Periods! They can be the worst! Some of us fare worse than others but I’m sure we can all agree, they are an annoyance at the very least. Many women cannot or do not like to take a painkiller to treat menstrual cramps. This article discusses a few natural ways to help us better cope with our feminine cycle!
*Disclaimer: This article in no way constitutes medical advice. For medical concerns always consult your primary care physician.
Stay Hydrated
First things first, the easiest (and cheapest) thing to do when on your period is to make sure you’re drinking enough water. Staying hydrated has many health benefits from regulating blood pressure and flushing out toxins, to naturally suppressing appetite and improving blood circulation. So it’s no wonder that drinking sufficient amounts of water throughout the day while you’re on your period helps to combat menstrual discomforts like cramps and bloating.
Personally I enjoy making “pretty water.” Essentially it’s just adding a few drops of chlorophyll, some sliced up lemon, cucumber, and fresh basil leaves! Drinking this infused water doesn’t disrupt my fasts or add calories, while providing extra vitamins and nutrients! Do yourself a favor by researching the benefits of infused basil water. Then do your body a favor and drink it regularly!
Plan Ahead
For many of us our monthly visit from Aunt Flow doesn’t come as a surprise, which can actually be an advantage in this situation because it gives us the opportunity to plan ahead. By using a period tracking app and paying particular attention to your mood, cravings, acne breakouts, and energy level you can be better prepared to combat these negative symptoms. For me this looks like budgeting for the insatiable cravings I get. And lightening my load the week before my period which allows me to get more rest because I get sooo fatigued and irritable during that time.
Walk
When feeling crummy due to menstrual symptoms it’s so easy to want to lay in bed and not move or do anything- understandably so. And while it’s important to get the additional rest you need while on your period, there may be benefits to engaging in some light cardio. According to this healthline article,https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/how-to-make-your-period-end-faster Regular exercise “may also reduce the number of days you have your period. Exercising can lessen water retention, which may alleviate bloating and reduce cramps.”
Fresh Pineapple
Fresh pineapple provides many health benefits due to its diverse vitamin and mineral content. It contains high amounts of vitamin C and the enzyme Bromelain which can effectively clear up acne breakouts, support hair growth and better bone health! Pineapple is also known to be a natural anti inflammatory agent so it may naturally help minimize pain from menstrual cramps. Plus it tastes great! Check out this pineapple detox cider for a great way to get the maximum benefit and use of your entire pineapple!
Heating Pad
I rarely go through a cycle without using my heating pad to sooth bad menstrual cramps! Maybe in the summer months if it’s ridiculously hot here in the Cali Valley, but otherwise I’m laying in bed or sitting on the couch with my heating pad. And 10/10 recommend if you are a fellow cramp sufferer. I will say this is more of a short term bandaid method but during this time of my month I’ll take it! You can find some pretty reasonably priced heating pads on Amazon, however I recommend these 2 and I’ll explain why.
1) heating pad for neck and upper back
If you or someone in your household has a strenuous job (sitting at a desk and typing all day can be strenuous too), you’ll get the most for your money buy purchasing a heating pad that is meant for your neck/upper back that clips together without falling off. That heating pad can still rest easily on top of your tummy during that time of month, while also being useful to soothe a crook in your neck after a long work week. Working as an EMT takes a toll on my body physically, especially my neck and upper back from driving an ambulance and lifting patients all day. So this heating pad gets used more than just during my cycle.
This one I saw on Amazon one day and decided to give it a try. Again working on an ambulance for 12+ hours a shift can really take a toll especially during that time of the month. I was a little skeptical, but I did actually appreciate the soothing heat this portable pad emitted. It even has an adjustable vibration setting! It’s small and cordless so you can be discreet, and I do recommend this for anyone who has to be constantly on the move during their period. Moms of toddlers, warehouse workers, EMS personnel, Etc.
Cramp Cream
Ok, last but not least on our list of remedies, is cramp cream! I usually avoid taking painkillers for menstrual camps. So I’m super grateful one of my sister-in-laws recommended this to me. She, like many mothers of teen girls, was concerned about the regular use of over the counter pain medication to treat cramps but also hated to see her girls in pain. Since they all love and use cramp cream regularly I thought I’d give it a try too. This stuff is amazing! I personally recommend this brand called Control, you can find it on Amazon. Or use this brand by Alexandria Professionals PMS4PMS® Natural Menstrual Cramp Pain Relief Cream – Alexandria Professional it’s made with all natural ingredients, and I use it every month at the start of my period until about day 3 or 4 when my cramps tend to dissipate.
That’s it for this article! Did you try any of these suggestions or have any remedies to share? Reach out and let us know by leaving your name and email below!