For many women, menstrual days are distressing and bothersome especially due to menstrual cramps, which may include headaches, vomiting, sweating, pain in the lower back, dizziness, nausea, etc. Many feel debilitated, stagnated, or exhausted all over.
Painkillers are often consumed to stop those 3–5 days from being a nightmare. But most of those pollute our bodies with chemicals. Fortunately, we have healthy alternatives to those – and they are easier to get than you’d think!
Follow our recommendations below to discover the powerful cramp-soothers we often have at home: natural spices! Check out these 5 tried and tested natural cramp remedies to have a peaceful period.
1. Fennel
Fennel may decrease hormone fluctuation and regulate menstrual cycle. It has anti-spasm effects by spreading blood to ovaries.
To improve your digestion, just chew some fennel seeds.
At the onset of your menstruation, pulverize 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds, add to 1 cup of simmering water, and steep for 5 minutes. Strain it, add some honey, and drink hot. Or swallow 30 mgs of fennel extract 4 times a day for 3 days.
DO NOT use fennel if you have epilepsy.
2. Basil
Basil leaves contain caffeic acid, which works as an effective painkiller. To prevent cramps, chew fresh basil leaves, or add them dried to your meals.
To make basil tea, add 2 tablespoons of leaves to a pint of boiling water. Steep for 5–7 minutes, cover it tightly for 10–15 minutes and leave it to cool down. Drink ½ –1 cup of this tea per hour.
3. Ginger
With its excellent warming effect, ginger may ease period pains and soothe menstrual nausea, vomiting or diarrhea due to hormonal changes.
With its high inflammatory characteristics, ginger may work as efficiently as ibuprofen, or even make irregular periods regular.
Add ginger to cakes and cookies, cooking vegetables and meat. Eat ginger candies and snacks, or enjoy ginger ale.
Grate a piece of fresh ginger into hot water, or boil it with honey and a pinch of salt for 4–6 minutes. During your period, drink this tea 2–3 times a day.
4. Cinnamon
With its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, cinnamon may reduce bleeding, pain, nausea, and vomiting during your period.
During the first 3 days of your period, take 420 mg of cinnamon in capsules twice a day. Or sprinkle some cinnamon powder in your breakfast cereal, over yogurt, to your toast, pastries, apple pie, etc.
Cinnamon tea is yummy with milk. Steep a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a stick of cinnamon in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Add honey or sugar. Drink this tea regularly throughout your menstruation, or at its onset.
5. Mustard
Being anti-spasmodic, mustard relieves muscle cramps within minutes and calms the body in general. Add it to your sandwich, or mix with the salad dressing.
Steep 1–2 tablespoons of mustard powder, or crushed seeds, in a basin of water. DON’T DRINK IT! Dip your feet in it for 30–45 minutes to feel the cramps wear off.
If you choose using spices for menstrual cramps, consult your doctor first to study the pros and cons. Health experts say some spicy foods may be tricky to digest, so be sure to use them with caution.
Another important point is that our menstruation experience also relies heavily on good rest and personal hygiene. Please check out our recommended products for healthy menstrual cycles here.
