Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps

Menstruation is a natural part of a woman’s life, but painful menstrual cramps are a very annoying problem for many. For others, these cramps may be no more than a minor inconvenience or source of discomfort. However, in others these menstrual cramps can be severe enough to disrupt regular activities, like going to school or work, participating in sports, exercising, and so on.

Menstrual cramps also medically known as dysmenorrhea are due to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin that causes the uterine muscles to contract during menstruation.

Cramping can cause a throbbing or dull pain in the lower abdomen, and radiate pain to the lower back and thighs. Cramps generally subside after the first two to three days of the period. Many women experience menstrual cramps just before and during their menstrual periods.

Some factors can increase the chances of suffering from menstrual cramps, such as reaching puberty at an early age, genetics, heavy bleeding during periods and unhealthy habits like smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, consuming excess alcohol and taking illegal drugs.

For some women, menstrual cramps that aren't caused by an underlying condition tend to lessen with age and often improve once a woman has given birth.

To ease the pain and discomfort, there are several over-the-counter medicines. However, some simple and natural home remedies can be equally effective and relieve symptoms faster, or even prevent cramps.

Here are the top home remedies for menstrual cramps.

Heat - The simplest way to control dysmenorrhea is to apply heat on the lower abdomen. Heat will help to relax the contracting muscles in the uterus.

Place a heating pad over the lower part of your abdomen and lower back. You can even use a regular plastic bottle filled with hot water, apply it until you feel more comfortable.
Alternatively, soak a towel in water, wring out the excess water and then heat it in the microwave for one minute. Place it on the lower abdomen until the towel cools. Repeat every few minutes until the pain is gone.
Even taking a hot shower may relieve pain and make you feel more relaxed.

Ginger - Ginger is a wonder herb that can effectively ease menstrual cramps. This herb plays a key role in reducing the levels of the pain-causing prostaglandins. It also helps fight fatigue associated with premenstrual syndrome and can make irregular periods regular.

Grate a small piece of ginger and boil it in a cup of water for five minutes. Strain it and add a little honey and lemon juice. Drink this tea three times a day during your menstrual cycle.
You can also add ginger in your food while cooking or suck on some ginger candies.

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Basil - The caffeic acid present in basil has analgesic, or pain-killing properties which is very effective for reducing menstrual pain and cramps.

Add one tablespoon of basil leaves to one cup of boiling water. Cover tightly and allow it to cool. Drink this every few hours to ease cramps.
Alternatively, crush a handful of basil leaves to extract the juice. Add two teaspoons of the juice to one cup of warm water. Drink this three times daily while having pain.
You can also add fresh basil leaves to your food.

Cinnamon - Cinnamon has antispasmodic, anticlotting and anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve menstrual pain. Plus, cinnamon is an excellent source of dietary fiber, calcium, iron and manganese.

Make cinnamon tea by stirring one-fourth teaspoon of cinnamon powder into a cup of hot water. Let it sit for up to five minutes, add a little honey and then sip it slowly. Drink two to three cups of cinnamon tea one to two days before your period starts to prevent cramps.
Add one-half teaspoon of cinnamon powder and one tablespoon of honey to a glass of warm water. Drink it three times during the first day of your period to relieve pain.

Fennel - Fennel has antispasmodic, phytoestrogenic and anti-inflammatory properties that help relax the muscles of the uterus, which in turn relieves cramping and discomfort.

Add one teaspoon of fennel seeds to a cup of boiling water.
Simmer the mixture on low heat for five minutes.
Remove from heat and strain the tea.
Add one teaspoon of honey and mix well.
Drink this herbal tea two times daily beginning three days before the expected start date of your cycle. Continue drinking it as needed for pain. Drink it hot for best results.

Blackstrap Molasses - Another time-tested remedy for menstrual cramps is blackstrap molasses.

Being rich in calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, vitamin B6 and selenium, blackstrap molasses helps reduce blood clots and soothe the muscles of the uterine walls. This in turn lessens cramps during menstruation.