10 Ways To Naturally Tackle Period Pain

50% of people who menstruate say they experience period pain (dysmenorrhea), usually for one or two excruciating days a month.

Holy s**t, that’s half of us who have suffered from cramps, headaches, general discomfort, pain in their stomachs, backs, groins or upper thighs. 

Unfortunately, these are all common problems for people. But there are a few things you can try that are au naturale and actionable TODAY... 

1. Drink more water

This miracle juice does more than just cure a hangover! Drinking water can reduce bloating during your period and alleviate some of the pain and discomfort it causes. Drinking hot water can increase blood flow throughout your body and relax your muscles, reducing cramps caused by uterine contractions. So, let’s turn up the heat! 

2. Enjoy herbal teas

Herbal teas have anti-inflammatory properties and antispasmodic compounds that can reduce the muscle spasms in the uterus that cause cramping. Drinking chamomile, fennel or ginger tea is an easy, natural way to relieve menstrual cramps. Herbal teas can have other benefits like stress relief and helping with insomnia. Plus, they are tasty AF and help reduce that daily caffeine. 

3. Reach for decaf

Talk of the devil. Caffeine causes your blood vessels to narrow. This can constrict your uterus, making cramps more painful. If you need your coffee fix, switch to decaf during your period. If you rely on caffeine to beat the afternoon slump, eat a snack high in protein or take a quick 10-minute walk to boost your energy.

4. Eat anti-inflammatory foods

Some foods can offer natural relief for cramps and they taste great. Anti-inflammatory foods can help promote blood flow and relax your uterus. Try eating berries, tomatoes, pineapples (wink wink) and spices like turmeric, ginger or garlic. Leafy green vegetables, almonds, walnuts and fatty fish, like salmon, can also help reduce inflammation.

4. Skip the treats

While a brownie or french fries might sound delicious and be exactly what you are craving, foods high in sugar, trans fat and salt can cause bloating and inflammation. This makes muscle pain and cramps worse. Grab a banana (fruit or a big sexy male/toy) to fight sugar cravings, or go for unsalted nuts if you want something more savory. 

6. Try vitamin supplements

Vitamin D can help your body absorb calcium and reduce inflammation (and sadly, we’re not getting much sun in the UK). Other supplements, including omega-3, vitamin E and magnesium, can help reduce inflammation and might even make your periods less painful. For best results, take supplements every day, not just during your period. Be sure to ask your doctor before taking anything new.

7. Apply heat

A little heat can help your muscles relax, improve blood flow and relieve tension. Try sitting with a heating pad, taking a shower, relaxing in a bath or really ramping up the heat with your partner!

8. Exercise

If you’re in pain, exercise might be the last thing on your mind. But even gentle exercise releases endorphins that make you feel happy, reduce pain and relax your muscles. Fifteen minutes of yoga, light stretching or walking might be all you need to feel better.

9. Reduce stress

Stress may make cramps worse - thanks a lot universe! Use stress relief techniques like meditation, deep breathing or yoga. If you’re not sure how to relieve stress, try guided imagery. Simply close your eyes, take a deep breath and imagine a calm, safe place that’s significant to you. Stay focused on this space for at least a few minutes while you take slow, deep breaths. Sounds w*nky but it can really help!

10. Try massage therapy

One study found that massage therapy significantly reduced menstrual pain in womxn with endometriosis. Massages may reduce uterine spasms by relaxing the uterus. In order to most effectively manage period cramps, massage therapy should focus on the abdominal area. But a full body massage that reduces your overall stress may also help to relieve menstrual cramps. 

BONUS 11. CBD & Olive Oil

Delics products are made with full spectrum CBD oil and the liquid gold Olive Oil. We’ve gone into detail for the good things about using Olive Olive Oil (& CBD), in our article <OLIVE OIL & CRAMPS>.

However, for some of us, these 11 delights don’t even scratch the surface. There is no shame in reaching for the over-the-counter medicines, trying alternative medicines or reviewing your contraceptive in addition to these methods. 

Natural remedies don’t work for everyone but if any of these help, we’d love to know so please pop a comment in the box below to tell us (and the other sufferers out there) what worked.