Menstrual cramp remedies: Stop the pain naturally!
2012
Hello, ladies. I’m back talking about our “Aunt Flow.” Again. Lately, I’ve received some comments and emails asking me how to deal with menstrual camps and heavy bleeding. It’s kind of a huge discussion, so I hope I can contain the essence here and provide something useful for at least someone. So without further ado… menstrual cramp remedies in 3, 2, 1…
What are menstrual cramps? Why do they happen?
Menstrual cramps are caused by contractions in the uterus. During each menstrual period, if there is no sperm to fertilize the egg, the uterus contracts to expel its lining. This process is driven by the release of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins.
These uterine contractions cause much of the pain felt during menstrual cramps because the contractions inhibit blood flow to the lining of the uterus. If the uterus contracts too strongly, it can press against nearby blood vessels, cutting off the supply of oxygen to the muscle tissue of the uterus. Pain results when part of a muscle briefly loses its supply of oxygen. (1, 2)
Conventional menstrual cramp remedies
Pain Medication
Do a quick search for “menstrual cramp remedies” and you’ll find lots of articles telling you to take ibuprofen at the first sign of menstrual woes. I personally try to avoid ibuprofen and most over-the-counter pain relief medications. They should be a last resort to dealing with pain, and preferably not a monthly addition to your diet.
Why? Well, without going into too much detail, ibuprofen can cause bad side effects in your digestive system, nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Um… that’s a lot of systems! (And pretty essential ones at that.) Learn more here.
Hormonal Birth Control
Another common suggestion to dealing with intense menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding is to take birth control pills. This makes sense on some level since the latest research suggests that cramps and other menstrual issues start with hormonal imbalances. However, birth control pills are synthetic hormones that override the normal hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian hormonal axis to prevent ovulation. In other words: very unnatural.
If you take a look at the list of side effects that comes with each package of pills you may feel “less safe” taking them. I know from personal experience that birth control pills were not doing my body good. I had some bad reactions that scared me off for good. But even without immediate reactions, long term use leaves individuals wide open for potentially major problems including infertility, cancer, stroke, blood clots, etc. (3)
The belief that birth control pills are safe comes from more than 40 years of continuous brainwashing by the pharmaceutical industry to both physicians and the public. We are victims of misinformation and dangerous practices. – Erika Schwartz, MD
This is why I try and avoid “conventional” approaches to remedy menstrual cramps. They may take away the pain, but at what cost? I understand that those who suffer from intense menstrual cramps are desperate for relief. But please consider the long term affects before sipping down another pill.
Natural menstrual cramp remedies
On the “much safer” spectrum of common menstrual cramp remedies are things that ultimately help bring oxygen to the muscles. This is good since cramp pain is due to intense contractions that temporarily cut off oxygen to the surrounding muscles.
The most common natural remedies include:
- Exercising
- Heating pad (relaxes the muscles which bring oxygen to them)
- Acupuncture
- Abdominal massage
- Warm baths
- Yoga
- Adequate sleep
These are definitely great things to try if you are in the middle of a painful cycle. They are true “all natural” menstrual cramp remedies. My kind of stuff.
But wouldn’t you like to STOP your menstrual cramps so you don’t need to worry about remedies?
I thought so.
Look for more than a remedy: Stop menstrual cramps for good!
Let’s get to the root of the problem. Most menstrual disorders (cramping, heavy bleeding, etc.) are caused by imbalanced hormones.* Imbalanced hormones are partially caused by nutritional deficiencies. They are also caused by environmental toxins and stress. So while every person is different, taking a serious look at food, digestion, and the environment can provide some real solutions. Let’s briefly look at each of these:
Traditional diet for menstrual cramp relief
When you think about the standard American diet, it’s easy to see why cramps are such a common issue theses days. Menstrual cramps affect more than 50% of women, and among these, up to 15% would describe their menstrual cramps as severe? (4)
During my teens and early twenties I had plenty of months where I was toppled over in pain because of cramps. On these days I was only able to really function if I took some ibuprofen.
Once I began implementing whole, organic, nutrient-dense real foods into my diet, however, I noticed my cramps went away. It’s been at least three years since I’ve had a period with cramps. My periods are also lighter and I have less PMS symptoms.
Let your food be your medicine, and let your medicine be your food.
-Hippocrates
Taking the commitment to eat real food is a gradual, long process for most. It is not easy, but it is very simple. When we get our body back to its natural state through real nutrition it functions a whole lot better.
I eat a whole foods diet and STILL get cramps? What’s the deal?
If you still suffer from menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding despite eating a real foods diet chances are that you may have some digestive issues going on.
Odds are pretty great that you will be surprised to learn, in nearly every case of menstrual cramps, it all goes back to digestion… When I talk about digestion, I’m talking about people’s ability to properly break down the food they are eating. – T.C. Hale
If you have food allergies and/or leaky gut, you may have more complex hormonal problems. Your body has to be able to use the food you eat. I have heard of people eliminating cramps by doing GAPS or other temporary healing diets.
Specific foods to consider
The following is not a complete list. It’s simply some suggestions of foods that may be used to help bring balance to your body. Remember, if your body has been dealing with poor diet for many years it will take some time to heal. In my experience you will notice improvement fairly quickly, but full recovery can take years.
Along with a real foods diet, consider including the following:
- Maca Root: Maca is a cruciferous root found growing in the high regions of Peru and has been cultivated for about two thousand years. It has been traditionally and is currently used as a food. The Peruvians believe it gives strength and endurance, enhances ones fertility, and supports pregnancies and menstruation. (Learn more)
- Magnesium and Calcium: These two minerals reduce muscle soreness. Although it can take time for you to see a noticeable effect. Research also suggest that getting 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day can help lessen many menstrual symptoms. Raw milk is a great source of minerals (and also useful in helping your body absorb minerals, too.) (Where to find quality supplements) (5)
- Fatty fish: Fish that contain Omega 3 fatty acids not only help a woman’s heart health it also contains an anti-inflammatory effect that can help with cramps as well as bloating. (6) Also be sure to include Cod Liver Oil: It has the benefits of Omega 3′s AND vitamin D which is essential for mineral absorption. (Where to buy quality FCLO)
- Plenty of good fats: Aim for 30 – 50% of your diet, including butter, cream, coconut oil, and whole milk. (where to find quality fats)
Foods to avoid:
- Phytoestrogens likes soy
- Caffeine
- Processed foods
Other environmental factors
While I believe food is the biggest culprit to menstrual issues, other environmental factors can definitely add to the problem.
You may find relief from eliminating the following:
- Stress (as much as possible. Don’t stress about eliminating stress, okay?)
- Toxic cosmetics or cleaning products (Not sure where to start? Check this out.)
- Plastics, canned food (most cans are lined with BPA), etc.
- Toxic tampons and pads
And consider doing the following:
- Sleep in darkness
- Earthing (Both sleeping in darkness and Earthing can help decrease stress and inflammation and lower cortisol levels.)
- Get some sunshine (The sun is important for vitamin D which is critical in helping your body absorb minerals… a crucial menstrual cramp remedy).
- Get your body moving!
Remember, the goal is to get your body (and your hormones) back to a balanced state. Despite the fact that many assume cramps are just part of life, our bodies are designed to function without pain. Pain is always an indication that something needs attention.
*While I do believe that the majority of women struggling with cramps and heavy bleeding are due to hormonal imbalances triggered by poor nutrition or environmental factors, everyone is different. In some instances a “tipped” uterus or other biological abnormalities can be the result. It’s always wise to seek advise from your healthcare professional.
What are your favorite “go to” menstrual cramp remedies?
References:
1. http://women.webmd.com/menstrual-cramps
2. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157333.php
3. http://www.nowpublic.com/the_case_against_birth_control_pills#ixzz27c5xfAO2
4. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157333.php
5. http://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Menstrual-Cramps
6. http://jenubouka.hubpages.com/hub/Foods-That-Help-Ease-Menstrual-Cramps
This post is part of Monday Mania, Sweet Sharing Monday, Scratch Cookin’ Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, Clever Chicks, Natural Living Monday, Whole Foods Wednesday, Wednesday Fresh Foods, Healthy 2Day Wednesday, Living Green Tuesday, Real Food Wednesday, Frugal Days Sustainable Ways, Simple Lives Thursday, Freaky Friday, Fill Those Jars Friday, The Mommy Club, Creative Juice Thursday, Small Footprint Friday, Simply Natural Saturdays, Fight Back Friday, and Sunday School.
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I have also heard that evening primrose oil is good for cramps. I’m sure that our diet has something to do with cramps and PMS symptoms. I remember reading a study a long time ago that noted how women of traditional cultures did not experience these intense hormonal fluctuations, moodiness, pms, etc; while these things are all considered normal in our culture.
Oh yes! I’ve heard that about primrose oil, too. Thanks for the reminder!
Yes, I think there are a lot of things we take as “part of life” that really are pretty new to the human experience. It’s not surprising when you consider how much our food and environment have changed in the past 100 or so years.
Evening Primrose Oil works because it contains the Omega 6 fatty acid GLA. This is a good Omega 6! And we most often don’t get enough of it in our diets so supplementation is a good thing.
It plays an important role in synthesising hormones, so definately useful in fertility & menstrual cycle problems.
But, since it’s an Omega 6, even a good one, it does count in the Omega 3 / 6 balance ratio.
So you do have to ‘top’ it with Omega 3, preferably in a supplement that combines the two or taken together. So taking your EPO together with GreenPastures’ Royal Therapeutics for instance, will provide you with a wide range of good fatty acids and should most likely provide you with at least some relief (unless the problem is somewhere else entirely).
Kind regards
Nienke
Greenlady consultancy (herbalism, food & health)
Wow, Nienke! Thanks for this. Clearly you know your stuff. Very, very helpful.
Oh this is so right on time for me…fighting the Advil urge as I’m reading this.
Hope it helps! Good luck!
I removed grains & legumes from my diet and increased my (healthy) fat intake in order to combat some thyroid problems I was having. I couldn’t believe that my cramps & PMS (as well as my astigmatism) disappeared as well! Heartily recommend a whole foods diet for anyone battling debilitating menstrual cramps
Awesome, Erin! It’s true… for many people they may find much improved health from removing grains & legumes (even temporarily to heal the gut). Real food is so amazing. Thanks for stopping by!
I just started a higher fat lower carb diet this month it is defiantly a struggle for me my cycle has been so much better this month it is still pretty uncomfortable but I have a copper IUD in so maybe I can’t expect perfection with a foreign object in my uterus
Give it a couple of months. It takes some time. Good luck!
Abdomen massage:
I have always had terrible cramps since my very first period and its really hard to stop the pain even with ibuprofen or naproxen, the dr started recommending taking it the day before but my period is not clockwork.
One time when I was about 25, I was crawling on the floor with pain again and my mom who has always suffered for me got in bed with me. And started strongly massaging my belly, slowly I felt more relaxed and fell asleep waking up so rested and with no pain.
When I saw her the next morning she told me the opposite. Even though she didn’t have her period she said she had a terrible night sleep with lots of menstrual and back pain. She never really suffered menstrual cramps during her periods.
Since then I try to relax and massage my belly or I ask my husband since he can do it a little stronger. Up until a few years back that I changed my diet to a whole foods, healthy fats, no grains diet that I no longer suffer any cramps but like you say that takes some time to take effect.
Great article, thanks!!
Great, tip! I love a good massage, and I can only imagine an abdomen massage would be great for this. Thanks, Liliana!
Definitely planning on revisiting this post as I continue to figure out what foods work best with my body. Thanks
Thanks, Danielle!
Thank you for linking up at the Clever Chicks Blog Hop. This is wonderfully thorough coverage of an important topic, well done!
Regarding the vitamin D, i was attending a conference this past weekend where Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton satisfy that we only need15 minutes in the sun to get our daily dose of Vit. D so let’s not overdo it. Remember to wear your sunscreen in all other cases.
It’s true… but depending on your location it it might not be enough. Also, I am wary of most sunscreens. If you do wear it, make sure to choose the safest one possible. Or check out this post for other alternatives to protect you from the sun: http://thankyourbody.com/sunscreen-i-never-thought/
Thanks for stopping by!
I used to suffer so badly from cramps, moods and feeling so ill. I used to have such heavy bleeding for a whole week. After I started a whole foods vegan diet getting lots of green smoothies and raw food in my diet I have no symptoms whatsoever of a period. I don’t get any signs my period is on it’s way and forget I’ve got it apart from very light bleeding for a couple of days. This has made a massive impact on my life. Thank you for highlighting this.
That’s great, Katherine! I’m so happy you found a diet that works for you.
This has been my experience as well. A remarkable transformation.
Awesome!
I just started drinking Red Raspberry Leaf Tea. The first cycle I took it, I didn’t start drinking it till after I already had cramps, it helped some, but I was still hurting pretty bad. This last time, I started drinking it at day 28 (I’m also somewhat irregular, so I never know when I’m going to start as in the last year I’ve had as short as 29 days and as long as 42). This was also the first cycle that I used a menstrual cup. Not sure if its credited to the tea or the cup, but my usually severe cramps were only a mild discomfort, and I only bled for 6 days instead of 8.
I drank red raspberry leaf tea while pregnant and postpartum. I noticed it helped my recovery after pregnancy a lot. It makes sense that it would help with cramps, too. Thanks!
I have had severe PMS and cramping every month since my first cycle. I went gluten free a couple of years ago, did some cleansing/detox, and made other changes to help with some other issues. About a year ago, I noticed that I no longer had PMS, heavy flow or cramps (at age 41)! I couldn’t believe it. I had cramps for one cycle but that was a time of a lot of stress. I now try to manage my stress better too and haven’t had any problems.
Awesome, Janice! I also notice that when I *do* have any slight menstrual “issues” that I can now trace it back to stress. This is why I still love to do yoga as much as possible as it is my #1 stress reducer.
This was a very interesting article. I was in a really bad car wreck (I got hit in the drivers side door by someone going 80+ mph while I was nearly stopped) and ever since then I’ve exerperienced terrible cramps. I never had them before that. I have found that using an ab lounge while on my period helps my cramps not be near as bad, I just didnt know why that was until now!
I am stopping over from the blog hop at Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways and am now following via emial!
Helen
Blue Eyed Beauty Blog
Have you looked into any sort of chiropractic work? There’s a chance that a misalignment could be cutting off oxygen to part of your body which would result in cramps. Even slight imbalances can affect the nervous system and trigger a pain response. I’d definitely get it checked out. I was in a car accident once… nothing big at all as I was barely side hit by someone who ran a red light. Thought I was fine. 6 months later I couldn’t move my head… I had a bulged disc that needed attention. All better now, but it’s amazing how our body responds to forced impacts, even months or years after the fact.
Good luck!
I stopped eating grains a couple weeks ago and it didn’t even occur to me until I read this that I didn’t have any cramps last time around.
I’m cautious about your statement that Maca is safe for pregnancy, everything I have read about it says that it might not be safe because it can cause uterine contractions.
I found your link on Fresh Foods Wednesday.
Good point, Lyza. As I mentioned, it’s been believed by Peruvians to be beneficial to pregnancy for a long time. I don’t necessarily recommend it for pregnancy (I think that’s something to be discussed with your healthcare provider), but I do know women who have seen improvement to menstrual cramps who have included maca as part of their real foods diet. But, as with any “super” food or food taken as a supplement, you should definitely do your own research and talk to your healthcare provider.
Thanks for stopping by!
WWhat are whole diet or food? If few examples can be given.Can i get MACA in Beijing China? Thanks
Not sure if it’s available in China or not.
Just found your site from momnivore. & I love it. I’ll be back for sure. So good to find natural resources and tips!
Laura
Thanks, Laura!
one exercise that helps when i have cramps is to get in the fetal position, but on my knees. Like kneel, then put your bottom down on your feet,then lay forward until your head is on the floor. Then take one leg back and stretch it back behind you. stay in this position for a few minutes then bring that leg back under you, then put the other leg out straight behind you. it really does work to stretch out those muscles down there and help them relax.
Great tip, Karen! Thanks!
You are very right about diet. We started WAPF intro but still eating some nasty stuff esp eating out. Then we watched Food, Inc & eating out…not so much. Got more into the Nourishing Traditions & added Rosemary Gladstar’s womb tea (+ chaste tree berry added) 3 weeks of the month (not drinking when I start, then for a week) cramps & flow a lot lighter & more tolerable. This is coming from a person where 800mg ibprofen + tylenol 3 + valuim barely did anything the 1st 24 hours were a living hell. That was going on 4 years ago & haven’t looked back, but to warn people in simular situations about its all in the diet!
Love it! Thanks for sharing.
I will try maca root since it is recommended here, and plan on ordering some soon, but it would be heaven sent if it helped…
I do Yoga, I use a heating pad, I eat natural, no caffeine, except a teeny bit in my Jasmine green tea, I drink raw milk, use pastured eggs, coconut oil, etc. Barely any processed foods, maybe a couple times a month.
I drink raw milk kefir every day and have a great digestive system.
And I get horrifying cramps, not only during menstruation, but during ovulation as well. I am talking throwing up, curling in a ball, etc.
I would LOVE to have a natural way to get rid of these cramps, as it is debilitating.
Unfortunately I don’t think it is possible without a hysterectomy. So I reach for either motrin or aleve for a couple days each month. I hate that I do that, but I am in so much pain.
There is scar tissue in my abdominal cavity (I am not overweight at all, so there aren’t layers of subcutaneous fat in between my organs). I had an appendectomy and the surgeon apparently dropped STAPLES in my abdominal cavity. When my OBGYN went in for exploratory surgery to see if I had endometriosis, he saw some staples EMBEDDED IN MY OVARIES! others were floating around against my uterus. he also saw a LOT of scar tissue, that he broke up the best he could, but is probably there again, and so I think that is my problem… scar tissue.
Any little movement (even some bowel movements) will cause a ton of cramping as food moves through my intestines (if I don’t drink enough water for sure). When my uterus contracts to relief itself of the lining, oh boy, it hurts like the dickens.
So, I do not believe there is a natural cure for my menstrual cramps. I wish!
Oh, Rebecca! I’m so sorry. That sounds awful.
You are right, sometimes there is nothing we can do and that’s when I’m grateful for modern medicine. It definitely has its place. My mom had a tipped uterus that would give her major issues each cycle. There wasn’t much she could do about it. She eventually went the hysterectomy route… not fun, but made things so much better for her in the long run. Sadly, that’s the reality of life sometimes. That’s why I think it’s important to know our options, but not feel bad if we have to choose a “less natural” approach. Even though I think, in generally, people don’t realize the power behind more natural, basic approaches to health, I certainly believe that modern medicine has it’s place. Grateful that we have it when we need it.
Good luck!
I use to get terrible cramps! The first few days of each cycle were awful & I would end up sleeping in hot baths to ease the pain at night… not the safest thing
Since eating more traditionally they have gotten better but only recently have then completely gone away. Since I started using cloth pads & a menstruation cup I have had any! I also just started the GAPS diet to heal food allergies so I hope they stay away for good.
*** haven’t had any*** is what that should have said
This is great, Nichole! Thanks for sharing.
You can also get under chiropractic care for cramps!
Would love for you to link up to Healthy 2day Wednesdasy with all you healthy posts every week from Tues 11pm EST to Saturday Evening!
Yes, a good chiropractor can do wonders!
Thanks for sharing with Natural Living Monday!
Great post! I totally second the magnesium and and calcium – it always works so well for me. I guess I must be a bit deficient.
Also – what an awesome blog. I found it via Pistachio Project’s Natural Living Saturdays. Definitely going to start following.
Thanks, B. You are kind.
i have the same issues with the birth control pill.. not to mention the classist and racist conditions during its invention. It’s also been instrumental in medicalizing the “normal” monthly cycle and pathologizing women who don’t fit into the medical community’s very narrow definition of CONTROLLED and healthy menstruation.
love this post
thank you for sharing your post with us at the Wednesday Fresh Foods Link Up! I hope we’ll see you again this week with more amazing seasonal & real food posts. xo, kristy.
Thanks, Kristy. So true about the birth control pills. Thanks for commenting!
When I read the book “Sugar Blues” by William Duffy, he had a few pages about women who eliminated sugar from their diets and therefore eliminated all cramps from menstration. I’ve been off of processed sugar (the white stuff) for a year and try to only occasionally use maple syrup and honey. I’ve really found a difference with that. Sugar Elimination paired with a healthy, whole foods, Nourishing Traditions diet has really helped me! Thanks for the great article.
-Meghan
That’s awesome, Meghan. Thanks for sharing.
When I started drinking one green juice a day all my menstrual cramps, headaches, and back pain went away
Awesome, Sofi!
Hello ladies,
Want to be cramp-free? We made a video specially for you that reveals 5 simple secrets to help you beat your cramps naturally for good!
Check it out and share the loving! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L9RSQP65BI
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Thanks for the link!
As a woman with severe menstrual cramps, I was excited to read this post. I eat a real foods diet, exercise daily, and still have problems.
I am wondering if you have an alternative to the 30-50% “good fats” you proposed consuming, since I am highly lactose intolerant. Considering how much of these good fats you suggest consuming, I’m not surprised I still cramp so severely, but I would be much worse off if I did eat all those delicious milk products!
Coconut oil, tallow (beef fat), lard (non-hydrogenated), and palm oil (from responsibly sourced farms) are great options for non-dairy fat. I’d also consider getting your hormones checked… make sure your vitamin D levels are good, too.
Good luck, Annie!
My niece had severe monthly pain and these are the things she takes that have got rid of her pain
a) ISAFLUSH b) ISAOMEGA Supreme c) ISACALCIUM and the
d) AGELESS JOINT SUPPORT
She is now pain free. Check out 360bodybeauty.com for natural products that helps these problems.
Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day.
It’s always interesting to read through content from other authors and practice a little something from other sites.
boil a tsp of cumin seeds in one cup water and a pinch of asafoetida reduse to half … drink hot frequently it wil reduce cramps
Awesome tip! Thanks!
I am suffering from very severe cramps since the age of 13, now 1 am 20, and still having the same problem. I have even missed my school exams due to this, would it be helpful following a proper diet, i dont want it to affect my regular routine anymore.
Hi diya,
Sorry to hear about your menstrual woes. It can be so hard. I think a nourishing diet will help a lot. I’d also look into a menstrual cup as they tend to help with cramping, too. http://thankyourbody.com/greener-period-menstrual-cup/
Good luck!!!
my changed diet helped a little with the pain, but from now on i am facing a different problem.
i generally used to get periods before two days as the last month date, but now i am having nausea and feeling as if periods will come but it’s not coming, which is more painful. since two or more days i have noticed that i have discharged 1 or 2 drops of blood, but menstrual cycle has not started yet, i am very much tensed regarding this.
Oh man, I’m sorry. I wish I had some insight as to what may be going on, but there are so many factors that could be affecting this. I’d seek out a homeopathic doctor or someone else who really deals with “root issues” to help guide you. Good luck!
thank you so much…:)
my daughter just started her period 2 months ago..first month was no problem, no pain, 5 days but last month she had really bad menstrual cramps, vomiting and diarreah and her period lasted almost a week. we dont eat processed food 95% of the time iam hoping and praying that this month it wont be as bad. will do of your tips but was wondering about giving her maca,if she is not too young for it? thanks…she is only 11!! =(
Oh poor girl, and poor mom. Check out some of these tips from my facebook readers: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=527106894008153&set=a.360158677369643.103005.127292550656258&type=1&ref=notif¬if_t=like&theater
I am 29 years old and have been getting painful periods since I was 13. I experience severe pain in my lower abdomen and lower back, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and have almost fainted a few times. Last year, I had to visit the emergency room 3 times. I’ve tried Premenstrual Tension from BrainSync Technology and I saw that if I listen to this for about 3-4 days before the strike I am more present more able to handle myself… and this helped immensely. Give it a try http://www.brainsynctechnology.com/shop/premenstrual-tension/ This has helped a lot.
Thank your for the tip.
thank you!
One thing my mother and I do is drink ginger mix with warm water. I put about one tbs in about a cup of warm water and it helps me with those cramps that makes self nauseaed. Ginger is like 4bucks at walmart and it beats putting med in the body to relieve the pain.
Great tip!
Lovely!!
hate period pains makes my back pain really bad! #sigh so unfair.. Great tips though:)
I know. They can be so bothersome and then some. Good luck!
Nourishing womb (pregnancy) tea with extra red raspberry leaf.
Yes, I’ve heard great thing about red raspberry leaf for cramps. Thanks!
I can’t say enough great things about menstrual cups and the reduction in cramping! I don’t know why any woman would use a tampon or pad instead of a menstrual cup – I wish I knew about them when I was much younger. They have greatly lessened my cramping, sometimes to the point that I forget I have my period. Also since mine has never leaked, I don’t have to wear pads at all.
I know! People find it so strange, but they aren’t any stranger than tampons… and so much nicer for so many reasons.
Hello, I have endometriosis and I take the contraceptive Yaz prescribed by my doctor. Do you have any suggestions for more natural control of the problem? Thank you.
Endrometriosis is just something I’m starting to learn more about. Hopefully I can write a post about it in the future, but it may be a while before I feel prepared to put anything out there. I’m sure there’s something, I just don’t know what yet. Good luck!
Thanks for the tips. I had never ever experienced menstrual cramps until the last months which has made me concerned. My periods have always been totally pain free until I suddenly had a sudden onset of cramping during my last few menstrual cycles. It was so bad I almost fainted and had to take ibuprofen. I don’t know what has happened! Ive been trying to work out what has suddenly mucked up my hormones. I have just moved abroad and I have had to use normal toxic menstrual pads which I am thinking might have added to this all. I also don’t have access to grass fed meat and bone broth which I consumed all the time which has been a big change diet wise.
Oh no! I’m so sorry. Have you been stressed since moving? Moving is so stressful and I would imagine it’s even worse moving abroad. Try some meditation or yoga, make sure you get plenty of sleep, and hopefully it will work itself out once things settle a bit. Good luck!
I had bad cramps and PMS most of my life. I am now 43, the age where everything should be getting worse, but I feel the better than I ever have. My symptoms have almost disappeared after switching to a traditional diet. I also find that cramps and PMS and less of a problem when period comes shortly after I have been fighting a cold and I have been taking high doses of fish oil, probiotic foods and drinking broth. I also try to be more diligent about avoiding sugar when I have a cold, so that might help too.
I also take ballet and my teacher has told us that certain moves you do often in ballet relieve cramps.
Awesome! Love to hear how food has helped people. Thank you!
boil fresh ginger root and add in 40-60 drops of cramp bark tincture. this combo is powerful at relieving cramps.
also, for digestive problems with cramping ::
* blend 1-2 fresh, organic apples with a bit a water until they have the consistency of applesauce.
* mix some kudzu root in cold water until it dissolves.
* Heat the applesauce on the stove and add the kudzu.
* Stir until it becomes thick.
apple-kudzu is one of the most soothing foods for the digestive system, it is helpful when there is nausea & vomiting with cramping. i suggest researching the digestive virtues of kudzu root.
also try probiotics, fermented foods such as raw sauerkraut and digestive enzymes. ocean-farmed, undyed salmon or wild salmon is great, especially when its raw fats are intact. chia seeds, organic raspberries & raspberry leaf tea.
when food is poorly digested & assimilated or there is lots of dampness in the spleen, bloating, etc. my friend Rehmannia’s Taoist herbal product called “shapeshifter” does wonders. its described as a weight loss product on the site, but it also really helps with digestive heat & being able to transform/assimilate the food you eat. http://www.shamanshackherbs.com/shop/shapeshifter/
ume plum tea for alkalinity and pain relief.
noni powder for pain relief.
sea buckthorn juice for omega 7 and soothing the digestive tract.
ayurvedic remedy called shatavari for hormone balance.
don’t eat or drink cold things around your cycle.
drink plenty of SPRING water. none of that “brita” filtered tap.
raw calcium from derived seaweed is very easy to assimilate. I take one called kelzyme which is unprocessed, fossilized kelp.
magnesium oil rubbed into the belly and bottoms of the feet is helpful too.
blessings to all.
raw calcium *derived from* seaweed ^_^
I am suffering from this menstural pain from many years. I had ovarian cyst operation 4 years ago by laprotomy. Than I was under hormonal therapy with the pills for 10 months. I thought that after operation all will be ok but this pain is increasing every month. Dose of painkiller gives relief for 1 hour or few that too after 2 hr of taking the painkillers. This pain is effecting my personal and professional life. I require to take leave from work and stay back at home basically on the 2nd day of mensturation. I heard that walking is a solution I even started with morning walk but still the pain is same. Doctor says there isnt any permanent solution, probably after marriage or having baby will give some relief. Please help me with this problem.
I’m so sorry. That’s a tough thing to deal with each month.
What is your diet like? That could be a huge factor in all of this… are you still on the pill? That could be another factor. I’ve also heard of some people getting relief from switching to a menstrual cup.
Thank you!!!!!! I am young and have only gotten my period a few months ago. Today I’ve been waaaay tired and stressed, and getting cramps today after school… did not help!!!
And now I know what to do, so thank you! I feel much more in control:)
Aw, so glad!
2 or 3 days before periods warm dried dates in milk
and drink it, one glass everyday. if u have severe period cramps drink the milk with dried dates during ur periods and take pain killer on the first day of ur periods.
believe me this won’t cause u pain at all
Cool! Thanks for sharing.