Home Remedies For Period Pain

It's that time of the month again! Women all over the world know this pain all too well. Some experience a little discomfort, while others turn into she-hulk: "I will smash everything in my way!"

Scientists have said there is no male equivalent to this monthly cycle. John Guillebaud, a Professor of Reproductive Health at University College London, says that some studies have likened period pain to be as painful as having a heart attack.

Extreme period pain or dysmenorrhea reportedly derails the daily activities of 1 in every 5 women. That's a jarring statistic, just as jarring as the pain!

So we've scoured the web and asked experts to give you some tried and tested home remedies to alleviate those menstrual cramps.

Massage with Sesame Oil

Sesame oil isn't just for salads, it's for your stomach too! While great on our veggies and salmon, sesame oil has been traditionally used for Ayurvedic practices. Specifically, this special oil is used for abhyanga, a daily self-massage practise. With its anti-inflammatory properties, you can massage the sesame oil onto your lower abdomen when you're on your period. This is Ayurveda experts recommended.

Apply Heat

Applying heat on the lower abdomen is a favourite go-to remedy especially when the muscles of the uterus are contracting. That's when you can barely stand, but you manage to grab a hot water bottle and plop it right below the belly. You can also use heating pads or patches to relieve the pain. One other recommendation from Dr. Samaddar of Max Super Speciality Hospital: "Sip on warm fluids or take a hot shower. This also helps to relieve pain and make you feel more relaxed."

Drink Herbal Tea

But not just any tea. Ayurveda Experts recommend herbal tea using dried ginger and black pepper. You may add sugar for a little taste but don't add milk to it.

This is also a really great drink for those who have PMS or premenstrual syndrome. Those experiencing irregular periods can enjoy the benefits of this herbal tea as it is known to help fight fatigue, and regulates menstruation. Ginger is known to reduce pain and lowers prostaglandin levels. That is the substance that causes uterine muscles to contract during menstruation.

Exercise

Okay, this might just feel counter-intuitive to you. Considering that you can barely move and in severe pain. But working out increases the circulation of your body, including the pelvic region. To counteract with prostaglandins, exercising releases endorphins. Schedule a relaxing yoga or lie down on your back and bend your knees. Exercise helps your health overall, but it also has great benefits when you're prone to period pain.

Try these home remedies on your next cycle. But we also hope you won't have to undergo some more pain. Take care of your body and love it dearly.