Herbal Home Remedies for Period Pain and Menstrual Cramps

Scared to have painkillers during menstruation, try these effective herbal home remedies for period pain. 

But first, a little intro.

Entering your teenage, and all that hormonal happenings in the body can be exciting but irritating at the same time. Especially the fear of having your periods and menstrual cramps. I still remember those gut-wrenching days and nights during my first periods. 

Even after all these years, I can’t get over it,  and I am sure none of the girls or women can do this. Every girl feels scared looking at the calendar, every month when their hormonal clock is ticking. Those hard days are not only full of discomfort and pain but emotional imbalances that a girl experiences throughout those three to seven days of period. 

But thankfully there are many herbal remedies for period pain that can be easily accessible and help to relieve and ameliorate the excruciating pain and discomfort. 

Nature of Period Pains and Menstrual Cramps

Who doesn’t want to get rid of or at least reduce period pain that comes once every month during menstrual cycle? 

But it’s inevitable.

However with some herbal remedies for menstrual cramps they can be relieved. And most women should have thought about the reason behind the torturing pain, so before we scrabble into the herbal remedies, let’s clarify and understand the underlying causes of menstrual cramps.

Prostaglandins are the reason which trigger pain and inflammation during menstruation.

Now what’s that?

During menstruations, the muscles of your womb are at work by contracting and relaxing to help shed the built up lining of the uterus.

These contractions reduce the blood flow to the uterus and lead to the release of chemicals which are called prostaglandins.

The intensity of the pain during periods varies from person to person, and factors such as genetics, lifestyle and overall health.

Now let’s talk about some of the herbal home remedies for period pain and menstrual cramps that you can use easily at home which can help alleviate the intensity of pain during periods naturally.

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1. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is commonly used in our kitchens and has long been valued due its multiple benefits. One of its known benefits is its ability to reduce inflammation or swelling, which can help to reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps. [1]

Just brew some ginger tea for yourself by steeping fresh ginger slices in hot water. Some honey or lemon can help you to enhance the flavor. Just by having ginger tea or by simply chewing some ginger a few times a day during your period may help alleviate pain. 

Read our Post on Potential Health Benefits of Ginger Tea as an Ayurvedic Home Remedy

2. Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla)

By having Chamomile tea during your period, it can help to reduce menstrual pain, as Chamomile has calming effects and helps to relax the muscles of the uterus and soothes the nerves.  [2]

3. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

An Indian spice used most of the time in meals, is also used as an herb due to its various health benefits. It has warming properties that helps to improve the circulation and reduce pain during the menstruation cycle. Just a pinch of cinnamon powder in your tea, coffee or meals will not only add a lot of flavor but also provide relief from the discomfort and cramps.

Read our Post on Health Benefits of Cinnamon for more details

4. Lavender (Lavandula spp)

More than pain, the stress of having menstrual cramps or irritation and frustration during the period creates discomfort. Hence using Lavender essential oil in a warm bath and in aromatherapy can help ease the muscle tension and reduce the stress by easing cramps. 

5. Peppermint (Mentha Piperita)

Peppermint has a soothing effect on muscles as it contains menthol which helps to relax muscles and alleviate pain. One can have it in the form of tea or massage its oil to get the relief from the cramps. It can also be used as a inhaler to get relief from nausea that sometimes accompanies severe cramps.

Also read our Post on Most Powerful Ayurvedic Herbs and Their Amazing Health Benefits

6. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Fennel seeds have properties that help to reduce inflammation or swelling, and spasms that are very common during periods. [4]

One can drink fennel tea or just chew on a teaspoon of fennel seeds that will not only relieve cramps but also bloating and constipation during menstruation. 

Read our Post on Health Benefits of Fennel for more details

Prepare and Use these Herbal Remedies for Period Pain and Menstrual Cramps

Herbal Teas

Having something warm during your special days can help a lot to make your gut feel better and relieve those cramps. Herbal teas can be your best choice which are healthy as well as flavorful to cope up with the pain and to provide comfort.

Steps to prepare herbal tea:

• Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb or you can also take a few slices of fresh herb of your choice
• Boil it in a cup of hot water for about 5-10 minutes. 
• Strain and drink the tea multiple times a day during your menstrual cycle.

Essential Oils as Herbal Home Remedies for Period Pain

Essential Oils can be very helpful in alleviating menstrual cramps. [] You can massage them to your skin or add them to your bath. But it is important to dilute them with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, follow the recommended dilution ratios and always conduct a patch test to be safe from any adverse effects or reactions. 

1. Lavender Oil: 

Lavender oil has relaxing effects and pain relief pro. It helps to reduce the muscle tension and ease anxiety related to the menstrual cramps. You can massage Lavender oil onto your lower abdomen after diluting a few drops of it in a carrier oil.

2. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil helps to relieve pain by relaxing the muscles. Just mix a few drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil. You can massage it onto your abdomen.But it’s important to be cautious with peppermint oil as it is very effective and powerful, hence it is advisable to avoid using it near the face, especially around the eyes.

3. Clary Sage Oil

Clary Sage oil has the ability to balance hormones and reduce menstrual discomfort.  You can use clary sage oil in a warm compress applied to the lower abdomen or can diffuse it in your living space for a calming effect.

4. Ginger Oil

Ginger Oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the menstrual cramps by reducing the production of prostaglandins. Just massage a few drops of ginger oil onto your abdomen after diluting it in a carrier oil.

5. Roman Chamomile Oil

Chamomile oil has soothing properties which helps to ease muscle tension and anxiety during your period. You can use it by mixing a few drops in any carrier oil and applying it to your lower abdomen. 

6. Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil helps to provide relief from cramps as it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties which means it gives relief in inflammation or swelling. You can massage it onto your abdomen or add it to a warm bath. 

Dietary Considerations that should be taken during Menstrual Cycle

 Most of us should have heard about the multiple dietary considerations which should be taken during our menstrual cycle by our mothers or grandmothers. Such as avoiding pickles or sour food, cold, spicy, oily foods. As they can interfere with digestive action during periods which can contribute to the increased cramps and discomfort. 

To deal with the menstrual cramps in addition to herbal remedies, it is important to adjust your diet to include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acid which can be found in flaxseeds, walnuts and fatty fish, other than this foods rich in magnesium such as leafy greens, nuts and whole grains, which are rich in nutrients may help to reduce inflammation and muscle cramps. 

Precautions & Side Effects of Herbal Home Remedies for Period Pain

While herbal remedies can help to provide relief for many individuals and can be side effects free, still it’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different and can react differently to these remedies. It may happen that some herbs may interact with medication or have uneasiness for certain medical conditions. Especially when you are pregnant or nursing or have any underlying health issues, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating any herbal remedy into your diet. 

Conclusion:

Menstrual cramps are sometimes unbearable and can be disruptive, but you should not let them have to take over your life. Hence incorporating herbal remedies to your routine offer a natural and holistic approach to manage period pain and discomfort. From soothing herbal teas to essential oils aromatherapies, these remedies have been valued for ages due to their effectiveness and potential to alleviate menstrual cramps. 

While using herbal remedies, it is important to keep in mind that consistency is the key, so if you want to have the optimal benefit from them, you should use them consistently for a period of time. And it’s always good to consult an experienced ayurvedic or health practitioner if you have any concerns about your menstrual health. 

Take your time what suits and works best for you and embrace the power of nature’s healing gifts.

Also Read:

Incredible Health Benefits of Tulsi

Himalayan Shilajit: The Ayurvedic Superfood

A Guide to Health Benefits of Ashwagandha