13 Amazing and Effective Home Remedies To Relieve Period Cramps

Periods aren’t that bad. Or painful. Who am I even kidding? We, women, are nothing short of being superheroes when it comes to dealing with pain during different phases of our life. As much as we wish that our periods aren’t as painful as they are hyped to be, they never fail to leave us writhing and curling in pain every single time. Every 28 days, every… Let’s just stop there for now. Period cramps are indeed the most exasperating aspects of ‘that time of the month’, but not anymore! We have listed some amazing and effective remedies that can help relieve period cramps and their symptoms naturally.

How To Relieve Period Cramps Naturally

1. Heating Pads

You Will Need

A heating pad

What You Have To Do

1. Take a heating pad or hot water bottle filled with hot water.
2. Place this on your lower abdomen and lower back for about 10 minutes.
3. Alternatively, you can also soak a clean washcloth in some hot water, wring it and place it on your abdomen and back.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this multiple times daily until you obtain relief.

Why This Works

Applying heat is one of the most preferred methods to relieve pain and cramps due to its relaxing and anti-inflammatory effects on the affected muscles. In fact, studies have shown that it is almost as effective as taking pain relievers like ibuprofen for reducing menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). Therefore, the next time you have menstrual cramps, either place a heating pad on your stomach or simply take a hot shower.

2. Essential Oils

a. Lavender Oil

You Will Need

• 3-4 drops of lavender oil
• 1-2 teaspoons of coconut or jojoba oil

What You Have To Do

1. Mix lavender oil with coconut or jojoba oil.
2. Apply the mixture to your lower abdomen and back.
3. You can also put a few drops of lavender oil in a diffuser and inhale its vapors.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1 to 2 times daily.

Why This Works

Lavender essential oil is quite effective in treating period cramps due to its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. And inhaling the oil relaxes you and induces sleep.

b. Peppermint Oil

You Will Need

• 3-4 drops of peppermint oil
• 2 teaspoons of coconut or jojoba oil

What You Have To Do

1. Mix peppermint oil with coconut or jojoba oil.
2. Apply this mixture directly to your lower abdomen and back and massage gently.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this once daily until your period cramps begin to fade.

Why This Works

Peppermint oil contains menthol, which is a popular decongestant and has pain and anxiety relieving properties. The wonderful aroma of peppermint can also help in overcoming nausea and headache, which are symptoms of period cramps.

3. Chamomile Tea

You Will Need

• 1 chamomile tea bag
• 1 cup of hot water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Soak a chamomile tea bag in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes.
2. Allow it to cool down a bit and then add some honey.
3. Drink this tea daily.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink chamomile tea at least twice daily and a week before getting your periods.

Why This Works

Chamomile is a flowering plant that is quite popular for relieving period cramps. It contains flavonoids that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the pain and inflammation. Chamomile is also a natural antispasmodic and can help in relaxing the uterine muscles.

4. Ginger

You Will Need

• 1 inch of ginger
• 1 cup of hot water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Steep an inch of ginger in a cup of hot water for about 10 minutes.
2. Let it cool for a bit. Add honey to it.
3. Drink it up.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink ginger tea thrice a day if you suffer from period cramps.

Why This Works

Ginger is one of the best and easiest ways to relieve period cramps. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help in reducing the pain associated with the condition. It also helps cure nausea and calms an upset stomach.

A single large dose of vitamin D was found to bring noticeable relief from menstrual pain and cramps.

Vitamin D can reduce the production of prostaglandin, which causes period cramps. However, since studies are limited, it is better to limit the dosage of vitamin D supplements for this purpose. But you can go ahead and increase your intake of vitamin D via your diet by consuming foods like fish, cheese, egg yolks, orange juice, and cereals.

6. Green Tea

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves
• 1 cup of water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Add the green tea leaves to a cup of water and bring it to a boil.
2. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes and strain it.
3. Allow it to cool a bit and add some honey for flavor.
4. Consume it.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink green tea 3 to 4 times daily.

Why This Works

Green tea contains flavonoids called catechins that give it its medicinal properties. Green tea is a natural antioxidant and also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with period cramps.