Originally published April 30 2011
Ease menstrual cramps naturally
by Shona Botes
(NaturalNews) 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
Sources:
http://www.homeremediesweb.com/menstrual_cra...
http://www.grandmashomeremedies.com/home-rem...
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/womensmenshe...
About the author
Shona Botes blogs about green living, budgeting, saving money, natural remedies and humour (which is often combined with the abovementioned topics). Her spare time is spent tending to her organic herb garden, cycling and engaging in photography.
Her blog may be viewed here
Some of her photography work may be viewed here
Other articles written by her may be viewed here
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