cramps. We especially love the roller blend of essential oils from Blume. Massaging the abdomen can help relax your pelvic muscles and in turn, relieve cramping.

4. CBD oil

It seems like CBD is the cure for everything these days and cramps are no exception. CBD oil acts as a weak anti-inflammatory, similar to the effect of painkillers. Take a couple of drops of CBD oil during your time of the month.

5. Endorphins

Ahh, endorphins - nature’s natural pain relievers. While the last thing you probably want to do on your period is get sexy or sweaty, endorphins are known pain relievers and mood boosters. Have a romp in bed and go for a run or try a spin class.

6. Oxytocin

Often referred to as the “love” hormone, oxytocin is a natural hormone (the same one that’s released when women nurse). Studies have shown that an increase in oxytocin can help relieve aches, decrease cramps, and improve your mood. While you can ask your doctor to prescribe oxytocin, you also produce more oxytocin naturally through sex, cuddling, and or by simply spending quality time with those you are close to.

7. Healthy foods

Vegetables help to decrease inflammation.
Ginger boasts of anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce cramps.
Water helps flush out any toxins. You should drink at least 6-8 cups of water a day.
Vitamin E-rich foods such as almonds, spinach, olives or papaya help with breast soreness.
Omega 3-rich foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and soybeans relieve menstrual cramps by reducing inflammation.
Magnesium-rich foods like nuts, avocados, and dark chocolate help to reduce inflammation.

Fennel helps reduce cramps that are stimulated by prostaglandins.

Cinnamon has been known to reduce menstrual bleeding, pain, and nausea and vomiting
Hot water with lemon and herbal tea such as peppermint, chamomile, ginger, and mint have also been known to soothe and alleviate pain.