Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps

| Modified on Aug 19, 2024
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Natural treatment of menstrual cramping often involves a variety of home remedies and supplements. Treatments including apple cider vinegar serve to balance the body while supplements supply the body with key nutrients for overall health. Home treatment options are often safer and less abrasive to the body than mainstream options.

What are Menstrual Cramps?

Also known as dysmenorrhea, menstrual cramps can be described as dull, throbbing or aching in the lower abdomen. Typically, women experience cramping right before and throughout their menstrual cycles. For many women, menstrual cramps present a mere discomfort or annoyance; however, some females experience severe cramping that interferes with their everyday activities each month.

During the female menstrual cycle, the uterus contracts to expel its lining in response to hormone-like substances. Higher levels of these substances are associated with more severe cramps. Additional factors may contribute to menstrual cramps including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and cervical stenosis.

Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps

Several different treatment options are available to aid in the management of menstrual cramps. Often diet and exercise are enough to control these symptoms; however, additional options may offer relief of more intense menstrual cramping. Natural options including apple cider vinegar, blackstrap molasses and calcium offer support for the symptom that relieves cramping.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a powerful detoxifying agent. This tonic is also rich in calcium and potassium, which ease the cramping of muscles in the uterus. With these properties combined, apple cider vinegar relieves issues associated with menstrual cramping and other symptoms of menstruation.

Blackstrap Molasses

Derived from the sugar refining process, blackstrap molasses is a nutrient-rich syrup. This grade of molasses boasts high amounts of calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, vitamin B6 and selenium. These nutrients reduce cramping by minimizing blood clots, relaxing the muscles and restoring the system’s nutrient level.

Calcium

Calcium is a vital nutrient that supports general bone and muscle health. In relation to cramping, however, calcium helps regulate muscle tone, which in turn, relieves cramping.

Women experience different levels of cramping in association with their periods. Some women may experience no cramping while others undergo a great deal. In any case, regular exercise paired with adequate nutrition and regular supplements relieve dysmenorrhea and other menstrual cycle symptoms.

Additional Pages of Interest
Heavy Menstruation Remedies
Amenorrhea Remedies


Aloe Vera

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Saab (Vancouver, Canada) on 08/07/2008
★★★★★

re: pure aloe vera gel for severe Menstrual cramps (dysmenohrea)... I have had extremely severe cramps for 20+ yrs. Have taken many prescription medication ibuprofen, and others (25 mg codeine Tylenol, every 4 hrs) for 4-5 during my periods; every month of the last 20 years. Tried ACV remedy , helped abt. 25%.after 6-8 mths. Tried pure Aloe Vera gel (lily of the valley) 1 tsp every morn, then as needed during day. helped 80% in the first time try.

Replied by Joyce
(Joelton, Tn)
08/08/2008
490 posts

Hi Saab, A good magnesium supplement goes a long way in alleviating PMS/mentrual problems. Good old magnesium does a lot of different things in our bodies and many of us today are running deficits of it. Don't wait until PMS starts, to take it.

Replied by Tehani
(Los Angeles, California)
08/12/2010

Mix 1 heaping size tablespoon of instant caffeinated coffee(any brand), using very little warm water to dissolve it, about (1/3 cup). The idea of this is to have a shot of coffee without being obligated to drinking a whole cup of it. I would recommend using a straw to drink your shot, so your teeth don't get stained. If your cramps are still there within 5-10 minutes later, by all means, drink another teaspoon of it using the same amount of water. When the effect fades off, repeat the same process as if your taking a cramp pill. Since I'm not a coffee drinker, I didn't feel any jitters or shaking at all, in fact it MAY encourage a bowel movement within a few minutes or so.

Replied by Faye 008
(Iloilo City, Philippines)
01/13/2011

... 2 things---- 1> mix about 8tbsp of Milo or choco frink powder to half cup of warm water. Drink it while it's hot. Then... 2>hot compress... Fill bottle w/ warm water, wrap it with towel then leave it on top of abdomen.. It works better than any pain reliever.. works for me and my friends.

Replied by Bekah75
(Edmonton, Canada)
11/29/2011

Been reading this thread and wanted to say that apples are loaded with magnesium... The comments about ACV and a magnesium supplement would both work? I have been really heavily bleeding for months... Will try this... Thanks!


Apple Cider Vinegar

6 User Reviews
5 star (6) 
  100%

Posted by Talea (Sherwood, Oregon) on 07/03/2017
★★★★★

My daughter-in-law woke up this morning and said her cramps were the worse they've ever been (like the I-can't-move type). Went on the site and saw Apple Cider Vinegar. I have capsules. Gave her one and within minutes the cramps were down to nothing. She's astonished.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amber28 (Houston , Usa) on 01/22/2013
★★★★★

Honestly I can't believe ACV is working, but it is! I was up late the other night feeling depressed about my period because for the last 5 years I've had issues (but I've always had major cramps and a heavy flow since my period started when I was younger. I would take 3 midol before feeling any relief from cramps and then 2 more later). Anyway in 2008 my period began and didn't stop, I didn't have health insurence so I didn't know what to do. Finally my mom suggested a natural hormal cream which worked but my cramps were really bad and I hated taking the cream because it gave me acne and my hair started falling out. So then a few years later I tried another natural hormonal pill and it worked a little bit but not really. I've been very discouraged. Then I came across this site and read all your posts about ACV and I felt hope. I called my hubs and told him to pick me up some after work (with straws ;-) ). I was praying "please please please work for me!! " I couldn't drink a glass of water with a spoon of ACV fast enough. An hour or so later I went to the restroom and the bleeding was almost all gone. I drank another glass and an hour later it was completely GONE and my hubs and I were able to be intimate again FINALLY. How did it work so fast? In less than 5 hours this thing I've been suffering with for years cleared up? Sadly though when I woke up the next morning I was bleeding again, so I drank another cup of water and ACV and BAM the bleeding is gone. Do I need to drink this ongoing all day? Honestly I wouldn't care if I had to because it's worth it. I may buy some ACV pills though. Honestly I have no clue why this works, but it is. It makes me mad that no docs are talking about it. That women have to suffer, pay money for toxic pills, get surgery and cry themselves to sleep over this when ACV has been out there the whole time and docs don't tell anyone!

Replied by Amber84
(Houston, Tx, USA)
01/31/2013

Hi. I registerd so my account name is diffrent. But I'd like to say that I took ACV four times a day for the first 2-3 days but then I dropped it down to once and day and I'm perfectly fine. I'm still in shocking that I'm healed. I need someone to pinch me and make sure I'm not dreaming.

Replied by Mrs.kennedy0711
(Nocona, Texas, United States)
04/07/2013

I just started the apple cider vinegar to try and help my period.. I have been bleeding for over a month and went through 3 boxs of tampons.. I am really hoping this helps because I am ready to stop!!! All I am wondering about is do I have to keep drinking it all through out the month or just when I am bleeding??? My doctor told me I can't have babies so I am trying everything I can to try and have one!!! Plz I need all the feedback I can get!!!

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
04/07/2013

Mrs.kennedy0711, have you tried Blackstrap Molasses?

Replied by Anon
(Anon)
04/07/2013

Hi, Quite a few of us can sympathise- this is all too common but not normal. If you have been bleeding for over a month you should ask your doctor or nurse to check your blood count for anemia - sometimes anemia makes the bleeding worse. As a desperate measure to stop or lighten the flow you can do either or all of the following- drink 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a half glass of water- whilst the flow is heavy drink this 3 times a day- it may well stop the flow altogether. The other cure is 1 tablespoon of black strap molasses 3 times a day- you will need to drink plenty of water with this. In England our doctors merrily prescribe a drug called transemic acid for this which also works well but there are side effects eg headaches so natural is better. Heavy periods are a sign of oestrogen dominance, this is a precancerous condition and should be taken seriously. You need to look at your diet.

Replied by Ky Mama
(Clinton, Ky)
04/07/2013

I would definitely do the Apple Cider Vinegar daily. Blackstrap Molasses may also help a lot. It helps with lots of female issues. 1 Tablespoon Morning and evening. This will help your iron levels too, which can't be good with all that bleeding.

Ten years ago I was bleeding every two weeks. An Ob told me that I would have to take an antibiotic and birth control pills to fix my cycle or I would never get pregnant again. (The antibiotic was because she said I had a blocked fallopian tube and I only have one, having lost one to a tubal pregnancy many years ago. ) I threw away her prescriptions. I researched natural progesterone by using that for three months I was able to regulate my cycles. (I didn't have to use it forever. ) I have had three children since then in spite of the doctor's threats.

I am 46 and my cycles are better than they have been in all my life. I think it may be because of daily Apple Cider Vinegar for a couple of years. I have always been a heavy bleeder but it isn't so bad now. (And usually it gets worse when you get older. ) I know it would be better if I kept up with the Blackstrap molasses but I don't like it. :)

Replied by Yolanda
(Racine, Wisconsin)
07/19/2016

Hello, I'm going through the same issues with my periods! Heavy bleeding, bad cramps, & about a whole month long being on my menstral! Its very uncomfortable, confusing, & most of all Scared & concerned about this! I have been to see my "OBGYN"!! I was put on a birth control shot! Its been over 18 yrs since I've been on birth control. I've started drinking the ACV with bottled water. Now I do take iron pills, & have been taking ibuprofen pills due to the pain I'm having. Is that safe.....

Replied by Sunny
(Ca)
09/05/2021

That's not normal and you need to go to the doctor to get checked. Try to get health insurance or save to go. What if it's serious? No amount of money is worth your life. Continue to take the ACV, but go get checked!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sarah (Melbourne, Australia) on 01/12/2011
★★★★★

ACV cured me of heavy bleeding and cramps

For the last three years I was victim of heavy bleeding and I had to feel embarrased infront of my coleagues for sometime when my flow was uncontrolable. For the last months I was feeling excruciating pain also before periods and only spotting occured for one day. Everytime I took it to pregnancy and didnot take any medicine for pains for fear of pregnancy. But later everytime got periods. Then I came to know about ACV. From the last two weeks I have started taking Apple Cider Vinegar mixed in water for three times. And today my period started without discomfort. I didnt have any PMS symptom this time. Felt energetic. Very less bleeding as I used to have earliar. I am so happy to have found the remedy. I always searched for remedies for heavy bleeding but didnot know about acv. Thanks earth clinic.

I must add that I have started little bit exercise past one week and also taking fish oil supplements.

will Apple Cider Vinegar also reduce my tumor on submandibular region?

Replied by Bushra
(Kwoolon, Hongkong)
01/14/2012

Hey just saw your message regarding heavy blood flow my periods are very irregular got them today after almost 3 months and sometimes my periods doesn't stop without taking any medicine so I am really worried as I have just moved to hong kong and don't know any good dr here. Just read your message so can u tell me about ACV so can I get over the counter? Will really appreciated if you can reply me soon.

Replied by Rafia
(Kowloon, Hong Kong)
02/15/2012

Bushra I'm from Hong Kong. You get Apple Cider Vinegar in the vinegar section in the supermarket. It's not a medicine. It's vinegar u can use in salads etc but it is known to help with many things.

I had an awful period this mth and last mth I was in a detox had 6 day period but it was so easy no cramps everything so I was trying to figure out what it was. Now I realise it's the Apple Cider Vinegar pills I was taking and I also think the chia seeds which are higher in omega 3 and 6 than fish oils did the trick. I am going back to the Apple Cider Vinegar and chia :)

Replied by J
(US)
06/10/2014

I am 13 and started at 11...heavy flow, cramps get worse everytime...clots are huge and hard..i am just scared

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
06/10/2014

Dear J from US,

I am so sorry you are having this trouble. Yes, large clots and bad cramping would be scary and uncomfortable!

Would you be able to enlist the help of your mother or grandmother in this situation? If you are having heavy bleeding, you could be anemic, which could lead to fainting or other problems. You really need to have someone older who knows you who can help you monitor your symptoms and make sure any remedies you try are suitable for you and are working for you.

If my daughter was dealing with this problem, the easiest thing to try would be Blackstrap Molasses. One Tablespoon a day, every day of the month, has helped many with cramps, heavy periods, clotting, and other period problems. Some people take it straight off the spoon (my children do.) I like it better mixed in some milk or in a mug of Dandy Blend, an herbal coffee substitute. It also helps with anemia from heavy periods.

Others have found that Evening Primrose Oil can help with cramps and period problems. You can read some stories about that here:

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/home-remedies-for-menstrual-cramps3.html#eveningprimroseoil

Some other things I would have my daughter do in this situation would be to eat less animals products and soy products and more vegetables and fruits.

Please do let me know how you are doing! I hope you are feeling much better soon!

Love,

~Mama to Many~


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Christy (Mechanicsburg, Pa) on 06/02/2010
★★★★★

Thanks for the heads up about diluting the vinager. I never thought about that!

I want to add my voice to the chorus of "YAY ACV!!" I had horrible horrible cramps - once so bad I went to the ER worrying something was very wrong. They did an examination AND and ultrasound and found nothing. I bled so much that I couldn't go to work because I'd be useless there. It was really horrible.

I saw all these sites about supplements and things and I am not one for the holistic approach. I took my advil or muscle relaxers anything really just to stop the pain - but of course they made me bleed worse.

So when I tried ACV I was astounded! I have often said - short of a miraculous healing, I have never ever eveeeeeer seen something work so well!

My bleeding all but stopped. My cramps went AWAY!!! I can't even begin to tell you of the relief!

They suggested mixing ACV with apple juice - I also do it in iced tea and sometimes v8 fruit juice. It doesn't taste the greatest but man oh man....It's a more than fair compromise for how effective it is.

I've been using ACV for about 7 months now and everytime I use it - it works like a charm. I need to make sure to start drinking it before my period, or I do have a day of groaning while I wait for it to take effect.

I usually took 1 tablespoon with an 8oz glass of water, juice, tea etc - but lately I've been adding it to a full sized bottle of tea or juice and kinda eyeballing it. Still works though I'm thinking I should probably start measuring again just to control the amount of acid going into my stomach.

Also drinking it through a straw may be a good idea. I notice my lips get a little chapped during the time I take it - probably from the acid in the vinager.

But I can't stress enough - even with the minor annoyances ACV is AMAZING. If you have a really horrible period and think nothing will help you - try ACV!! It's less than $1 and a total life saver!

Replied by Tori
(Columbus)
04/08/2018

Hi Christy,

I have really bad pms and cramps while m in periods. Can you please suggest me, how many days before I shud start taking it? Only ACV or ACV and Molasses both. When do I stop taking it after periods? Ur reply will be appreciated. Thanks.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Crista (Pekin, Illinois) on 10/27/2008
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar for Menstral Cramps

I actually was taking the ACV for my sinuses and it ended up helping me with my cramps. I was still very tired and used a heating pad cause my back was aching, but not to the point of needing to take main medicine like I always have had to before. Usually my cramps make it so hard to concentrate on anything, and I just lay around for a day. I am in college and i was able to do my homework without problems because the pain was hardly there. I don't take ACV 3 times a day. I just started two weeks ago using it and I just use about 3 tablespoons of ACV and 3 tablespoons of honey in a tall coffee mug so about a 16 ounce container. I bet it I used it more it would have helped even more, but my husband doesn't like the smell of the vinegar so much :-) It is also clearing my sinuses quite nicely. I think I may be stopping my nasacort for my Rhrinitis soon. The ACV seems to work better, and I am starting to really like the taste.

Replied by Joyce
(Joelton, Tn)
10/30/2008
490 posts

Hi Crista, Menstrual problems are another thing that good old magnesium supplements help. It is amazing what all this mineral does in our bodies.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amy (Marietta, Georgia) on 09/27/2008
★★★★★

I read on your site that ACV was great for bloating, PMS, and menstrual cramps. So, in the morning and at night I began drinking 1 tablespoon ACV in 8 oz. water with honey or agave nectar to sweeten. Bloating was gone within 1 day. A couple of weeks later, I had no cramps with my period, and the bleeding only lasted 3 days. Usually, I have to take ibuprofen for one day b/c of cramping and general pelvic pain.

The next month, I forgot to keep up with the ACV (it's not something I crave!), and it was one of the most painful 3 days of a period I've had in a very long time. So, I remembered the ACV treatment the next month. My period sneaked up on me again. No pain at all. I only use the natural ACV with the "Mother". It helps to mix up a couple of quarts at a time and keep it in the refrigerator.


Black Tea

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Mabel (Kampala, Uganda) on 03/05/2009
★★★★★

Hi, first and foremost i would like to thank EC, am so greatful for this website, it's such a blessing! Black tea has always been my remedy for stomachach and menstrual cramps. One just needs to boil a cup of water, add tea bag and take it hot (not very hot though) with no sugar (sour but helps) or add 1 tsp of honey if you cannot stand the taste. This will solve your stomach problems!

Replied by Lisa
(Auburn Hills, Michigan)
12/21/2010

This is for Jill in Chicago... I have been bleeding for 7 months straight and its so bad. I'm just in tears right now because I've been through 3 tampons tonight and in so much pain. Did you ever figure out what was causing your bleeding?

Replied by Pam
(Wyoming, U.s.a.)
12/21/2010

I hate to say it, but if you are bleeding that heavily and for that long, I think you should see a doctor asap. At least get a diagnosis and take it from there.

Replied by Dee
(Melbourne , Australia)
12/22/2010

Lisa if you look under the "Remedies for Menstrual Issues" section in this website you will see many people have used Apple Cider Vinegar (organic with the mother in it) to stop their menstrual flow. One person had been having the problem for six months and the ACV immediately stopped it. 1-2 tblspns in 8 oz water. Best of luck.

Replied by Self
(Ny)
12/22/2010

Lisa,

1) have you tried the remedy Jill used with success? She was drinking 2 tbspns of organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (ACV) in 1/2 cup of water 3 times a day. Drink plain water after to rinse the mouth. ACV has helped others with heavy periods too, perhaps because of its alkalizing effect and ACV may help emulsify fat which can disrupt hormones and cause menstrual troubles.

2) Diet is important too. Keep a diet of fresh vegetables, some legumes, whole grains, frutis and nuts. Limit hormone filled milk and meats. Limit sugar. Limit fatty, fired foods, including vegetable oils. Cook with modest amounts of extra virgin coconut oil. It is more stable at high temps and the body can burn it off more easily. The foods I lsited to avoid or at least limit, block the actions of the hormones and can cause menstrual troubles too. Drink dechlorinated and defluridated water too.

3) To help clear out vegetables oils that often stay trapped in the liver causing congrestion, take 1 tbspn of lecithin granules (a fat emulsifier) before a meal, several days a week, for a few months at least.

4) Some are also helped by regular exercise, but you may not feel you have the energy for it. Make sure to check your iron levels sicne you bleed a lot. For this level of bleeding, be sure to see a physician too (preferably a naturopath).

5) Have you also tried the Unsulphured Blackstrap Molasses (BSM) remedy? Mix one to two tablespoons of BSM in one cup of warm water and drink once a day for several days a week for a few months at least. This remedy is even more popular than the ACV for menstrual issues and has a lot of success.


Blackstrap Molasses

24 User Reviews
5 star (22) 
  92%
3 star (1) 
  4%
1 star (1) 
  4%

Posted by CT (San Francisco, CA) on 09/29/2022
★★★★★

One tablespoon of blackstrap molasses in a glass of warm milk was what worked for me to eliminate the cramping. I just needed to drink it once a day for the first few days of the period. By itself it tastes kind of gross, but with milk it is delicious. Wish I had known this simple remedy decades ago so I did not have to suffer needlessly!


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Regina (Fairfield, CT) on 05/04/2022
★★★★★

My 15 year old teenage daughter was suffering from monthly debilitating pain right before and during her menstrual cycle. I started giving 1tbsp of blackstrap molasses to her and boy does it work! I am so happy I found this website!


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Meg (Atlanta, Ga) on 11/04/2016
★★★★★

Amazingly, this really works. For the past four months I experienced terribly painful cramps. Strange for me, given I'm 53 years old and haven't had cramps since I was a teenager. The only thing that relieved the pain was a Chinese remedy that I got from my acupuncturist. But unfortunately since I've had hormone-fed cancer in the past, I couldn't continue to take it (it contained a phytoestrogen, my doctor nixed it). She said instead I should take an NSAID like ibuprofen or naproxen a couple days prior to my cycle, and continue for a couple days into the cycle. No thanks! I gave the Black Strap Molasses a try, starting three days before my cycle started. It was organic, unsulphured molasses. I took a spoonful (about 1-1/2 teaspoons), once a day. On the day my cycle started, I took one spoonful in the morning and another in the evening. No cramps! Yay!! Only a sense of tightness, which is what it normally would feel like in the first day or two of my cycle. I'm not sure if it's just a placebo affect or if it really does ease the pain, but I'll take it! My plan is to continue taking it through the third day of my cycle, then discontinue, then start it again about 3 days before my next cycle.


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Isa (Toronto) on 09/25/2016
★★★★★

I had suffered with cramps since I was 13 (I am 21 now). I came across this remedy online and decided to try it as I had severe cramps and was willing to do anything to have them gone. I started taking about a tablespoon of BSM every day mixed in with warm tea once a day for a month. When my period came around I also took a magnesium supplement once a day. For the first time in my life I have been pain free during my period.


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Elli (Utah) on 09/05/2015
★★★★★

This is fantastic, I used to lay on the couch sweating with cramps, and even extra strength tylenol would only bring it under control. I would put a couple tablespoons of molasses straight down my throat and then sip on molasses tea for about an hour. and then once at lunch and once for dinner.

Made the pain chill, more manageable flow, everything was better.


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Jasmine (Ontario, Canada) on 11/28/2014
★★★★★

I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and my cycles had always been irregular (usually every four months or longer). When my period did come it was very painful with heavy bleeding. My cycles began to regulate about 5 months ago; coming every 35-40 days starting the first cycle I started taking BSM. I am 26 and this has been the first time since I started my cycle at 14 that I had a period on a regular basis.

I was having very bad cramps when I came across BSM on this website and found that it almost eliminated my cramps in less than an hour! The first cycle I began taking it my period went 9 plus days to 5 days and this has continued since. The flow has been lighter and no longer heavy.

With my cycles regulating since starting BSM, I can't help but wonder if that has been the final magic ingredient for me. I also take vitex (chasteberry) and inositol for PCOS.

At first I could not bear the taste of BSM. Now I take BSM as a warm drink. I use a heaping tablespoon of unsulphured BSM and two teaspoons of raw cocoa powder (also has lots of health benefits). It almost tastes like hot chocolate. I take this drink when I remember before ovulation and closer to and during my period I drink it everyday.

Thank you to everyone who recommended BSM for period pain... and thank you Earth Clinic for multiple cures I have found on your website.


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Converted (Sydney, Australia) on 01/09/2014
★★★★★

Organic unsulphered blackstrap molasses truly helps with period cramps. I've had severe cramps on first day of period and always relied on painkillers. Started taking 1 tablespoon of BSM every morning in one cup of warm water 2 months ago.

First month I noticed a reduced flow but pain still there. Second month having nearly finished the jar, I had my first PAIN FREE period in more than 10 years! Miracle!

I have ovarian cysts so I suspect the BSM has reduced the cysts. I also occasionally took with 1 capful of ACV. Please try BSM it tastes great like malty coffee and don't worry about sugar levels.



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