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| Regular Exercise during Menstruation, Hot Water Therapy, Herbal Remedies, Vitamins and Minerals Supplement, Acupressure and Yoga. |
Menstrual cramps are something that almost every woman has
experienced. While some may only experience them in the form of mild
discomfort, others may experience severe and often debilitating pain during
their menstrual cycle. The good news is that there are several natural
remedies which can be used to help relieve the pain and discomfort that is
often associated with menstruation.
Regular Exercise during
Menstruation: Maintaining
regular exercise during menstruation has been shown to assist with easing
cramps, reducing muscle tension and elevating one's mood. As little as 20
minutes of walking each day can help to lessen the severity of cramps and of
other pain associated with menstruation.
Hot Water Therapy: A hot water bottle that is wrapped in a towel or cloth
and placed on the abdomen can help to relieve abdominal cramps. One can soak in
a hot bath that has a cup of sea salt and a cup of baking soda added to it.
This remedy helps to relax the muscles, thereby easing the pain.
Vitamins and Minerals
Supplement: Supplementation
with vitamins and minerals is also beneficial during menstruation, as it will
help to replenish nutrients and minerals which the body has lost. Magnesium,
zinc, calcium, Vitamin B-complex and Vitamin E are all important vitamins and
minerals which should be replenished during this time.
Herbal Remedies: Herbal remedies such as chamomile, fennel, ginger,
cinnamon, basil, parsley and mint are used in different forms to ease
cramps and other symptoms associated with menstruation. Mint, ginger and
chamomile can be used to make soothing teas which can be taken a few times a
day. 75ml of parsley can be blended with cucumber, beet and carrot juices. Not
only will this help with pain relief, but it is also said to help regulate the
menstrual cycle.
A piece of ginger can be crushed into a cup of
boiling water and sweetened with a little honey. This can be taken three
times a day after meals. Two tablespoons of basil leaves can be added to one
pint of boiling water. Keep the infusion covered tightly and allow it to cool
to room temperature. A half to one cup can be taken each hour to help ease cramps.
Cinnamon can simply be sprinkled over any food or added to tea as desired.
Acupressure: Acupressure is also said to be a wonderful way to relieve
menstrual cramps. An acupressure point referred to as Spleen 6 is often
recommended by acupuncturists as a way to help relieve the pain as well. To
locate this point, first place your fingers on the bony inner point of the
ankle. From there, draw an imaginary line up the lower calf. You will find the
point approximately four finger widths from the inner ankle bone. It is not
located exactly on the shin bone, but next to it towards the back part of the
calf muscle. Apply gradually increasing pressure to this point with your thumb
or middle finger at a 90 degree angle to the skin. Keep applying the pressure
for approximately three minutes. The pressure exerted on this point should in
no way be painful or uncomfortable. Pregnant women should not apply any pressure
to this point at any time.
Yoga: Yoga is also an excellent form of exercise during the
menstrual cycle, as it helps to relieve the pain by helping the body to relax.
This will help many of the other symptoms associated with menstruation as well.
