If you experience a dull, painful ache in your abdomen immediately before getting your menstrual period, you are experiencing menstrual cramps, says the Mayo Clinic. Menstrual cramps, known medically as dysmenorrhea, may require the care of a doctor if the pain is unbearable. If your doctor approves, you can use natural and herbal remedies to treat your menstrual cramps.
Heating Pad
The Mayo Clinic recommends placing a heating pad on the abdomen to relieve pain from menstrual cramps. Applying heat to the stomach area will relax the contracting muscles, reducing pain and discomfort. If you don't have a heating pad, fill a hot water bottle with warm water or take a warm bath for 15 minutes, until the pain subsides. According to the Mayo Clinic, using a heating pad or warm water to soothe menstrual cramps may be as effective as taking over-the-counter pain medications.
Tea for Menstrual Cramps
Kathi Keville, author of "Herbs for Health and Healing" suggests brewing an herbal tea to help relax away your menstrual cramps. Keville recommends combining 1/2 tsp. motherwort leaves, 1/2 tsp. wild yam root, 1/2 tsp. chamomile flowers, 1/2 tsp. fresh oats, 1/2 tsp. skullcap leaves, 1/2 tsp. hops strobiles, 1 tsp. cramp bark, 1/4 tsp. ginger rhizome and 1 quart of water in a saucepan. Heat the mixture until it boils, then cover the saucepan, lower the heat and simmer for five minutes. Turn the heat off and leave the saucepan covered for 20 minutes to steep the tea. Pour the liquid through a strainer to remove the herbs, then drink one cup of tea as needed to reduce cramps.
Massage Oil for Menstrual Cramps
In "Herbs for Health and Healing," Keville suggests massaging the stomach area with an herbal massage oil to relax the muscles that trigger menstrual cramps. Keville recommends mixing 2 ounces of store-bought Saint John's wort oil, 8 drops lavender essential oil, 8 drops marjoram essential oil and 8 drops chamomile essential oil. Mix the ingredients until they are completely combined. Massage a small amount of the oil onto the lower abdominal area as needed to soothe menstrual cramps.
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