- 1. Warm water compresses on the abdomen
- 2. Take ginger tea with valerian
- 3. Using reflexology points
- 4. Doing exercises for colic
- 5. Do not drink caffeine or alcohol
- 6. Avoid eating sweets and snacks
To reduce menstrual cramps, which usually cause severe pain, discomfort or constant discomfort in women, good tips to do at home include: placing a bag of warm water on the abdomen, drinking ginger tea with valerian or eliminating caffeine from food, for example.
However, if the cramps are very painful and frequent, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist to identify if there is any other cause, such as endometriosis, that needs to be treated, or to start treatment with pharmacy drugs, especially anti-inflammatory drugs. See what are the main ways of treating menstrual cramps.
The 6 tips to reduce menstrual cramps naturally include:
1. Warm water compresses on the abdomen
This is a very old technique, but also very effective that helps to relax the muscles of the abdominal region and relieve the pain of colic.
To do this technique just place a bag of warm water or warm compresses on the abdomen, at the site of the cramps and leave for 10 to 15 minutes. If the bag is too hot, let it cool a little and protect the skin from direct contact by placing a piece of clothing, or a cloth, between the bag and the skin.
2. Take ginger tea with valerian
There are several teas with properties that can help relieve menstrual cramps, however, two plants that seem to have a strong effect on relieving discomfort are ginger and valerian, which can be combined in the same tea for a greater effect.
To do this, simply make a tea by placing 2 cm of the ginger root with 1 teaspoon of valerian root in 250 mL of boiling water and let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Then strain, allow to warm and drink 2-3 times a day.
This tea combines the anti-inflammatory power of ginger with the relaxing effect of valerian, allowing to relieve various types of menstrual discomfort, including cramps. In addition, because it contains valerian, this tea can also be an excellent option for women who suffer from anxiety attacks during menstruation, for example.
Check out other options for home remedies to treat menstrual cramps.
3. Using reflexology points
Reflexology is a natural therapy that uses pressure on some parts of the body to combat pain and relieve other types of symptoms. As it is a natural practice, it has few contraindications and, therefore, it can be used by any woman at home.
One of the most important points to reduce the discomfort caused by menstrual cramps is the "Mansion Cottage" point, which is located on the line just above the pelvic area, where the abdomen connects with the legs, as shown in the image.
To use this point, just put a light pressure on the area, using the palm of your hand or a finger, and, maintaining pressure, do a small circular massage, for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Doing exercises for colic
Some exercises that help to decrease menstrual cramps can be:
- Exercise 1: lie on your back and bring your knees to your chest, holding your legs with your hands; Exercise 2: lying on your back, bring your feet together and pull them as close to the buttocks, spreading your legs out.
In addition, regular exercise releases endorphins, which act as a natural pain reliever and improve mood. Therefore, exercising regularly, such as walking, swimming, yoga or cycling, for example, can help prevent or reduce menstrual cramps.
See other positions and massages that help relieve cramps.
5. Do not drink caffeine or alcohol
The caffeine present in coffee, teas, energy drinks and chocolates, as well as alcohol, are substances that seem to aggravate the intensity of colic in most women. For this reason, it is important to withdraw, or at least, decrease the consumption of this type of food in the diet, during crises.
6. Avoid eating sweets and snacks
Sweet and savory foods cause swelling and fluid retention, increasing the appearance of menstrual cramps. For this reason, it is important to have a balanced diet, trying to avoid excessive sweets and snacks and eating more vegetables, fruits, chicken and fish, with small meals and breaks between them.
See more tips to reduce PMS symptoms:
By following these tips it is possible to have greater comfort during the menstrual period, in addition to a better quality of life. If the cramps are very severe, a gynecologist should be consulted for him to prescribe analgesic or antispasmodic remedies for menstrual cramps.
