In the modern world, it is no surprise that most women experience pain during their period, a phenomenon known as dysmenorrhea (1). The current lifestyle is highly stressful and full of unhealthy dietary and lifestyle habits, all of which make it difficult for women to manage their periods.
However, no matter how hectic the lifestyle may become, it is essential for women to get extra sleep, eat nutritious food and take plenty of rest for a healthy period and happy life. Ayurveda can significantly help in this regard.
Apart from following a healthy lifestyle, Ayurveda also recommends many home remedies to help cope with period pain better.
But before we dwell on these home remedies, let’s understand period pain from the lenses of Ayurveda.
Period Pain: What Does Ayurveda Have To Say?
Painful periods are usually the result of contractions or cramps that occur in the woman during the time of menstruation.
According to Ayurveda, Apana Vayu, connected to the Vata Dosha, increases to cleanse the uterine lining. This increased Vata element in the body causes many unwanted symptoms like anxiety, fear, lack of focus, constipation, fatigue, etc. Therefore, most Ayurvedic home remedies for period pain revolve around pacifying Vata Dosha (5).
11 Easy & Effective Home Remedies for Period Pain
Use a Heating Pad
The heat helps relax uterine muscles and relieve menstrual cramps in the abdomen and lower back. You can use a hot water bottle, heating pads or patches to soothe period pain (2).
Drink Warm Herbal Teas
Drinking warm herbal teas during menstruation gives much-needed comfort to the distressed uterine muscles. You can make chamomile tea, ginger tea, peppermint tea, lavender tea, green tea, etc. to relieve period pain (3).
However, one of the best teas for period pain is ginger and black pepper tea. It helps regulate the period cycle and fight fatigue associated with premenstrual syndrome (4).
Practice Yoga
Yoga is one of the best ways to deal with period pain. It helps increase circulation to the pelvic region and relax the body. Some of the best Yoga poses for period pain include Ustrasana (Camel Pose), Bhadrasana (Gracious Pose), Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose) and Vajrasana (Diamond Pose) (5).
Eat a Vata-Friendly Diet
As the main goal is to balance Vata Dosha, you must eat a Vata pacifying diet during menstruation. Avoid eating raw vegetables, uncooked foods, unsoaked nuts, beans, sugary foods, salty foods and processed products, and instead include fresh, warm and cooked foods in your diet (5).
Add Cinnamon To Your Diet
Cinnamon is known for its anti-spasmodic, anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory properties, all of which help relieve period pain. It is also an excellent source of fibre, calcium, iron and manganese that help provide menstrual relief (7).
One of the best ways to include cinnamon in your diet is by making cinnamon tea. For this, add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a cup of hot water and boil it for five minutes. Then, add a little honey to it and sip it slowly.
Use Ajwain (Carom Seeds)
This Indian kitchen herb is highly effective in relieving muscular and abdominal cramps caused by menstruation or gastrointestinal problems (8). You can easily consume carom seeds by making Ajwain tea.
For this, add 2 pinches of Ajwain to 2 cups of water and boil it till it is reduced to half. Then, strain the tea and add some honey to it.
Include Methi Seeds (Fenugreek)
Another Ayurvedic herb popular for relieving period pain is fenugreek or Methi (9). To use Methi, simply soak a teaspoon of Methi seeds in a glass of water overnight. Then, drink the water with the seeds in the morning. If you cannot eat the seeds, then strain the water and drink it. You can also add a pinch of black salt to the water if you like.
Make Methi, Ajwain and Gud Balls
Jaggery or Gud is an excellent Vata pacifier and is therefore highly beneficial for period pain. You must substitute sugar with jaggery 3-5 days before your anticipated period cycle to keep Vata in balance (10) (11).
Another great way to use jaggery is by making small balls of jaggery, fenugreek and carom seeds. You can take 2-3 of these balls on an empty stomach with warm water during menstruation.
Use Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has many benefits for women, including controlling heavy bleeding and relieving period pain. You can drink a glass of aloe vera juice or take an aloe vera gel pill to soothe menstrual cramps (12).
Massage with Sesame Oil
Massage your lower abdomen with warm sesame oil. It is rich in linoleic acid which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help relieve period pain.
On a Final Note
Period pain may be extremely discomforting and distressful. With the help of these Ayurvedic home remedies, you can relieve menstrual cramps and cope with your period pain easily.
