Natural Menstrual Cures

last updated November 5, 2004

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Many Moons Natural Ideas to Reduce Menstrual Discomfort

Most women experience some degree of discomfort with their period. I am gathering a list of "natural" ways to help reduce the discomfort. I DO NOT ADVOCATE THIS AS MEDICAL ADVICE - DO NOT STOP TAKING ANY MEDICATIONS OR TREATMENTS PRESCRIBED TO YOU BY YOUR DOCTOR. I also suggest discussing any of the herbal remedies with the staff at your local herbal supply store. Use common sense when trying any of these ideas.

There are several suggestion that name specific products. I am not associated with any of these products nor do I get any money for listing them - I list them simply to provide women with as many options as possible.

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Do you have a natural way that you find helps with your period? I would like to post it on this page. It would be helpful if you described it as much as possible, how you discovered it, and how it helped. I will not post your full name, just your first name, (nor will I be putting your name on any mailing list or selling your name to anyone).
Email me at: email:info@manymoonsalternatives.com

My Natural Ways to Reduce Menstrual Discomfort

Below are the things that I have found worked for me, you may find they help too.
Use more natural forms of collecting menstrual blood using a less chemical based product can really help. At least try a disposable pad that is chlorine free, perfume free and hypoallergenic (most health food stores carry them), there are also organic disposable pads and tampons on the market. Alternatives like washable pads or the Keeper are the best, in my opinion.
Exercise gently involving the abdominal region, or walking
Heat on the abdomen - the old standby - try a hot bath or a hot water bottle
Essential oil of lavender rubbed into crampy areas feels great. Lavender is known for its relaxing calming effect
Distraction. If your discomfort is mild, trying doing an activity that takes a lot of attention, like a good movie, playing a sport, etc.
Raspberry leaf tea. This is considered to be a good uterine tonic; some women find that drinking it before their periods helps with cramps. Follow the directions on the box. I haven't tried this one but know some women that have.
Try taking a calcium supplement regularly (I take even more during my cycle) and eating high calcium foods - this one worked for me.
Eating lighter and healthier around menstruation -- less grease, less starch, more fruits and vegetables.
Ginkgo - try a ginkgo supplement, there is some evidence that this can help - it also makes you smarter!

Others' Ideas

Sandi G. writes - I have discovered an essential oil blend called "Dragon Time". It is produced by Young Living Essential Oils. It is $12.00 for 4 oz., but I only use 4-6 drops, and the relief is almost instantaneous for my daughter and me.
Erica G. writes - I have been experimenting with charting my period and accompanying pain (which is a start to controlling the pain because I am prepared for cramps before they hit me). I have found that yoga is extremely helpful, the deep breathing and controlled stretches allow my body to loosen muscles and relax. I have also been trying to not take aspirin, etc to see if the pain changes character over the course of a few pain killer free periods.
Liz writes - to relieve discomfort during menstruation. I have found it beneficial to have someone rub my stomach, (abdominal area). Just have the person caress and rub at whatever pace or level that feels good.

Kristi writes - I have found that drinking raspberry leaf tea is very effective in relieving cramps. It usually only takes one cup for me.

Robin writes - Hi! I found that making tea with peppermint, ginger and raspberry leaf and taking Midol definitely helps. It is also good to take a nap or read or do something to get your mind off the pain. I don't really have severe cramps, but this mixture did help me out (and it mellowed me out, too).

Liz writes - What I find works for me to handle menstrual discomfort effectively and naturally is to take Cal-Mag tablets 2-3 a day. If you read Adelle Davis' health books( I don't know in which one of them she mentions it), she says that there is a drop in calcium before and during a woman's period and this can result in irritability and fatigue. Now I am not quoting this and am going strictly by memory. I recommend that anyone interested in this data check out Adelle Davis' books to confirm this information. I have taken Cal-mag tablets before and during my period and it has calmed me down and gotten rid of the pain in my lower back.
Martha gives the following three ideas -
Personally I find simple heavy slumber to be one of the best remedies, but unfortunately one can't always duck out of everyday life for one day a month. This solution works well when the Big Red Day falls on a weekend, though!
When I had some, a few drops of the Bach Flower Remedies Rescue Remedy rubbed on my abdomen used to work wonders for me. Why it worked is a bit of a mystery to me, but then Bach Flower Remedies always are marvellously mysterious.
An infusion of grated ginger root warms me up and provides almost instantaneous relief from cramps. It's an excellent alternative to pharmacy painkillers.

Heather writes - For itching due to hormone fluctuations and menstruation (made worse by regular, chlorine-bleached,disposable pads): If on city water, get a chlorine shower filter. I bought one a few months ago from a health products catalog. Hand-held is better (the kind with the hose). I read that hormone fluctuations can cause a change in the flora which can cause yeast infections and also the other extreme which is an overgrowth of the friendly bacteria right before menstruation. It has something to do with the pH. Use a yogurt bath or douche (with tepid, filtered water - tepid because the hot water will kill the friendly bacteria which is in yogurt) after your period ends and use the Aveeno bath therapy (made from oatmeal & which normalizes the pH) at any time; right before menstruation, you can have a baking soda bath which will take care of the overgrowth of the friendly bacteria. Basically, you need to encourage the friendly bacteria after your period ends and discourage it a few days before your period starts. If your hormones are extremely wild and confused, however, just use the Aveeno bath therapy (in filtered water, of course).
Becca writes - My natural remedy for cramps is elevating my feet. It works best to lie down on my back, raise my feet about 45 degrees, and stay that way for 15-30 minutes. However, when I'm at work and can't lie down, it helps just to put my feet up on a chair.
Erica writes - I'm 19 now, and when I was about 13/14 I had terrible cramps that nothing short of Extra strength pain killers could relieve - until I went to a local health food store. There is a natural gel called Inner Peace, made by Inno-vite. This product is amazing - I noticed big differences in just a month. Its a gel that you rub onto your arms, stomach, legs, etc. throughout the month in different amounts, and the Wild Yam in it apparantly eases the pain.

Wendy writes - Chinese medicine offered me a few ideas. The techincal side of it is that cramps are caused by cold trapped in the uterus - hence the relief with heat. The solution is in yang foods and foods that stimulate the flow of chi. Ginger is a good example of both. I was also prescribed "women's precious pills" - these offer some relief from fatigue and depression as well when taken regularly. Dong quai (available in tablet form - expensive, or as a dried root to make into a tea) really helps if taken when I have cramps. Magnesium supplements also help, but need to be taken all the time.

Ann writes -
It is rare that since my two pregnancies that I have any discomfort, but when I do it is usually because I am dehydrated. Most of us are. Drinking two large 10 to 12 oz glasses of water, two to three times within an hour or two can help get the bowels moved, which can be a big part of the problem, but being dehydrated can make a body ache in unlikely places anyway.
Don't reduce your salt intake, but stay clear of the sugar and carbohydrates that behave as sugar. The salt will help your body use water properly and release water stored in the wrong places, but the sugar does the opposite.
I have since learned that progesterone drops to bring on the period and that is the same thing when delivery of a baby is imminent. When the progesterone drops it signals elimination to clear the bowels before delivery. Same thing with menstruation and if you are dehydrated, bowels are slowed and resulting pressure on the uterus cause its contractions to be painful or more painful than necessary.
I also try to make sure that I am warm, head to foot. If feet or legs are cold than discomfort is doubled. Take a warm shower or soak in the tub. Not too hot, just enough to get nicely warm and relaxed and then dress to stay warm.

Kim says - I know this may sound silly, but I've found that when I get monster cramps, if I kneel down and sit on my knees, then place my head on a pillow on the ground or what not, and lift my behind in the air, it takes pressure off of my abdomen. Like I said, I know it sounds silly, but it works for me!
Sarah suggests - Passion Flower tincture definitely helps cramps. Put a few drops in some chamomile tea and vua la. Go to your health food store and ask about the tincture or even how to make your own.
I use a chinese herb called dong quai with phenylalanine (an amino acid) and I have no pain at all. My menstrual cramps are like mild labor pains. I hope this remedy will work to relieve the pain for others, as it has for me.

Becky writes - I also wanted to give you my solution to my menstrual cramps. I have been using a nutritional approach. I use a multi-vitamin, B-Complex, Cal-Mag, Soy Protein, and GLA from the Shaklee Corporation. The multi-vitamin sets a foundation for your nutritional needs. It also helps the other nutrients to absorb better due to the trace minerals found in it. The B-Complex helps in the cravings and irritability that comes with the PMS. It's call the "Happy Pill". The Cal-Mag is a musce relaxer. The Soy Protein has been found to releive cramps and menopausal symptoms with the phytoestrogens contain in it. The GLA is a fatty acid that aids in regulating your periods. It is also helpful to menopausal women. I rarely have cramping or PMS symptoms any more. (Becky sells these products at www.shaklee.net/Becky_Yager.)

Jodi says - When I got bad cramps all I felt like doing is curling up in a ball, rocking back and forth writhing in pain and sometimes crying because it didn't feel like I could do anything to help the pain. However after attending college and learning more about my body I am better able to cope with this natural part life.  I can actually plan and prepare for my menses by drinking lots of water to stay hydrated taking supplements 2-3 days prior and during my cycle it helps. (Your uterus is a muscle, muscles can cramp up if they  lack electrolytes such as calcium, sodium or potassium) Eat natural foods that are rich in these such as broccoli and bananas, almonds..; Calcium also helps your blood vessels to clot. After your menstrual lining is sloughed off then the blood vessels feeding the lining need to clot; the quicker the vessels clot, the less long and painful the period will be. Then staying active throughout my cycle; to get the blood to flow to other areas of my body instead of letting it pool helps cramps. Cramps may also be relieved by stretching abdominal muscles instead of letting them cramp up; This can be done by laying on your stomach then lifting your upper body up on your arms -like a push-up except do not lift up your pelvis. Although a hot pack on your stomach or hot bath can feel soothing at first, this can sometimes make cramps worse 20-60 minutes later or will increase your menstrual flow. This is because heat increases the blood flow by dilating the blood vessels in the area Therefore a more effective solution that I have found helps me, as uncomfortable as it sounds, is to put a cold or ice pack on your abdomen or low back. It actually feels great! Another solution I have found that has really helped is to get regular chiropractic adjustments; The nerves that exit your lumbar or lower vertebrae are the nerves that innervate your uterine muscles. When your vertebrae is "out" , slightly rotated or locked one way, it stretches or compresses the nerves that are exiting at that level. If your nerves that innervate your uterine muscles are stretched the muscle will be hyper stimulated or excessively excited and cause spasms and painful cramping of the uterine muscle. A chiropractic adjustment of the lumbar vertebrae can help this as well as relieve low back discomfort during this time. I am a massage therapist, and the final solution that has helped me is to get a massage therapist to release other related muscles such as your psoas major and ilacus, quadratus lumborum and abdominal muscles that often cramp up as well during this time. Reflexology points has also helped extensively. There are many healthy and natural, drug free ways to cope with these annoying and sometimes debilitating cramps.; Every woman is different so each will find that certain solutions work best for them, usually experimenting is the only; to find what is best for you.

Dani writes - I find that taking black cohosh and blue cohosh right before and during my period helps reduce cramping and shortens the length of my period...Anyway, what I've learned is that the cohoshes cause and regulate uterine contractions. Together, I really find them helpful. I take 15 drops each of the cohoshes every 3-4 hours daily. Red raspberry leaf tea is a good way to get the cohoshes down as they're not terribly tasty! Anyway, hope this info helps others as it has helped me!

Ellen wrties - When I lived in Mexico, I learned to make oregano tea to relieve menstrual pain. Just put a handful of the dried leaves in a pot, bring to a boil and strain. You might want to add honey or chamomile to make it more palatable. I used to work in a restaurant, and one day I (the cook) and all the waitresses came in with cramps. I made a big pot of oregano tea and we were all good to go!

Andrea offers - Most of my menstrual pain manifests in my lower back. One of the things I learned while in school for massage therapy was pressing into the sacral notches, where the nerves emerge from. (They're located on the sacrum, that triangular bone at the base of the spine, just above the coccyx bone, which you don't want to press into.) I also find it incredibly helpful to make loose fists, and gently (and sometimes not so gently) pound my sacrum, as well as all around the boney areas reaching out towards my glutes and up towards my waist. Be careful not to go too far up though ~ you don't want to rupture your kidneys which are located under and just below the lower two ribs. Also, never pound on your spine!

Carol suggests - Essential oils of Chammomile, Sage, and Lavender: in a bath, or in a cream and rubbed on the abdomen and lower back. A massage therapist clued me into massaging the tailbone. I think flexibility in the area helps: piriformis, hamstring, IT band, hip flexors. doing a tai chi move called a "donu" (not correct spelling, but that's how its pronounced) stretches the tailbone away from the lower spine and the pelvic floor muscles.

Lynda says - I find that if I take a multi-B vitamin supplement daily, I sometimes don't even get the cramping at all! I get cramps for the first 2 and a half days, serious enough that on;y Aleve every 8 to 12 hours for three days will keep me functional and my family with all their skin! When taking B vitamins, my period has come with no cramping at all

Jinny offers - After years of cramps and fatigue and trying everything I tried this herbal tonic: 1/4 oz. True unicorn root 1/4 oz. Cramp or black haw bark 1 oz. Squaw vine herb 1/4 oz. Wild yam root Preparation: Simmer herbs for 20 minutes in 1 quart of water: strain, sweeten to taste; allow to cool, place in a bottle and keep it in a cool place. Take 2-3 tablespoons 3 times a day. So far so good. I hope this helps someone else also.

Kristina writes - I know this solution may sound crazy, but let me explain. I suffer from endometriosis and experience excruciating pain each month. Several months ago while I was suffering I decided to throw caution to the wind and pig-out on chocolate (I normally try to eat very healthy and avoid junk food). I took only one small bite of chocolate and I felt my cramped muscles completely relax, and for the first time in many months the pain was completely gone! I couldn't believe it! I still have endometriosis, but chocolate really alleviates the pain - I don't have to suffer like I used to. (I eat it after the cramps start, not before.)

Nancy writes - I don't get them as badly as some, but my husband found an accupressure point that helps a lot - on the right-hand side of the spine, right at the waist. Having someone else rub there is great, but pressing hard and rubbing in a circular motion with my fist is often enough.

Janet writes -…I have unbearably tender breasts and moderate cramps all through my period. My doctor prescribed 500 mg of evening primrose oil daily (to be taken all month) for the breast tenderness. After about three weeks (by my next period) my breasts were only a little more tender than normal. An unexpected benefit was that my cramps were insignificant. I always take lots of ibuprofin during my period, but haven't needed it in months. Evening primrose oil is wonderful!

Alexis writes - …what works for me most of the time is, get a heating pad place it right on your cramps, sit in a chair and press your legs up against the pad and the cramps will go away in a few minutes. What also helps is taking midol cramps formula and sitting under a hot shower.

Maddy writes - I have found that drinking orange juice or even just sucking on orange flavoured mints or tic tacs actually helps me feel better during my period. It's the same theory as when someone would give blood-usually a nurse would bring you juice after and it helps because it is sweet and has vitamin C. Secondly, I have found kava kava tea (with a touch of sugar added for
taste) is relaxing and soothing too to the system. Lastly, that old standby of a heating pad on your stomach and/or gentle massage really works wonders too especially in a quiet room with feet up.

Jaki writes - While scrolling through what other readers wrote, I find that Ann is right on the money !! It's Chronic Dehydration that causes a lot of the lower back pain associated with menstrual cramps. I've also discovered that water will relieve the cramps, help the bowels move better, relieve headaches, bloating, swelling of the ankles, and a whole host of other PMS related symptoms...
It's only been the last few years that I've discovered Progesterone (a natural formula by Dr. Lee) and lots of water (www.watercure.com, www.gotwater.net, www.watercure2.com, www.liquidprincess.com). While tea and tea formulas are great, remember, it's the WATER that makes it tea !

Melissa writes - … I know many women have physical problems during their menstrual period. I am one. I have a difficult period every month. I tried the product AnemiAid, a natural herbal formula, made from plants around the world. I drank 1 CAPFUL of the extract and in 2 MINUTES my difficulties were gone. I used to take 3 or 4 pills, but they only helped with the pain and I felt sick and sleepy. My advice to women is GET ANEMIAID, and don't worry about your period anymore!

Anna writes - Don't use "warming" herbs during menstruation or when have bleeding such as after an operation. Hot herbs such as dong quai, ginseng, ginger, chilli, curries, and most Chinese female formulas increase blood (iron) loss if taken during menstruation. The time to take warming tonics without compromising your health is right after and no later than a few days before your period. I am Chinese, and this is what Chinese women do and what traditional doctors recommend.
I took Dong Quai pills most days for about two years and my menstrual fainting chills and cramps got 90% better. After that I studied about proper nutrition from various sources, incorporated essential fatty acids (omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids--even most "good" diets lack omega 3) and cut out processed foods from my diet. I have been symptom free for a few years, and I take tonics only occasionally.

Shira writes – Absolutely I agree that water will be the best solution for most women, as almost everyone is chronically dehydrated and water will solve most problems with the body. It really will.

Also, what works best for me is tea of any herbal kind. Taking chemical drugs or using chlorined/bleached/dioxined tampons are generally only going to make things worse.

Definitely also experimenting is important because for some people heat works wonders and for some it's awful. Especially with diet! Chocolate, for example, always makes my cramps a billion times worse but it fixed things right up for Kristina (higher up on this page).

The best foods to eat to my knowledge are: leafy greens, the darker the better; as organic and unprocessed as possible; not dairy or meat or heavy starchy foods.

Also my superb gynocologist Iris prescribed me chaste treeberry which is expected to help with the problems the birth control pill left behind in my body over a year ago: breast tenderness and weird drastic growing and shrinking, and harsh cramps and super long-and-heavy bleeding. We shall see.

And of course, your body will tell you exactly what it does and doesn't want. The most important thing, I believe, is to listen to your body and do what you're told by your body. It'll tell you when it's angry at something you put in it.

Also I do the following exercise: lie on your back with your knees up. Have someone push your knees together while you try and push them apart (only with your leg muscles) and then switch, pushing them together while your friend pushes them apart. This works the muscles that are cramping and loosens them up.

Jenny writes - I read in a book called “Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom” by Christiane Northrup that eliminating dairy products from your diet can help drastically with cramping. I tried it last period, going non-dairy several days before I expected my period, through the first four days (when I usually cramp). I still had cramps, but they were much milder than normal, far less painful. I am never eating dairy when I'm bleeding again. I also didn't get nearly so depressed as I normally do the first few days of my period. (Part of the reason for this may be that I was replacing the dairy I normally eat with soy products; soy produces estrogen, which probably helped to alleviate that depression. Women who eat a lot of soy also tend to have longer cycles.) There were a multitude of other suggestions in that book for reducing cramps and such; I'd highly recommend that anyone suffering from menstrual discomfort check it out.
I've also been drinking the Republic of Tea blackberry sage tea during my period for a couple years now. One cup helps dramatically to reduce painful cramping, and I've found that blackberry sage tea seems to work better for me than does raspberry leaf tea.
Simply getting comfortable with bleeding helps, too. I finally decided that bleeding was really neat once I started using cloth pads and soaking them in cold water, which I then use to water my plants. My plants all have big growth spurts after a few days of this, and I think it's really cool that I'm completing the cycle like that, using my sacred blood to feed my plants. And cloth pads are vastly more comfortable than disposables.
I hope these help!
Happy bleeding!

Lia - I STRONGLY agree with Ann, Jaki, and Shira. Water, water, water!!! I gave up all non water beverages for lent this year. I usually have a pre-period crampy day along with cramps the first day. this month, NOTHING! Aside from shedding a few pounds, the intake of water has GREATLY helped. I do not know scientifically how much you should drink, but I recommend at LEAST 6 glasses (48oz) per day.

Stacey - I found that while on holiday in the Bahamas I was subject to a severe dose of cramps. To alleviate my pain a local woman suggested that I boil seaweed (it was a certain bahamian seaweed, but I have tried it with any normal unprocessed seaweed and this works fine),in a pan of sugared water. (She said) that to drink this water would help to restore a natural balance of fluid to my body and thus stop bloating and the pain bloating causes such as cramps and back pains. You wash the seaweed first, and then put it into a pan of boiling sugared water. It sounds weird but it works, and anything is worth a try.
Lisa - all the womens ideas where great and I’m looking forward to trying. I agree water helps so much, but I like to fill the bath tub up with warm/ hot water and take the removable showerhead and adjust it to a gentle shower and let it spray over my tummy. Peppermint tea works well. Many may not agree with this but my grandma always did this for us girls; if you drink a little alcohol your cramps will disappear. The only reason i will resort to this is because my cramps get so bad nothing will work. I faint and blackout, I have a series of 'shakes' and I can only scream the pain is so bad. But a prevention is exercise, lots of it. I am very skinny but I find with daily jogging and weight loss the pain eases on my period.
Lin - Here are some things that work for cramps:
Heat on where it hurts; walking or moving around. An exercise that works: Lie on the floor on your stomach. Gently and slowlypush your upper half up with your arms. Do for as long as needed.

Jess - I found your website to be interesting. I thought that I'd tell you a few of my remedies. My all time favourite remedy is a heated pad plus lots of sleep. I also like to make my own massage oils with essential oils. The warming effects of some of the oils combined with the massage is really soothing. Sometimes I will soak a cloth in hot water plus essential oil drops and use it as a compress. Even just diffusing the oils is really relaxing especially during times when my anger gets out of control.I have a website with tons of aromatherapy recipes : http://www.geocities.com/spiderwoman_xxx/spiderwoman.html
I have a tendency to crave sushi and alcohol during and before my period. So... I give in to my urges. I eat sushi once a month. Some times I will eat it every day that I have PMS and/or have my period. Red wine is particularly helpful. I usually have a glass or two when I can feel the cramps are just starting. A bit of BC bud can go a long way now
and then.

Kali - Hello there! I have an especially difficult time when "Aunt Flo comes a-knockin" due to ovarian cysts and an extremely heavy flow... I find that during the first day, when the cramping is at it's most mean-poodle-in-my-tummy-trying-to-get-out WORST, if I get into a warm shower and squat while bearing down w/my abdominal muscles, a good percentage of the menstrual blood leaves my body, which relieves a lot of the pressure and cramping. After this step, I stand under the water and massage my abdomen and lower back. While I towel off and dress, my natural heating pad is in the microwave for a couple of minutes and the teapot goes on the stove. I dress in LOOSE CLOTHING... nothing feels worse than a waistband that is even a little snug during this time. I fix a cup of nice, hot herbal tea (usually a chamomile blend), rub a bit of neat lavender onto my lower back & abdomen - and sometimes a little on my temples, then prop myself up in bed with a kazillion pillows with the heating pad at my lower back or abdomen. This sounds like the most self-indulgent fussy ritual ever (and I guess it is), but when you hurt like that, you SOOOOOO deserve it!
Another tip: If you are in dire need of a heating pad, fill up a tube sock of the bottom of a pillow case with uncooked rice, tie a knot to seal the rice in, then pop that bad boy into the microwave and nuke it for a minute or two! You can also add a couple drops of your favourite essential oil before you tie the rice in.
Hope this helps! Take care

Neva - Just passing on some info about my battle with Periods. I have periods where they will last long periods of time. One time I went for 140 days, some days bleeding and spotting but always some thing... A Dr put me in the birth control pill, than it got worse so they went in and did a dmc, which stopped it at once... A couple of years later I started again; birth control stopped it this time, but about six or seven years later I started doing it again - bled for awhile and I went back to the Dr.... She put me back on the pill (which I hate so much for cancer reasons). I was on the pill and taking 3 a day, trying to get it to stop. I would still bleed..... I got sick of doing that. I stopped and tried to have what I thought should be a period and started to take WILD YAM..... The bottle said I could take six but since I am heaver than 150 Lbs I took 12 a day, just to get it into my body fast and lots,,,,, believe it or not I stopped bleeding! Once I stopped and got back on track I dropped back to six and now I only take one (when I remember about it) so it just shows natural Herbs do work. I owe my life to WILD YAM,,,,,, thank goodness for plants!

Carrera - Hey! Just thought I would share, being VERY active in colorguard, a sort of team dance/equipment handling competitive activity, has helped cut down on cramps, but at the same time I can't afford to miss a practice because I'm hurting. If at all possible sleep and (don't
laugh) relaxing music are very effective in relieving cramps. Tuck one knee up to your stomach and lie on it, and be very comfortable. Some positions relieve cramps better than others, it's a matter of personal preference. If all else fails though, or you can't take the time to sleep, three ibuprofen are the best solution for me, and if I take them before the cramps start, I don't have any for the duration of my period. In extreme cases, a combination of relief (whether it be ibuprofen or something more holistic) and sleep can cure all.

Meira - before I had my son I would have such bad cramps that I was in bed almost unable to move. I used IB prophin so much I was immune to it. I found that a spoonful of Cayenne pepper in a third of a glass of milk, taken like a shot realy helped. It tastes horrible and really burns the nose hairs but man did it fix me up. I just drank some more milk after it. I also found rasberry tea to be helpful for the more mild pains. Drink tons of water. Your body retains water more when you don't drink a lot of it. I found that the more water I drank the less pain I had.

Ruth - I am writing in response to your cramp remedy section. I was happy to see that so many people wrote their remedies and found it very helpful. I was especially excited to see all the recomendations for WATER. I never knew the POWER of water untill just recently and would like to add my recomendation before young women start the pain-killer crutch. About a couple months ago I used a detoxification tea form GNC to clean out my system...but when I read the intrucutions it advised me to drink an entire gallon in three hours. I had never done this before, but I decided to be brave. After this my boyfriend suggested that I continue drinking a gallon a day because I hadn't really gone to the bathroom that much. So I did. My period came a couple days later as scheduled and I only had cramps for an hour, in which I was so used to taking advil, I just popped one. But the next day and day after that I HAD NO CRAMPS...which I mean if you were me, you would totally be suprised because for the past three years I took advil religiously for the first three days of my cycle. So, I kept up the crazy water drinking...just carried a gallon with me everywhere, and by the second month I had no cramps for the whole cycle!!! I was so suprised I told all the health fanatics that I knew and I still pass this info on to all the women that I know. I have recently rehydrated my body,I guess, because I dont have to drink a gallon a day now to get the same results...the trick is to drink 1 gallon/day starting three days before you period starts and into the first three days of you cycle...for some reason it works like a charm and the rest of your body loves it too!!! and its practically free. I drink poland spring or deer park...once you start drinking a lot of water, you learn their not all the same...stay away from evian. nasty! Thank you so much for letting me ramble on. I would love to know other water freaks, e mail me at : hikerlegs@hotmail.com
Teresa - I agree with the ladies who recommend drinking lots of water, chiropractic adjustments, and lots of sleep when you can. I have moderate cramping the day before and the first day. I also get very moody, cranky, fatigued, and crave "bad" foods. My doctor told me one reason is low iron. My breasts used to get very tender. My doctor told me that I should cut down on my salt intake because it causes the breasts to swell and retain water and become more tender. So, here's what I, and my 13 year old do---drink lots of water, eat lots of fruit and vegetables, take hot baths, drink Silk (Soy Milk), and eat yogurt with live cultures. We also take Source of Life vitamins w/o iron, 550 mg Garlic, and Wellness Formula. I use cast iron to cook in so I am wary of taking iron supplements. I also take one Fibercon per day----I''ve had trouble finding Slippery Elm Bark powder, which is what I would take in place of Fibercon. We also do not drink sodas or any caffeinated drinks--only water, unsweetened juices, and coffee/tea substitutes. I am going to try Wild Yam and Raspberry Leaf Tea.
A later note: I have used a magnesium product called Natural Calm. Three teaspoons of this powder added to water contains 615 mg of magnesium. It did help the cramps, but my daughter did not care for the really tangy taste of it. So, I purchased magnesium tablets and we take three a day. I have been told that you should take twice as much magnesium as you do calcium. I tried this and it worked wonderfully! Evidently, one of the many great things that magnesium does is to relax your muscles. My daughter also responded well to red raspberry leaf tea.

For years I suffered severe menstrual cramps because of my fibroid tumor. I am literally bed-ridden because I am in so much pain. Conventional Gynes recommend hysterectomy because they claimed I look like I'm 5 weeks pregnant and that I will hemmorhage and might end up in the emergency room. Of course, I didn't listen because I know my body more than they do. I decided I am taking my power back and instead of listening to the butchers, I did my own alternative research. My secret was I combined the tinctures of organic Chaste tree berry, black cohosh and cramp bark w/ a little water 2x a day. I also take 4 tablespoon of fresh ground organic flaxseed with vitamin E, 2 tablespoon of brewer's yeast, 1000mg of vitamin c a day. I also drink soy milk and eat lots fresh veggies and fruits. I use emerita brand progesterone cream. I also agree with most of the posters here that water helps. I drink at least 8 glasses of luke warm water a day. I drink 2 glasses first thing in the morning when I wake up. I also practice yoga and deep breathing. And by the way, cut out red meat and processed food. Also, I take 1tsp ground seaweed followed w/ water.

Hi- I have suffered from SEVERE cramps for as long as I can remember. I too, have endometriosis. The pain is soooo bad that my doctor regularly prescribes me Percocet and Vicodin. These do work but make me feel oh so out of it--so I can't take them at work, or when I want to do anything and they are also addictive and horrible for your body. I went on my own research after bleeding and cramping for 4 months straight. The doctor put me on the pill but to no avail. I bought and read the book "The PMS Diet" (not sure of the exact title but the book is yellow) by Dr Susan Lark. WHAT A GODSEND!! I found out that what you eat will definitely affect how your body feels. For the 10 days before my period, I call it my "Luni Phase", I go on a major "diet". I cut out all red meat, all processed foods, all bleached grains, all caffeine, and all dairy. I eat lots of chicken and fish, veggies and fruit. The results after 1 month were amazing! I have PMDD, which is like PMS on acid--really bad mood swings, depression, etc--and this diet has also helped with that. There are also PMDD, PMS diets on the web. Just stick with natural and you'll be fine. I am SO GLAD I got to share this with you and I know it will work!!!!

Tracy - Thanks for the suggestions for menstrual relief, and the great site in general! I find I need to take Omega 3 capsules throughout the month to keep regular, with also a minimum of breast pains, and I also take Vit B complex OR yeast tablets, to help counteract depression. They help a lot, but I still am more moody than I'd like. When I find out how to deal with that I'll let you know!

Shanel - I have endometrosis and I get menstral pains so bad I pass out. Even though I'm on DepoProvera which is supposed to eliminate my period I still get occassional bleeding. When this happens I can assure you I'm in pain. In addition to the Depo I did a dietary change. I tried it without the Depo but my cramps were too severe.
-I cut out dairy… poultry… (they) produce a substance called proglastins which tell your muscles to contract which we know is a no-no if you have cramps.
-To figure out how much water to dring take your actual weight (don't lie to yourself) and divide it by 2. That is how many OUNCES to drink. Remember 8 ounces to a cup.
-I also take a multi vitamin and Magic Minerals. I exercise.
I get colonics or an enema
-You may also need something like cassacara scaratta (that's spelled wrong too but go to your local health food store and tell them you need to move your bowels they'll show it to you). However you don't want to become dependant on that because it makes your intestants contract and if it gets too dependant on an outside stimulant doing it it won't do it on it's own.
-Castor Oil packs help if you can withstand the heat. Another alternative is this oil combination castor oil (which makes you go) Olive oil and vitamin E oil. the olive oil and Vitamain E nourish. If it gives you diareah put more olive oil in it. If you are still blocked put more castor oil in it. Start with a ratio of 1:1:1 and work from there. I'm severely blocked because of the endometrosis so I have a lot of castor oil in mine.
-Also anyone who is using anything like ginger and ginseing re read what Anna said or you'll be saying the stuff doesn't work. You have to use it right or you'll just hurt yourself.
-Stop eating processed foods and GMO's. Yikes! Stop eating things that have hormones in them. If you have cramps your hormones are probably out of wack. Eating foods with extra hormones in them just make it worst.
-Stop eating so much meat. You only need 4 oz a week! Yikes! Most eat more than that a day. Steak is not your friend. It is hard to digest and your body does not absorb the bulk of the nutrients because so it becomes waste.
-Eat fish high in Omega 3 oil. You may want to take it as a supplement.
-Eat all five colors of fruits and vegetables a day. Be careful with that soy stuff. Most of it is GMO. Very bad.
-I exercise. I take belly dancing. the belly roll has helped me move my bowels (believe it or not) and yes flexibility helps a lot.
-You want to do anything that will strengthen your abdomen muscles (crunches) and your lower back (sit up). Don't cheat when you exercise. You do more harm then good.
-Try having more raw food in your diet. If you insist on cooking your vegetables don't cook them till they loose their color. If they aren't bright in color you are eating dead food. Dead food just means more waste and more fat.
-Yorgurt is dairy. It works well as a vaginal implant though.
-Lavendar is my wonder drug. It also helps just about any skin disorder and bug bites (it keeps away misquitoes- put on Lavendar and eat garlic get not itchy bites!)
-If you take Magnesium take Calcium. If you take Calcium take Magnesium. They need each other to work properly.
-I also forgot to tell you all that I fast regulary. It helps take the strain off your stomach and intestants. This helps regulate your bowels with in turn helps cramps. However water fast are not beneficial to your body because you don't take in any nutrients. Drink mostly green vegetable drinks.
in school). I just fast for my first two meals and eat a light dinner (no meat!).
-White flour and white sugar are not your friend. Avoid them at all cost. This includes things made with them
Lisa - I was reading some woman positive books a while back and in one, they advocated many ways to reduce pain during a woman's moon time. Two of the most effective I've tried are, firstly, stop taking any NSAID's. I
found that when I did break down and take something for cramp relief, they were worse the following month. It turned into a vicious cycle. As painfull as it was to go without the first month, I found that the next cycle, the cramps were already less.
The second method I use is simple menstrual tracking. I've found by honoring my body's cycles, it's less of a shock when I start my time. After tracking for nearly a year, I'm begining to recognize the signs. About mid cycle, I get almost cramp like pains when I'm ovulating. That's my clue that my time is not far off. If I can, I try to relax and let my body do what it wants the first day of my moon. I've found it works wonders not only for my cramps, but for toning down my PMS beforehand.
Mary (The Seattle Shaman) - You had your suggestion site and I wanted to tell you I am an alternative healer and have helped many women move through their 'blocked and stuck Issues' behind the pain of their menses. It takes time at the longest usually less than 2 years if the female is willing to embrace that we are either in a state of ease or dis-ease at every moment....Blessings
Lynn - You may or may not consider this "natural," but it has helped me. (And, I'm told, it also saves other people's lives....not very many remedies can do that!!!)
Before my periods, I often have a lot of water weight and breast tenderness. I find that donating blood to the local blood center (hospital or Red Cross affiliated) when I have water weight helps a lot. You have to be in good health, age 17 or older, and weigh at least 110 pounds. You can't have had a tattoo within the last year, hepatitis and other bloodborne diseases, used illegal drugs or have gone to certain countries, in order to be able to give blood. And, U.S. federal law says you can only give once every 56 days, so this remedy is good only every other month.

But I can tell a huge difference on the months I give blood and the months I don't. They take a metric unit slightly less than a pint of blood from you -- and this cuts down on the fluid in your body, hence helping ease the water weight. My pre-menstral swelling is lessened and later on, my (usually heavy) periods are lighter, when I give blood. Wish I could do it every month!

It doesn't hurt, just a little pinch when they stick you. (My advice: don't look!) It doesn't take but maybe 15 minutes, not counting the paperwork beforehand. But make sure you eat a big meal no sooner than a couple of hours before you donate or you could get queazy. (I use this as an excuse to go pig out on my favorite Mexican food dinner right before I report to the blood center!) I've been doing this for years -- I recently was given a plaque for having donated eight gallons over the course of time.

A nice by-product is that the blood they take from me goes to help patients in hospitals -- each donation will help three people (because they separate out blood components from each pint of whole blood) recover from surgery, accidents or illness. ( If you are blood type O-negative, your blood may even help newborn babies!) My dad's life was saved because someone was nice enough to give blood; and I am happy to "give back" to others, particularly as it helps ease the monthly symptoms. I tell all my gal pals about this; and several friends have said its helped them too.
Lorelei - B6; specifically a high dose for 3 days prior to and 3 days into the bleeding seems to really help PMS and cramps. I used to actually pass out as a youngin' from the cramps and bleeding. Otherwise I use my other tricks from having partial bowel obstructions - I get on all fours and will stretch out forward and back, stretching the abdomen.
Amanda - Simply eating bananas and taking daily walks helps. It reduces cramps and mood swings.
Ryan - My way to get rid of them, or at least cut them down a little, is just to
drink a lot of water. (Read this in a magazine somewhere, and it seems to
work rather well.) I'm not sure totally why it works, but for some reason if
I guzzle water it helps -- only drawback is that you have to pee a lot more
often than usual, but I'm willing to deal with that rather than have what
feels like a gnome with a pick-axe knawing through my abdomen. Having someone rub my abdomen seems to help too.
Noni - I agree with many others that water will do wonders for pain and cramps, but not just drinking it. I drink heaps of water anyway and I can always tell if I have forgotten to drink as much as usual because I get headachy and crampy even if it is not that time of the month. But I have also found that swimming is fabulous. I know many women won't swim when they are bleeding, but I find it is the best cure for pain. We all know that exercise helps relieve the muscle spasms, but during my period I feel so heavy and sore that I just don't want to move. The water supports your weight so you don't feel so heavy and it is just wonderful to stretch and float your pain away. I never want to get out! I find that swimming also helps relieve tension and depression. Being surrounded and supported by water is very soothing. Drink it, swim in it, surround yourself with it and allow its power to heal you.
Jessica - I was surprised that you didn't mention Cramp Bark, you can purchase the pure bark (heath food stores etc.) and make an infusion or if you don't have the time or inclination to do that you can purchase pills almost anywhere! I use this alternative myself. Cramp bark also comes in handy for normal muscle cramps! YAY! Double the usage!! Anyway hope this helps someone!
Eliza - Hi, here's my advice on what to do…
If you go down on all fours and stick your rear end into the air, this can have a soothing effect on pains for as long as half an hour. Also just going to sleep with a hot water bottle on your abdomen or lying on a hot water bottle situated in your lower back can work wonders. I can also proclaim the merits of chocolate, it really does work!
Lori - It surprises me that no one has mentioned the books by John R. Lee - What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Menopause and . . . . Pre-Menopause. I have been taking natural progesterone (not progestin or other "progesterone-like" substances) in rhythm with my cycle for over a year now and have been very pleased with its overall effect on my health, not just with respect to reducing menstrual and pre-menstrual symptoms. In addition, I think it is important for both men and women to come to a better understanding of the effects of overexposure to increased estrogens in our environment which may be causing increases in all kinds of different cancers, not to mention a whole host of "feminine problems" associated with aging and menstruation.
Anonymous - I am in my late twenties, the most critical stage of my menstrual crisis. Here are my simple suggestions on doing things for your body the natural way.
I think that everything you do right before your period counts. Ever heard of the saying, "You reap what you sow."
1. Did you know the more water you drink (before your period), the less bloated you'll be. Of course, the less bloated you are, the more relaxed your whole body will feel.
2. Avoid or limit to the maximum, caffeine and alcoholic beverages. I'm a total sucker for liquor (on the weekend's only lol) and have been faithfully addicted to visiting the Starbucks Baristas every morning before work. - THOSE ARE THE WORST THINGS YOU CAN PUT INTO YOUR BODY (before your period). I also believe that caffeine contributes to the aggravating nipple soreness that lasts days before the actual period comes.
3. Limit your intake of foods high in fat, cholesterol and salt (before your period). Junk foods with high fructose corn syrup should be a no-no. DO eat foods that are higher in calcium. Drink yourself a glass of milk every once in a while, too.
4. Take liquid iron, or eat your BEETS to regulate your blood level. =D (lol) I know both are horrifying to swallow, but trust me when I say they work!
5. Don't be afraid to get involved in a little vigorous exercise while you're menstruating. It's good for you.
6. My husband normally gives a massage to my abdominal, lower back, and pelvic area, right after a hot water steam bath. Since my discomfort level is more severe at night, the massage helps loosen up those tense muscle spasms and therefore alleviates the pain. Reflexology is very useful in helping me to relax, too. After that, I'd recommend crawling into your bed ASAP after your massage and drinking some sort of herbal teas. Chamomile is an excellent choice - just don't drive after you drink it.
7. I've never tried this, but Antiprostaglandins can be of help if nothing seems to work for your Dysmenorrhea.
Thank God I don't have those mood swings the week before my period - I've watched Dr, Phil!
Jamie - I thought that I would add what I try.
I'm 18 and have extremly painful periods,(I call them killer cramps from hell) even doctor perscribed medicine doesn't help. Like many I find doing yoga helps a little, pilates works too. Not to many moves, but it seems to make the pain go away for some time. Basically any kind of stretching. Then theres a hot bath (lie on your stomach, or front side, this way the heat will actaully help). I also try this and it seems to work best for me right now. I lie on my bed (on my left side) I bend my left leg under me and stretch out my right leg straight out. This is especially helpful when relaxed, so I turn off my lights and turn on some music. Personally I like David Bowie or The killers. That seems to help me a bit. Hope this helps u!
Amanda - About a year ago. I found my cramps were getting worse, that no OTC pain reliever would help (whereas I didn’t even used to need to take anything). One day, it was so bad, I didn’t know what to do, so I laid down and just started to massage my uterus. You have to be gentle at first, gently kneading into your lower belly with a fist, and as the tension goes away you can push deeper and deeper. In about 15 minutes, I noticed I felt better and my cramps didn’t come back at all that cycle! Now it’s my little ritual, and it really helps.

Also, a few months I got an IUD (copper). The first 3-6 months can be pretty rough, a lot of bleeding and cramping (but no hormones yay!). I read on drugstore.com that taking at least 100 IU of Vit E every other day can help women with IUDs heavy bleeding (they didn’t think it would help with women who didn’t have IUDs because the cause of the heavy bleeding is different). Also, this isn’t natural, but it’s a godsend for a woman bleeding too much with a new IUD: anytime you start to spot, take one ibuprofen. During your period take 3-6 a day. Take a couple a day for a couple days after your period too, or the bleeding will start up heavy again. While relieving pain, they actually REDUCE the amount of bleeding because it blocks the prostaglandins that cause heavy bleeding from an IUD (it’s an inflammatory response). The results for me were dramatic: I had a 10 day period (with HEAVY bleeding) one month, but the next month I had a 5 day period with lighter bleeding. I looked for prostaglandin blocking herbs, but didn’t find any resources about it (everything I found was to *boost* prostaglandins). According to studies, any NSAID will do it, ie Aleve, Naprosyn, etc (again, this is only true for copper IUD users, b/c I think it has a reverse effect on women who don’t have one) except aspirin, which will aggravate the problem.

Despite the menstrual problems I am having with my relatively new IUD, it’s the best decision I ever made. Any woman who has an IUD and feels ready to give up because of the bleeding, should try the above before getting it removed.
Becky - I suffer from terrible cramps each month, and I have tried many things, but I find some things help a lot better. What I do is, alone, unbutton my pants to relieve any pressure the pants may push into my stomach, and rub what aches. I stretch a little, then I place a heating pad over the cramps
(although sometimes heat makes the cramps worse, in which case I will put an ice pack on my stomach instead). I then lie on my back with my knees bent and bring them towards my chin. I leave them there for five minutes, drink a glass of water, and go to sleep, with my belt undone, my pants unbuttoned, and the heating pad or ice pack still on the cramps. This works very well.

Anonymous - For years I have had worse menstrual cramps than I ever did labor contractions. In fact both of my now grown sons were delivered with absolutely no pain medication ... not even aspirin. After each of them was born and the cramps returned in full force, I found that using my Lamaze techniques and breathing would help lessen them, and allow me to continue on my non-medicated way. A few years ago I started going to a pain clinic to help with the chronic pain I have to live with due to 20 years in the military and several severe injuries. One of the techniques I learned was bio-feedback. This allowed me to clear my mind of the pain and continue with my activities with much less pain medication. When all else has failed, bio- feedback may be the way to go. A big plus is that if you are referred by your doctor to a reputable pain clinic, your health insurance may pay all or part of the process. Please note, that biofeedback back requires several sessions to master the techniques and may involve the purchase of a small hand held monitor to help you reach and maintain the proper state. I'm now pre-menopausal and looking forward to menopause and an end to all of this.

Sosa -I find that having someone give me a massage on my legs helps a lot. starting from my ankles and working upwards with long strokes ( oil helps a lot) someone with strong firm hands yet to apply just enough pressure. This I believe increases circulation, makes me relax more. also always remember to massage going towards the heart. Try it . Also to massage with a strong electric vibrator across the lower back where the cramping pain is, this creates also some heat and in return will help you fall asleep. Hope I have helped someone.

Becca - Here's a weird way of reducing the nasty barbed-wire cramps within. Several years ago I went to our city's annual Royal Show with a friend, and right on cue, just as we were arriving, the ol' faithful cramps set in. We decided to go on some of the amusement rides anyway, and to my utter amazement it really lessened the pain, for a while at least. It was either a big distraction, or it scared my uterus into backing off for a while!
Seeings that periods are not scheduled around amusement park rides, and I don't have one for my personal pain-reduction needs, my usual technique is heating beads. I position them on my bed, settle my tummy on top and try to sleep for a bit. This is particulary helpful at night. The only problem is I tend to get a bit of a sore back as the bead bag (although pretty flat) raises my pelvis/ spine slightly. What one needs is a bed with a slight depression in the middle for heating beads/ hot water bottles. Or if you know of how I can get around this let me know!

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