How to Treat Cramps

Menstruation cramping your style? Cramps can ruin a perfectly good day with pain and bloating. They are distracting, uncomfortable and an incredible nuisance, but there's help on the way. Before you pop the heavy-duty pain relievers, check out these clues for quick pain relief.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Use heat. Heating pads are relatively inexpensive and readily available. Create an at-home heating pad by filling a sock or pillowcase with rice or beans and heating in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Soak in a hot bath. Your abdomen needs heat to relax the muscles and the quiet movement of water is soothing. Light-scented candles or a toss in some mild bubble bath for added comfort.
3. Drink herbal tea. Hot tea, especially chamomile, is a great remedy for menstrual cramps. The heat will help relax the abdomen, and the herbs will sooth your nerves.
4. Exercise regularly. Medical studies are beginning to suggest that regular workouts help shorten the duration of cramps as well as cause your menstrual cycle to be less severe.
5. Take a nap. Some people are cured of painful cramps by simply lying down for an hour or two.
6. Go for a walk. Contrary to taking a nap, many doctors recommend "walking off" your cramps. There is little evidence that ties bed rest to menstrual relief, but there are studies that show walking can help sooth the pain.

Tips & Warnings

• Birth control pills can sometimes make menstrual cramps less painful.
• Black cohosh is a plant that was often used by Native Americans to treat all kinds of pain. Today, the leaves are used in herbal supplements to treat cramps.
• Stir 3 generous spoonfuls of honey into a mug of hot water. Honey is said to naturally relieve pain.
• Concentrate on something else. Many women find that thinking about anything but their menstrual cramps causes them to forget them entirely.