10 Best Home Remedies For Menstrual Pain (Period Pain)

Most women suffer the pain and discomfort caused during the regular or sometimes, not so regular periods. This syndrome is also known as Dysmenorrhea, meaning painful menstruation or painful periods. Periods, being a regular occurrence happen around once a month wherein the uterine lining flows out as menstruation, during which process the uterus contracts.

When such contractions cause pain, it is known as Dysmenorrhea. Sharp pain is felt in the lower abdomen and can spread lower down to the vulva and thighs as well. One often suffers a headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting during painful periods. The good news is that there are several easy home remedies for menstrual pain that offer quick relief.

Causes & Symptoms

• Causes: Contractions in the uterus, crushing of blood vessels supplying blood to the uterus.
• Symptoms: Severe pain in the lower abdomen, pressure on the abdomen, pain in hips, vulva and thighs.

10 Home Remedies For Menstrual Pain Or Painful Periods

While quite a number of women suffer painful menstruation, most of them do not wish to talk about it or seek relief. There are several easy home remedies for menstrual pain that give almost instant relief, and here are the 10 best:

10. Ginger Tea

• Boil 1-2 fingers of fresh ginger (grated) in 2 glasses of water.
• Steep for 10 minutes. Strain & add 2 teaspoons of honey.
• Drink the concoction daily for a couple of weeks.

Ginger is an amazing herb that is loaded with medicinal benefits. Apart from being an effective antiseptic agent, it is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent as well. It has a soothing effect on the pain caused by menstrual cramps as it helps in reducing the levels of the prostaglandins that cause the pain. If the ginger tea is taken right from two days prior to the onset of the periods, it helps prevent the occurrence of pain. Ginger is one of the best home remedies for menstrual pain.

Ginger is a natural antiseptic agent that does not cause any adverse side effects. However, people who have peptic ulcer need to be cautious as ginger can cause irritation and a burning sensation.

9. Pycnogenol® – Pine Extract

• Get a bottle of therapeutic Pycnogenol Pine Extract.
• Take one capsule per day for 2 to 3 weeks.
• Continue the process for a month or so.

Pycnogenol is a Pine Extract that is loaded with flavonoids that help in improving cellular health. The procyanidins, which are a group of flavonoids found in this Pine extract help in scavenging free radicals present in the body and enhance the quality of the cells. Using Pycnogenol helps reduce the menstrual cramps and gives relief from the pain and does away with the need for taking other pain medication that can aggravate the stomach. Pycnogenol is one of the best home remedies for menstrual pain.

While Pycnogenol does not cause any known adverse effects, it may cause dizziness, headache, mouth ulcers and stomach problems.

8. Yoga Asanas

• Try practicing the Janu Sirsasana or Forward Bend.
• Attempt Pasasana or the noose pose.
• Get relief by doing the Ustrasana or the camel pose.
• Finally, it is worth practicing the Supta Padangusthasana or reclining big toe pose.

Yoga asanas are the best way to maintain a healthy body and mind. Janu Sirsasana or the forward bend helps stretch the uterus and gives immense relief from the pain caused by menstrual cramps. Similarly practicing pasasana, ustrasana and sputa padangusthasana help in curing menstrual pain without any side effects. Yoga asanas offer a permanent cure and make excellent home remedies for painful periods.

While doing Yoga Asanas is beneficial for health, it is important to learn from a trained instructor or from reliable tutorials.

7. Cramp Bark & Black Haw

• Take 1 teaspoon of Cramp Bark powder & 1 teaspoon of Black Haw bark powder.
• Boil a glass of water in a small bowl. Add both the herbal powders and steep for 10 minutes.
• Strain and add a teaspoon of pure honey. Drink this mixture daily for a month or so.

Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) is also known as Guelder Rose or Water Elder and is native to Europe and Asia. Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) is a herb native to North America, and is also known as stage bush or sweet viburnum. Both these are excellent uterine antispasmodics and help control the painful spasms experienced during menstruation. They have a relaxing effect on the uterine muscles and help get relief from menstrual pain. Cramp Bark and Black Haw together make one of the best home remedies for menstrual cramps and pain.

While Cramp Bark and Black Haw do not cause any known side effects, they should not be administered to lactating mothers.

6. Parsley

• Extract the juice of a bunch of fresh Parsley leaves.
• Drink the juice on an empty stomach daily.
• Continue the process for a couple of weeks.

Parsley is loaded with goodness and has some amazing medicinal properties. It helps in boosting the immune system. Parsley is loaded with Vitamin A, C and K, antioxidants and minerals. It has been successfully used to treat kidney stones, constipation, flatulence, and prostrate. Parsley is one of the best home remedies for period pain.

While consuming moderate quantities of Parsley does not cause any major side effects, prolonged use can cause anemia, liver and kidney problems.

5. Basil Leaves (Tulsi)

• Boil a bunch of fresh Basil (Tulsi) leaves in a glass of water.
• Steep for 5 minutes. Strain and add a teaspoon of honey.
• Drink this decoction daily for a couple of weeks.

Basil, known as Tulsi in Hindi and Thulasi in Tamil is considered a divine herb that is used extensively in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for treating various maladies. Basil is an excellent antiseptic and a great anti-inflammatory agent as well. Regular intake of Basil tea helps get relief from menstrual pain caused by cramps. Basil is one of the best home remedies for menstrual cramps.

Basil is a natural antiseptic agent that does not cause any side effects and is safe to use.

4. Cinnamon Tea

• Boil 2 teaspoons of Cinnamon powder in a glass of water.
• Steep for 10 minutes. Strain and add a teaspoon of pure honey.
• Drink this concoction daily for a couple of weeks.

Cinnamon is a spice that is extracted from the branches of a particular tree that grows in the wild. It belongs to the genus Cinnamomum and is used extensively in bakery products like buns and breads. The U.S. National Library of Medicine has certified Cinnamon as ideal for treating spasmodic pains and other infections. It is good for treating fungal infections as well and is very effective in giving relief for menstrual pain. Cinnamon is one of the best home remedies for menstrual pain.

While Cinnamon does not cause any major side effects it should not be administered for chronic diabetics on medication as it can lower blood sugar levels.

3. Dong Quai

• Mix 1 teaspoon of Dong Quai tincture in a glass of warm water.
• Drink the mixture daily for a couple of weeks

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) is a powerful herb that has medicinal properties that are effective in treating infertility. It helps in strengthening the walls of the uterus and regulates hormonal imbalance. This traditional Chinese medicine is often prescribed for menstrual disorders, absence of menstruation, periods with severe cramps, cramping and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Dong Quai is a popular home remedy for menstrual pain.

Dong Quai may cause palpitation or irregular heart rhythms, asthma, anorexia, bloating and burping in some people. It is best administered under expert guidance or after consulting your physician.

2. Wild Yam

• Mix 1 teaspoon of Wild Yam cream in a glass of warm water.
• Drink this mixture twice daily. Continue the process for a couple of weeks.

Wild Yam which is also known as American Yam, Atlantic Yam or China Root is a herb that contains a chemical substance known as diosgenin, which gets converted into steroids like estrogen and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Wild Yam is an excellent alternative for estrogen therapy and is used to cure vaginal dryness in old women after menopause. It is also effective in relieving menstrual cramps and the pain caused by such cramps. Wild Yam is one of the best home remedies for menstrual pain.

While Wild Yam does not cause any major side effects, it should not be consumed in large quantities as it can cause nausea and vomiting. Pregnant women and lactating mothers should avoid taking this remedy.

1. Chamomile Tea

• Boil 2 teaspoons of dried Chamomile Flower powder in a glass of water.
• Steep for 10 minutes. Strain and add a teaspoon of pure honey.
• Drink this tea daily for a couple of weeks.

Chamomile is known to possess excellent anti-inflammatory qualities. It is also an excellent anti-spasmodic agent and helps relieve painful spasms in the uterus caused by menstrual cramps. It helps gain relief from pain caused by digestive constipation as it is a nervine and a great natural sedative. Chamomile is one of the best natural home remedies for menstrual pain.

While Chamomile does not cause any major side effects, people suffering from allergies caused by plants of the Asteraceae family like Dandelions, arnica or chrysanthemums should not take this remedy.

See a doctor immediately if:

• The home remedies do not show positive results.
• Cramps and pain occur even during non-period time.
• There is heavy bleeding during menstruation.
• There is fever during menstruation.