Well ladies, we all know “that time of the month” is no fun and though many of us only occasionally suffer mild discomfort while we’re menstruating, others battle painful cramps each and every month.
There are several things you can try to help reduce discomfort (such as resting with a hot water bottle or microwavable heating bag, a steamy shower or bath, adjusting diet), but it’s also worthwhile trying some healing herbal teas, salves, compresses and other natural aids.
I’ve combed through my notes and put together a tip sheet listing several different beneficial home treatments (including simple DIY recipes), but first a couple suggestions about dietary adjustments that can make a difference…
- Increase consumption of fluids, leafy green vegetables, fiber, fish and eggs (start a week prior to expected period).
- Reduce consumption of caffeine, alcohol, sugar, deep fried foods, spicy foods and dairy.
Listed below are several brews, food additives (a generous sprinkle whenever it works), aromatherapy and massage recipes plus a few other goodies.
You may have to go through the list until “the one” is discovered, but once it’s found…lucky you and stick with it!
Note: If you don’t usually contend with painful cramps and suddenly find it’s the norm every month, visit a doctor to check things out (ensure uterine fibroids haven’t developed).
Home Remedies To Ease Menstrual Pain
Careful: If on medication or breast feeding, consult a doctor first before consuming herbal remedies to make sure they’re safe. Also be diligent about only using flowers and herbs from the garden that are pesticide-free.
Steeped Brews: (Drink teas no more than 3 cups per 24 hours)
- Calendula
- Ginger (1 tsp ground/cup of hot water or warm milk)
- Cramp Bark (black haw): (2 tsp dried/quart of boiling water, simmer 15 minutes). Begin at least 3 days before period starts.
- Pennyroyal (also helps bring on bleeding if late). Sip on no more than 2 cups daily. Caution: Do not use if pregnancy is suspected.
- Peppermint
- Cinnamon (+ assists w/heavy flows)
- Yarrow (+ assists w/heavy flows). Optional: Add a bit of honey to tamper the taste.
- Raspberry leaf (start at least 48 hours before flow is expected)
- Chamomile
Compress:
- Simmer slowly a grated piece of ginger root (about 3 to 4 TBS) in 8 oz of water for 15 minutes, remove from stove and allow to cool down enough so it won’t burn. Dip cotton cloth, wring out excess and apply to abdomen.
Foot Soak: Mix a couple tablespoons of dry mustard to a bowl of warm water, submerge feet.
Aloe Vera: 1 TBS Aloe vera juice (3 times a day during the week prior of period).
Sprinkle on Edibles:
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Garlic
- Thyme
- Freshly ground flaxseed (2 to 4 TBS per day)
Sniffing Vial/Aromatherapy:
Add a few chips of rock salt to a small vial then add these essential oils…
- Drops: (4) lavender, (2) marjoram, (2) chamomile, (3) geranium.
- Cap so the salt will absorb the mixture. When uncomfortable sensations arise, uncap and breathe in deeply.
- Source: Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art by Mindy Green.
Bath Booster: Try mixing a scented spa salt, this is thought to be helpful.
Massage Aids (for abdomen and lower back)…Apply a hot bottle, heated bag or towel after rubbing them in
*Numbers in () are the amount of drops to use for each
Recipe #1
(4) lavender
(2) marjoram
(2) chamomile
(3) geranium
(1) ginger
(1) ounce carrier oil
#2
(4) lavender
(2) clary sage
(2) rose
1/8 C. almond or EVOO
*Massage into abdomen each day one week prior
#3
(8) lavender
(8) marjoram
(8) chamomile
1/4 C. EVOO
Soothing Salve (Rub into stomach and lower back):
1 lb lard
2 to 3 handfuls marigold flowers (including leaves and stems, no roots)
- Directions: Melt lard on low, next toss in marigold. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes, cover then remove from stove.
- Allow to cool until semi-hard.
- Reheat (on low) until lard is melted, strain, pour into sterilized glass mason jars. Allow to cool then refrigerate (seal w/lid).
Infusion:
- Fill a large glass mason jar: 2 cups of marigold flower heads, cover w/cold-pressed vegetable oil, seal w/lid and leave for 6 to 8 weeks.
- Shake well daily.
- When it’s a deep yellow, strain through cheesecloth then store in a dark cupboard.
- Usage instructions: Rub into stomach as needed.
*These are simply notes I have collected, they are not intended to be professional medical advice.
