The Best Home Remedies To Help Relieve Menstrual Cramps Naturally
It is hard to tell how many painkillers a woman can consume on the first few days of her period. Painkillers can ease menstrual cramps for many, but some women prefer to go the natural route.
Nothing is more annoying than having to deal with menstrual cramps every single month. Unfortunately, there isn’t much we can do to prevent them entirely, which is why many women cling to their trusted painkillers.
Medication can be extremely helpful for relieving pain, but it isn’t advised for long-term use. As a result, we’ve put together a list of the best home remedies that can help relieve menstrual cramps naturally.
Apply Heat
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A 2012 study found that applying a heat patch at 104°F on the abdomen and lower back relieves pain. The study presented that the effects of the heat patch were similar to taking ibuprofen for the cramps.
You can apply heat by using a hot water bottle, a heating pad, a hot towel, or by taking a hot bath. If you are on a budget, you can make your own microwavable heating pad using a sock or fabric and uncooked rice.
Essential Oil Massage
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Twenty minutes of massage therapy is an effective way to reduce menstrual pain, according to a 2010 study. Researchers studied 23 women who suffered from menstrual cramps due to endometriosis for the results.
The massage therapy for these cramps involves pressing specific points on the abdomen, sides, and lower back. Essential oils like lavender and clay sage oil provide additional benefits to the massage.
Orgasms
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Menstrual cramps may be your next excuse to get freaky since science suggests that orgasms can relieve pain. Vaginal orgasms can trigger brains to release pain, decreasing neurotransmitters like endorphins.
A 1985 study also found that vaginal self-stimulation doubled women’s pain tolerances. So whether you’ve got a partner to help you out or a trusted dildo, you can find just enough pleasure to ease the pain.
Drinking Tea
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Although research for this is limited, many have found that some herbal teas help ease menstrual cramps. Herbal tea as medicine has been used for centuries by women from various cultures.
These women recommend drinking chamomile and peppermint tea because they calm the body. Cramp bark, ginger, and fennel teas are also great for addressing menstrual cramps and the additional symptoms.
Gentle Exercise
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Working out is the last thing on someone’s mind when dealing with menstrual cramps, but it helps. The endorphin release you get from exercise helps provide some pain relief when you’re feeling bad.
Taking a walk, doing some yoga, or some gentle stretching exercises may be the best for those in pain. Yoga is especially recommended since a study showed that 12 weeks of twice-weekly classes reduced cramps in participants.