Got Cramps? Get On With Your Day With These Home Remedies

Some women seem to sail right through their monthly period like there is nothing to it, but if you happen to be one of the unlucky females who deals with horrendous cramps, it can feel like every monthly cycle brings your life to a painfully screeching halt. While there are all kinds of over-the-counter remedies for period cramps, some just mask the pain for a few hours while others will be hardly effective at all for certain people. The next time you find yourself suffering from insane cramps with your period, try these home remedies to get you back on your feet and on with your day. 

Light Yoga - It is no big secret that light exercise can actually help combat cramping during your period, even though this is a time when you probably will not feel like doing much at all. If you can't muster the thought of going out for a quick walk or doing a little cardio, try some light yoga instead. Some yoga poses are specifically known to help with cramps. For example, the Janu Sirsasana is a head-to-toe knee bend that stretches the groin and spine. Plus, this pose is known to help combat symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

Cinnamon - Cinnamon is one of those spices you probably have in your cabinet that is good for all kinds of ailments–even menstrual cramps. Natural cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory agent, which means it can help reduce your menstrual pain by reducing the inflammation of your uterus. Additionally, cinnamon is full of antioxidants that your body needs during your menstrual cycle. You can either add a few extra dashes of cinnamon to your oatmeal or make a cinnamon tea by steeping the cinnamon in hot water for a few minutes and dropping in some raw honey for sweetness. 

Essential Oil Massage - Massage is always an effective way to help relieve discomfort during your period. Use essential oils to perform an abdominal massage and you will likely see immediate relief from the pain you are feeling. You could go with an array of different essential oils, but lavender and clary sage are two that have been tested in gynecological research with this technique.  

Before you pop another pain pill to help relieve those menstrual cramps, make sure you give some alternative methods a shot. Also, be sure to talk to your gynecologist about severe period cramps and ways you may be able to change the problem.