Further quality Pllant-based is flr. Although the ofr behind acupuncture Affordable weight loss menstrual cramps is still emerging, remediees study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Balancing training and nutrition observed the effects of weekly acupuncture sessions given to 44 women for three menstrual cycles. A doctor can suggest other home remedies to try or prescribe medications, such as birth control pills or some types of pain reliever, to manage the symptoms. Clemons M, Goss P. Participants reported significant reduction in PMS symptoms. options for menstrual cramps and PMS, it can be hard to determine where to start.

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Home remedies for period cramps.

Plant-based remedies for cramps -

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs. NSAIDs help relieve pain. They can cause stomach upset, so taking them with food may help. Long-term use can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. NSAIDs include over-the-counter OTC medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen Motrin, Advil , and naproxen Aleve.

Prescription NSAIDs are also available. Cyclooxygenase-2 COX-2 inhibitors. Help relieve pain and have fewer gastrointestinal side effects than NSAIDs.

Birth control pills and patches. Can help relieve pain and may be prescribed for problems such as endometriosis.

For menstrual pain results caused by pelvic inflammatory disease PID , your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Some women find that changing their diets makes cramps less severe. Mind-body techniques such as meditation and acupuncture, and exercises such as yoga and tai chi, can also help relieve pain.

Aromatic essential oils and massage may also help relieve pain. Some studies also suggest following a gluten-free diet helped reduce painful symptoms of endometriosis. Herbs are generally available as standardized dried extracts pills, capsules, or tablets , teas, tinctures, or liquid extracts alcohol extraction, unless otherwise noted.

Mix liquid extracts with favorite beverage. Some researchers think the following herbs act like estrogen in the body. Women who have a history of hormone-related cancer, who are taking hormone replacement therapy, or who have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medication should ask their doctor before taking these herbs:.

Few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic remedies. However, a professional homeopath may recommend one or more of the following treatments for menstrual pain based on his or her knowledge and clinical experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type, includes your physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup.

An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual. Acupuncture has become a popular treatment for menstrual pain.

The National Institutes of Health recommends acupuncture, either by itself or along with other treatments, for menstrual pain. In a well-designed study of 43 women with menstrual pain, women treated with acupuncture had less pain and needed less pain medication.

Acupuncturists treat people with dysmenorrhea based on an individualized assessment of the excesses and deficiencies of energy called qi located in various meridians. In the case of dysmenorrhea, a qi deficiency is usually detected in the liver and spleen meridians.

Moxibustion a technique in which the herb mugwort is burned over specific acupuncture points is often added to enhance needling treatment, and qualified practitioners may also recommend herbal or dietary treatments. Acupressure also works to relieve pain. A study of female students found that acupressure and ibuprofen were better than placebo at reducing pain.

Some people with menstrual pain may find relief with spinal manipulation, particularly in areas that supply sensory and motor impulses to the uterus and lower back.

Balbi C, Musone R, Menditto A, et al. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. Barnard ND, Scialli AR, Hurlock D, Bertron P.

Diet and sex-hormone binding globulin, dysmenorrhea, and premenstrual symptoms. Obstet Gynecol. Bernstein MT, Graff LA, Avery L, Palatnick C, Parnerowski K, Targownik LE. Gastrointestinal symptoms before and during menses in healthy women.

BMC Womens Health. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; Chen YW, Wang HH. The effectiveness of acupressure on relieving pain: a systematic review.

Pain Manag Nurs. Dennehy CE. The use of herbs and dietary supplements in gynecology: an evidence-based review. J Midwifery Womens Health. Fjerbaek A, Knudsen UB.

Endometriosis, dysmenorrhea and diet -- what is the evidence? Ghodsi Z, Asltoghiri M. The effect of fennel on pain quality, symptoms, and menstrual duration in primary dysmenorrhea. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. Grimes DA, Hubacher D, Lopez LM, Schulz KF.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for heavy bleeding or pain associated with intrauterine-device use. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.

Guerrera MP, Volpe SL, Mao JJ. Therapeutic uses of magnesium. Am Fam Physician. Habek D, Cortez Habek J, Bobic-Vukovic M, Vujic B. Efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of primary dysmenorrheal. Gynakol Geburtshilfliche Rundsch. Keogh E, Cavill R, Moore DJ, Eccleston C. The effects of menstrual-related pain on attentional interference.

Letzel H, Megard Y, Lamarca R, Raber A, Fortea J. The efficacy and safety of aceclofenac versus placebo and naproxen in women with primary dysmenorrhoea.

Liu CZ, Xie JP, Wang LP, et al. Immediate analgesia effect of single point acupuncture in primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized controlled trial. A recent review of twenty-seven studies found various phytochemicals in Chamomile may be helpful for PMS. This is likely due to its potentially beneficial effects on inflammatory response, cramping, and emotional well-being, and relaxation-inducing properties.

Another review compared the effects of Chamomile versus NSAID and Fennel. Results of the studies suggested Chamomile may be more effective for menstrual cramps than NSAID. This study also showed Chamomile was more effective for abdominal and pelvic discomfort and emotional well-being than Fennel, although Fennel was shown potentially more beneficial for fatigue and lethargy.

Although the evidence supporting its use for PMS and menstrual cramps is limited, Red Raspberry Leaf tea has been a cherished female tonic in traditional herbalism for years.

Red raspberry leaves contain various antioxidants and essential nutrients which may support the female body and reproductive system. Although there is no standard recommendation, herbalists typically recommend several cups a day throughout the month for best results. With so many natural and empowering!

options for menstrual cramps and PMS, it can be hard to determine where to start. Ultimately, the best herbs and lifestyle practices for you will depend on your individual goals, health concerns, history, lifestyle, current medications, supplements, and many other factors.

Natural solutions, including herbs, movement, dietary changes, etc. So be sure you choose an option you can commit to for several weeks or months. Many women and menstruating people also achieve better and faster results by combining several strategies.

For example, combining a few changes in diet with a couple of herbs that address your most pressing concerns Vitex and Ashwagandha, for example and doing yoga provides a multi-targeted approach.

And if you need something that will work quickly, a TENS machine, booking an aromatherapy massage, or trying out some hydrotherapy practices may be the best course of action.

By Kristen Boye BS, Natural Health. Kristen Boye Kristen Boye is a natural health expert, writer, copywriter, and editor. The lack of safe and natural solutions for this monthly problem is even more annoying. Are Menstrual Cramps Normal?

Yes and No… Menstrual cramps affect most women and menstruating people at some point in their child-bearing years, with more than half of women reporting cramping.

The information in this article is not intended for those with a medical condition. But what does the science say about the best diet for menstrual cramps? How does this help? REF 2: St. REF Cramp Bark has also been shown to be potentially effective for supporting endometrial health and function, although more robust studies are needed.

You can also find it in tinctures and capsules, alone or combined with other supportive herbs. REF One small study of female adolescents found that regular consumption of water decreased menstrual cramping and reduced heaviness of flow.

REF More research is needed, but it appears staying hydrated may help reduce menstrual cramps. More research is needed. REF Many experts also recommend increasing magnesium-rich foods or taking a magnesium supplement to reduce those monthly chocolate cravings.

REF The authors note more research is needed. REF And other studies have shown Cinnamon may help reduce menstrual cramping. REF 8. Hydrotherapy for Cramps and Relaxation Hydrotherapy is a therapeutic practice that uses water of varying temperatures to transfer heat, energy, and minerals to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

REF How does hydrotherapy help with cramps? REF Lavender, either used as a massage oil or inhaled, has been shown to potentially help with cramps and reduce menstrual bleeding.

REF REF Clary Sage and Marjoram have also been shown helpful in a randomized, double-blind trial,REF and Rose essential oil has been shown to decrease pain better than placebo. REF Peppermint and Ginger essential oils used for abdominal massage have also been shown effective for reducing cramps and improving digestive function, and Peppermint helped shorten the duration of menstruation.

REF Most studies have been conducted on the effects of aromatherapy massage. REF Many health-conscious women and menstruating people rely on acupuncture to help with their monthly cycles, and treatment plans vary.

Dong Quai Dong Quai , also known as Angelica sinensis or Dang Gui, is an herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support menstruation and other aspects of female reproductive function. REF Dong Quai is a common addition to many traditional Chinese herbal formulas for menstruation support.

They have also been studied in women with menstrual cramps with encouraging results. REF Another double-blind placebo-controlled study of a Turmeric-Boswellia-Sesame formula suggested similar results, with authors concluding it was a safe and naturally effective alternative for relief of menstrual cramps.

REF Although not related directly to menstrual cramps, the combination of Turmeric with Boswellia aka Frankincense has been shown to be effective in managing many types of minor aches and pains. REF REF Turmeric and Curcumin supplements are widely available.

REF Therefore, always look for supplements that contain Black Pepper, and include Black Pepper in your Turmeric-based recipes for maximum benefit. However, research suggests it may also help with menstrual cramps. REF Plus, Valerian may help with sleeplessness and stress associated with the hormonal changes of menstruation.

Various studies have been done to test the effectiveness of Vitex Berry for PMS symptoms. REF Research suggests Vitex may work by supporting normal prolactin levels prolactin is the hormone that allows women to make breast milk and is involved in other aspects of female reproductive function.

REF REF Normal prolactin levels are associated with fewer PMS symptoms, including breast tenderness. REF TENS devices are available to consumers through various vendors and are used in clinical settings. However, diet changes may lead to similar results. Estrogens are female sex hormones, a sort of hormonal fertilizer that makes the cells of the body grow.

These hormones are responsible for breast development at puberty, and each month they cause the lining of the uterus to thicken in anticipation of pregnancy. Then, for about two weeks, the hormone rises toward a peak and falls quickly around the time of ovulation.

It rises again in the second half of the month and then falls just before the next period for a total of two rises and falls throughout the cycle. The uterus sheds its lining in a menstrual flow, accompanied by crampy pain.

Naturally, eating foods that decrease inflammation in the body will help to tame menstrual cramps. These foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Research has shown that both a vegetarian and plant-based eating pattern work to decrease inflammation in the body.

This decrease is due to the high number of antioxidants and plant chemicals found in plant foods that help the body to function optimally. Animal products and added oils increase the levels of estrogen in the body. The more estrogen-based foods you consume, the more likely your uterine lining becomes abnormally thick.

As a result, when it begins to break down during the menstrual cycle, this process creates more prostaglandins, resulting in higher levels of pain.

A low-fat, high-fiber diet can significantly reduce estrogen levels. Less estrogen means less stimulation for cancer cell growth. If the amount of fat is cut even more, the estrogen level will drop further. A lower hormone level will have less effect on the uterine cells. In addition to lowering estrogen, a low-fat diet may also be beneficial because high-fiber vegetables, beans, fruits, and whole grains help the body to eliminate estrogens.

Estrogen is normally pulled from the bloodstream by the liver, which sends it through a small tube, called the bile duct, into the intestinal tract. There, fiber soaks it up like a sponge and carries it out with other waste.

Animal products and many processed foods do not contain fiber. The extra estrogens, which should bind to fiber in the digestive tract and leave the body, get absorbed back into the bloodstream. However, the reabsorption of estrogens can be blocked with the fiber found in grains, vegetables, beans, and other plant foods.

When researchers asked women in Japan what foods they ate most often and how they would rate their menstrual pain, they found that eating high amounts of fiber was significantly related to having less menstrual pain.

By blocking the reabsorption of estrogen, fiber helps to reduce estrogen levels and subsequent menstrual cramps. Not only do animal products lack fiber, but they also can contribute to worse menstrual pain.

A study showed that higher intakes of red meat and processed meat may lead to endometriosis—a painful condition in which uterine cells extend to other organs in the body. In addition, dairy products may contribute to extra estrogen circulating in the blood since cows are usually pregnant while being milked and may pass along estrogen through their milk.

By avoiding animal products, processed foods, and added oils, estrogen production is reduced. And by replacing chicken, skim milk, and other nonfiber foods with grains, beans, and vegetables, estrogen elimination is increased.

The study included 33 women who followed either the low-fat vegan diet or their regular diet and then switched treatments. The diet change was designed to do two things. First, it eliminated all animal fats and nearly all vegetable oils. Second, its emphasis on plant-based foods increased the fiber in the diet.

While these women followed the low-fat vegan diet, the intensity of their pain was significantly lower than during their regular diet. They also noticed less water retention and fewer mood swings. The effect of the diet was so powerful that some women refused to switch back to their regular diet, even though the study design required it.

The key to success is to follow the diet strictly so that the beneficial effects are evident over time. This may sound like a significant change, but eliminating foods slowly over the course of a few days can make the change easier.

Experiment with new foods and try to get family members, friends, and partners involved in recipe tasting.

I Remedes I do — well, I used to. Those days, I would finally break rekedies and take an ibuprofen. One of my favorite treatments is herbal medicine! This beautiful herb is most popular for its sedative effects. However, it is also an effective antispasmodic. Rejedies people cor experiencing abdominal or pelvic Boost productivity and energy at the beginning Boost productivity and energy their menstrual cycle. In some cases, home remedies can help provide Citrus oil for refreshing scent from menstrual cramps. Crsmps a period, remeedies uterus contracts to squeeze the lining away from the uterine wall and allow it to exit the body through the vagina. These contractions can cause pain or discomfort. Many people refer to them as cramps. During menstruation, most people experience cramps in the lower abdomen, although the pain can also radiate to the lower back, groin, or upper thighs. Menstrual cramps tend to be worst at the beginning of a period and become less uncomfortable as the days go on.