For several women, the
regular monthly discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of
the womb through the vagina is accompanied by excruciating pains generally
known as menstrual cramps.
Menstrual
cramps, also called dysmenorrhea, are cramping aches and pains that typically
affect the lower abdomen but may also radiate to the lower back and thighs.
Thought to be caused by excess levels of prostaglandins (hormone-like
substances linked to pain and inflammation), menstrual cramps often occur just
before and during the first few days of a woman’s menstrual period. Some women
also experience loose stools, headaches, nausea or dizziness.
There
are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea.
Primary
dysmenorrhea is another name for common menstrual cramps. Cramps usually begin
one to two years after a woman starts getting her period. Pain usually is felt
in the lower abdomen or back. They can be mild to severe. Common menstrual
cramps often start shortly before or at the onset of the period and continue
one to three days. They usually become less painful as a woman ages and may
stop entirely after the woman has her first baby.
Secondary
dysmenorrhea is pain caused by a disorder in the woman’s reproductive organs.
These cramps usually begin earlier in the menstrual cycle and last longer than
common menstrual cramps. Though, for many women, menstrual cramps occur without
an underlying health condition (such as endometriosis), these painful
sensations that occur in the lower abdomen of a woman ranges from dull for some
women, to annoying, in others and to severe and extreme in several others.
Studies
have proven however, that certain plants and herbs are capable of providing
immediate and long lasting relief from menstrual cramps. Here are some herbal
medicines that are sometimes recommended by alternative medicine practitioners:
Ginger
This
warming herb may help ease cramps and soothe menstrual troubles by lowering
levels of pain-causing prostaglandins as well as fight the fatigue commonly
associated with premenstrual syndrome. Many women have found relief by
grounding up a teaspoon of ginger, swallowing it, and drinking a glass of water
right afterwards. Others recommend grounding up a teaspoon of ginger and bowling
it in a cup of water and waiting until cooled for consumption. This is ideal
for painful menstrual cycles. Taking ginger root powder days before the onset
of a woman’s menstrual period and continuing through the first three days of
the menstrual period helps to reduce, if not completely obliterate menstrual
cramps.
Fennel
This
herb with a licorice-like taste and celery-like crunchy texture contains
anethole (a compound with anti-spasm effects) that may help to ease menstrual
cramps in some women. Chew on fennel seeds two days before you begin your
menstruation. You could also make a concoction of fennel seeds and drink 200ml
of it thrice a day. Prepare fennel infusion by boiling fennel in water. Fennel
seeds are anti-spasmodic in nature and allow better contraction of the muscles
in the uterus. This makes it easier for the blood to flow and also eases pain.
Cinnamon
Include
cinnamon in your daily diet. Sprinkle cinnamon powder over your non-vegetarian
dishes and cakes and desserts. You can also add cinnamon to your cup of tea or
prepare cinnamon tea and have three cups of it on the first day of your
menstruation. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce the
swelling of the cervix caused due to presence of prostaglandin. The aroma of
cinnamon also acts on the frayed nerves and thus reduces stress and anxiety.
Basil and parsley
Teas
prepared using basil and parsley also help relieve the symptoms of
menstruation. They help deal with pain and inflammation by soothing the muscles
in the body. Add basil and parsley leaves to your food; you could also chew on
the leaves of basil and parsley for immediate relief from menstrual cramping.
Banana Flower
Another
natural remedy ideal for menstrual cramps involves cooking banana flower and
eating the cooked banana flower with the curd. This home remedy for menstrual
cramps is not only ideal for pain and discomfort, but it can also assist women
with very heavy menstrual flows.
Reference:
tribuneonlineng
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