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:


Image result for hell no gif

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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CONVERSATION

12 comments:

  1. You know what now that you mention that water. I had bad bad cramps that would have me in so much pain. I started drinking more water last year and I noticed my cramps weren't as bad.

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  2. Water yoga and tea. These 3 work for me. I am luck and usually have mild cramps so I count my blessing. Thanks for all these tips though!

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  3. Great tips, I’m so far out the game that I don’t know how to fix it. I need to brush up in case it’s an issue when my daughter is here.

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  4. Very helpful. My daughter suffers with cramps. I don't think I can get her to change her diet right now but trying herbs instead of ibuprofen is definitely doable.

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  5. These tips are super helpful, I particularly Love that they are all natural ways of stopping menstrual pain.

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  6. Anonymous1/20/2019

    in my teens I cramped, magically they went away. The last year they have come back, drinking water and working out the past 3 months, I see a difference Im going to use your other tips as well

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  7. I have gone thru a lot of changes in my health this past year. I haven't given up a lot of meat or dairy...but one thing that has really helped my cramps...CHOCOLATE. It's that time for me and I have been eating a few squares of chocolate to help with the pain. Not the healthiest option, but it does stop me from reaching for the over the counter meds.

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  8. My periods were mild before I had kids. Now as long as I exercise I'm fine. These tips are helpful.

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  9. Really great tips for managing period pains. I never really thought about before how diet could affect pain levels. Going to try and be more conscious.

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  10. These are some great and helpful natural tips. Unfortunately I already drink a lot of water, eat pretty healthy, and work out a lot, and drink green tea, and those don't help my cramps any. I will look into trying ginger tea.

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  11. I transitioned to all natural menstrual products. I use both a menstrual cup as well as natural sanitary napkins and tampons and since then I have definitely seen a difference.

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  12. As a holistic person I have been using ginger for year to knock out cramps. Also because I am pescatarians, I normally dont have bad cramps anymore and switched to organic period pads!

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