How to Use Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps

Home remedies for menstrual cramps encompass a wide range of treatments, from applications of heat, to specific exercises, and herbal remedies. Use some of these home remedies for menstrual cramps the next time you’re suffering from menstrual pain and they’ll be gone in a flash. These are particularly effective if you don’t have any pain relievers in the house. However, home remedies for menstrual cramps CAN be combined with ibuprofen for faster results, if necessary.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sea salt
• Baking soda
• Heating pad
• Cramp bark tincture
• Fresh ginger root
• Honey (optional)
• Yarrow tincture

1. 

   Take a hot mineral bath. This is one of the easiest and most relieving home remedies for menstrual cramps. Add one cup sea salt and one cup baking soda to a warm tub of water. Submerge the body, particularly the abdomen, and soak for at least 20 minutes to relieve menstrual cramps.

2. Perform this simple menstrual cramp exercise for relief. Lay on your back with the knees bent and together. Lift the feet off the floor, with your knees pointing towards your chest. Move the knees slowly to the right side of your body as close to the floor as possible, then repeat on the left side. Continue moving the knees back and forth until the pain subsides. This is another of the easiest home remedies for menstrual cramps, and works well while you are waiting for a pain reliever to begin working.

3. Use a heating pad on the lower abdomen and/or back. This is one of the most common home remedies for menstrual cramps, and for good reason. It works! Plug in the heating pad, and making sure it is properly covered, place it on the pained areas. The heat will soothe the muscles and provide relief. A hot water bottle may also be used in this manner, if necessary.

4. 

   Use cramp bark to reduce uterine swelling. This is one of the most trusted and widely used home remedies for menstrual cramps. Take 3-5 dropperfuls of cramp bark tincture three to five times per day, as needed, to relieve menstrual cramps.

5. 
   Ginger Root

   Make ginger root tea to get rid of menstrual cramps. Grate 1-3 teaspoons of the fresh root, and add to one cup of boiling water. Allow the mixture to steep for 10-15 minutes, and then strain and drink. Add honey to sweeten, if desired. Ginger root is another of the best home remedies for menstrual cramps, as it relieves nausea and abdominal discomfort.

6. 
   Yarrow

   Take yarrow tincture to reduce the pain associated with menstrual cramps and excessive bleeding. Yarrow is one of the most highly regarded home remedies for menstrual cramps, and is even an approved treatment in Germany. Take 20-40 drops of the tincture in water, 2-3 times per day, as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Yarrow tea may also be made, if the tincture is unavailable, as a viable home remedy for menstrual cramps. Steep one teaspoon of the dried flowers in one cup boiling water for 10-15 minutes, strain and drink.
• Cramp bark and yarrow tincture may be purchased at local natural health stores, or ordered online from reputable retailers. Ginger root can usually be found in the grocery store, or you may try using pre-made ginger tea bags.
• Do not take yarrow tincture or tea during pregnancy, or if there is any chance you could become pregnant.