Natural Remedies for Menstrual Cramps: Backed by Science

Why are people still hesitant to talk about periods? When with period cramps, women come back from the dead every month.

Menstrual cramps are a common problem faced by women during their menstrual cycle. On an average day, more than 300 million women worldwide are menstruating.

For some, it can be a minor inconvenience, while for others, it can be excruciatingly painful, significantly impacting their daily lives.

Period cramps or menstrual cramps can be a distressing and debilitating experience for many women, affecting their daily routines and productivity. To alleviate this issue, women seek various treatments such as period pain relief tablets, including Evecare syrup, and Relief tablets, which are highly effective in reducing menstrual pain and discomfort. 

These tablets for periods pain are readily available in India and can be purchased under various brand names. 

Thus, it becomes essential to talk about menstruation and find solutions to period pain and maintain menstrual health and hygiene.

In this article, we will discuss the impact of periods in a woman’s life, different kinds of ayurvedic period pain relief tablets, and ayurvedic relevance to periods. 

Embracing the Cycle with Ayurveda: A Positive Outlook on Menstruation

Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, are commonly faced by womens during the menstrual cycle. Conventional treatments for menstrual cramps often involve using painkillers or tablets for periods of pain, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, or hormonal contraceptives, such as the pill or IUD.

While these treatments can provide some relief, they also come with limitations.

Whereas long-term use of these painkillers can cause adverse effects. 

Here, Ayurveda can be a lifesaver. 

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian holistic health system, offers a positive approach to managing menstrual cramps that focuses on balancing the body’s energies and promoting overall wellness.

Ayurveda offers a sustainable and natural solution for women seeking relief from menstrual cramps by addressing the root cause of menstrual cramps and promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle. 

Ayurvedic remedies for menstrual cramps include dietary changes, herbal remedies like Evecare Syrup, diet chart, lifestyle changes, and Ayurvedic massages. 

Cracking the Code of Menstrual Cramps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Menstrual Cramps or dysmenorrhea are not just physical discomforts but can also be emotionally draining for women.

Menstrual cramps are categorized into two categories:

• Primary Dysmenorrhea 
• Secondary Dysmenorrhea

1. Primary Dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common type of menstrual cramps, and it occurs due to the normal physiological changes that happen during menstruation. It usually starts during adolescence and can continue into adulthood. 

It is caused by the production of prostaglandins in the uterus, which cause the uterus to contract and shed its lining. These contractions can cause pain and discomfort, ranging from mild to severe.

2. Secondary Dysmenorrhea

Unlike primary dysmenorrhea, secondary dysmenorrhea usually develops later in life and can worsen progressively over time. 

An underlying medical condition, such as endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease, causes it. And the pain associated with secondary dysmenorrhea may be more severe and long-lasting than primary dysmenorrhea.

Primary Dysmenorrhea or Secondary Dysmenorrhea

The treatment approach of both differs from each other. Regular physiological changes cause primary dysmenorrhea. It can often be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, and lifestyle changes, such as exercise and a healthy diet. 

Whereas Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by underlying medical conditions and may require more targeted medical interventions, such as hormonal therapy or surgery, to address the underlying condition.

By identifying the type of menstrual cramps a woman is experiencing, appropriate treatment can be implemented to provide relief and improve her quality of life.

Causes of Menstrual Cramps

Several factors, including hormonal imbalances, Inflammation, stress, lack of exercise, and a poor diet, can cause menstrual cramps.

• Hormonal imbalances: These occur when the levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle and prepare the uterus for pregnancy. However, when there is an imbalance, it can lead to increased contractions of the uterus, resulting in cramps.

• Inflammation: Another factor that can cause menstrual cramps is Inflammation. During menstruation, the uterus produces prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause the uterus to contract and shed its lining. However, when there is an excess of prostaglandins, it can cause Inflammation and pain.

• Stress and Exercise: Stress can cause muscle tension and exacerbate cramps, while exercise can help to relieve cramps by increasing blood flow and releasing endorphins. 

Understanding these factors can help women manage their menstrual cramps better and find relief without using a period pain killer tablet.

Symptoms of Menstrual Cramps 

The symptoms of menstrual cramps are like a storm that can hit the body unexpectedly. The pain, often described as a dull ache, can feel like a thunderous rumble in the lower abdomen, back, and thighs. It’s a sensation that can be difficult to ignore and can significantly impact daily life. The following are common symptoms of menstrual cramps:

• Pain: Menstrual cramps are often described as dull, achy pain that is felt in the lower abdomen, back, and thighs. The intensity of the pain can vary from person to person and may range from mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with daily activities.

• Bloating: Menstrual cramps may also be accompanied by bloating or swelling in the abdominal area. This can cause feelings of fullness or tightness in the stomach, making it difficult to button pants or wear tight clothing.

• Nausea: Some people with menstrual cramps may experience nausea or vomiting. This is believed to be caused by the release of prostaglandins, which can affect the digestive system and cause these symptoms.

Some other symptoms of menstrual cramps are headaches, fatigue, irritability, and changes in bowel movements.

Menstrual Cramps and its Impact on Womens

Menstrual cramps can significantly impact the physical and mental health of women with menstrual cycles.

On a physical level, menstrual cramps can be debilitating. The pain can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities and work productivity. It can also cause fatigue and disruptions in sleep patterns. Bloating and other physical symptoms such as headaches and back pain can exacerbate the discomfort experienced during menstrual cycles.

In fact, menstrual cramps can also have a negative impact on mental health. The pain and discomfort can lead to frustration, irritability, and anxiety. This can be particularly challenging for those who experience severe pain or chronic menstrual cramps. The stress of managing menstrual cramps can also impact mood and mental health.

For womens with pre-existing mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, menstrual cramps can worsen symptoms. The cyclical nature of menstrual cramps can also lead to unpredictability and lack of control, which can further impact mental health.

Ayurvedic Approach to Managing Menstrual Cramps

For centuries Ayurveda has offered natural solutions to various health issues, including menstrual cramps. 

Ayurvedic medicine emphasizes balancing the body and minds through proper nutrition, exercise, and self-care. 

The Ayurvedic remedies and therapies for managing menstrual cramps:

1. Balanced diet

Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet, which is no different when managing menstrual cramps. But let’s be honest; nobody wants to eat kale salads when dealing with menstrual cramps. 

Instead, focus on comforting and warming foods like soups, stews, and herbal teas. Think ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon – all of which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and discomfort.

2. Exercising

The last thing many people want to do when experiencing menstrual cramps is hit the gym. 

But Ayurveda recommends gentle exercise, such as yoga, to help alleviate menstrual cramps. Yoga poses like Happy Baby and Reclining Bound Angle can help relieve tension and discomfort in the lower abdomen and back. Plus, yoga can help reduce stress and improve overall mental well-being. ¹

3. Massage

Massaging the lower abdomen with gentle circular motions can help relieve menstrual cramps. Massage helps improve blood flow, which can reduce pain and discomfort. ²

4. Essential oils

Certain essential oils like lavender oil, clary sage oil, and peppermint oil can help alleviate menstrual cramps. These oils have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that help reduce pain and discomfort. ³

5. Natural remedies

Ayurveda offers a variety of natural remedies for managing menstrual cramps, such as ginger, ashwagandha, evecare syrup, and turmeric.

These herbs and ayurvedic period pain relief tablets have been found to help reduce menstrual pain and cramps and improve overall hormonal balance. ^{4 5}

6. Self Care

Ayurveda emphasizes caring for oneself, especially during menstruation. This means resting, staying hydrated, and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing. Self-care can look different for everyone, but the key is to listen to your body and give it the care and attention it needs.

Special therapies that help reduce menstrual cramps

1. Abhyanga

Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic oil massage that uses warm, herbal oils to massage the entire body. This therapy helps to balance the doshas, or energy centers, in the body, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

During menstruation, it can help relieve tension and discomfort in the lower abdomen and back and improve circulation and lymphatic drainage.

2. Shirodhara

It involves pouring warm, herbal oils onto the forehead. This therapy is deeply relaxing and can help to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. 

During menstruation, it can help to reduce menstrual pain and discomfort by promoting relaxation and reducing tension in the body.

For maximum effect, Abhyanga and Shirodhara can be combined with other Ayurvedic remedies, such as herbal teas and dietary changes. And make sure that a trained practitioner should perform the ayurvedic therapies to ensure their effectiveness and safety. 

Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies for Menstrual Cramps

For many women,  menstrual cramps can feel like unwelcome visitors each month, and it can be challenging. The pain and discomfort can be a real hindrance to your daily routine. 

Ayurvedic herbal remedies have been used for centuries to help alleviate menstrual cramps, and they aim to balance Vata dosha offering a gentle, natural approach to managing menstrual pain.

The effective ayurvedic herbs are:

1. Ginger

It is one of the most effective herbs for menstrual cramps. Ginger has warming properties and helps stimulate digestion, reducing cramping. 

Its anti-inflammatory effects decrease swelling and inflammation in the body. Ayurvedic practitioners suggest steeping fresh ginger in hot water to make tea or adding ginger to your meals. ⁶

2. Fennel

Fennel is a mild diuretic that can reduce bloating and water retention. It is also a mild pain reliever and can alleviate cramping. 

To use fennel for menstrual cramps, Ayurvedic practitioners suggest steeping fennel seeds in hot water to make tea or adding fennel to your meals. ⁷

3. Cinnamon

Another best option to go for is cinnamon. Cinnamon is warming and improves circulation, which can reduce cramping. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can decrease swelling and inflammation. 

Ayurvedic practitioners suggest adding cinnamon to your meals or steeping cinnamon sticks in hot water to make tea. ⁸

4. Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. You can add turmeric to your food or take a turmeric supplement. ⁹

5. Ashoka

Ashoka is an herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce menstrual pain. You can take Ashoka supplements or drink Ashoka tea. ¹⁰

6. Shatavari

Shatavari is an herb that can help to balance hormones and reduce menstrual pain. You can take Shatavari supplements or drink Shatavari tea. ¹¹

7. Ayurvedic Period Pain Tablet / Syrups

Ayurvedic syrup like WCare is an exceptional female uterine tonic that is one of the best ayurvedic herbal remedies for menstrual cramps. It is a unique blend of potent herbs that work in synergy to help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce menstrual cramps, and improve overall reproductive health.

Menstrual cramps can be a distressing experience for many women, affecting their daily routine and productivity. While over-the-counter painkillers can provide temporary relief, they do not address the root cause of menstrual pain and can have side effects in the long run. WCare offers a natural alternative that is gentle, effective, and safe to use.

Managing Menstrual Cramps with Ayurveda and Modern Medicine

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in integrating Ayurveda with modern medicine to offer a more comprehensive approach to healthcare. And managing menstrual cramps is one of the beneficial areas in that. 

Menstrual cramps are usually not considered a serious health concern; they can be quite painful and disruptive to daily life. 

Modern medicine offers a range of treatments for menstrual cramps, including painkillers, hormonal medications, and non-pharmacological approaches such as heat therapy and exercise. Ayurveda also offers a range of treatments for menstrual cramps, including dietary and lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and yoga and meditation.

Another potential benefit of integrating Ayurveda with modern medicine for managing menstrual cramps is the ability to address the condition’s root causes rather than just treating the symptoms. Ayurveda considers menstrual cramps to result from imbalances in the body, such as excess Vata or Pitta dosha. 

Integrating Ayurveda with modern medicine has the potential to offer a more personalized and holistic approach to managing menstrual cramps. Addressing the root causes of the condition through dietary and lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and other Ayurvedic treatments may reduce the frequency and severity of menstrual cramps over time.

Bottom Line

Menstrual cramps are a common problem faced by women that can have a significant impact on their lives. It is essential to raise awareness of this issue and provide support and resources to help women manage their symptoms effectively. By doing so, we can help ensure that women can live without the burden of menstrual cramps.

Seeking medical attention and support from healthcare providers, including gynecologists and mental health professionals, can help manage both menstrual cramps’ physical and mental symptoms.

By incorporating these Ayurvedic practices into your menstrual health routine, you can find relief from cramps and improve your overall well-being. So grab a cup of ginger tea, roll out your yoga mat, and take care of yourself – you deserve it. 

References

1. Goyal and Mansour (2018) found that practicing yoga can significantly reduce menstrual pain and improve quality of life in women with primary dysmenorrhea.[↩]
2. A study by Wang et al. (2018) found that self-massage can reduce menstrual pain and improve quality of life in women with primary dysmenorrhea.[↩]
3. In a randomized controlled trial, Marzouk et al. (2013) found that using lavender oil aromatherapy can significantly reduce menstrual pain and improve mood in women with primary dysmenorrhea.[↩]
4. In a review of the literature, Srivastava and Gupta (2015) found that certain herbs and natural remedies, such as ginger and turmeric, have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help alleviate menstrual cramps.[↩]
5. In a review of the literature, Singh and Rastogi (2014) found that ashwagandha can help improve hormonal balance and reduce menstrual pain and discomfort.[↩]
6. Rahnama et al. (2012) found that ginger capsules were as effective as mefenamic acid in reducing menstrual pain and cramping in women.[↩]
7. Srivastava and Gupta (2015) found that fennel seeds have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and can help alleviate menstrual cramps.[↩]
8. Ozgoli et al. (2009) found that cinnamon capsules were effective in reducing menstrual pain and bleeding in women with primary dysmenorrhea.[↩]
9. Daily et al. (2016) found that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects and may be useful in managing menstrual pain.[↩]
10. Singh and Rastogi (2014) found that ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory effects and can help reduce menstrual pain and discomfort.[↩]
11. Mishra et al. (2011) found that Shatavari capsules were effective in reducing menstrual pain and improving quality of life in women with primary dysmenorrhea.[↩]