Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps

I have been taking a teaspoon of turmeric (for inflammation & liver function) every day for about 3 weeks, and this month my period was shorter (48 hours) and less painful than usual. Among its many benefits & effects, turmeric keeps the blood from clotting. Maybe this is why it helps with the menstrual cramps--the uterus doesn't have to work so hard when the blood is thinner? I didn't take the turmeric during my period as I was very busy & concerned that the turmeric might cause excessive bleeding, but next time I'm going to try taking it if I get cramps and see if that relieves the pain.

For relief from menstrual cramps, steep dried oregano (any kind as you would normally have in your pantry) in boiling water for several minutes. Sip at least one cup, more if needed.

Hi, I just wanted to write and say thank you for your site and the blackstrap molasses remedy. I am 25 years old and began taking blackstrap molasses after reading that it can help with gray hair and menstrual problems. I started taking the molasses a couple of months ago. I took 2 tablespoons a day of unsulphured Blackstrap Molasses (the one with the yellow label). I looked at some other brands too but this one was the only one that said on the label that (besides having only half the calories) supplied 20% of the daily recommendation of calcium, iron, and vitamin A. I took it every day for a month, 2 tablespoons a day straight from the spoon. I don't like the taste much, but swallowing it quickly this way was easier for me than mixing it in with oatmeal or a drink and taking it slowly.

Ever since I started menstruating when I was fourteen, I have had extremely painful, long, heavy, clotty periods. After one month of taking the blackstrap molasses my period came and it was not clotty (and sorry if this is too much information, but I was happy that the blood was actually red instead of brown!), and only lasted 3 days! It was still quite painful at first, so I took some acetaminophen but after that first dose I didn't feel anything at all! Usually I am groggy and bloating and crampy for days.

Also, after this experience, I stopped taking it to see if that was really what made the difference. My next period came and it was terrible and lasted about a week and a half. So I started taking the molasses again about a week ago. This time I only took one tablespoon a day, but I also at this time started taking a couple of tablespoons of brewer's yeast a day. I mix them in soup or sandwich spreads, or sprinkle a tablespoon on my popcorn at night. It tastes really good to me, actually. My period started this morning and I have not taken any pain medication for it! This is unbelievable to me because always before this, I have had to rush to take pain medication when my period starts so that it will start working before the pain gets really bad - the pain is so excruciating that I start shaking, get a fever, ache all over, and vomit. My back and stomach usually cramp up so badly that I am literally writhing.

Anyway, this morning I woke up with some cramps from the period and I thought I'd better run to take something, but then I thought, maybe it won't be so bad this time, and sure enough, it has been a couple of hours and here I am typing this letter. I've still got a little bit of cramping, but if I want to I know I could go without the pain medication and function normally (and I think I will). I don't know if this is just from the molasses, or from adding the brewer's yeast this time, but I plan to keep up both remedies because I think the brewer's yeast is also clearing up my acne and eczema. Usually I break out in zits (and especially a big one or two on my chin and forhead) whenever I get my period, but this time my acne is actually going away instead. No new pimples whatsoever.

Hi LaToya. Thanks for responding! The brand that I used said it was organic. I truly am baffled why my reaction to it was bad; however, I haven't given up. I'm trying other remedies I've found on this site.

Hi Liberty, have you tried using an organic brand of Blackstrap Molasses. I don't think I can mention brand name here, but the kind I use is organic and also unsulphered. I purchase it from a health food store. I don't think the grocery store molasses has the same health benefits. I hope the organic brand works for you.

Cure Menstrual Cramps / Toxemia

Mineral supplements! I had severe toxemia in the 90's and afterwards found the website where Dr.Tom Brewer discovered that putting a woman on the "milk diet" completely cured toxemia! I rushed to check and my prenatal pills had 0% Calcium! What the heck? So over the years & after copious amounts of research I have found that the lack of minerals and other simple nutritional deficiencies seem to lead to all manner of disease! So I began experimenting with different supplements and finally after exhaustive research found a great mix and since I have been taking it, I do not get sick anymore as often as I used to and the horrific painful periods ceased!

An explanation of how/why we get sick!
Advanced reading: www.chimachine4u.com/AA.html and http://biomedx.com/microscopes/rrintro/rr4.html explains what the Asian people have discovered over centuries of nutritional advancement. They eat the right way; lots of fruits and veg and good teas, little meat as compared to how we eat; lots of meats, few if any fruit and veg, coffee instead of teas!

I'm a 35-year-old female. I've been diagnosed with PCOS, other than that I have no diagnosed illnesses although I suspect a thyroid disorder even though the test comes back normal. I do not take any precription medication. Ever since I started my period at age 12, I've had horrible cramps that I have to treat with a lot of pain medication and a heating pad. The cramps have lasted a day or two and my period has lasted 3-4 days. I started taking 1 tbsp. a day of Plantation blackstrap molasses about 2 months ago after reading what great experiences other women have had in curing cramps. My experience has been terrible. Since I started on the molasses, my period has extended to 5 days with more severe cramping each day. I know that treatments don't work the same for each person, but I'm very curious as to why the molasses caused this reaction. Any ideas?

I just wanted to tell my experience with blackstrap Molassas was almost instant! I have been suffering for years with very heavy periods that come every 21 days! After getting my tubes tied my periods went to hell. Very heavy, clots, bleeding every 21 days for 5/7 days with MAJOR cramps!
I found this website and decided to give it a try! I started the morning my period started. I took a tablespoon that morning and again that evening. Continued that each day. To my surprise, within 3 days..my period STOPPED! That is the first time in 3 years that I didn't have a long, heavy, crampy period! I am a believer!! Now if I can just get my period back to a 28 day cycle..I will be TRHILLED!!

THANK YOU!!!

Black Strap Molasses and menstrual cramps: I started taking 1 TBSP of organic black strap molasses in my coffee a couple of days before my period. I ordinarily have to take (2)ibuprofen every 4 hours for the first 2 days. This month I cut way back on the frequency of the ibuprofen. It seems like the black strap molasses is having a positive effect. I will know better next month. I do not like taking medication, so any natural remedy is a welcome change.

Corn Silk tea is also very good for menstrual cramps. You can buy this tea online or at a health food store. Prepare it as you would regular tea using a rounded teaspoon of the corn silks to a cup of boiling water and let steep. Just drinking one or two cups is all that's needed.

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!

For a few decades, I had the most painful cramps and horrible PMS. A few months ago, I started drinking a large cup of Dong Quai tea every afternoon - except during my period, and since then, no more cramps, no more PMS. My husband loves it - and me too.

Blackstrap Molasses helped with my menstrual cramps. I took 1-2 tablespoons during each day of my period. It did not take away all the cramping but it has drastically reduced them to the point where I am taking a Midol occasionally during my period instead of eating Advil like candy. I think if I take 2 tablespoons each day the cramps may go away completely. I am also noticing that the Molasses in conjunction with another homeopathic seems to be lightening my flow. This is great news as I was contemplating going back on the pill just to get a lighter period again. I tried taking the Molasses everyday but it seemed to increase my acne so I am only taking it during my period. 2 months down and I am singing its praises!! Thanks to all on Earth Clinic who posted remedies and comments, it is extremely helpful.

I have suffered from extreme menstrual cramps for years. I started taking Omega 3 Fish Oil capsules for 1 week before my period started (the recommended dose on the label). The fish oil reduced my PMS symptoms, and my cramps were reduced by approx 80%. I didn't even have to take painkillers and I slept better too. NB - you need to start taking the pills 1 week before your period starts. It may be too late to start taking them when the cramps start.

Research on fish oil and menstrual cramps can be found here: http://www.oilofpisces.com/menstrualcramps.html

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 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.

Ginger for Menstural Cramps

I used to take Motrin Ibuprofrin for menstural cramps, and now I am so happy to have discovered a natural cure.
I boil 8 cups of water add about 2 inches of fresh ginger root that has been cut into 1/8" disks. You can mash up the ginger if desired. Boil the ginger for three minutes, then simmer for ten minutes. You can drink as ginger water, or add a tea bag (i like to add two green tea bags). Two cups of ginger water should relieve the cramps. I usally save the rest in my fridge and drink as needed.

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.

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.