Many women suffer from menstrual cramps during their period or menstrual cycle, these pains or cramps are known as dysmenorrhea and in some cases it can be so intense that it dramatically alters normal life of the women who suffer from them.
Menstrual cramps usually appear in some cases as abdominal cramps of mild and medium intensity, although in other cases they manifest as frank and intense pain, true colic.
Fortunately, in addition to pharmacological remedies, there are also natural remedies that have been used by women since ancient times to control menstrual cramps. Here are some of these remedies:
Effective natural remedies to relieve menstrual cramps
Oregano.-Oregano, in addition to being a delicious aromatic condiment, has the property of quickly and efficiently relieving cramps and menstrual cramps. Oregano can be added to meals or an infusion of oregano can be prepared, which should be taken throughout the day.
Carrot juice.-Carrots are an excellent ally to control menstrual cramps because they contain a high concentration of iron.
To experience improvements using carrot juice, it is necessary to drink it for several weeks. The relief of menstrual colic will be seen little by little. We can also mix carrot juice with other vegetables, which will not affect its effectiveness.
Physical activity and exercise.-It has been proven that regular exercise, even a simple walk, can greatly help control menstrual cramps. This is because physical activity generates a release of endorphins, which are hormones produced by our own body, which have the ability to calm pain.
Moderate heat.-Menstrual cramps during the period are generated by an abnormal or exaggerated contraction of the uterine muscles. The application of hot cloths or compresses (moderate heat) generate muscle relaxation and therefore relieve menstrual pain.
Turmeric or toothpick Turmeric or toothpick has fantastic anti-inflammatory properties. To relieve menstrual pain, just add a tablespoon of turmeric to a cup of milk. Turmeric is also known to promote hormonal balance, thus stimulating a correct menstrual flow.
Green Papaya Green papaya is another fantastic and highly effective remedy for relieving menstrual cramps. The components of green papaya help regulate muscle contraction in the uterus, which is why it is frequently used to control intense menstrual cramps such as those caused by stress, anxiety or during periods of hormonal changes such as menopause.~153 ~
Papaya should be consumed frequently, since the beneficial effects will be seen progressively over the weeks and months.
Mint.-Mint has been universally and historically recognized as one of the best natural remedies to relieve menstrual cramps.
Mint has the ability to regulate hormones and at the same time relieve uterine muscle hyper-tonicity. To use it successfully, it is enough to mix a spoonful of dry and pulverized mint with a spoonful of honey. This mixture, which is also very delicious and nutritious, can be taken 3 times a day.
Ginger.-Ginger also has a great anti-inflammatory capacity, which is why it has been used since the dawn of time as an effective remedy to control menstrual cramps.
Because it has a strong and slightly intense flavor, many people cannot eat raw ginger. An alternative is to drink ginger juice or mix it with fruit juice, especially citrus fruits.
Grapes.-Grapes are another extraordinary ally to control menstrual cramps. The grapes can be eaten in their natural state or as grape juice.
Pure water.-That’s right, pure water can significantly alleviate the typical pain of the menstrual period. During this period, it is recommended to drink a minimum of 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. If you prefer, you can add some lemon or mint (which, as we have already seen, has its own virtues against menstrual cramps).
Massages.-Massages have been shown to have a real therapeutic effect in relieving all kinds of cramps, including, of course, menstrual cramps. Experts recommend performing gentle circular massages on the painful area for no less than 5 minutes. Some essential oils can be used for massages, especially those with relaxing properties such as lavender and oregano essential oils.
Vitamin B1.-Studies show that vitamin B1 has the ability to alleviate the most annoying symptoms of the menstrual period. You can use natural sources of vitamin B1 or vitamin supplements. The important thing is to maintain a constant intake of this vitamin, since the symptoms will be relieved over time.
Magnesium.-We will never get tired of highlighting the virtues of magnesium, a mineral capable of controlling a large number of discomforts and imbalances in the human body. One study showed that women who ingested 250 mg of magnesium daily experienced a significant reduction in pain intensity during their menstrual cycle.
Calcium.-An important study showed that women who ingested 1 g of calcium daily, beginning on day 15 of their menstrual cycle, reported a considerable decrease in the intensity of aches and pains during subsequent periods. It is recommended to ingest calcium from natural sources such as dairy products and beans.
Avoid caffeine.-Many people cannot live without their daily coffee. However, it appears that caffeine, especially in high concentrations, can increase the intensity of menstrual cramps and cramps. Due to this, it is advisable to avoid the intake of drinks high in caffeine such as energy drinks and coffee in large quantities on those days.