Natural Pain Remedies for Menstrual Cramps

It’s that time of the month. And for some women, this time is a dreaded one because of menstrual cramps. And a busy schedule at work or at home gives little relief. Dysmenorrhea, or menstrual cramps are not only a pain to the body, but can be a hassle when beating deadlines or doing a ton of housework.

Are you one of these women who are just begging for relief? Here are some quick – and some long-term solutions – to menstrual cramps:

• Hydrotherapy. Naturopathic doctors swear by this method to relieve you of menstrual cramps in as fast as five minutes and up to 30 minutes. Placing a hot pack on your abdomen until you experience relief is the way to go. This is because muscle contractions in the pelvic area are usually the culprit for menstrual cramps.
• Juice therapy. For those with juicers out there, getting rid of menstrual cramps is a piece of cake. Just whip up a tall glass of fresh pineapple juice. Its enzyme, bromelain, is effective in relaxing muscles, according to certified nutritionist Cherie Calbom. You can also add celery and fennel to that juice to increase the effect as both can also reduce discomfort and give relief during menstruation.
• Herbal tea. Feeling especially painful menstrual cramps? If you’re into different kinds of herbal remedies, perhaps you have this handy. Tea from cramp bark tea is effective in giving relief. In a pot, put four tablespoons of cramp bark, one to two teaspoons of fresh ginger – preferably grated – and one tablespoon of pennyroyal. Pour around a quart of cold water. Boil and let the pot simmer for just around two or three minutes. Steep, then strain. Drink one fourth of a cup 15-minute intervals until the menstrual cramps stop. Just look for these in health stores if you are new to herbal cures.
• Flower essence therapy. The California flower essence pomegranate is a winner in relieving menstrual cramps. Not only that, it can make you more at home with your sexuality as well. Family practice doctor Cynthia Mervis says menstrual cramps can be caused by women’s anxiety about their sexuality. So this flower essence does the trick in giving relief. Again, just look for flower essences like this in health stores.

If your menstrual cramps persist every month, consult a physician to see if you have endometriosis, a condition that can cause infertility.

So, getting relief from menstrual cramps is quite easy. Try any of these solutions and see for yourself. And if you have other natural pain remedies, do share them by posting a comment!