15 Effective Home Remedies for Menstruation Issues

We know that menstruation becomes a regular part of life for any female who has reached puberty. It depends on several factors, but menstruation can last from 3 to 7 days.

The body’s process of shedding the lining of the uterus is known as menstruation. It is known that the menstrual blood flows from the uterus through a small opening in the cervix and it leaves the body through the vagina and this is happening every month when the woman is not pregnant. It is very important for women to have regular menstrual cycles because this means that their reproductive systems are working normally. But during menstruation, women have to deal with inconvenience, pain and discomfort.

There are simple lifestyle changes and home remedies which you can make to rid of the mentioned menstruation problems. If your period lasts longer than what is normal for you, or if you have heavier bleeding than usual, then you should talk with your doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms might mean that you need medical help. Talk with your doctor if you have some kind of menstruation issue before you start using some of the below-mentioned home remedies for this condition. Here are some home remedies for menstruation issues:

15 Home remedies for menstruation issues

Foods rich in Vitamin C help in menstruation issues

It is very important to have healthy eating throughout the month. You should incorporate more foods rich in Vitamin C in your diet because this can help to ease menstrual complications. It is known that this vitamin can help to reduce the amount of progesterone in the uterus which is allowing the lining of the uterus to break down faster. This can facilitate the removal of toxins without causing any pain.

Also, Vitamin C can help your body to absorb iron and it helps in strengthening the blood vessels. You should include Vitamin C-rich foods in your diets, such as papayas, peas, tomatoes, citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, kiwi, dark leafy greens, and bell peppers. Also, you can take a Vitamin C supplement after you have talked with your doctor. Also, you should eat foods which are rich in carotenoids and foods which are natural thinners. [1,2]

Blackstrap molasses

This natural cure is a very good source of several nutrients, such as selenium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and Vitamin B6. Also, it has iron which aid in the production of red blood cells to make up for the loss of blood during menstruation. Also, it can soothe the muscles of uterine walls to prevent abdominal pain and cramps. You should add one to two tablespoons of blackstrap molasses to a glass of warm milk. You should drink it once or twice per day.

Apricots

The dried apricots have high levels of iron which is very important during menstruation because iron supplies can be depleted with heavy bleeding. Also, there are other foods rich in iron, such as cereals, fortified bread, shellfish, legumes, and liver. [3]

Fennel

This natural cure can give you relief from cramps because it promotes better circulation to the ovaries. You should crush one teaspoon of fennel seeds into a powder. You should add it to one cup of boiling water, steep it for 5 minutes, strain it and drink it hot.

Apple cider vinegar helps in menstruation issues

This is a very popular home remedy which can cut down the discomfort of your periods. It can help to flush out the toxins in your body and it can reduce heavy bleeding[4]. Also, it can help in the treatment of symptoms like irritability and cramping. You should add two teaspoons of raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar to one glass of water. You should drink it three times per day during your period.

Mint

You can use the wintergreen or peppermint to get relief from the menstrual cramps. You should drink one or two cups of mint tea on daily basis.

Vitamin K

Those women who have heavy periods can get relief from it by taking Vitamin K supplements. [5]

Mustard

You can put one or two tablespoons of powdered mustard in warm water but you should not drink this home remedy. Instead, you should soak your feet in this home remedy to get relaxing effects.

Abdominal massage

You should massage your abdominal area because this can help to reduce the discomfort that is associated with your cycle by promoting the flow. Massage can help with bloating and cramps. You can do your massage while standing, sitting, or lying down. You should rub some warm olive oil on your lower abdomen. You should need to use light circular motions with both hands and massage gently for five to ten minutes. While you are doing the massage of your abdominal region, you need to take deep breaths for further relaxation. You should repeat it a few times per day until your period is over. [6]

Hot showers or baths help in menstruation issues

When you are taking hot showers or baths, then it can help you to some extent to deal with the discomfort that is caused by the menstruation. Also when you are taking a hot shower or bath, your body temperature rises. This will encourage dilation and increase the blood flow to the uterus. Also, it can relax your abdominal muscles and ease the pain. Before you take a bath, you can add a few drops of essential oil of your choice or you can add Epsom salt. You should take hot showers or baths two to three times a day during your period. [7]

Heat packs

You can apply heat packs to your abdominal region because this natural treatment can encourage the menstrual fluid in the uterus to move out of your body with ease. Also, this will help you to rid of the wickedly painful period cramps by relaxing the contracting muscles in the uterus.

You should grab a heating pad or a hot water bottle and put it on your abdomen for five to ten minutes at a time. You should take a break and repeat as needed. There is another option and that is to soak a towel in warm water, wring out the excess water and then put it on the lower abdomen until your towel cools. You should repeat this natural treatment as much as needed. You should be sure that the heat is not too high to avoid damage to the sensitive skin of your abdomen.

Exercise

Women should exercise on daily basis and they should do it even during their periods. There are some studies which are found that women who are physically fit tend to experience relatively painless periods. Women who are not physically fit and overweight women tend to experience heavier periods. When you are exercising, then it increases the blood circulation in your body and this can help to reduce the menstrual cramps and other discomforts. Also, this will reduce mood swings and stress. You should do light exercises, like jogging, walking, and swimming. If needed, then you can lessen the duration and intensity of your exercise. [8]

Fluids

It is very important to drink an adequate amount of fluid during the month and it is even more important during menstruation. When you have a high fluid intake, then it will help the fluids to run quickly throughout the body. This is also a very effective home remedy for bloating and cramping. You should drink eight to ten glasses of water on a daily basis. If you are exercising, then you should drink more fluids. Coconut water, fresh fruit and vegetable juices, and green tea are good choices. You should stay away from alcohol and caffeine because they can cause menstrual problems. Also, you should avoid carbonated drinks.

Red raspberry

This natural cure is a powerful uterine toner which can help to relieve the menstrual cramps and also it can improve the blood flow to help and your period faster. This natural cure has tannins which can strengthen the uterine muscles. It is also rich in zinc which can help to regulate the menstrual cycles and also this will reduce period pains. You should add a handful of fresh or dried raspberry leaves to two cups of water. You should put the water to boil and then simmer it for another five minutes. You should strain it and then drink it two to three times per day throughout your period. If you are diabetic, then you should not take this natural cure without talking with your doctor. Also, this natural cure is not recommended for people who suffer from iron overload or hemochromatosis. [9]

Turmeric

This is a very helpful home remedy for women who want to make their menstruation days like any other normal day. This will increase your body heat and it can improve the flow which will make your period end faster. This natural cure has antispasmodic properties which can help you to deal with menstruation pain and cramps. You should heat one teaspoon of turmeric powder in one glass of warm milk. You should drink this natural cure two times per day in a period of few days. [10]

References:

[1] Deeny J. Vitamin C and the menstrual function. Ulster Medical Journal. 1940;9(2):117-22, 123-4.

[2] Al-Katib S, Al-Kaabi MMH, Al-Jashamy K. Effects of Vitamin C on the endometrial thickness and ovarian hormones of progesterone and estrogen in married and unmarried women. American Journal of Research Communication. 2013;1(8):24-31.

[3] Fatima T, Bashir O, Gani G, et al. Nutritional and health benefits of apricots. International Journal of Unani and Integrative Medicine. 2018;2(2):5-9.

[4] Yagnik D, Serafin V, Shah AJ. Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression. Scientific Reports. 2018;8:1732.

[5] Wang L, Zhao W, Yu J, et al. Vitamin K acupuncture point injection for severe primary dysmenorrhea: An international pilot study. Medscape General Medicine. 2004;6(4):45.

[6] Hur MH, Lee MS, Seong KY, Lee MK. Aromatherapy massage on the abdomen for alleviating menstrual pain in high school girls: A preliminary controlled clinical study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012;2012:187163.

[7] Goto Y, Hayasaka S, Kurihara S, Nakamura Y. Physical and mental effects of bathing: A randomized intervention study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2018;2018:9521086.

[8] Daley A. The role of exercise in the treatment of menstrual disorders: the evidence. British Journal of General Practice. 2009;59(561):241–2.

[9] Fu Z, Wei Z, Miao M. Effects of total flavonoids of raspberry on perimenopausal model in mice. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences. 2018;25(3):487–92.

[10] Khayat S, Fanaei H, Kheirkhah M, et al. Curcumin attenuates severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2015;23(3):318-24.