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How to Relieve Menstrual Cramps Naturally
Ladies, many of us probably go through a myriad of remedies to help us deal with menstrual pain. From generational natural antidotes to the latest medication, our search for the perfect elixir is neverending. Many of us may try to avoid pain medications for our menstrual cramps. Some of us may be allergic to them, or some may experience unpleasant side effects. For this reason, along with many others, some of us may prefer to deal with these devilish cramps naturally.
We may start taking vitamin supplements to overcome any unknown deficiencies. Or rely only on a hot water bottle and adequate rest. However, most of us are probably aware of the secrets herbs and spices contain. After all, herbs and spices are known to possess medicinal effects. In addition to other numerous health benefits, herbs and spices are also used as natural menstrual cramps pain relief.
Know Thy Enemy: Inflammation and Pain
To understand how natural remedies work, it is essential to understand the mechanisms behind menstrual pain. Menstrual pain is much more than the endometrial layer shedding to cause a period. Menstrual cramps are a game between hormones and inflammatory processes.
During periods, the endometrial lining of the uterus sheds in response to your fluctuating hormones. This shedding induces the release of prostaglandins. The body produces prostaglandin, a chemical substance that takes part in various biological activities, and one of them is inflammation. Inflammation is a type of immune response that protects the body from harmful substances. There are chemical substances that modulate this response by either promoting inflammation or preventing it.
Important note: A balance between these substances is crucial. An imbalance can lead to an exaggerated response or an underwhelming response.
Hence, during menstruation, inflammation-promoting prostaglandins are released in excess amounts. Prostaglandins will cause the muscles and blood vessels of the uterus to contract, thus causing menstrual pain.
And this is how many dietary and nutritional supplements work as natural menstrual cramps pain relief.
How to Ease Menstrual Cramps with Ginger
Historically, ginger has dual purposes; it is a widely consumed herb that possesses medicinal properties. Along with traditional advice, studies also show that ginger helps deal with gastric ailments such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and heartburn. The two primary bioactive components of ginger are gingerol and 6-shogaol. These components increase gut motility, enhancing gastric emptying. As a result, this decreases nausea. Serotonin also plays a role in nausea and vomiting. And current studies demonstrate that the bioactive components of ginger likely inhibit the activity of serotonin.
A study amongst college students reveals that intake of 1500mg of ginger powder for three days effectively reduced menstrual pain, especially when the consumption of ginger began two days before the onset of menses. Ginger reduces menstrual cramps by reducing the production and action of inflammatory-promoting prostaglandins. Another study shows that ginger is equally effective as traditional medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen) for easing menstrual cramps.
So, how to relieve menstrual cramps with ginger? As your menstrual cycle begins, opt for a fresh, soothing cup of ginger tea. Or perhaps dietary supplements that contain ginger. Maybe add a dash of turmeric to your ginger tea. Why? Read on to find out!
How to Ease Menstrual Cramps with Turmeric
The active component of turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin relaxes the uterine muscles and prevents painful uterine contractions. It inhibits the inflammatory processes that accompany menses. Turmeric may even enhance the pain-relieving effects of anti-inflammatory medications when taken in combination. A clinical trial reveals that when women took curcumin capsules consecutively for three cycles, their PMS symptoms reduced significantly. Another study conducted in women aged 18 to 35 showed that daily intake of a single curcumin capsule effectively reduced primary menstrual pain. The study concludes that curcumin can be an alternative for women who have allergies to pain medication or do not respond well to pain medications.
Black Pepper as a Natural Menstrual Cramps Pain Relief
Forming the foundation of simple cooking, black pepper is one of the oldest spices in the world. This spice is obtained from the unripe peppercorns of a trailing vine plant, Piper nigrum. In addition to its culinary benefits, black pepper also has medicinal properties. Black pepper is an antioxidant that lowers the risk of chronic diseases, aids in digestion, boosts nutrient absorption, and supports the immune system. But how can you ease menstrual cramps with black pepper? Well, about one tablespoon of black pepper contains 12 mg of magnesium. And magnesium plays a crucial role in maintaining menstrual health. It decreases PMS-induced bloating and mood changes, period migraines, and of course, eases cramps. Magnesium reduces prostaglandin production, hence relaxing the uterine muscles and lessening cramps.
Along with magnesium, black pepper also contains vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K. A study found that the incidence of menstrual pain increased in young girls with magnesium deficiency. Another study found that magnesium in combination with vitamin B6 is effective in reducing PMS symptoms. Well, taking that into consideration, black pepper contains the perfect combination of these nutrients, making it consequently efficient for dealing with PMS and menstrual cramps.
The Bottom Line
There are many more nutrients that provide natural menstrual cramps pain relief. The answer to how to relieve menstrual cramps is not exactly a straightforward one. The intensity and frequency of cramps vary from woman to woman. Sometimes the pain will be so debilitating that one will spend the day in bed, sleeping it off. Other times, exasperating symptoms may accompany the cramps. Hence, every woman will deal with her menstrual cramps differently. There is no standard or universal remedy. However, experiencing menstrual cramps is a natural phenomenon, so why not go for a natural solution meant to nourish, not just to force an action?
Goodbye Cramps, an effective natural menstrual cramp pain reliever, contains a soothing blend of turmeric, ginger, and black pepper. The combination of these three essential nutrients will come to your aid during the menstrual cycle. When you add a great progesterone cream like Fertile balance progesterone cream (with organic ingredients), you have a great team to combat estrogen dominance, which is very often behind it all. They are not only effective in dealing with menstrual cramps but also other symptoms. Goodbye Cramps may be the answer that you have been searching for for a long time.