10 Drinks That Help Relieve Menstrual Cramps Naturally

Introduction

Menstrual cramps or period cramps can be extremely painful and debilitating for many women. The pain is caused by contractions in the uterus as it sheds its lining during a menstrual period. While over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and naproxen can provide relief, some women prefer natural remedies to alleviate cramping.

Certain drinks contain ingredients that have been shown to reduce period cramps and pain. Staying hydrated and avoiding salty foods and caffeine may also help. Here are 10 drinks that can help provide relief from menstrual cramps.

Ginger Tea

Ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help relax muscles and ease menstrual cramps. Drinking ginger tea during your period helps reduce prostaglandins, hormones that cause uterine contractions.

Add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger or ginger powder to a cup of hot water. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes before straining. Drink 2-3 cups of ginger tea per day for maximum relief. You can add honey or lemon to enhance the flavor.

Chamomile Tea

The antioxidants in chamomile tea help relax the uterus and abdominal muscles to diminish cramping. Chamomile's anti-inflammatory properties also help reduce prostaglandin production.

Steep 2-3 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups of chamomile tea daily during your period to ease cramps.

Turmeric Milk

Turmeric contains the compound curcumin which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. This helps relax smooth muscles in the uterus to reduce cramping.

Add 12 teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk. You can also add a pinch of black pepper to increase absorption. Drink this once or twice daily during your period for relief from cramps.

Fennel Tea

Fennel seeds help relax uterine muscles and prevent painful contractions and spasms. The phytoestrogens in fennel also help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce PMS symptoms.

Add 1-2 teaspoons of crushed fennel seeds to a cup of hot water. Allow it to steep for 5-7 minutes before straining the tea. Drink 2-3 cups of fennel tea daily for best results.

Hot Water with Lemon

Drinking warm or hot water helps increase blood flow to the skin and relaxes cramped muscles. Adding lemon to the water replaces lost electrolytes and prevents dehydration.

Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into a cup of warm water. You can add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to taste. Sip this slowly first thing in the morning and throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Mint Tea

Mint has analgesic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that help relax muscles and ease cramps. It also helps improve digestion which can be affected during your period.

Add 1-2 teaspoons of fresh or dried mint leaves to hot water. Allow it to steep for 5 minutes before straining. Drink 2-3 cups of mint tea daily during your period to relieve cramps.

Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon contains antioxidants that help relax smooth muscles and provide relief from painful contractions. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce inflammation.

Add 12 teaspoon of cinnamon powder to hot water and let it steep for 10 minutes. Drink this tea 2-3 times a day during your period to reduce cramps.

Parsley Tea

Parsley tea made from fresh parsley leaves and stems helps stimulate delayed or irregular periods. It also relieves bloating and abdominal cramps associated with premenstrual syndrome.

Add 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley leaves and stems to a cup of hot water. Steep for 5-7 minutes before straining the tea. Drink this 2-3 times per day for natural relief from cramps.

Green Tea

The antioxidants and phytochemicals in green tea help reduce inflammation and relax smooth muscles in the uterus. This alleviates painful cramping during your period.

Steep 1-2 teaspoons of good quality green tea leaves or green tea bag in a cup of hot water for 2-3 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups of green tea daily to ease menstrual cramps.

Cherry Juice

Cherry juice is rich in magnesium and potassium that help regulate muscle contractions while reducing bloating and cramps. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help reduce period pain.

Drink 12 to 1 cup of pure cherry juice with no added sugars once or twice a day during your period. You can also eat about 20 cherries for similar benefits.

Staying Hydrated

Dehydration during your period can worsen cramps and discomfort. Drink plenty of water and herbal tea throughout the day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol which can increase fluid loss.

Aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily. Adding electrolytes to your water by squeezing lemon can also help with hydration. Staying hydrated will help reduce cramps, bloating and other PMS symptoms.

Avoiding Salty Foods

Too much sodium causes the body to retain water leading to fluid accumulation, bloating and swelling during your period. Avoid processed and canned foods high in sodium.

Limit salty snacks, pickles, chips and frozen meals. Opt for homemade meals with natural ingredients to reduce bloating and edema. This can help relieve abdominal discomfort and period cramps.

Conclusion

Menstrual cramps can be extremely painful but you don't need to pop pills for relief. Certain natural drinks contain powerful ingredients that help relax the uterus and ease period cramps.

Ginger tea, fennel tea and cinnamon tea are excellent choices. Staying hydrated, avoiding caffeine and reducing sodium intake can also help reduce cramping.

Drink these teas and juices regularly during your period for natural relief from PMS and menstrual cramps.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.