Menstrual Pain (also called by the name of Dysmenorrhoea, painful menstruation) is normal if it's restricted to a very short period. Generally the pain starts some hours before the start of the menstrual period. It extends for two to three days before stopping. At times dysmenorrhoea or painful menstruation is very severe and chronic.
Mainly dysmenorrhoea is caused due to ailments like infections, endometriosis or ovarian cysts. If the pain continues for more than a week or so and it's unbearable, immediately medical advice should be taken to know the cause of dysmenorrhoea. In order to gain relief from the pain warm water or heating pads fomentation should be tried. Even medicines could be bought without a prescription with the symptoms of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome).
Hereunder are some herbal home remedies for painful menstruation -
Antispasmodic which contains phytochemicals helps in easing muscle spasms and relaxes the uterus. It also helps in relaxing the stomach muscles. Herbal tea generally helps to calm frayed nerves. Herbs like blue and black cohosh can be combined to relax the unbearable pain. A cup of raspberry tea taken in slowly until the cramping subsides is also a useful home remedy for dysmenorrhoea. Even a cup of lemon balm or catnip can also be preferred. Freshly grated ginger should be added to the cup of tea, thereby providing more relief and taste as well.
Herbal remedies such as viburnum prunifolium and cimicifuga racemosa have an antispasmodic effect and helps in reducing the menstrual cramps. Some other useful herbs include cramp bark, squaw, unicorn root, brome lain, primrose oil.
Aromatherapy can be used during painful periods. A calm and soothing abdominal massage helps in relaxing the nerves and reduces the pain and tension to a great extent. Various blends can be used for massage like clary, sage, chamomile, jasmine and geranium. Herbal bath can also be taking by adding these oils too. A warm bath can be taken using a heating pad on your back or lower abdomen.
Some of the common herbs that can be used for treating dysmenorrhoea are black haw, ginger, motherwort, catnip, blue cohosh, angelica, yarrow, wild yam, rosemary, valerian, white willow, white peony, kava, lady's mantle, chaste tree, clary sage, and corydalis.
Many pain relievers are used as soon the first sign of period is noticed because they help in reducing menstrual cramps and releases prostaglands. Natural progesterone helps in reducing the symptoms causing menstrual cramps.
Including calcium, zinc and vitamin B in the diet helps to reduce cramps, bloating and PMS symptoms. Intake of nutritious food like lots of fruits and leafy vegetables helps in providing strength to the body and giving it the strength to bear the pain.
Exercise can also help in reducing pain. Lie down on your back with knees bent on the floor or on the yoga mat. Now slowly move your knees up to your chest and hug them till six seconds. Don't take pressure repeat the same, you will find a great relief.
