Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps

My girlfriend has been getting menstrual cramps for the past year and it has been annoying for both of us. I have tried a few different things like molasses, magnesium and crampbark, none of which helped. I finally tried red raspberry leaf tea, with a bit of licorice root for flavor, and this was the one that worked. I have her drink 2 cups of tea per day starting about 1 week before her period and 2 days after it starts and that seems to work well. She still gets a bit of gas and constipation, so if anyone has a suggestion for that then please let me know.

Hi All- I believe that cramps have something to do with a deficiency of Calcium. I had very severe cramps growing up to the point that it felt as if I had been hit by a car and dragged several yards, every inch of my body ached. It was aweful. Then in my early 30's, I happened upon a wonderful website called blueribbonbabies.com while searching for reason why I had developed toxemia with my first and only pregnancy. According to the website, the cure is Calcium/Milk and when I checked my prenatal pills at the time (1992), there was almost NO CALCIUM in the mix! I felt totally misled by my healthcare providers! How could they not insist a pregnant woman take Calcium and let me get so sick! That is a whole other story.

My point is that I started feeling much better healthwise when I started taking CALCIUM/MAGNESIUM/ZINC mix, almost never get sick and cramping had also disappeared which was amazing!

Now in my 50's I am going thru the menopause and the cramping is back. Though not as severe. I think that it has again something to do with Calcium. Just observing, don't you notice how about this time (menopause) our relatives all start to shrink? I have taken about 2 capsules of the recommended 3 thinking I will get some from my diet. I have increased it slightly and do notice the cramps diminish. I was telling my sister the other night that it felt as if the Calcium was being sucked out of my pelvis... Anything to do with why seniors often break at the pelvis? Hmmmm..... Just a humble observer of the world...

I have been told by my doc that it is more effective to keep your system at neutral ph as being acidic causes your body to leach out the calcium you have. Most of us get lots of calcium but we don't hang on to it. Here is an article that talks about it fyi http://www.naturalsolutionsmag.com/calcium/calcium-myth

I have known for quite some time that my menstrual cramps are worse on an empty stomach/when my blood sugar is low. I also tend to have low-to-medium grade (I've never actually vomited from cramps) nausea, extremely low energy and a complete lack of appetite during the worst of my heavy bleeding/cramping. All of this is exacerbated by hot, humid weather (Hello July in Minnesota! ) which has sometimes made me completely unwilling to stand or sit upright as all of the muscles in my back and legs throb and tremble in sympathy with my contracting uterus. One memorable August morning 5 years ago I was making breakfast for guests when, in the middle of scrambling eggs, I was forced to go back to bed because the pressure of my HEELS AGAINST THE FLOOR, along with the above symptoms, caused such agony that I thought I was going to pass out. Explaining that was fun.

I usually try to "get on top" of my symptoms by forcing myself to eat something simple like toast or a banana when I first wake up so that I can take 3 ibuprofen, wait 45 minutes or more for blessed relief, and spend the rest of the day trying to keep enough painkiller in my system to function. And also remember to eat because I have no appetite and an empty stomach makes me nauseous and increases the cramping pain- even if I'm on painkillers. I'm not at all happy about all the pills I take just to cope, but who can afford to check out of their life for 2-3 days a month?

And now the important part of my story: Today is a typical hot and humid summer day in MN and it is the first day of my period (yay?) I wake up with cramps, nausea, headache, irritability and aching, trembling back and leg muscles. After staggering around for a while and whimpering, I remember that I have a new bottle of turmeric and didn't I read something about it getting rid of cramps? I quickly mix a heaping 1/2 tsp with a cup or so of warm water and drink it down. (It did not taste bad at all! It kind of tasted like how crushed dandelion stems smell. ) At this point I have not eaten yet or even had a glass of water. After TWO MINUTES, I feel a wave of well-being wash over my body and then, suddenly I realize that ALL OF MY SYMPTOMS ARE GONE. At this point, I am completely giddy with disbelief and relief.

The pain and other symptoms DO began to return again after about 40 minutes. I still hadn't eaten anything, so I quickly fix a little left-over spaghetti with some extra olive oil (turmeric is fat soluble), drink down another dose (1/2 tsp in warm water) as I'm eating and it's now been 4 hours with out any symptoms.

I'm impressed with how quickly this works (on an empty stomach) and the nausea relief is incredible! I wonder if turmeric would help women with morning sickness and anyone else who suffers with nausea and lack of appetite?

OH LG, I FEEL YOU GIRL! I have the same symptoms as you do I hated with a passion getting my period. Since I got it every month I had been bed ridden and cying in the fetal positon missed school/ work got nothing done and got so emotional/ exorcist girl lol. GUYS!! BE NICE AND HELP OUT! It is inhumane to ask someone to function when feeling like that ( nausea, killer cramps, I was so cold, diearea feeling, headaches, bloat, can't stand up straight, back ache, no appetite, no energy, moody, irritated, sad, feel dirty, feel fat) It made me feel like such a weak and useless female. At first I tried tynenol ( fast acting) at the first sing of cramps and it does work but I felt guilty in taking so many. I felt like such a "pill popper" but it was what I needed to do get anything done. I wanted a natural remedy, because these meds cause acid in the body. Tumeric is the natural pain killer ( Tumeric is just a spice/ food) so no harm!!! :) Thank you GOD for you natural gifts <3

OH AND YEA. I have def changed the way I eat to more alkaline( fruits and veggies mainly) only drink water, and less chemical ( colors, additive, artif. ) This will help with you over all health.

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.

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 :)

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

Just an FYI that the estrogen in soy can also cause menstrual symptoms to be worse (this was certainly the case for me). I mention this since you said you were drinking soy milk. I drink almond milk now. :)

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.

I agree with using raspberry tea for menstrual cramps. As soon as I feel any sort of cramping coming on, I make a very strong cup and drink it (with or without honey). Within half an hour, my cramping has eased.

Apparently it is the calcium/magnesium content in the leaves that helps, so if you have cramps, taking a regular supplement would probably also be beneficial.

If you have access to raspberry bushes, you can make your own tea by drying the leaves. Otherwise, any store-bought raspberry leaf tea will do.

Cramps

Hello, I must share a remedy for cramps, I found it years ago in a French herbal, I tried it on my lady and it work quickly, here it is: make a tea with 5 or 6 marigold flowers and drink the thing, soon you will experience much relief.....no more pain!

Be well

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, I wanted to update my post from 2009 about the blackstrap molasses because it ended up being un-maintainable for me to eat that much molasses every day... and I quit and I guess the results (having not super severe cramps verses. severe) were not worth the daily suffering of downing 2 Tbsp of molasses... Now I've gone back to just popping a couple of Tylenol right at the onset of my period and that seems to work well enough to make life livable. Maybe I'll try the molasses again sometime but taking it for those few months made me not really care if I never taste it again!

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?

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.

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.

was your molasses unsulphured?? if not, the sulfur in the molasses could be causing the cramps to get worse.

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!

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

... 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.

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!

Hi I have a fibroid 2.2 in my uterus as well as polyps and endo thick wall since last two years I was bleeding heavily for around 10 days five months back this worsened and my periods would not stop. The doctor did a D&C on me in August and there was no malignant issue after five weeks of D&C. I got my menses which did not stop I was again bleeding heavily and getting big clots. The doctor put me on primolut N to regulate. When I stopped after 20 days I got my menses and I was back again to heavy bleeding. Again the doctor asked me to take primolut.

Two weeks back I came across this website and immediately went and bought ACV and soda bicarb and also unsulphured molasses and started having this along with primolut. When I stopped the pill and got my menses the first day was okay but the second day was the worst of my life I had HUGE clot of blood almost the length and breadth of my pad and when I went to the toilet it fell off on the potty I was scared seeing the size of that... But after that I felt as if my body has settled down I had no more clots but as always the bleeding did not stop until even the 6th day and I was told to take primolut again...

Can Ted or anyone tell me why this happened? I have been religiously having ACV twice a day and molasses once or twice a day but still am bleeding, can ACV and primolut be taken together? Thanks so much in advance for any response- appreciate it.

mustard, turmeric and cayenne for menstral cramps:

I make a mix of 1 T. mustard (any kind) 1 t. turmeric and 1 t. cayenne pepper and follow it with a glass of water and it keeps my cramps at bay. Turmeric and cayenne reduce inflammation which causes pain.

I have really bad problems with menstrual cramps during my period. One day my sister suggested trying a spice called Tumeric to help relieve them. Saying she had read this on the internet somewhere. So I tried it. She was right. Mixing a teaspoon of Tumeric into a quarter cup of hot water and drinking it, followed by a small glass of milk (to help take the bitterness out of your mouth), relieves cramps in about ten minutes. I swear by it today and use it everytime I need relief.

When I get bad cramps I make me a quart of hot tea and sit down and sip it slowly, Also my sister says drink alot of liquids.

Hi Amy! Your approach sounds like something I would do, combine everything in hope of getting the best results. I am glad this worked for you. Thanks to you, the Earth Clinic web site creators/managers, and so many others for sharing!

NO wonder you've been having problems, you drink soy milk. That garbage will ruin your hormonal balance.