Hi @KhanjanB,
First things first- a big hug to you
Cramps are awful. I used to have them so bad I would black out. Couldn’t go to school or work or do anything. Bane of my existence!
Here are a few immediate things I’ve found help alleviate cramps while they are happening:
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Heat! Get a hot water bottle or thermos or take a hot bath- whatever is easiest and most accessible. The heat does wonders for relaxing the muscles and making the cramps less intense.
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Cramp bark to alleviate cramps. It works as a tea but just a heads up that it tastes nasty- it goes down easier in a tincture than as a tea/infusion. Here is the one I have been using for the last couple months and it helps a lot. @Mistress_Of_Herbs includes it in her Menstrual Cramp Tea too.
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Ginger helps immensely if you have nausea with your cramps. It can be made into a tea or taken in other forms too (tincture, candy, etc). I have little candies I take and carry with me.
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Chamomile Delicate, healing, and soothing, chamomile is often recommended as an ease for both menstrual cramps and the stress that they can bring. I sometimes mix it with yarrow- recipe here.
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Distractions Maybe it’s just me, but focusing on the pain makes it so much worse, and makes my stress levels hit the ceiling. Find other things to do or to focus on- listen to soothing music, read a book, watch a TV show, or sleep.
Cramps change as we go through phases in our life and can be greatly influenced by our current situation (including any strong emotions and stress we are feeling). So there are things you can do before the cramps begin that help.
Some preventative things I do include:
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Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Drink a few cups strongly brewed in the days leading up the cramps beginning. This tea is believed to help tone the uterus and ease cramps.
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Meditation and journalling Both are practices that can help reduce stress and make anxiety manageable.
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Get enough nutrients May not apply to everyone, but if you have a nutrient deficiency (especially in iron!) making sure you have enough of what you need before menstruation begins can help. I’ve found eating liver the week before cramps begin makes a massive difference in cramp levels. Obviously this won’t be the right choice for everyone- find what your body needs and appease it!
Disclaimer - Herbs are potent medicines and should be used with care, especially by those taking other medications. It is always a good idea to consult a doctor and/or a trusted herbalist to make sure an herb is right for you and the unique needs of your body prior to use.
Just a few thoughts and things that help me- I hope you can find treatments that work for you, @KhanjanB! Wishing you all the best
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