David Mao

No woman enjoys that time of the month and all the bloating, lower back pain, nausea, and cramps that come with it.

Plain and simple, periods suck. So if you need some relief from the effects that come with your menstrual cycle, try a few of these natural remedies to ease the pain.

Massage with essential oils
If you didn’t know, essential oils are chock-full of natural benefits. Not only do they make your skin smooth and your hair healthy, they also help counter menstrual symptoms. For example, lavender and clary sages are anti-inflammatories and analgesics (aka natural painkillers) that work to relieve stress and muscle tension. Peppermint is another essential oil that can help reduce muscle tension. Rub a little on your abdomen or lower back and apply a heated compress for maximum results.

Eat less saturated fats and more veggies
Your diet should consist mostly of vegetables, fruits, seeds, herbs, and nuts…at least during your period. Excessive amounts of fats, trans fats, and hydrogenated fats can lead to inflammation in your body, which means increased menstrual pains. Studies show that women who eat less saturated fats and more veggies have less inflammation, therefore fewer menstrual cramps and less pain.

Drink herbal tea
If you know when your cycle’s about to start, start drinking tea a week prior to the start of your period.  Cramp bark (yes, that’s really its name) is a tea that’s proven to relieve menstrual discomfort. Add two teaspoons of the bark in boiling water, simmer for about 15 minutes, and drink it around three times a day. Tea with peppermint oil is also another suggested tea, but because some herbs in teas can act as estrogens, consult with your doctor first.

Up your omega-3 fatty acids
Taking fish oil or vitamin B1 is said to reduce menstrual cramps and lessen how long they last. The omega fatty acids found in fish oil and vitamin B help lessen cramps by reducing the active hormones that cause inflammation.

Take a multivitamin
In case you needed another reason to remember to take your daily vitamins, a multivitamin can help ease period discomfort. Consult your doctor about what your specific “vitamin cocktail” should look like, but a multivitamin with vitamin B, magnesium, and vitamin D can help with period cramps. Just remember to take them daily!

xx, The FabFitFun Team