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How To Naturally Stop Menstrual Cramps

I sang the title of this blog in my Mary J. Blige "No More Drama" voice. Cramps have always kicked my ass during that "time of the month". Since going into a more healthier lifestyle by removing drug store medications (like ibuprofen) and meat, dairy, and wheat out of my diet, I've noticed my cramping has been a lot less miserable. Please note that I am not a medical practitioner, I just try my best to live a holistic lifestyle and study natural remedies. These tips are from my own experiences.

1. Diet Matters

Photo: silviarita via Pixabay

Now, I understand everyone isn't going to go the vegan/vegetarian/dairy-free way, but trust and believe like Keyshia Cole, diet plays an extremely vital part in minimal cramps during that time of the month. Many women vegans even attest to plant based diets significantly aiding in improving period symptoms.

Once I stopped consuming meat and dairy, I noticed my cramping was a lot less painful than usual. In my post about removing dairy from my diet, I discussed how hormones in dairy products can interfere with hormones in the female body. If you're still munching your chicken, turkey, and beef, be sure to consume lots of fruits and veggies too. A lot of us ladies crave sweets and salty treats during that time of the month, but healthy snacks like seaweed, kale chips, and granola will do the trick too.

3. Use Natural Herbs & Spices

Photo: Leon_Ting via Pixabay

As stated, besides doing away with meat and dairy, I also gave up drug store medicines. That's right. My once beloved ibuprofen had to go bye-bye. Instead I opted for natural herbs and spices. Here are a few of my favorites:

White Willow Bark
Ginger
Evening Primrose Oil
Maca Root

So far, ginger does the best job at kicking ass. I love ginger tea with fresh ginger root and taking ginger capsules when I don't have time to be brewing tea. When I first introduced myself to maca root, I took capsules, then tried it in a powder form, but the best kind is liquid. Liquid supplements and herbs are actually proven to be the most effective and potent in comparison to capsules. I add liquid maca into water 3-4 times a day and it's super helpful.

3. Water Works

Photo: T7 via Pixabay

Stay hydrated. I know it's been said many times before, but staying hydrated really does help with healing cramps. A week prior to doomsday, I increase my water intake, specifically drinking spring water. 1 gallon a day keeps the cramping away.

4. Get Salty!

Photo: pompi via Pixabay

Periods always come at inconveniencing times, but every now and then I do enjoy a steamy hot salt bath even though I barely have time to (literally) sit down and enjoy one. Himalayan salt baths and epsom salt baths are super helpful in alleviating cramps because they add magnesium into the body and have detoxifying properties. I also add ginger in my salt baths since it also aids in pulling toxins out the body.

5. Activate

Photo: Justyn Warner on Unsplash

I read a long time ago that working out helps alleviates cramps. Upon reading this, I was like:

I unintentionally worked out a few days before one of my periods and it actually did me some good seeing that my cramps weren't that painful. Working out before and during your period increases blood circulation, eases cramping, and boosts your mood. I mean, who doesn't feel a rush of energy after working out?

These are some of the ways naturally I defeat pesky cramps during my cycle. What works for me may not work for everyone, so I encourage all of you ladies to do your own research and try different natural remedies yourself.

What are some ways you naturally add a halt to menstrual cramping?

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Look of the Day: "Just Change Clothes and Gggoooo"

It's been a hot minute since my last LOTD post! Finally after two months of wintery weather, even when it was officially spring, we're having some real springtime weather. I'm super excited to serve y'all these looks, especially with all the new vintage pieces I've been gathering just 'a waitin' in my closet to be worn. This weekend was my 26th birthday, wooh hoo! Honestly, I'm over birthdays even though I still did the most this year. I just want to dress up, take pictures, eat, twerk, and relax to be honest. I'm at the point in my life where I don't need a day to celebrate me, plus I can have fun whenever.

Nonetheless, I still had to kill it on the fashion tip. So picture it: I'm at the thrift store browsing dresses and I come across this bad ass 1990's beaded, fringed, vintage Nite Line brand dress. Oozing Tina Turner and Donna Summer vibes. It was a size 6, so there was no way I could fit it, so I decided like Solange to put it on my online vintage shop. While photographing the dress, I was like "Naw man, naw. I gotsta wear this!" It was just too dope for me not to rock it.

It's awesome when you have friends who are artists of different genres. If you didn't know, my best friend is a fashion designer and an amazing one at that. So I called the good sis and asked her if she could make a way out of no way and alter this dress for me. She asked for a picture of it, I sent it to her and y'all, she said "Ooh shit! That is so you!" Factuals. To make a long story short, I wore the dress my birthday weekend and tada, here we are now.

I wanted to go for a super glam look. Glitter, fur, metallics, sparkles, all 'a dat.

This look came out looking a lot more 1960's than I expected! I wore this with my Wilson's Leather rabbit fur coat, vintage 1990's/2000's Sergio Bravo studded heels, and jewelry from Forever 21. Came into 26 shining as always!