5 Soothing Remedies for Period Pain Relief
As women, most of us menstruate each month. On average, we do this anywhere from 2 to 7 days per month, from our early teen years to menopausal age – that’s a whole lot of cycles!
There aren’t too many women that look forward to this time of month, in fact many dread their impending bleed which is a shame as it is a reminder of how extraordinarily the female body functions. This time of the month should be embraced and honored for what it is. Unfortunately, many women experience discomfort and pain during this time, making that hard to do.
There are many factors that can contribute to uncomfortable periods, apart from the blatant fact that your body is doing amazing things to shed its uterine lining, such as emotional stress, sugar, hormonal imbalance, alcohol, endometriosis, lack of sleep and many more!
If you personally experience severe cramping or menstrual symptoms please do see your doctor. Also, take a good look at your diet and lifestyle to see if you can make some changes there to support your body!
In recent years, I have learnt to really listen to my body, particularly at this time of month, and just slow down a little. Our bodies are meant to have a little rest and relaxation during this time.
Sure, it may not be practical for most of us to lock ourselves away in our bedrooms for 5 days every month, but just try to slow down a little, be kind to yourself, incorporate some more yin activities into your day (such as relaxation, walking, etc) and really embrace the magnificence of what your body is doing!
While you are taking things a little easier, check out these 5 soothing remedies for period pain relief!
1. Essential Oils
Of course, there is an essential oil for everything, including that time of the month! Some of my favorites to assist with menstrual symptoms are:
Cramping – lavender, clary sage or peppermint oil
Headaches – peppermint, marjoram or lavender
Moodiness – orange, cypress or ylang ylang
Bloating – ginger, copaiba or peppermint
2. Water
Drink, drink, drink! By ensuring you stay hydrated in the days leading up to, and during, your menstruation, you will decrease your chances of fluid/water retention, which is what causes bloating and can make cramps more intense and painful.
3. Heat Pack
Ahh, there is nothing quite like a soft warm heat pack on your tummy when you are experiencing cramps, right? They have long been a remedy for stomach aches and menstrual cramps. Heat works by simply relaxing contracted muscles, increasing blood flow and easing pain. So, a heat pack is a given during your period!
4. A Good Book
During your menses, you might like to trade vigorous activities, or even socialising, for a good book! My favorite thing to do when my body is craving some down time and asking me to slow down, is to indulge in a good read. Snuggle up with a cozy blanket, pop your feet up, and get lost in a new story.
5. Peppermint Tea
My last menstruation must have is peppermint tea! Yum! The heat of the liquid works similarly to a heat pack by promoting blood flow and helping to relax the pelvic muscles. Peppermint also has anti-spasmodic effects which not only help ease menstrual cramps, but also stomach aches and upsets. And not only is it effective, but it tastes delicious too!
Don’t Forget: Period Tracker App
I swear my life changed when I started tracking my periods! There are so many fantastic, functional apps available now, including Eva, Pink ad, Ovia, Period Tracker etc. Most apps not only allow you to track you cycle, but predict when you are next due, when you will ovulate or are most likely to conceive (or safest time to not conceive) plus track general health symptoms and sexual interactions if you so choose. To have all that information available with a tap of your finger is remarkable, and very convenient!
Lastly, a menstrual cup might help with making your period more manageable.
I am so passionate about menstrual cups that last year I wrote a whole blog about them and why you should make the switch. There are many reasons why I love mine, which you can read about here, but more than anything I love the freedom that comes with not having to worry about disposable sanitary products – making sure you have supplies on you at all times, checking the time to ensure you change them over regularly, worrying about how to dispose of safely while in public or not at home, fearing heavy days, etc. After 3 years with my cup, it is most definitely a menstruation must have I would recommend!
Remember, you don’t need to dread ‘that time of the month’. Be prepared and listen to your body. Celebrate her for being oh so clever, and enjoy some of my must haves next time round!
What helps you feel better during that ‘time of the month’? Share with us in the comments below!
