Self Care (Menstrual Cramp)

Menstrual cramps plague many women, with pain ranging from slight to severe, sometimes accompanied by chills, nausea and fainting. Many remedies have been suggested and tried throughout the ages. Though these days drugs like Advil or Motrin may take care of the pain, there are many natural remedies for alleviating all the symptoms, not just pain, which many woman prefer pills. Presented here are a variety of methods to make you feel better, in a healthy, natural way.
Cramps are caused by the contraction of the uterus during menstruation, mostly at the beginning of your period; your body will often become tense and tired, and possibly bloated and sore. These remedies are intended to ease your body and stop the feeling of sluggishness that often occurs with cramps and the hormones surging in your body.

Symptoms:

Symptoms include dull or throbbing pain in your lower abdomen, pain that radiates to your lower back and thighs, nausea and vomiting, loose stools, sweating and dizziness.

Causes:

During menstrual periods, the uterus contracts to help expel its lining. If the uterus contracts too strongly, it can press against nearby blood vessels, cutting off oxygen supply to the muscle tissue of the uterus.

Self-Care:

• Relax yourself, Use heat (heating pad, hot water bottle, hot bath) to relax tense muscles and relieve cramping, take a deep breath, play mind shooting music.
• Control your diet, avoid salty food, tone down on sugar, Stick to high fiber and low fat food Take vitamins
• Exercise
• Get plenty of rest
• Herbal teas (chamomile, mint, raspberry, and blackberry) may help soothe tense muscles and anxious moods
• Empty your bladder as soon as you feel the urge to urinate
• Take aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen as recommended