There are some recommendations to relieve menstrual cramps, which are based on simple procedures to minimize the effects of this natural process in women such as menstruation that takes place in a period in which vaginal bleeding is suffered, which is usually accompanied by painful lapses, also called dysmenorrhea. It should be noted that the pain is mainly due to menstrual cramps, which occur in the form of throbbing pains of varying intensity or cramping in the lower abdomen.
However, some women not only experience menstrual cramps, but other symptoms, such as nausea, headaches and back pain, as well as fatigue, irritability and diarrhea usually occur. This is an annoying period for all women, and there are very few cases in which they are not affected by menstrual cramps, although the levels of intensity of these may vary.
These pains or menstrual cramps also called dysmenorrhea can be of two types: primary dysmenorrhea, which is the most common menstrual pain whose cause is associated with the existence of too many prostaglandins, which are chemical products of the uterus that produce cramps caused by the contraction of the muscles of the uterus.
These pains usually occur one or two days before the menstrual period and its period of duration is only a few days; however, in some women it may lengthen, and when women are advancing in age, the intensity of these pains usually goes down, equally when the woman has had her first delivery.
The other type of dysmenorrhea is the so-called “secondary”, usually caused by certain diseases such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis that directly affect the uterus and other reproductive organs, and unlike primary dysmenorrhea, colic or pain often intensify over time.
Knowing each of the details related to this condition, we will present a series of effective recommendations to relieve menstrual cramps, which you must follow to minimize the effects of this natural process of women:
Apply a bag of hot water: The bag with hot water should be placed on the abdominal area; and if at the moment you do not have a special bag to pour the hot water, you can place cloths that you have previously put in the water. This procedure usually relieves pain and the application time ranges from 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the intensity of the pain. It is also advisable to take a bath with hot water.
Exercise regularly: One of the best ways to reduce pain is to do a mild exercise, because physical activity and movement cause the release of endorphins, which are chemical compounds that have the property of acting as natural painkillers. Low impact exercises such as walking and pilates are recommended. Also, we recommend the practice of relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation.
Also, it is advisable that you resort to some homemade recipes or traditional remedies that help a lot to relieve the pain or cramps and that are prepared with ingredients that are usually in the cupboard, such as the ones described below:
Chamomile tea with cinnamon: This infusion is very effective when you begin to feel the pain. Take a sachet of chamomile tea and add a piece of cinnamon in half a liter of water, boil and let stand for about 10 minutes. This infusion will decrease colic thanks to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic action.
Milk and onion: This homemade recipe is very effective in relieving muscle spasms, and therefore it also has positive effects when menstrual cramps occur. It is a very old recipe, one of those grandmothers’ remedies as they say, that is prepared very easily, with two ingredients that usually there are at home.
Preparation: 250 grams of onion are cut and introduced in the blender with enough liquid milk to liquefy, then the mixture is introduced in a pot and milk is added to complete a liter; the mixture is cooked until boiling, and left to stand for about 20 minutes. How you should consume it: The mixture is drunk hot or warm every 45 minutes or less if the pain is very strong.
Basil infusion: Thanks to the caffeic acid of basil, this infusion is very effective to relieve spasms and cramps of all kinds, including the menstrual ones. It is recommended to do it every half hour, although it can also be consumed as a spice in some foods such as salads.
In addition, infusions with plants such as rosemary, lavender, marjoram and / or mint can be prepared, which generally taste great and are drunk every half an hour, depending on the intensity of the pain.
Ginger Tea: This natural product is a very effective anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. This infusion is prepared by boiling water with ginger roots, then it is left to stand from 10 to 20 minutes and drunk twice a day.
But if you prefer to use artificial methods, you can choose to use over-the-counter pain relievers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which reduce the amount of prostaglandins produced by the uterus and decrease its effects, helping to reduce cramps.
ALFA