Being a woman in a man’s world is tough enough as it is; throw in hormonal imbalances, cramps and unwanted bathroom breaks, and it makes life that much bitchier.
But life doesn’t have to stop because of your period; it is possible to have it and feel great the entire time. If you encounter common aches and pains when it comes to your menstrual cycle, perhaps there are certain products in your home that can cure what ails you.
From menstrual cramps to tender breasts, check out some simple menstruation home remedies that will help keep your beautiful body in its finest form, especially when it’s that time of the month.
FACTOID: A woman will have approximately 500 periods in her lifetime.
Menstruation home remedies #1
Missed periods
If your menstrual cycle is somewhat temperamental, it is widely believed that parsley can cure what ails you.
A diet consistent in parsley can aid in menstrual regularity due to the fact that it contains an oily liquid called apiol (pronounced ah-pee-oll).
Apiol was believed to cause abortions, according to Hippocrates, and it is believed that, if taken in high doses, pure crystalline apiol may cause liver and kidney damage. But if you get your apiol via the parsley route, there’s nothing to fear.
As well, you can increase your chances of having regular periods by combining your parsley intake with beets or beet juice, which is also believed to promote liver function and regulate periods.
Menstruation home remedies #2
Menstrual cramps
After each meal, add a piece of pounded fresh ginger and a tad of sugar or honey to a cup of hot water, and drink it. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce clotting and alleviate menstrual pains almost immediately.
You can also try taking an over-the-counter medication that contains ibuprofen or aspirin.
And although it may be the last thing you want to do, exercise actually reduces cramping, so you might want to head to the gym if you begin to feel achy. If the gym is not your friend, do your best to walk ½ a mile every day.
If you don’t get enough B vitamins and magnesium from your diet, take a supplement that contains them because it is believed that they help the liver metabolize estrogen. And as much as you’re dying for French fries and burgers, try to resist them, as fried foods end up blocking the body’s ability to absorb magnesium.
Menstruation home remedies #3
Bloating/water retention
Although you may have a craving for salt more so during your period, it is imperative that you avoid salt if you want to keep from getting bloated and retaining water.
You also want to avoid alcohol because it has a dehydrating effect on the body and results in the retention of water.
If you just couldn’t resist those salty chips and begin to regret it a few hours later, drink some dandelion tea, which is believed to eliminate excess salt and sodium from the body.
Menstruation home remedies #4
Excessive bleeding
Add some coriander and sugar or honey (no more than a teaspoon) to boiled water and drink this concoction about twice a day. Coriander helps to increase liver function and enhance digestion.
But don’t just rely on coriander to save the day; excessive bleeding could be a sign of something more serious. If this is a constant problem during or between your menstrual cycles, make an appointment with your gynecologist right away to discuss the issue.
Menstruation home remedies #5
Constipation
Do your best to eat foods high in fiber, such as raw vegetables and fruits, beans, and whole-grain foods. You should be getting upwards of 30 grams of fiber a day.
Drink lots of water, it helps to flush your system of toxins and aids in relieving gas and constipation.
Try to eat smaller meals throughout the day rather than three squares. By giving your stomach a little bit of food at a time, your stomach and intestines don’t need to work as hard to digest the food and get it to the exit.
Take about 25 to 50 milligrams of vitamin B6, as it acts as a mild diuretic and will keep you from harboring excess gas in your tummy.
Menstruation home remedies #6
Body aches
Lower back problems are a common complaint for most women who are menstruating and the best way to beat the pain is by applying a heating pad directly to the area.
Of course, a good old warm bath and a deep tissue massage can work wonders as well. So get your man to work on that.
Menstruation home remedies #7
Tender breasts
Many women complain about tender and sensitive breasts right before or during their periods. Applying vitamin E directly on the sensitive area should help to alleviate the sensation.
Taking a supplement that includes vitamin A, the B-complex vitamins, vitamin E, iodine, and selenium can also alleviate tenderness.
Lastly, you’re probably not going to be happy reading this, but caffeine actually aggravates breasts tissue and contributes to the problem. If you can, try to avoid caffeine or at least cut down on it during your menses.
Menstruation home remedies
You can always find a cure for what ails you right at home, but do not live and die by home remedies; see your gynecologist and discuss your issues to get a better understanding of what’s going on inside your body.
If your doctor suggests that you go the home remedy route, then that’s what you should do, but I strongly recommend that you let him decide rather than decide for yourself.
Post Title → Menstruation Home Remedies
