Natural Remedies for Menstrual Cramps

You can try these natural remedies for menstrual cramps if you suffer from primary menstrual cramps or primary dysmenorrhea. Women who suffer from this type of cramp usually experience the discomfort and pain when they begin menstruating or a year or two after the first menstruation.

The normal symptoms of this menstrual period pains are pain in the lower abdomen which may spread to the lower back and thighs. Some women may also feel bloated.

Secondary menstrual cramp is more painful and severe and may include dizziness, headaches, nausea and sweating. This type of cramp is usually caused by endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic infections or some other conditions. You have to visit a doctor to find out the cause.

One of the natural remedies for menstrual cramps is to use the heat remedy. Heat helps in relaxing the muscles and increase circulation. Lie down and place a heating pad on your lower abdomen which is the common affected cramped area. Using a heated castor oil pack may also help. Another option to ease menstrual cramps is to take a hot bath.

One of the causes of menstrual cramps is an excess of prostaglandin which is a hormone that is produced by the uterine lining. Doing aerobic exercises regularly helps increase pelvic circulation which in turn speeds up the clearing of the excess prostaglandins.

Taking omega 3 fatty acid or including foods that contain omega 3 in your diet may help prevent period pains. The active compounds in omega 3 react positively with prostaglandins which will help prevent or ease period pains. Foods that are high in omega 3 fatty acids are broccoli, cabbage, flax seeds, salmon and walnuts.

Here is a list of herbs that you may want to try as natural remedies for menstrual cramps to help provide menstrual cramp relief. It's best that you seek medical advice first especially if you have an illness or on prescription medication.

1. Valerian root - Valerian root extract is more known for its sedative effect and as a sleep aid. The easiest form to take is valerian root tea which is easily available in tea bags. It is also available in capsules and liquid extract.
   
   
   
2. It is common for many women to take aspirin or ibuprofen to ease menstrual pain. An alternative to either one of these medications is to take white willow bark. Research found that white willow has anti-inflammatory, astringent and antiseptic properties.
   
   
   
3. Taking lemon balm is another one of the natural home remedies for menstrual cramps that is popular. Lemon balm has carminative, sedative and antispasmodic qualities. As a home remedy for menstrual cramps, drink a few cups of lemon balm tea during the day.
   
   
   
4. Besides providing period pain relief, black cohosh is found to help in maintaining a regular menstrual cycle. Black cohosh root extract is available in the form of capsules, liquid extract and black cohosh tea.
   
   
   
5. Another medicinal herb that is popular to help ease menstrual pain, cramp and heavy menstrual bleeding is yarrow. One of the ways to take yarrow is to mix this herbal extract with water and drink it several times a day.
   
   
   
6. The extract from the dried bark of a plant called viburnum opulus, guelder rose or water elder is used in a tincture known as cramp bark to ease painful menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome or PMS. Cramp bark is also available in capsule, herbal tea, powdered form and tablets.
   
   
   
7. You may also want to consider drinking rosemary leaf tea as one of your natural remedies for menstrual cramps. Rosemary herbs have antiseptic, antioxidant and antispasmodic properties which may help reduce uterine spasms.
   
   
   
8. Dong quai or angelica sinensis has analgesic, anti inflammatory, antispasmodic and sedative properties. Dong quai has the ability to control muscle spasms, reduce pain and relax muscles. This angelica root is another one of the popular natural remedies for menstrual cramps. Drinking dong quai tea or taking the herbal extract is also an effective remedy in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome or PMS.

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