10 Home Remedies for Period Cramps That Can Help Lessen the Pain

Is it that time of the month again, where you are tucked under your blanket with extreme bloatedness and just feel like killing everybody?! Well, pretty much relatable cuz that’s how we feel during periods! What’s worse than bleeding is, of course, the PAIN! Annoying, dreadful and devastating, it is not something any woman looks forward to! In times like these do you just wish if there is only a way where you can just kick away the pain?

How nice would it be to carry on your day without having to worry about period pains? Well, lucky for you because there are many effective home remedies for period cramps that can give you a major relief from the excruciating pain. Beauty Insider Malaysia has gathered everything you need to know about period cramps and how you can relieve yourself from the pain at the comfort of your home.  

What Are Period Cramps?

Also known as menstrual cramps, period cramps are a dreadful phase of time women go through every month! As much as nobody likes but sadly it is inevitable! Every woman experiences them as soon as the monthly issue kicks in! In fact, some women may experience cramps even before their period. Though in some cases, the cramps might be mild ones in most cases, it can be extremely devastating! 

If you are one of those unlucky ones who suffer from insane pain (don’t worry, we feel you!)The good news in all this is that there are many ways to get rid of these annoying cramps! The fastest and quickest way to say bye-bye to period pain is taking menstrual pain killers. These are pills and tablets that are recommended by doctors to ease off the pain. However, if you want a safer and cheaper option, then, home remedies are the best choice. 

Why Period Cramps Happen Tho? 

The scientific name for period pain is ‘Dysmenorrhea’. It happens because of contractions in the uterus (womb). During periods, the uterus contracts too strongly and presses hard against the nearby blood vessels which cut off the supply of oxygen! Hence, there is not even oxygen supplied to your uterus so this lack of oxygen causes your pain and cramping! 

Usually, the cramps or the pain are more extreme on the first or second of your cycle because your prostaglandin level is highest on the first day or two. This is why your period cramps are usually worse then. However, as your period progresses and the lining of the uterus is shed, your prostaglandin level decreases and pain gets better.

The most common area where most women experience period cramps is:

• the abdomen, 
• lower back and
• thighs 

These are all the organs part of the female reproductive system hence explains why you suffer pain here. Sometimes if the pain is worse, you can also experience nausea, vomiting, headaches, or diarrhoea!

Is Period Cramp a Sign of Bad Health?

NO, it is not so don’t worry! Period cramps are quite normal and they usually don’t signify any underlying medical condition. Most women go through the same sort of symptoms which usually only last for only 1-2 days of the menstrual cycle. But in some cases where the pain lasts for a longer time, can be a sign of one of the medical conditions below:

• Endometriosis: This is a disorder which occurs when tissue which should normally line the inside of your uterus grows outside your uterus.
• Uterine Fibroids: This is a condition where noncancerous tumours grow inside the uterine walls. They can range in size from one tiny speck to several bulky masses.
• Adenomyosis: This is where the tissue that normally lines the uterus begins to grow inside the organ’s muscle wall.

Pain from these conditions may seem like menstrual cramps, but it typically lasts longer and can be more severe than the usual period pain. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms stated above, then make sure to see a doctor immediately!

What are the Best Home Remedies for Period Cramps?

There are many things you can simply do at home which can make a significant help in lessening the pain. Not just are home remedies a cheaper alternative to pills and doctor check-up, but it is safe and comfy too! Below, we’ve gathered the 10 best home remedies for period cramps that are proven to ease off the pain and can totally save you from the serious dent in your daily life!

1. Drink Plenty of Water

One of the main causes of severe cramps is dehydration. So, make sure to drink lots of warm water while you are menstruating. Water can also ease bloating, which makes symptoms worse. Drink about 6- 8 glasses of water per day during your period. Add some mint or a lemon extract to make it slightly more flavourful. 

2. Do Some Light Yoga Exercises

Though you may want to just curl up like a ball during periods but being active is how you should be. According to a recent study, low-to-medium intensity exercise such as yoga can help reduce period pain. So, instead of being in the bed all day, lay down your mat and do some simple yoga exercises at home. A quick 5-10 minutes yoga session can help you feel so much better!  

Here are13 Simple Yoga Moves To Do At Home For A Healthier and Happier You.

3.  Change Up Your Diet 

Most of us crave for fatty, sugary, or salty foods while we are on our period but these foods are not your friends! As much as these foods are comforting but it is best to skip ’em! Instead, replace all these unhealthy snacks with foods that are rich in anti-inflammatory and calcium. These kinds of foods can regulate your blood circulation and make you stronger to face the nasty cramps! 

Foods you should eat while on your period:

• Cherries
• Almonds
• Codfish
• Watermelons
• Spinach
• Yoghurt
• Chicken
• Cucumbers
• Dark chocolate
• Tofu

4. Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol and Salty Foods

While some foods can boost your blood circulation and ease off the pain, certain types of food can make it worse! Salty foods, alcohol and caffeine can cause water retention, bloating, and discomfort. Instead opt for a low-fat, vegetarian diet as it can help reduce period pain. The healthier your system is, the less pain you feel! 

5. Sip on Some Herbal Teas

Certain types of teas like chamomile, peppermint and fennel teas can provide relief from menstrual cramps. In fact, herbal teas have been regarded as one of the most effective home remedies for period cramps in numerous cultures for centuries. Thanks, to their naturally soothing and calming properties, these teas not only can ease off the pain but also take you to a zen zone! 

6. Try Acupressure at Home

Acupressure is a 2000-year-old Chinese healing treatment that can open up the flow of energy by engaging various pressure points in our body. It can effectively cure period cramps by applying pressure to a certain point on the body that can block the nerve impulses that transmit pain to the brain.

This treatment is super easy and simple to do which is why it is one of the best home remedies for period cramps. All you basically need to find the right acupoint and apply firm pressure to help ease the pain. The acupoint for period menstrual pain relief is located on the inside of your leg, just above your ankle.

Here’s how to apply pressure to the point: 

• Firstly, locate the highest peak of the ankle 
• Then measure four fingers up from your inner ankle 
• Massage the area behind the bone firmly for 30 seconds
• Repeat daily as needed before and during your period.

Here are 13 Acupressure Exercises To Do At Home To Relieve Your Mind and Body

7. Munch on Ginger Honey Candies

Ginger is a treasured herb that can bring some many benefits to our health. Its warming and pain-relieving properties can help relieve menstrual cramps and period pain. Not just an effective solution for menstrual issues, ginger has also been found to quell nausea, relieve osteoarthritis pain, and aid in the prevention of morning sickness. Adding on to that, ginger can is also good for gas and bloating problems! 

We understand that eating raw ginger can be a lil too hot, zesty and spicy, so instead of eating raw ginger, make a sweet ginger candy. All you need to do sweet ginger candy is raw honey and gingers. By mixing ginger with honey you will get a sweet spicy taste that is super tasty and healthy too! Plus, honey can help tame down the pungent smell of ginger hence making it more edible!

 Here how to do sweet ginger candy: 

• Firstly, wash and remove the skin from the ginger
• Then chop ginger into few small pieces
• Add the chopped gingers to a small tube filled with honey
• Close the tube and leave the mix to rest overnight
• The next day, you can eat the ginger bits!

8. Massage your Tummy With Essential Oil

Massaging your tummy with certain types of essential oils can aid in reducing menstrual cramps. This is because essential oils are made of compounds from plant extracts that have major therapeutic benefits at reducing period cramps. They can also boost your blood  circulation and enhance your overall mood as well

Here are the best essential oils to relieve period cramps:

• Lavender oil
• Sandalwood oil
• Sage oil
• Cinnamon oil 
• Rose oil

But remember don’t apply pure essential oil directly to your skin to avoid irritation. Always dilute it with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or jojoba oil. Once your oil mixture is ready to use, rub a few drops on your hands and then give your tummy a gentle massage in a circular motion for just five minutes a day. 

Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Essential Oils

9. Use a Heating Pad 

Applying a heating pad to your abdomen works wonders in lessening menstrual cramps. Heat, in general, is great from period cramps as it can help relax the muscles. You can find heating in many drugstores or online. If you don’t have a heating pad then you can use a hot water bottle or heat patch. Optionally you can also wrap your waist in a warm towel.

Buy the CSLS Warm Waistband Pain Relief Heating Pad for RM 79

10. Practise Good Sleep Hygiene!

Last but not least, most probably one of the easiest home remedies for period cramps is to SLEEP it off! to lessen your cramps is to sleep it off! Not many know but poor sleep patterns can lead to more menstrual distress. So, practice good sleep hygiene to keep those painful cramps at bay. Paying extra attention to sleep hygiene in the days leading up to your period is a great way to ease the pain once your period starts.

Here are a few tips on how to improve your sleep:

• Go to bed at about the same time every night
• Listening to soothing music
• Drink a hot cup of tea before bed
• Wind down all electronic devices before bed 
• Light up an incense stick or aromatic candle in your room

Eat These 10 Foods Before Bed To Sleep Better- Backed Up By Science!