How to Soothe Menstrual Cramps: 5 Ways

Although menstrual cramps are not usually a sign of a serious health condition, they can be very painful and irritating. Luckily, there are some home remedies to relieve the pain, and 5-Minute Crafts would like to show them to you.

Warning: If you have severe period pain or your normal period pattern has suddenly changed, you should see your doctor.

1. Apply heat.

Heat will help your uterine muscle and the muscles around it relax and ease the cramping and discomfort.

What to do:

✅ Lie down and put a heating pad (or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel) on the area of your belly where you’re experiencing pain.

Tip:

✅ If you don’t have a hot water bottle or heating pad, you can also take a warm bath or shower.

2. Try self-massage.

Massage will help you relax your pelvic muscles and encourage blood flow in this area.

What to do:

✅ Mix some almond oil with a few drops of cinnamon, clove, lavender, or rose essential oil.

✅ Gently rub the mixture into the skin over your abdomen in light, circular motions.

✅ Do this massage for at least 5 minutes a day.

3. Drink plenty of water.

Dehydration is one of the most common causes of muscle cramps, so increasing the intake of fluids will help your body stay hydrated, reduce water retention, and prevent painful bloating.

What to do:

✅ Drink about 6-8 glasses of warm or hot water a day.

Tip:

✅ You can also eat more water-based foods to increase your hydration — lettuce, celery, cucumber, watermelon, and berries.

4. Sip on ginger tea.

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic compounds, ginger can help you relieve pain and swelling.

What to do:

✅ Grate a small piece of ginger into hot water to make a warm drink. Drink it 4 times a day.

Tip:

✅ You can also try drinking chamomile tea.

5. Relax in fish pose.

Fish pose will help your body release more endorphins, which are natural pain relievers, and also gently stretch your abdominal muscles.

What to do:

✅ Lie down on your back.

✅ Then come up to your elbows, placing your forearms flat on the mat and your upper arms perpendicular to the floor. You can tuck your palms under your butt if you feel more stable this way.

✅ Arch your chest by gently rolling your shoulders back and tucking your shoulder blades onto your back.

✅ Lower the crown of your head back until it comes to the floor, opening your throat.

✅ Stay in this pose for 5 deep breaths.

✅ To come out of the pose, press firmly into your forearms and raise your head off the floor. Then release your upper body to the floor.