Menstrual cramps can massively affect everyday life, and often even cause the affected woman to be completely absent for days. The drugs prescribed to relieve pain and cramps numb more than they heal, and their side effects do not necessarily contribute to increased well-being. What are the natural ways to gently manage menstrual cramps?

The painful variety of menstrual cramps

Cramps and pain in the abdomen put many women out of action every month and then for hours. Dysmenorrhea is what doctors call menstrual cramps of this kind. They are caused by the contraction of the uterus, which – after the pregnancy has not taken place – wants to free itself from the remains of the uterine lining (endometrium) prepared for the implantation of a fertilized egg.

In addition to dysmenorrhea, severe stomach pain, extreme exhaustion, back pain, vomiting, diarrhea and even pain in the thighs can also occur. Some women also suffer from irritability of alert level 3 (there are only 3), which can grow into severe depression. You can’t expect anyone to suffer such torture, especially not every month – neither the women themselves, nor their immediate environment.

Menstrual cramps: The solution of conventional medicine

Conventional medicine has by and large only two solutions ready for menstrual problems: various pain-fighting agents and hormonal contraceptives, the pill. The latter are also prescribed to young girls, who often do not yet think quietly about contraception – not to prevent pregnancy, of course, but to combat cramps and pain. Whether this is so wise may be doubted in view of the known risks associated with artificial hormone therapies.

Nevertheless, if you have menstrual cramps, you should first have them clarified by a doctor so that possible organic causes can be ruled out, e.g. polyps, fibroids or endometriosis (secondary dysmenorrhea). In primary dysmenorrhea, on the other hand, there are no organic causes.

Possible causes of menstrual cramps

The first historical references to menstrual cramps lead back to ancient Mesopotamia, where 5000 years ago the ladies suffered from regularly recurring ailments. So are menstrual cramps completely normal, even natural?

A certain discomfort may certainly not be a reason to complain, but if the symptoms increase to such an unbearable level that the affected woman only creeps around hunched over for days in pain and survival seems to be impossible without a hot water bottle and painkillers, then this is certainly not intended by nature.

It is therefore a more or less pathological condition, depending on the severity. However, since (in the case of primary dysmenorrhea and only this is what we are talking about here) no physical “degeneration” can be detected, menstrual cramps are considered annoying by conventional physicians, but not really serious.

In reality, menstrual cramps have causes that can be resolved. And if these causes already made life difficult for women in antiquity, then it is really high time to put an end to the spook.

Menstrual cramps caused by pain-promoting hormones

One cause of menstrual pain is the increased secretion of a certain group of prostaglandins in the lining of the uterus. Prostaglandins are tissue hormones that are formed either from dihomogammalinolenic acid DGLA (they are then called series-1 prostaglandins), from arachidonic acid (series-2 prostaglandins) or from eicosapentaenoic acid EPA (series-3 prostaglandins).

The prostaglandins that cause pain and cramps in dysmenorrhea are the series-2 prostaglandins. They promote pain or the perception of pain, trigger inflammation, constrict blood vessels and increase blood clotting.

Conventional medicine also knows this and now recommends (among other things) Painkillers (e.g. ASA or ibuprofen) that inhibit precisely these prostaglandins. Unfortunately, these drugs also inhibit the other two prostaglandins (series-1 and series-3). These, however, are the natural antagonists of the series-2 prostaglandins. They inhibit inflammation, reduce blood clotting and directly block the formation of the pain- and inflammation-triggering series-2 prostaglandins.

Painkillers such as ASA therefore intensify and prolong suffering in the long term because they eliminate the body’s own aid measures.

Animal foods increase pain and inflammation

Now the question arises as to how the presence of series-2 prostaglandins in the often usual large quantities comes about in the first place. The reason could be hidden in a diet rich in animal foods. It provides many raw materials for the formation of series-2 prostaglandins, but hardly any material for series-1 or series-3 prostaglandins.

Most animal products ( meat, sausage, dairy products, eggs ) provide arachidonic acid and thus promote pain and inflammation. In contrast, linseed oil and hemp oil, for example, provide the so-called alpha-linolenic acid, which can inhibit pain in two ways: On the one hand, it inhibits the additional formation of arachidonic acid in the body and at the same time provides material for the formation of the helpful series-3 prostaglandins.

High-quality oils with a high omega-3 fatty acid content

The solution is therefore to limit the consumption of animal products and meet your fat needs with the help of carefully selected vegetable oils. This means that high-quality and natural oils with a high omega-3 fatty acid content such as linseed and hemp oil or walnut oil are used for salads and raw vegetables.

If you want to heat an oil, use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil (which is of course just as suitable for salads and raw vegetables). However, avoid methods of preparation (e.g. frying) that require very high temperatures.

Menstrual cramps due to magnesium deficiency

Since the tendency to cramps can generally indicate a magnesium deficiency, you should eat a healthy diet or specifically remedy a possible deficiency. This means not only satisfying the daily requirement of magnesium, but also replenishing the body’s mineral reserves. The latter are often exhausted by years of acidic diet and lifestyle and must first be slowly rebuilt.

However, be aware that magnesium taken orally can take up to 12 months to replenish intracellular magnesium levels.

Menstrual cramps due to hyperacidity

Pain generally becomes more intense the more acidic an organism is. A poor nutritional situation in combination with stress, stimulants (nicotine, caffeine, sugar) and now and then medication inevitably leads to mineral deficiency and mucous formation.

Both promote pathological processes in many ways, so that sustainable deacidification in combination with a conscientious supply of the body with high-quality minerals can alleviate not only menstrual cramps, but many other ailments or even disappear completely. Details can be found under Deacidification.

Menstrual cramps: natural and at the same time effective solutions

For many women, the knowledge that there are many different natural remedies for the monthly torment is an enormous relief. They no longer feel exclusively at the mercy of their doctor or painkillers, but can finally become active themselves – not only when the symptoms begin, but several days before.

What you can do in the period before your period

Below we explain individual measures that can help you to alleviate or completely eliminate your menstrual pain. From 1 week before your period at the latest, but preferably permanently, proceed as follows:

Avoid table salt and alcohol

Avoid table salt (do not add salt and avoid heavily salted foods) and alcohol, as both remove water from the body and make cramping pain even worse.

Drink plenty of water

Drink plenty of water (2 to 3 liters per day), as this relieves the body and prevents estrogen-related water retention. Add lemon juice to your water, which acts as a natural diuretic.

Eat an alkaline diet

An alkaline or purely alkaline diet consisting of preferably vegetables, salads, sprouts, nuts, oilseeds, natural oils and fruits automatically reduces the susceptibility to pain and cramps due to its balanced micronutrient richness and the lack of irritating and slagging ingredients. Also refine your dishes with antispasmodic spices, such as anise, fennel, cardamom, coriander, vanilla and cinnamon.

Eat green leafy vegetables

Eat green leafy vegetables such as various leafy salads, kale, chard, sprouts, nettle, wild herbs and wild vegetables every day. The vital substances it contains energize your entire body, provide it with sufficient antioxidants and chlorophyll. The latter purify your blood and promote new blood formation. If you can’t manage to eat fresh green vegetables and salads regularly due to time constraints, then Barleygrass juice powder, which you mix either in water or in delicious fruit smoothies, is an interesting alternative. In addition, complete supplements such as spirulina or chlorella algae will help meet not only your chlorophyll needs, but also your need for vital micronutrients.

Avoid dairy products and caffeine

Dairy products and caffeinated drinks can increase pain during your period. Dairy products in particular cause a magnesium deficiency due to their protein and calcium richness, which can significantly intensify cramps.

Consume enough minerals

If you think that your diet does not provide you with enough minerals, you should use a holistic and natural preparation that provides you with calcium, magnesium and possibly zinc and potassium.

However, potassium is found in very large quantities in all fruits and vegetables, so it would be a shame if you swallowed a pill instead of eating lots of delicious fruits and salads every day – which provide you with many other healthy substances in addition to potassium.

Zinc can be found in pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts and sprouted legumes (chickpeas, soybeans, lentils, etc.). If you are still thinking about an adequate calcium/magnesium supply, you can cover your needs in this regard excellently with Marine Coral. It provides calcium and magnesium in the ideal ratio for humans, so that the two minerals can be optimally utilized.

Vitamin B is effective against cramps

Since vitamin B is also involved in the development of cramps, you should make sure to supply your organism with the entire vitamin B complex. You can find this mostly in nuts, seeds, sprouts, avocados, cereal germ, algae and legumes.

Avoid stress

If you watch yourself carefully, you will notice that the more often stress, restlessness and chaos spread through your life, the more difficult your menstruation will be. Therefore, always plan relaxation and rest periods in your daily routine.

What you can do during your period

Menstrual cramps are always a sign that you are criminally neglecting yourself and the needs of your body in everyday life. With the help of pain, your body recalls itself to your consciousness, demands your full attention and demands rest, relaxation, warmth and food rich in vital substances.

Take the opportunity to finally take time for yourself and pamper yourself with beautiful and at the same time effective things. If your period starts and you feel pain or discomfort, below are helpful ideas and natural treatments that can relieve cramps and relieve pain.

Medicinal herbs for menstrual cramps

Don’t wait to see if cramps occur or not. Drink purely prophylactic herbal teas that are specialized in relieving tension and preventing cramps. THE anti-cramp herb par excellence is cinquefoil (Potentilla). Drink a cup of tea from it several times a day (1 teaspoon of dried herb to 150 to 200 milliliters of hot water – let it steep for 5 minutes). Other effective medicinal plants for menstrual cramps are lady’s mantle, yarrow, spirulina algae, marjoram, oregano, chamomile flowers and lemon balm. You can mix up to four herbs and season the tea mixture with some grated fresh ginger.

Ginger relieves cramps

Ginger also warms from the inside, relaxes and reduces pain. The pungent aromatic root can be used wonderfully in the form of a so-called ginger oil. To do this, rub fresh ginger on a cheesecloth and squeeze the ginger through the cloth. Mix the resulting ginger juice with sesame oil in a ratio of 1:5. Gently massage the ginger oil into the painful areas.

Thyme

According to a study, thyme is said to work at least as well as ibuprofen, a commonly used painkiller.

Nettle tea and parsley

In general, pay attention to foods that have a dehydrating and cleansing effect, such as fruits, brown rice and nettle tea. Also use a lot of parsley. This completely underestimated culinary herb promotes blood circulation in the abdominal organs and thus leads to problem-free menstruation. Parsley also cleanses the blood, disinfects and detoxifies.

Chaste tree

Monk’s pepper is an ancient medicinal plant that has a very beneficial effect on numerous hormonal complaints. It relieves menstrual cramps, such as pain or premenstrual syndrome. The plant can also help with infertility and menopausal symptoms.

Aromatherapy for menstrual cramps

Use essential oils that have a general relaxing and antispasmodic effect, such as lavender, lemon balm, juniper, rose or clary sage. Put it in an aroma lamp or in your bath water. You can also rub the abdomen and abdomen with fragrant oils. To do this, add a few drops of the essential oils to a high-quality, slightly heated base oil (almond oil, avocado oil or olive oil) and treat yourself to a relaxing massage with your homemade massage oil:

Massage without any pressure in even, clockwise circular motions. However, please do not jump up again immediately afterwards, but lie down for at least 15 to 20 minutes and relax.

Heat relieves menstrual cramps

No woman needs to be reminded of a hot water bottle or hot baths, as these are the best-known and most practiced treatment methods for menstrual cramps. The relaxing, pain-relieving effect of baths can be enhanced by the addition of St. John’s wort oil.

Bananas for the best mood during menstruation

Eat as many bananas as you like every day (except for histamine intolerance), but at least one. Bananas contain a relatively high amount of vitamin B6, which regulates blood sugar levels and has a positive effect on your mood. Just 100 g of banana covers 25 percent of the B6 requirement.

Acupuncture for menstrual cramps

Acupuncture is claimed to be able to alleviate all gynecological problems by releasing energy blockages in the reproductive system. So keep an eye out for a capable therapist and enjoy saying goodbye to your blockages.

Distraction through movement

Convulsions often intensify if you lie down immediately when they appear and wait anxiously for them to get worse. Distract yourself with beautiful things. Take a walk with a friend, go for a walk or plant some flowers in your garden. Yoga exercises can also be extremely helpful.

Gentle movements promote blood circulation and help to detach the uterine lining far better than remaining silent in bed. Never forget the most important thing: Be good to yourself.

Make friends with your period

We all know that our emotions have a lot to do with our pain and illnesses. Search deep down to find your true relationship with your female organs. Do you love them? Do you hate them? Do you have trauma relating to them? and if so, how can you heal this trauma?
For example: Teenage girls with period pain often do not want to grow up yet and therefore reject this part of themselves.

Meditate and send love and healing energy to your organs …. it can’t hurt.