Relieving Cramp Pain Naturally
During the sacred moon cycle, womxn deserve effective pain relief without the risk of negative side effects. Over the counter pain relievers such as aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, and mefenamic acid have toxic risk and negative effects on our bodies including stomach bleeding, ulcers and upset stomach, high blood pressure, fluid retention and swelling, kidney problems, heart problems, and rashes.
Below is a short list of cramp remedies that are natural inexpensive and extremely effective against period pain and cramps. Please note, this is just the start of non-toxic remedies for pain during moon time.
Wishing all our sisters an empowering and pain-free cycle!
Herbs with strong healing properties:
Ginger reduces bleeding, abdominal and low-back pain, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, and joint and muscle pain.
-How to make a ginger tea
To prepare your tea, you will need root of the ginger plant. Wash the ginger root and remove the skin. Now slice the root into small pieces. For every cup of water, add 2 tablespoonfuls of ginger root pieces. Now boil this solution in a small pot on low heat and simmer for a while. Your tea is ready. Strain the ginger from water and drink the ginger tea 2-3 times a day to ease pain associated with menstrual cramps.
Fennel Seed relieves menstrual pain, nausea and fatigue.
-How to make fennel tea:
Fennel tea works the best for PMS and menstrual cramps. To make fennel tea, pour 1 cup of water to a vessel and add 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds. Let it simmer in low flame for 5 minutes with a lid on it. Turn off the flame and strain. Have it warm several times a day.
-Fennel honey syrup:
Grab a handful of fennel seeds and roast them until crunchy. Grind them into fine powder and store in an airtight container. Take a spoonful of raw honey and add in 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds. Mix it well and have it. Have this fennel-honey syrup 2-3 times a day.
Cinnamon helps reduce bleeding and ease pain and has potent antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective in fighting first day cramps of your period. You can make make a tea, add to your food or take 840 mg of cinnamon capsules three times a day during the first three days of your period to support pain relief.
-How to Make Cinnamon tea:
Cinnamon tea can be made by boiling cinnamon in water for 15 minutes and then adding some milk or honey to it. This delicious tea is said to reduce premenstrual cramps. It has anti-clotting and anti-microbial activity and is a good source of calcium, manganese and iron too. Drink cinnamon tea regularly, especially before the start date of your period. You can even include Cinnamon in other foods.
Frankincense and myrrh work together to relieve pain and are highly anti-inflammatory.
-How to make a frankincense oil:
In an ounce of carrier oil such as jojoba oil, add five drops of frankincense. Use the oil to massage the abdomen. Many women have also found relief by adding 8-12 drops of the oil in a warm bath.
Chamomile increases the production of glycine, an amino acid that reduces muscle spasms. This calming effect helps lower pain experienced from menstrual cramps.
-How to make chamomile tea:
Start by putting a chamomile teabag or an infuser filled with a tablespoon of dried chamomile into your cup. Then, add boiling water to the cup and let it steep for 5 minutes to get the full flavor of the chamomile. Have it warm several times a day. Also sip two cups of tea per day a week before your period., and you may benefit more if you drink it every month.
Dill reduces cramping and pain and supports hormonal balance.
-How to make dill tea:
You can use either dill seeds or leaves, but since seeds tend to be richer in the components you need, here is the tea recipe for using seeds. Start by putting the kettle on and boiling water for your tea. Get your tea pot and place inside 2 teaspoons of mashed dill seeds per cup of tea. Pour boiling water into the teapot and let the seeds steep for 10 minutes, turning the tea into a nice yellow color. Now that your tea is ready, filter the seeds and drink. Take only up to 3 cups a day, preferably after meals to help the digestive juices to flow. This is a tea that is sweet and cool, with a pungent sharp taste. If you are using this tea as a sedative and wish for a milder tea, then try blending dill and chamomile tea for a soothing and calming tea. Drink daily for five days, starting two days before your cycle.
Other natural ways to support your body during your moon cycle:
Drink water
Drinking water actually keeps your body from retaining water and helps to avoid painful bloating during menstruation. Warm or hot water is usually better for cramps, as hot liquids increase blood flow to your skin and may relax cramped muscles (drink your herbal teas!).
Heat therapy
Topical heat therapy or use of a heating pad or soak in hot water helps to relax the myometrium, reducing constriction of blood vessels and improving blood flow to the uterus. If you don’t have a hot water bottle or heating pad, take a warm bath or use a hot towel.
How to make your own heating pad:
Cut and sew together two pieces of fabric, leaving a hole at the top or simply use a sock.
Fill with uncooked rice and sew up the hole.
Microwave for a few minutes to the desired temperature. Don’t overheat! (you can pop it in the oven at 200 degrees for about 5-10 mins if you do not have a microwave.
Let cool, if necessary. Or wrap your homemade pad in a towel to reduce heat transfer. Reuse as necessary.
Massaging with essential oils:
A massage for about 20 minutes can help reduce menstrual pain immediately and afterward. Effective massage for menstruation involves pressing specific points around your abdomen, side, and back. Adding essential oils such as lavender, sage or frankincense for an aromatherapy style of massage supports further reduction in the amount and duration of pain. If using essential oils, always dilute your essential oil with a carrier oil such as vegetable or nut oils like grapeseed or sweet almond oil. A safe concentration is one drop of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil. (When purchasing essential oils always make sure they are sustainably sourced)
Watch this video for a tutorial on massaging for menstrual pain:
Exercise
The idea of exercise immediately before or during your period may not appeal to you. But exercise releases endorphins and is effective at reducing menstrual pain to the extent it may also eliminate or reduce the need for pain-relief medication. Moderate activity such as walking can be beneficial during your period in place of more strenuous activity.
-Yoga is a gentle exercise that also releases endorphins and helps prevent or reduce menstrual symptoms.
Three different yoga poses — Cobra, Cat, and Fish reduce intensity and duration of pain during menstruation for young women ages 18 to 22.
Below is a video for a short yoga routine for your moon time:
Avoid certain foods:
During menstruation, it’s a good idea to avoid foods that cause bloating and water retention. Some of the foods and beverages to avoid include alcohol, carbonated beverages such as soda, caffeine, and overly salty and fatty foods. Reducing or cutting out these foods can help alleviate cramps and decrease tension. Instead, try soothing herbal teas. To satisfy a sugar fix, snack on fruits such as strawberries or raspberries.
What to eat to support ease of pain:
Generally, a diet geared toward decreasing menstrual pain should be high in minimally processed foods, fiber, and plants.
-Give these foods a try:
Brown rice contains vitamin B-6, which may reduce bloating.
Walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds are rich in manganese, which eases cramps.
Olive oil and broccoli contain vitamin E.
Papaya is rich in a multitude of vitamins.
Chicken, fish, and leafy green vegetables contain iron, which is lost during menstruation.
Flaxseed contains omega-3s with antioxidant properties, which reduce swelling and inflammation.
Boron is a mineral that helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus and reduces menstrual cramps. Foods with high concentration of boron include: avocados, peanut butter, prunes, chickpeas, bananas
Lettuce, celery, cucumbers, watermelon, and berries including strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are water-based foods to increase your hydration
Calcium is a mineral that helps reduce muscle cramping during menstruation. Foods high in calcium include dairy products, sesame seeds, almonds and leafy green vegetables.
Have an orgasm!
Yes, that's right — orgasms help to relieve all kinds of pain, including menstrual cramps. Before an orgasm, the uterus is more relaxed, and at the moment of climax, blood flow increases, helping to relieve the cramps. Orgasms relieve the pain through the release of endorphins, which help you to feel instantly better. They also help to relax your whole body and induce sleep so you won't feel any cramping at all.
CBD oil
CBD it is one of the 104 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids found in the cannabis or marijuana plant. CBD oil helps ease period cramps acting as an anti-inflammatory.