PART 1 :
Know how Ayurveda helps in relieving period cramps? Ayurveda has a cure for almost everything and painful and severe menstrual cramps are no different. Here is an article on Ayurvedic herbs that will alleviate those enraged menstrual cramps and bring you comfort.
Bleeding for those 4-5 days in a month is a certainty of every woman’s life. During menses, your body utilizes excess energy in cleansing the reproductive system of collected ama (toxins).
Fresh blood cells (Rakta Dhatu) are created to replenish the loss, and this is possible only when you permit your body to rest.
However, you can’t refuse that crankiness, painful cramps, and mood swings, make your mind and body to work overtime. Many, find it extremely difficult to carry out even the activities of daily living due to menstrual cramps.
Over half of women who menstruate experience period-related pain (dysmenorrhea) for 2-3 days every month. Even though period-related pain can mean headaches or overall discomfort, the pain is usually caused by menstrual cramps.
Why menstrual cramp occurs?
Menstrual cramps take place when your uterus contracts to shed the lining of your uterus. Therefore, can cause pain in your abdomen, groin, lower back, or upper thighs.
But, did you know that Ayurveda has solutions to soothe those as well?
Here are 10 Ayurvedic herbs that will help you relieve your period cramps :
Asafetida (Hinga) :
Another most popular kitchen dweller has numerous health benefits to surprise you with. It comes with antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
during ancient times women used to consume a pinch of hinga to cure their problems related to menstruation such as bloating, flatulence, heavy bleeding, and menstrual pain and cramps.
METHOD :
Add a pinch or two of Asafetida in buttermilk and consume if 2-3 times a day during your menstrual cycle. It will work as an anti-spasmodic now and helps relieve your menstrual cramps.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
It helps to regulate your hormone known as Progesterone. Thus can regulate blood flow and relieve menstrual cramps.
SCIENTIFIC CONFIRMATION:
A study was conducted to investigate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of asafetida. Results clearly showed that the asafetida could be a potential reservoir of anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents.
Read this study here : Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory and Some Possible Mechanisms of Antinociceptive Effect of Ferula assa foetida Oleo Gum Resin – PubMed (nih.gov)
Another study confirmed that Asafoetida is effective and safe in Relieving period cramps and improving period-related pain, without any known side-effects
Read this study here : A single-blind randomized comparative study of Asafoetida vs Mefenamic acid in dysmenorrhea, associated symptoms and health-related quality of life | Request PDF (researchgate.net)
Sesame Oil (Till ka Tel) :
METHOD:
Massage your lower abdomen with sesame oil using gentle and slow downward strokes. For more reliable results, you can slightly warm the oil, and then apply a little to your lower abdomen. Cover the abdomen using a light blanket and apply a hot water pack over it for up to 15-20 minutes or until your pain lessens.
Carom Seeds (Ajwain):
This homely kitchen herb is highly effective in dealing with a range of abdominal and muscular cramps, either caused by menses or digestive discomfort.
METHOD:
Use Ajwain Tea to ease the muscular cramps. Add 2 large pinches of Ajwain in 2 cups of water and boil it till it decreases to half. Strain it, add honey and drink about 2-3 times a day.
CAUTION!
Do not consume it on daily basis, as otherwise it could produce some adverse effects in one’s system.
Women who are pregnant should not consume Ajwain due to possible adverse impacts on fetal growth, and its use is discouraged during breastfeeding.
However, if consumed in huge amounts, taken orally, this may be considered to be toxic and can produce fatal poisoning.
Ginger :
A study has revealed that like any other herb, ginger compounds are highly complex and incorporate many elements such as carbohydrates, amino acids, free fatty acids, proteins, vitamins (niacin), phytosterols, and some non-aromatic compounds such as shogaols and gingerols.
Ginger is reported to block lipooxygenase pathways and cyclooxygenase in PGs synthesis, thus providing an anti-inflammatory effect and Relieving period cramps
Read this research here : Clinical trial for the management dysmenorrhea using selected spices (website60s.com)
METHOD :
Boil a cup of water. Add finely chopped ginger, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, and some jaggery or honey into it. Boil till the water becomes half of its previous quantity. Strain it and drink hot. You can also add lemon for taste after straining. Trust me it tastes really great.
Jaggery (Gud) :
Here is a lesser-known fact that jaggery is women’s best friend during periods– it helps relieving period cramps, increases levels of hemoglobin, preserves the hydration levels in your body during heavy-flowing periods.
Also, it assists in releasing more endorphins throughout your periods (this helps relax your body).
Jaggery is a fabulous Vata pacifier. Replace sugar with jaggery at least 3 to 5 days before you expect your periods to begin.
METHOD:
A great way to combine Methi-Ajwain and Gudd is to make small-sized balls with these three constituents.
While on periods, drink a glass of a solution of lukewarm water and jaggery on an empty stomach. This will helps relieving period crampsfor the day.
Read part 2 of this article here : 11 Ayurvedic Herbs Work Like Magic in Relieving Period Cramps” – V Cure (vcurehealthcare.com)