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Home remedies for painful menstruation

Some pain and discomfort during menstruation is quite common and natural. But excessive bleeding, unbearable painful cramps, intense pain in the abdomen, backaches, extreme mood swings etc. – all these don’t seem so normal. In medical parlance, this is called as dysmenorrhea. If you are in the throes of such extremely severe symptoms during those days of the month, and home self-care measures don’t work for you then you should seriously think of consulting a gynecologist.




Normally, everyone experiences some uneasiness and pain on the first day which gradually subsides as the flow reduces. You may try some of these measures to ease your discomfort.

* Practice the yoga poses mentioned in Home remedies for PMS regularly or at least a week before the commencement of your periods. However, stop any kind of strenuous exercise during menstruation. Also rest yourself at proper intervals and stay away from all kinds of stressful and arduous activities.

* Include more of drumstick, bitter gourd, beetroot, green veggies in your diet. Avoid foods with a high glycemic index and meat. (Read why you should avoid meat when you are having a painful period in this post)

* Aloe-vera is a highly valued herb in Ayurveda and very effective in treating all kinds of menstrual problems. Intake of aloe juice or aloe-gel before and during the periods will go a long way in alleviating all kinds of pains and symptoms.

* Asafetida (Hing) is another condiment from the kitchen which you can count upon. Fry asafetida in a little ghee and take this paste thrice daily. For a bloated feeling in the abdomen, you can have a glass of buttermilk mixed with a pinch of asafetida.

* Or you could boil a few pods of garlic in a cup of water and take this water three times a day.
* ½ a teaspoonful of bruised or crushed sesame (gingelly) (til) seeds with hot water twice a day also eases your pain.



* Take 8-10 leaves of neem and grind it into a fine paste with ginger juice and have this during your periods. This can provide some relief. A decoction prepared from the leaves of lemon grass leaves, taken twice a day is also quite effective.

*This tip was shared by @mybookjacket on twitter. She claims that this drink suggested by her aunt is very effective. Take boiling water (the water you are supposed to drain) from rice when it's almost done. Add melted cow ghee / clarified butter to it and a pinch of salt. Have two glasses of it and you will get relief.

* Also try some of the remedies mentioned in the post Home remedies for excessive and heavy bleeding, especially the one in which you are advised to sleep with your legs slightly raised by a pillow.

Related Reading:
Home remedies for leucorrhea
Home remedies for delayed periods

Comments

  1. Anonymous4:12 PM

    Try green tea. Budweiser is also quite effective.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous9:55 PM

    Severe period pains should always be investigated to check for a treatable cause. As a rough guide, if your wife has had severe period pain (known as dysmenorrhoea) since around the time her periods first started, it's less likely a particular cause will be found.

    There are exceptions to this. Conditions such as endometriosis can sometimes cause severe pain from an early age (although the pain typically gets worse as the disease does more damage with each monthly cycle). Other causes include fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease and sometimes a narrowing of the cervix. Bear in mind, though, that period pains are rarely a sign of disease, especially in younger women.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous9:57 PM

    Have you ever tried using a heating pad? it works for me. taking a really hot shower works good too.

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  4. Anonymous9:59 PM

    Unfortunately I feel your pain, literally. For about a week out of every month I have severe mood swings, pains, and I am nauseous the entire time.

    I have found that just laying down in complete silence with the lights off, and a heating pad, make me feel some better, but it still hurts.

    Have you tried muscle relaxers. I hate to advise anyone to take medicine, but I understand your pain, it can be very unbearable. I dread the 1st of ever month.

    I also have cysts on my ovaries, which doesn't make the pain any better.

    Hope you find something that helps!

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  5. Anonymous12:37 PM

    An anti-inflammatory will help for those dreadful cramps. I personally use advil, but midol and aleve help as well.

    Something else that helps is to drink hot raspberry tea as well as have a heating pad on your stomach or back. The tea aides healthy menstruation and tones the uterus. Many naturopaths use it.

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  6. Anonymous3:30 PM

    I also have horribly painful periods, one time I even had to be rushed to the hospital in an ambulance and be hooked up to morphine for awhile because of the pain. What my gyno thinks the problem is, is endometriosis. Look it up. The only way they can detect it is by doing a Laproscopy

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  7. Anonymous5:16 PM

    Severe period pains should always be investigated to check for a treatable cause. As a rough guide, if you've had severe period pain
    There are exceptions to this. Conditions such as endometriosis can sometimes cause severe pain from an early age (although the pain typically gets worse as the disease does more damage with each monthly cycle). Other causes include fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease and sometimes a narrowing of the cervix. Bear in mind, though, that period pains are rarely a sign of disease, especially in younger woman

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous8:44 AM

    warm compress on the abdomen for 15-20 minutes. knee chest position, or take analgesic ex. Ibruprufen (Midol)

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  9. Anonymous9:01 AM

    The best thing to do is to eat foods that will relieve some of the cramps like carbs, bananas/raisins, and yogurt/milk. They're supposed to relieve cramping and bloating. Stay away from high sodium foods, which can cause excess bloating, discomfort, and gas (eww!) and caffine. And then exercise, but you may have to slow down the exercise a little, so it doesn't feel to like too much. Yoga may help too and it relieves stress!

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  10. Chadani8:57 AM

    Take a soft cotton towel dipped in cold water and put on theabdomen ,this gives spontaneous relief .
    Take 1tsp Cumin powder and 1tsp honey in 1/2 a cup water 5 days before the menstruation begins .

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  11. Bhakti12:47 PM

    Chamomile Tea is helpful in relieving menstrual cramps in women.

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  12. Drink some tea made from fresh ginger and sweetened with a little sugar.

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  13. Kaveri10:48 AM

    Castor Oil alleviates period pain and menstrual cramps massage some hand-warmed Castor oil over the lower abdomen to relieve period pain and menstrual cramping. Using the Castor oil pack method over the lower abdomen can also help reduce menstrual irregularities and uterine and ovarian cysts.

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  14. Anonymous4:27 PM

    Midol is a girls best friend in these situations! :)

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  15. Suniti10:05 AM

    You can get painkillers for periods at the pharmacy.Place a hot water bottle or heat pad on your stomach.Drink plenty of water, and take some gentle exercise like walking or yoga.Oh, and avoid the soda as it will make you feel worse as it can cause trapped wind when you are having a period.Cut down on caffeine too.

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  16. Chandrika10:14 AM

    Take 200 mg of Advil (ibuprofen) every 4 to 6 hours. It inhibits the release of prostaglandin, the hormone that causes cramps. Also, a warm bath or heating pad will help.

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  17. Sharada4:28 PM

    If you are suffering from painful periods, then hot water baths and heat pad treatments can help. While this treatment helps in easing menstrual pain, it will not help you in getting rid of it entirely. However, it is still effective for temporary relief.

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  18. unknown4:32 PM

    Diet too plays an important role in preventing menstrual pain. Have a well balanced and a nutritional diet so that you provide your body with all essential nutrients. This is because a deficiency of mineral or vitamin can lead to worsening of pain related to periods. In addition to diet, exercise regularly to keep your weight under check. Also give up smoking and drinking as they all aggravate the pain associated with menstrual cycle.

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  19. Nandita8:55 AM

    Take a hot bath, exercise, and drink lot's of water

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  20. Nayana8:51 AM

    to help provoke menstruation, drink the infusion of 20 to 30g of fresh leaves added to a liter of water, let stand.

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  21. Manjusha8:40 AM

    Ibuprofen is the most effective over-the-counter drug to relieve menstrual pain. It will reduce pain for most women, and make it disappear entirely for some.

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  22. Subhadra8:45 AM

    I really have found that eating less sugars helps reduce cramps. Lots of water too. And coffee really does just kill you, all that caffeine is hard on the system

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  23. Sabita8:51 AM

    Try drinking a glass of Soymilk - Unflavored. Works wonders! Contains lots of Magnesium which helps those cramps tremendously. I was a Ibuprofen junkie the first two days of my cycle but now I drink the soymilk and hardly need to take any at all. It really does work!

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  24. Sujata8:54 AM

    Many women have found that a heating pad placed on your lower back or abdomen helps to ease the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps. If you don't have a heating pad, one can be easily made by filling a sock with flaxseeds or uncooked rice and heating it in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.

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  25. Shubha6:01 PM

    Exercise and medicine helps. Also potassium (bananas) and masturbation helps.

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  26. Anonymous6:04 PM

    I have painful cramps also and don't like midol. I have found that pamprin works best for me (no aspirin and no caffeine). Lots of water, heating pad on my lower back, and eat dried apricots and almonds. The combination of all those really helps. And if you have to sit at a desk, prop up your feet.

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  27. Kumuda8:30 AM

    If it's period pains babe then hot bath and rest with a hot water bottle on your belly.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Anonymous10:01 AM

    Chamomile is widely used to treat gynecologic complaints such as menstrual cramps and discomfort related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Add 2 teaspoons of dried Chamomile flowers to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for at least 5 minutes. If you are using a package of Chamomile tea bags, then follow the directions as stated on the box. Honey or sugar can be added for taste. A good preventive measure is to start drinking Chamomile tea a couple of days before you are expecting your period, and then drink at least 2 cups everyday during your period. It also feels great if you use your hot mug as a hot compress for your lower abdomen while you are drinking it.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Sindhu10:03 AM

    Exercise is considered to be a natural way to reduce muscle tension and elevate one's mood. Therefore, maintaining a regular exercise program, including something as simple as walking for 20 minutes each day, can help reduce the severity of menstrual cramps.

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  30. Vaidehi10:17 AM

    I usually eat dates, they help tremendously.

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  31. Niraja10:20 AM

    Over the past 16 years I have had stages of period symptoms. They've ranged from being doubled over in bed to no cramps and a light flow. What I've found to really help is a healthy diet (little to no animal products) and lot's of exercise. Not trying to offend anybody with these next comments but a steady sex life and orgasms will relieve cramps and make your period more regular and shorter. I'm not sure what the science is behind it but it really works.

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  32. Vasudha8:40 AM

    Cinnamon is effective in providing relief from menstrual discomfort and cramping.

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  33. Bgagavati2:23 PM

    Having a healthy lifestyle tends to improve painful stomach cramps. Exercising regularly (yoga is thought to be effective), eating properly and cutting down on smoking and drinking can all help.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Carol2:27 PM

    Herbal Remedies----Black Cohosh,Raspberry Leafs,Ginger,Feverfew:,Camomile and Lavender

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous2:28 PM

    hi.i usually use nurofens.its ibuprofens.they really help for me.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Sulabha2:35 PM

    Try drink mint tea , it can decrease pain feeling

    ReplyDelete
  37. Vibha2:38 PM

    Two days before the period is due, take 1 Calc. Phos. tablet and 1 Mag Phos. tablet four times a day. This will help to prevent pain. If menstruation has already started, the same remedies may help to alleviate the discomfort

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  38. Suhasini11:43 AM

    To cope with period cramps, try reducing dairy and meat consumption. Menstrual pain often appears as cramping in the lower back and legs – both before and during your period. Meat and dairy products contain the hormone prostaglandin, which can make cramping worse. To find relief from premenstrual syndrome, avoid milk, ice cream, cheeseburgers, and other sources of dairy or meat for a few months. If it doesn’t help, then enjoy a nice big cheeseburger and chocolate milkshake!

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  39. Soumya2:36 PM

    Drink warm tea,Consume loads of fiber starting 72 hours before,Heating pads really work,No added salt, no extra salty food 72 hours prior these are thetips for controlling cramps

    ReplyDelete
  40. Dilip9:51 AM

    Some studies have reported relief from pelvic pain after acupuncture or acupressure, a technique that applies small pins or pressure to specific points on the body.
    Yoga and Meditative Techniques. Yoga and meditative techniques that promote relaxation may help relieve menstrual cramps.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Harshada9:53 AM

    Exercise. Exercise may help reduce menstrual pain.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Arpita10:07 AM

    Dietary Factors
    Making dietary adjustments starting about 14 days before a period may help some women with certain mild menstrual disorders, such as cramping. The general guidelines for a healthy diet apply to everyone; they include eating plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoiding saturated fats and commercial junk foods.
    Limiting salt may help bloating. Reducing caffeine, sugar, and alcohol intake may also be beneficial.

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  43. Health Expert8:24 AM

    Exercise may also make you feel better, possibly because it releases endorphins, chemicals in the body that literally make you feel good. Soaking in a warm bath or putting a warm compress on your stomach won't make your cramps disappear but may help your muscles relax a little. If you have severe cramps that keep you home from school or from doing stuff with your friends, visit your doctor for advice.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Anandi10:01 AM

    Parsley (ajmoda) is an easy and effective home remedy.The muscles in uterus contracts due to severe pain during menstruation, and this later cause irregular blood flow. Patient should take 1/2 cup of juice. This juice can be taken with other vegetable extracts like carrot juice.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Anonymous10:04 AM

    Papaya is helpful in treating menstrual problems. Women (especially young females) suffering from poor flow of blood during their menstrual period or those who experience severe pain during this period should eat raw papaya. Papaya helps in proper functioning of the muscles of the uterus, which enable the proper flow of blood.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Anonymous9:52 AM

    Hot Bath
    Eating Bananas for the potassium
    exercising, i know it sounds crazy but it works, go for a short jog or do some sit ups and push ups
    Drink lots of water
    Avoid Salty foods and sodas

    ReplyDelete
  47. Anonymous9:31 AM

    Advil totally helps

    ReplyDelete
  48. Anonymous10:03 AM

    Lay with your legs and feet on the wall and your bottom against the walk for 15 minutes. Read and breathe. It helps!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Anonymous9:29 AM

    Some studies have reported relief from pelvic pain after acupuncture or acupressure, a technique that applies small pins or pressure to specific points on the body.Yoga and meditative techniques that promote relaxation may help relieve menstrual cramps.Pycnogenol, an extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, may help reduce menstrual pain and discomfort, according to some small studiesApplying a heating pad to the abdominal area, or soaking in a hot bath, can help relieve the pain of menstrual cramps.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Fold several layers of wool or flannel cloth, soak in castor oil and apply to the abdomen, then place a hot water bottle or other heat source on top of the cloth. Alternatively, the oil may be applied directly to the skin, then covered with a soft cloth and plastic wrap. Place a hot water bottle or other heatsource on top of the cloth. With either method, allow the pack to sit for 30-60 minutes, and use for 3 consecutive days.It works because.. Castor oil appears to relax the muscles involved in menstrual cramps

    ReplyDelete
  51. Water is considered to be very helpful in such conditions. Keep your body hydrated. Drink more lots of water to relieve pain. Eat light meal including fruits, fresh vegetables, grains, etc. and drink hot beverages.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Mohini10:07 AM

    Try out light massage on the lower side of your abdomen or on the pelvic area. Do it in a circular manner with your fingers.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Drinking lots of water (at least the recommended amount) and consuming a balanced diet with fresh fruits and veggies are equally important to keep the skin well-hydrated and healthy in the long run

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  54. Shruti10:24 AM

    Exercise Relieves Menstrual Cramps

    ReplyDelete
  55. Radha9:39 AM

    The breathing exercise, Viloma 2 pranayama, is an effective treatment for menstrual cramps.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Bhagyashree8:42 AM

    walking helps,put hot water bags on ur back it will u relief.

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  57. Kratika9:04 AM

    Avoid caffeine to lessen menstrual pain and anxiety.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Vaishnavi9:08 AM

    Eat lighter meals to lessen menstrual cramps.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Anonymous4:54 PM

    Tissue Salts are a natural remedy that restore balance and alleviate symptoms.Take tissue salts half an hour before or after food or drinks apart from water. Place the tablets under the tongue and allow them to dissolve.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Shalini4:57 PM

    Drink chamomile tea before, during and after menstruation to prevent pain, strain, cramps, bloating, gas and discomfort.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Anupama5:00 PM

    Take parsley tea. it seems this is the most proven method that has no bad side effects on your body.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Anonymous5:00 PM

    Some girls say putting a warm water bottle or compress on their belly helps them feel better if they have cramps. A nice warm bath is another option. Ahh ... feel those cramps just floating away.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Anushka8:30 AM

    A hot bath can also help with cramps.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Srishti8:32 AM

    Gentle exercise may help to relieve any cramping.
    Avoid standing whenever possible, and this will minimize cramping and discomfort as well.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Rakhi8:54 AM

    Yoga and meditative techniques that promote relaxation may help relieve menstrual cramps.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Bhavya9:07 AM

    Chamomile is good for menstrual pains.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Kusuma11:40 AM

    Drink tons of water! The more water you drink, The more it will ease your cramps.

    ReplyDelete
  68. take the tie from a bath robe and tie tightly around the painful part of the stomace . it should help ease the pain .

    ReplyDelete
  69. Dr. Suvarna11:45 AM

    Eat a banana, the potassium with help reduce the pain for approx. 2-4hrs. When pain comes back eat another one.
    or
    Make a mixture by grinding a few leaves of bitter gourd, 2 peppercorns, and a clove of garlic and take once a day for three days.

    ReplyDelete
  70. Ambika11:45 AM

    put warm water in a bottle ..put in on ur painful part of stomach ... in 10 seconds >ITS GONE
    i also tried this easy remedy and it really works > take Advil when u r about to feel the pain not aftrand drink a lot of warm drinks the whole day

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  71. simply wrap a warm towel around the midriff of the woman and ask her to lie down in a fetal position. If the home remedies for periods fail to help your situation you could consult your doctor for further diagnosis.

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  72. Apoorva10:36 AM

    Intake of ginger tea regularly will help to stimulate the onset of menstruation and also helps in relieving the menstrual cramps.

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  73. Expert10:46 AM

    Vitamin and mineral supplements can often help your body to get back on track. B vitamins, such as B-6 and niacin, as well as vitamin K (potassium) and vitamins A and C can all help to regulate your body and keep menstruation and its symptoms under control. Almost all of those vitamins are great for your body at any time, but they can be extra beneficial during your period because they can reduce cramping, cut back on mood swings, relieve bloating and more.
    Calcium and magnesium are also important. Both minerals can help to regulate your periods and reduce your symptoms and side effects

    ReplyDelete
  74. Cramps without a period can be very frustrating and upsetting. After all, when your period is late you might start thinking that you are pregnant or that you have a major medical problem.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Anonymous8:44 AM

    drink lots of water.exercise a little bit?lay down with heat pad on your stomach. Bananas heal muscle cramps, your vagina is a muscle. You can try eating some bananas or apples.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Bhavana11:23 AM

    if it's period pains babe then hot bath and rest with a hot water bottle on ur belly thats my mum did 4 me babe....hope ya feel better soon babe...

    ReplyDelete
  77. karuna11:25 AM

    if you're having cramps in your legs, that is caused by low potassium, eat bananas.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Sichana2:38 PM

    Put on you most comfortable pj's and curl up with a blanket and a hot water bottle. Rub your tummy and/or back. Eat a banana. You probably don't feel like exercising just now. But give it a try, because it can do you a world of good.

    ReplyDelete

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