Everything about menstrual pain
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The Origin of Menstruation
Menstruation is a monthly bleeding that occurs during puberty. It is part of a woman's menstrual cycle. Menstruation is a periodically occurring discharge of blood, vaginal secretions, and endometrial cells that the vagina expels every month (approximately every 28 days). The bleeding is a sign that no fertilization has taken place in the uterus.
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symptoms
But for most women, menstruation is not a pleasant time. On the contrary. Some women experience more or less painful menstrual bleeding and a moderate to particularly heavy flow. For this reason, some turn to menstrual underwear, while others are content with conventional feminine hygiene products. The latter can lead to various symptoms that are not limited to the lower abdomen. They vary from woman to woman:
- Abdominal cramps or stomach pain
- nausea
- contractions
- migraine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- mood swings
- back pain
"In some women, menstrual pain is very severe. It is then referred to as endometriosis. This is a chronic disease that affects almost one in ten women. In this condition, the uterine lining (endometrium) forms outside the uterine cavity. This disease requires care from a gynecologist."
Many women are looking for an effective pain reliever for menstrual pain to make their period more bearable. What are the various treatments for alleviating menstrual pain? Organic products or tried-and-true home remedies and tips?
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Medical Treatments
Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve menstrual pain. They stop the formation of inflammation-promoting prostaglandins, in other words: they relieve menstrual cramps. One of these anti-inflammatory medications is ibuprofen, which is available over the counter. Ibuprofen helps with menstrual pain, including back, headache, and abdominal cramps.
The intake of a oral contraceptive such as the pill also alleviates menstrual pain in some women. In fact, some types of pills prevent ovulation and thus reduce blood flow. By decreasing bleeding, the pill also reduces menstrual pain. However, it must be taken into account that this is a medical treatment that must be carried out daily and continuously.
Wearing a spiral can also be a solution to reduce menstrual pain. The spiral is inserted into the uterus. In addition to alleviating menstrual pain, the spiral also has a contraceptive effect.
Finally, a contraceptive administered by injection can also reduce menstrual pain. However, this option is not without risks: it can lead to weight gain, irregular bleeding, and decreased libido.
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Grandmother's home remedies
Some home remedies can provide immediate relief from menstrual pain, but they are not very effective in the long run. Placing a hot water bottle on the lower abdomen dilates the blood vessels. This increases the oxygen supply and relaxes the muscles of the uterus. As a result, abdominal cramps can be reduced.
Some women prefer to use natural remedies to combat menstrual pain. Plants are among the favorites in these remedies.
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Combat menstrual pain with medicinal plants
But then there is still one question: How can menstrual pain be alleviated with herbs? To answer this question, let's take a look at the best types of plants, how to prepare them so that they are effective, which foods you can add to your preparation, etc.
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Which plants should I take?
Mother Nature is generous in this regard. To relieve your stomach pain, you can use various plants. Today we will present our selection for you, consisting of 3 plants., take a closer look:
- Chamomile.
- Yarrow.
- lady's mantle.
chamomile
Chamomile, or Matricaria recutita, is one of the most well-known plants for herbal tea. It is particularly known for its antispasmodic effect and alleviates mainly intestinal and abdominal cramps.
"Chamomile tea can be brewed right at the beginning of the period to enjoy a pleasant herbal tea and, above all, a moment of relaxation. The recipe? Nothing simpler than that: add 3 grams of chamomile, no more, to a cup of water. Let it steep for about 20 minutes."
You can add honey or maple syrup to the chamomile tea to sweeten it.
You can drink 3 to 4 cups of chamomile tea per day.
yarrow
"Yarrow is also a spasmolytic plant. Its effectiveness is well proven. Its relaxing effect on the uterine muscles as well as its anti-inflammatory effect contribute to a new sense of well-being."
Moreover, yarrow partially inhibits estrogen production, thereby reducing the pain-causing hormonal fluctuations.
To prepare a properly brewed yarrow tea, steep 3 grams of yarrow in a cup of hot water. You can also add a little ginger to enhance the tea's effectiveness.
You can consume up to 4 cups per day.
lady's mantle
Our last plant is capable of stimulating the production of progesterone. When this hormone is present in increased amounts, it can reduce bleeding.
Let 2 tablespoons of these leaves steep in 200 ml of boiling water for 5 minutes. As with the previously mentioned plant, you can add some ginger to the infusion to enhance its effectiveness.
You can take 2 to 4 cups of lady's mantle tea between meals.
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Where can I find them?
To find this type of plants and especially to get good quality, you can contact a herb specialist directly. You can also find them in some pharmacies or at markets. Small shops also sell these plants loose in bags.
Most of these plants are sold in supermarkets, but here they are often of lower quality than, for example, at an herb dealer.
Now you know everything about the medicinal plants that can help you during your period! Try several of these solutions until you find the one that helps you the most.
