A woman’s period (menstruation) is normal vaginal bleeding that is a natural part of a healthy woman’s monthly cycle. Every month, in the years between puberty (typically age 11 to 14) and menopause (typically about age 51), your body readies itself for pregnancy. The lining of your uterus thickens and an egg grows and is released from one of your ovaries.

As a woman, your period is your body’s way of releasing tissue that it no longer needs. Every month, your body prepares for pregnancy. The lining of your uterus gets thicker as preparation for nurturing a fertilized egg. An egg is released and is ready to be fertilized and settle in the lining of your uterus.

If the egg is not fertilized, your body no longer needs the thicker lining of the uterus, so it starts to break down and is eventually expelled, along with some blood, from your vagina. This is your period, and once it’s over, the process starts all over again.

During your period, the muscles of your womb contract and relax to help shed built-up lining. Sometimes you’ll experience cramps, which are your muscles at work. Some women and girls may experience nausea, vomiting, headaches, or diarrhea as well. But some factors that are associated with more intense pain include:

  • having a heavy blood flow
  • having your first child
  • being under the age of 20, or just starting your period
  • having an overproduction of or sensitivity to prostaglandins, a hormone that influences your womb

Throbbing pain in your lower abdomen, diarrhoea, unbearable back pain and severe headaches can be defined as severe period pain. Dealing with this pain can be devastating and here is a list of home remedies that can relieve period pain.

Heat

“Applying heat on the lower abdomen helps relax the contracting muscles in the uterus,” says Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja, Fortis Hospital. A hot water bottle always does the trick for me, but you can use over-the-counter heating pads or patches for comfort as well. Dr. Ritika Samaddar, Max Super Speciality Hospital says, “Sipping on warm fluids or taking a hot shower also helps to relieve pain and make you feel more relaxed.”

Ginger and Black Pepper Tea

Dr. Malini Sharma, Ayurveda Expert says “Make herbal tea using dried ginger and black pepper. Add a little sugar for taste, but avoid milk.” Ginger can effectively reduce period pain, as it plays a key role in lowering the levels of prostaglandins. As an added bonus, it also helps make irregular periods regular and fights fatigue associated with premenstrual syndrome.

Massaging With Essential Oils

Massage therapy for about 20 minutes can help reduce menstrual pain. One 2010 studyTrusted Source looked at 23 women with period pain caused by endometriosis. The researchers found that massages significantly reduced pain immediately and afterward. Massage therapy for menstruation involves pressing specific points while the therapist’s hands move around your abdomen, side, and back.

Cumin Seeds

“You can make a herbal tea out of cumin seeds to reduce period pain,” suggests Dr. Ashutosh Gautam, Baidyanath. Cumin has a relaxing effect, and its anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties are useful for for getting rid of menstrual cramp.

Avoid Following Foods

There are certain foods that can worsen period pain. You wouldn’t want to add these foods to your diet during menstrual cramps.

Foods to avoid

Here are some foods that you need to say NO to. 

  • Sugary soda drinks
  • Alcohol
  • Fatty fish
  • Cheese
  • Chia seeds
  • Avocados (Butter Fruit)
  • Caffeine
  • Salty foods
  • Fast foods
  • Walnuts
  • Almonds
  • Papaya
  • Olive oil
  • Pumpkin seeds

Get Good Sleep

Clean sleeping or undisturbed sleep can reduce period pain. Good sleep cures everything, relaxes your body muscles and keeps your mind strong. Consider getting undisturbed sleep for a minimum of 8 hours and this will do you good.

Orgasm Beats Pain

Yes, consider getting an orgasm and this will do you good. Did you know that vaginal orgasms involve your whole body including your brain? Yes, orgasms signal your brain to release endorphins and oxytocin which are substances that reduce menstrual pain. This home remedy increases a bleeding woman’s tolerance for pain.