Isn’t it a hurtful phase when you have your periods every month? Does it feel like hundreds of knives stabbing your uterus? Yes, absolutely. The way you suffer during your monthly menstruation is extremely painful and irritating. It can be both physically and mentally exhausting, as you feel extreme discomfort during this time of the month. You feel like simply lying down in bed and wait for the pain and cramps to disappear just like that. However, it does not work that way, does it?
When you cannot tolerate the pain any longer, you ultimately take resort to strong painkillers to give you momentary relief. Do you really think that it is the best way to escape the pain? Won’t it come with any risk factors or potential side effects? Obviously, there will be negative consequences if you make it a habit to treat your discomfort with painkillers.
Medicines acting as painkillers are very strong, almost like steroids. They are very quick in action since they give you instant relief from pain. However, sometimes you may have to pay a price while taking this advantage. Painkillers may pose undesirable effects during their mode of action, which you will experience later on.
If you do not take painkillers to ‘kill the pain’, what should you do then? Just sit back and wait for the pain to vanish magically? There are other options that can naturally help you get rid of menstrual pain, without compromising with your health. Try out the best home remedies to get relief from menstrual cramps, and say goodbye to strong painkillers forever!
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Why do women feel period pain?
You feel menstrual cramps as the interior lining of your uterus, the endometrial wall, starts to shed. This rupturing of the uterine wall occurs with the aid of certain hormones known as prostaglandins. They are basically fatty acids with cyclic structural confirmation but have effects similar to hormones. If you are experiencing a lot of pain, it is probably because your body is secreting greater amounts of prostaglandins. Therefore, you can assess the degree of menstrual cramps with the extent of prostaglandin secretion in your body.
The activity of this hormone is at its peak at times of child delivery or parturition. During childbirth, your uterus needs to stretch to ease the process of delivery by pushing the uterus lining outwards. It involves heavy shedding of the endometrial wall, aided by increased levels of prostaglandins. This is the reason why you feel so much pain during child delivery.
Now you know that you are experiencing menstrual pain because of hormonal interference. Therefore, do not mess with its natural balance in your body by taking medical help. Medicines majorly target prostaglandin levels to bring down its secretion for easing out the pain. However, apart from just prostaglandins, painkillers may also interfere with other hormonal secretions.
Such kind of hormonal imbalance can call out for various undesirable health effects that are completely unnecessary. So take the help of natural care at home. They will not only give you relief from immense pain but also come with almost no side effects.
Home remedies for menstrual cramps
Check out the best home remedies to keep your cramps calm during your menses:
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Herbal tea with black pepper and ginger
This infusion of herbal tea can help you get relief from pain during your periods. It is a relaxing combination that you can enjoy with a tablespoon of honey in it. Honey will enhance the aroma and taste of this tea. Ginger specifically targets prostaglandins and brings down its levels to reduce pain in your lower abdomen.
Apart from pain reduction, ginger also helps in bringing your irregular period cycles back to regular. It also fights weariness and fatigue that are related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, if you are suffering from irregular menstrual cycles for quite some time, do not hesitate to consult a gynecologist. There may be other physiological disorders related to irregular period patterns, the most common one being PCOD (polycystic ovary syndrome).
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Cumin seeds
You may dissolve a teaspoon of cumin seeds in a glass of water overnight and drink it the next morning. Remember to drink it in empty stomach. You can also use cumin seeds to prepare herbal tea. Cumin has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, to help you combat immense pain during your periods. It gives you a relaxing experience and is beneficial for your overall health as well.
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Turmeric and nutmeg
You already know how effective turmeric is as a healing and anti-inflammatory agent. Nutmeg also has antispasmodic properties that you normally use as a spice in various foods. Then why not use this combination for relieving menstrual pain? Add a pinch of nutmeg and turmeric powder in warm regular milk or almond milk. Drink this magic potion before you hit the bed, and see what wonders they do for you.
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Fenugreek or methi seeds
Fenugreek seeds are equally helpful in reducing menstrual cramps. Soak one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds for 12 hours in regular water and drink.
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Sesame oil
It is used in Ayurveda since sesame oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The oil is extremely rich in linoleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid that has antispasmodic effects. Use sesame oil to massage on your lower abdomen to get relief from menstrual cramps.
Hot compress and yoga for menstrual pain
To get immediate relief from pain and discomfort during periods, apply hot water on your belly or lower abdomen. You may either directly take hot showers or use a hot water bag on your abdomen. When you apply hot water on the painful areas, it helps in easing out muscle relaxation within your uterus.
Sometimes stretching your body in certain postures of yoga may also help you beat menstrual pain. Yoga helps in increasing blood circulation in your pelvic area and also secrete heavy amounts of endorphin to counter prostaglandins. For example, try the corpse pose or Shavasana for relaxing your abdominal muscles. Mild yoga postures, such as knee bending as you lie on your back, can help you reduce pain as well.
