Many women who menstruate experience period pain before and during the first couple of days every month. Although this is normal, sometimes it can be very painful and exhausting.

In general, the most common symptom of menstrual cramps includes mild to severe aching pain in the abdomen, the hips, the lower back and the inner thighs. Some women may even have nausea, loose stools, headaches and dizziness which can be just as discomforting as the main symptom.

The major reason why such pains and aches occur is because the muscles of your uterus squeeze or cramp up to stimulate your period blood flow. The great news is that as you grow older, your menstrual cramps will become less painful and irritating.

But until you get there, here are five super helpful remedies you can rely on to get through this time of the month with as much ease as possible.

Try CBD

Although there is still ongoing research about the benefits of using CBD products for cramps, so far the evidence shows that the natural and non-psychoactive compound can alleviate pain symptoms due to the presence of anti-inflammatory properties.

For example, prostaglandin is an inflammatory chemical that is released after ovulation and right before your period starts. This compound contracts the muscles in your uterus which results in irritating cramps. The higher your prostaglandin levels are, the more painful contractions will be.

So, to reduce the pain around that time of the month, you can either try rubbing a topical CBD product gently into your abdomen or take a sublingual tincture which you will consume by placing a few drops under the tongue.

Have a hot cup of tea

Another very common way of alleviating menstruating cramps is to add herbs to your diet. More specifically, herbal teas contain anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that can reduce the muscle contractions and swelling that comes with menstrual pain.

For example, chamomile tea is one very popular choice which helps by increasing the urinary levels of glycine and relieving muscle spasms. Also, drinking it can help you relax and get some sleep which will certainly result in reduced cramps.

Another tea variety you can opt for is ginger tea as it also contains pain-relieving properties that help alleviate period cramps. In fact, one study even concluded that this spicy root can be as effective as some over-the-counter medications.

Do yoga

Although you may not like the idea of moving very much when you are feeling discomforting pain in your abdomen, engaging in a gentle physical exercise such as yoga can release endorphins and alleviate your menstrual cramps.

There are several yoga poses you can do to relieve pain symptoms that range from easy to advanced.

For example, the child’s pose is very easy to do and it is an excellent painkiller for lower back aches. All you have to do is sit on your knees, stretch your body down and forward and extend your arms above your head. Hold for a minute, breathe softly and repeat a few times. There is no doubt that your period pain will be immediately reduced.

Switch up your diet

When you are menstruating, you must also be mindful of what you are eating because food can also increase your period pain. This means avoiding salty foods and caffeine that cause water retention, bloating and discomfort and opting for more fresh and nutritious ones.

For example, some common anti-inflammatory foods include fruits such as avocados, berries and pineapples, walnuts and fatty fish. All of these foods can instantly reduce inflammation and promote blood flow.

Also, make sure you avoid sugary beverages and increase your hydration levels by drinking lots of water instead to reduce bloating symptoms and lessen your menstrual cramps. You can even opt for water-based foods such as all the green vegetables that can help you relax your uterine muscles.

Take a hot bath

The uterus is a muscle and anything that helps reduce muscles like applying heat can certainly calm your menstrual cramps. In fact, this relaxation results in increased blood flow which will certainly ease the pain you will be feeling in your belly.

Plus, this method is probably the easiest and most comforting one as it involves soaking yourself in hot water and massaging the abdominal area to reduce uterine spasms. To make your bath even more enjoyable, add your favorite essential oil and get the most benefits.

A great alternative to a hot bath is placing a heating pad or hot water bottle on your belly. If you don’t have one, you can make your own by following a few easy steps.

Final thoughts

Unfortunately, for many women, menstrual cramps are unavoidable. They occur every month and can range from mild to severe causing lots of pain and discomfort. However, that shouldn’t be discouraging because there are many ways you can reduce the aches in the lower abdomen and make those few days of the month more bearable.

From trying a CBD product to switching up your diet, find the remedy that works best for you and put an end to that monthly period pain.