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In this post, we discuss 4 different natural remedies for period pain and how you can use them during menstruation to ease cramps.
Menstrual pain can be extremely tough. According to a study published in 2012, at least 1 in 4 women experience distressing pain during menstruation that involves a need for medication and needing to miss out on study or social activities.
What are menstrual cramps?
Menstrual cramps (otherwise known as period cramps) occur during menstruation and can happen just before you start to menstruate too. During menstruation, the release of prostaglandins (a hormone-like substance) causes the uterus to contract and shed its lining – causing what we know as a period. This is how period pain and cramping occur.
Period pain typically manifests as lower abdominal cramps that can range from throbbing to dull and also sharp sensations. As well as cramping, women tend to experience pain in their lower back and thighs. Other symptoms that can occur during menstruation include fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea and dizziness.
Of course, If you’re experiencing any extreme symptoms it is recommended that you reach out to a medical professional for advice.
Keep reading to find out which 4 natural remedies for period pain Clementine Bay recommends and how you can use them at home during your period to manage cramps.
4 natural remedies for period pain
Heat therapy
This is by far one of the most well-known natural remedies for period pain.
Today, there are many different variations of heat therapy tools. The most commonly used being a good old hot water bottle.
Other options include electrical heating pads and self heating stick on patches. Self heating stick on patches are a great option for wearing underneath clothing if you’re on the go.
If you don’t have access to these options you can take a towel or cloth, soak it in warm water and then wring out the excess water before using it as a warm compress.
Simply take your heating pad of choice and place it over your lower abdominal area. Alternatively, you can place the heating pad on your lower back if you feel that the abdominal area is too sensitive. You may wish to place your heat pad on your thighs if you’re experiencing thigh pain.
A relaxing warm bath or shower is also a great remedy for easing aches and pains during menstruation.
Gentle stretching / Yoga poses
Although many women choose to avoid physical exercise during this time, it is known that gentle stretching and specific yoga poses tend to be relieving when it comes to cramping.
Yoga is a highly beneficial embodiment practice and is great for relaxing the mind. Of course, checking in and listening to your body is key.
Verywell Health has a wonderful article on 6 yoga poses for your period which includes a personal favourite of mine known as the reclined Goddess pose (Supta Baddha Konasana). I find this pose to be super gentle yet effective when it comes to relieving menstrual cramping and you can do it whilst laying down on a bed if you don’t feel like getting onto your mat during this time of the month.
Herbal tea
Another one of the many great natural remedies for period pain is herbal tea. There is a wide range of different herbs which benefit women’s health especially when it comes to the menstrual cycle as a whole.
Two personal favourites of mine are ginger or chamomile blends which are both fantastic remedies to use during your period. Chamomile is known for its relaxing effects and promoting better sleep whilst ginger is known to reduce nausea and help with inflammation.
In 2021, a review of studies concluded that ‘Chamomile can be considered as an effective treatment for primary dysmenorrhea and reducing menstrual bleeding’.
I noticed way less cramping when I used chamomile tea for the first 2-3 days of my menstrual phase, I highly recommend it!
Aromatherapy with essential oils
Aromatherapy using essential oils is a common holistic practice with many health benefits. Not only do these plant-derived oils benefit your physical health but they benefit your overall wellbeing too.
A soothing way to use aromatherapy when you have period pain is to gently massage a blend of your chosen essential oil and carrier oil into your abdominal area, lower back or thighs.
For more information on which oils you could use as a natural remedy for menstrual pain, here is an in-depth article discussing 7 different essential oils for menstrual cramps.
Essential oils alone can be quite potent so it is recommended to dilute them with a carrier oil before use – especially if you have sensitive skin. I love to self-massage with a blend of coconut oil as my carrier oil of choice and a few drops of lavender essential oil now and again when dealing with period pain, it also aids with sleep and smells amazing! Essential oil massages are definitely one of my top favourite natural remedies for period pain.
