Sustainable Menstrual Health: Natural Remedies for Period Relief

When it’s time to lock in for your next period, keeping a stash of medicines handy may be on the top of your to do list. There are medications for all sorts of things: do you have cramps? Bloating? Big Pharma has you covered—it seems as if you can make it all go away with a quick pill. 

But is taking medications really the best solution for the long term? You will have about five hundred periods in your lifetime. Many things influence this number. But the bottom line remains the same: your periods will be swinging around for a long time. And no matter which way you look at it, that adds up to a lot of medicine. While these medications may improve your symptoms in the short term, many chemicals they are made of have harmful side effects. 

Some of the most common medications taken for relief from symptoms related to menstruation are Advil, Tylenol, and Midol. The active ingredient in Advil is called ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a general pain reliever that relieves inflammation in the body. However, it can cause gastrointestinal issues such as stomach pain, heartburn, and bloating. It can also cause tiredness, nausea, and contribute to difficulties with emotional regulation and concentration. Tylenol, which contains acetaminophen, is another popular choice for period pain relief. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can cause liver damage if taken in high doses or over an extended period. Midol, a combination medication, typically contains acetaminophen for pain relief, caffeine for alertness, and pyrilamine maleate as an antihistamine. Along with the side effects of acetaminophen, this ingredient can cause drowsiness and dizziness. 

It’s just not worth risking your health, your future, more than five hundred times. It’s clear that taking these medications is not sustainable. But the pain must still go away. What can you do instead? Here are some remedies worth giving a shot! 

At Home: 

a) Heating pads: Heating pads are a great way to relieve cramps and muscle tension. Use an electric heating pad, warm up a heat pack, or try a hot water bottle. While this remedy only provides local relief, it can be the best option to

keep you settled during the daytime or sleeping at night. Just be careful not to burn yourself by leaving the heating pad on a very high setting or keeping it in direct contact with you for too long! 

b) Warm showers: Want that tension to melt away? Warm showers are excellent for improving blood flow and relaxing your muscles. As a bonus, they’re a great way to soothe the stresses that arrive along with your period. 

On the Go: 

a) Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate contains a wealth of minerals, such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Magnesium helps relax muscles and eases cramps, while potassium prevents water retention and bloating. It goes above and beyond satisfying that craving for something sweet. The next time the period blues hit, give into your dark side… and try a piece of dark chocolate. 

b) Ginger Tea: Even your drinks can be powerful remedies on the go! Ginger tea is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate nausea and menstrual cramps. 

Lifestyle Improvements: 

a) Exercise often—exercise not only improves your health, but also your mood! Even if you’re not in the mood to run a marathon, a relaxing yoga class can relieve your stress and your cramps.

b) Incorporate more foods with vitamins B and D into your diet.  Some examples of foods you can look out for are fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals, and bread. As for vitamin D, go for dairy-based products like eggs, yogurt, and milk, or explore fish and various seafoods. Of course, stepping out for a breath of fresh air and sunlight is another great way to get in that vitamin D!

c) Learn relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to navigate the stress and emotional turmoil that can often accompany menstruation. 

While quick-fix medications may be tempting, it’s important to remember that there are so many remedies you can try that will also support your overall wellbeing. It’s time to prioritize our health and our bodies, one step at a time. Approach your menstrual health proactively, and your future will thank you!