6 Natural Ways to Lessen Menstruation Cramping
Here are a few ways you can naturally help relieve the painful and uncomfortable symptoms:
1)HERBS Women have turned to herbs for centuries for reproductive issues. Common menstrual problems, such as cramps, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and heavy bleeding, respond well to self-treatment. However, chronic conditions or infertility may require professional attention. The menstrual cycle can be disturbed for many reasons, most of which relate to hormonal imbalances. Hormonal imbalances are much more frequent now than they ever were before with all of the chemicals in our World; our hormones are always being messed with. Stress, exercise, weight problems, food sensitivity, allergies, steroids, contraceptives, chronic illness and vitamin/mineral deficiency can all contribute to menstrual issues. Even excess caffeine, alcohol or smoking can contribute!
Herbs that are known to help with cramping are:
-Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) which, as the name implies, is used to relieve cramps and other conditions such as colic or painful menstruation, caused by over-contraction of muscles. Cramp Bark is effective at relieving any tense muscle, such as smooth muscles in the intestines, airways or uterus. It may be taken internally or applied topically to relieve muscle tension. It treats symptoms arising from excess muscle tension including menstrual pain caused by excessive contraction of the uterus. For night cramps and back pain, lobelia is often mixed with cramp bark. For period pain, make a decoction and take 1/3 cup every 3 hours. To make a decoction, place dried Cramp Bark in a saucepan and cover with cold water, bring to a boil, simmer for 20-30 minutes, strain into a large container for storage and cover and store in a cool place. Can keep in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours. You can also take Cramp Bark Tincture as directed on the bottle.
Cramp Bark
-Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) is another great plant source that is almost steroid-like for relieving pain. It has traditionally been taken in Central America to relieve menstrual, ovarian and labor pains. It has been known to help relieve cramps & muscle tension. You can make a decoction with dried Wild Yam and take 1/3 cup twice a day(see above for instructions on how to make a decoction) or take Wild Yam Tincture as directed.
Wild Yam
-Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a root that is a Native American remedy long used for women's complaints, especially painful periods and problems associated with menopause. *Caution* this root has a bitter, acrid taste and a disagreeable odor, therefore a tincture is probably your best bet.* To relieve period pain, add 40 drops of Black Cohosh Tincture to 1/2 cup water and take 3 times a day. 
Black Cohosh
-White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) has a history of medicinal use in China that stretches back at least 1,500 years. It is a known remedy for gynaecological problems and for cramps, pain, and dizziness. It helps menstrual disorders, including heavy bleeding and bleeding between periods, and is specifically used to treat period pain and cramps. It is a blood and yin tonic and will help blood deficiency states, as well as hot flashes and night sweats. Take dried White Peony Root as a decoction for period pain, heavy bleeding and other menstrual disorders. To relieve period pain, take 1/3 cup 3 times a day. See above on how to make a decoction. 
White Peony Root
2) APPLIED HEAT (hot water bottle) I love using heat to help with cramps. It is very soothing and I've always been drawn to using that form of therapy. It works because it helps to relax the muscles that are contracting around your uterus. You can also use a plug-in, but I don't like having to be attached to a wall personally. I also don't have a microwave, so using one of the ones you can microwave is out of the question for me. I love the hot water bottle because I can use it anywhere I can get hot water! 
3) SLEEP Sleep & health go hand-in-hand, so it's no wonder that sleep can affect our cycle! If we aren't taking care of our bodies, our hormones are going to be disrupted, and our menstruation is likely to be affected. Make sure you're getting quality sleep for at least 6 hours per night. Good sleep will help you manage your health. Drink a cup of tea, take a warm Epsom salt bath, and relax before winding down for the night! To help with being crampy in bed, I like to stick a large pillow under my knees if I sleep on my back or between my legs if I sleep on my side. It helps alleviate some pressure in my lower back caused by menstrual cramps.
4) STRESS RELIEF How can stress not be correlated with our hormones and health? Stress can interefere with our body majorly! If you are stressed, I can guarantee you also won't be sleeping well, you won't be eating as well and your likely to feel your body not being happy. Ways to deal with stress: stress management classes, meditation, yoga, therapy, massage, aromatherapy, hot bath, tea - just take time for YOU!
5) HEALTHY DIET & EXERCISE A diet high in fresh vegetables and fruit, and low in fatty foods, sugar and alcohol will help with symptoms. Regular exercise, particularly of the waist and pelvis is helpful. All reproductive problems will benefit from this simple approach. Anti-inflammatory foods are your best bet. Eat more calcium-rich beans, dark leafy greens and nuts, which help combat inflammation. Avoid refined foods including sugar, bread and pasta. Avoid alcohol, tobacco and caffeine which all increase inflammation and will encourage more painful periods. Many women find that exercising helps with painful periods as well. Exercise releases endorphins which will help your body combat pain and promote well being. Even just taking a daily walk will help. Yoga is my favorite, because it is not only exercise but it helps my stress levels too.
6) USE ORGANIC PADS/TAMPONS OR CUP You can see my prior blog about using a cup and the difference it has made on my cycle! Tampons and pads are FULL of toxic chemicals which aggravate our hormone receptors and in turn amplify a painful period. Not only that, but they make for a more heavy period and a longer period. Using organic tampons, organic pads, reusable menstrual cups or reusable menstrual pads will lessen the cramping, lessen the duration of your cycle and lessen the bleeding. It may take a few cycles to get used to a cup, but it's well worth it. If the cup isn't for you, make sure to get organic tampons or pads. Who wants heavily sprayed, toxin-filled cotton turned into a tampon in their body? Not me!
Be Healthy. Take care of yourself.
Peace.
*Please note - I am not a doctor, these statements have not been approved by the FDA. If you have persisting cramping and heavy bleeding, please consult your doctor. This is just what I have found on my own research. I encourage you to do your own research on what works for you.
