Comments on: How to Ease Menstrual Cramps

on 9/4/2006 I have moderate to severe cramps and have found that hot chamomile tea with a few slices of fresh ginger deadens the pain significantly while I'm waiting for the ibuprofen to kick in. I don't remember where I read about this, but it's healthy and effective. It tastes good too.

on 8/20/2006 I take 4 800 ml ibuprofen, get a heating pad, and drink chamomile tea (which helps relax the muscles). Also, breathe deep (in through nose, out through mouth) to get oxygen flowing to those muscles that are cramping.

on 8/8/2006 My aunt is a nut when it comes to not using medication instead natural products for pain during menstruation. A tip that worked is to drink hot water that has oregano soaked in it, drain the oregano after allowing it to sit in a warm cup of water and that should do the trick. Avoid fried foods, eat more steamed food and carbohydrates; such as rice and lentils or beans and drink plenty of water!

on 6/30/2006 It may sound a little weird at first, but it's surefire and has never failed! To relieve anything from mild to extreme menstrual pain, try a little masturbation! Read a racy novel, anything that will get your hormones going---it really works! No joke.

on 3/8/2006 Drink lots and lots of water! If you have an idea of when your period comes around, try and drink lots of water the week before and during. You'll see that it usually eases cramps or they will completely go away. During that week before and of, avoid soda, coffee, concentrated sugars and caffeine. If you avoid that stuff completely, you'll be happy camper.

on 11/22/2005 There's an easy solution but to be used for real emergency - take diclofenac injection

on 11/22/2005 Learning the reflexology of the sexual organs, and massaging that area on the feet, will also reduce cramping. As will taking magnesium and B6 starting a week before and during your period with lots of water.

on 11/22/2005 I was told my a Chinese doctor to avoid any citrus foods during menstruation as they increase inflammation which leads to more painful cramping (which is why people who have arthritis also benefit from doing this when they have flare ups).
Tomato and bananas and eggs should also be avoided as they do the same thing. Someone mentioned avoiding corn syrup and they are right - refined sugar (corn syrup, white sugar etc.) also increases inflammation so best to avoid these things if during your period especially if they are painful. I have found that making these simple adjustments to my diet while I am menstruating have made an incredible difference. I used to take pain killers a few times a day and it has now gone down to once a day. Everyone is different - but this definitely worked for me.

on 11/22/2005 If you have cramps in your stomach or legs (as I get), stretch until you feel a gentle tug and hold the position for about 20-30 seconds. This should help ease the pain.

on 11/22/2005 The butterfly pose sometimes relieves the stress and tension I feel in my groin during my period. Lie on your back (in bed or on the floor, it doesn't matter), bend your knees, and let your legs fall open while still bent. Just let them hang there, stretching the muscles of the pelvis. I sometimes hold this pose for 10 minutes and it helps for mild to moderate cramps. You can also massage the tummy easily in this position, or hold a water bottle on your tummy.

on 11/22/2005 I had a friend tell me that if I avoided consuming anything which contained corn syrup around the time of my period that I would not have cramps. I tried it and for me it worked. It is worth a try. Be wary of canned drinks and packed foods - they usually have the most corn syrup in them of anything else.

on 11/22/2005 Holding a warm pillow next to your body helps ease the cramping, and it is soothing, too.

on 11/22/2005 When you have cramps, it is best if you take a Midol and have a hot bath. This soothes the pain.