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Menstrual cramps are also known as painful periods or dysmenorrhea. They are painful sensation usually felt in the lower part of abdomen that can occur before and during periods. Menstrual cramps can range from dull nagging pain to severe pain. While mild cramps are like a slight stomach ache for a short time, severe cramps can be so painful that they tend to interfere with your regular activities for few days.
Causes of Menstrual Cramps
Dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps usually affect young girls due to contractions of uterus occur in response to prostaglandin (a hormone–like substance which works to stimulate contractions that are necessary for shedding the uterine lining). Secondary dysmenorrheal is usually found in older women, they occur due to problems in the pelvis or female reproductive organs.
Symptoms of Menstrual Cramps
Dull cramping pain felt in the lower abdomen
Pain in the lower back and thighs
nausea and vomiting
Dizziness
Sweating
Diarrhea
constipation
Feel bloated in belly area
Headaches and feeling faint
Home Remedies for Period Pains
Regular Exercise: Exercise during menstrual periods can help ease your abdomen pain. This increases the release of endorphins and thus reduces your cramps.
Use hot water bottle: Place a hot water bottle on your stomach or lower part of the abdomen for 15 to 20 minutes to minimize your cramps.
Drink Water: Keep drinking plenty of water to make sure you do not become dehydrated. Because dehydration worsens menstrual cramps further.
Yoga: Yogasanas or yoga stretches during yours periods reduce your menstrual cramps and gives relaxation.
Drink hot liquids: Take hot liquids like hot herbal tea and warm lemonade during menstrual cramps to help relax your muscles and increase your blood flow.
Mint: Peppermint is believed to be an effective agent for giving relief from menstrual cramps. Drink 1 to 2 cups of peppermint tea per day during your menstrual cramps.
Parsley: Drink for about 75 ml of a parsley juice mixed with carrot, beetroot, and cucumber juices.
Ginger: Boil a piece of ginger in a cup of water for a few minutes and then add sugar and drink this solution for 3 times daily after meals.
Basil: Boil a cup of water and then add 2 tablespoons of basil leaves to it and let this steep and cool, drink ½ to 1 cup of basil tea every one hour to relieve your menstrual cramps.
Cinnamon: cinnamon has got natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce your symptoms of menstrual cramping. You can take this powder in any form by sprinkling to your breakfast or added to tea.
