Menstrual pain often makes it difficult for women to move comfortably. However, there are several natural menstrual pain medications that are effective enough to relieve pain and various other menstrual complaints.
In general, menstrual pain occurs when the uterine muscle wall contracts more strongly during menstruation. This condition will then cause pressure on the blood vessels around it. This then causes the oxygen supply to the uterus to stop.
Without an adequate supply of oxygen, uterine tissue will release pain-triggering chemicals, such as prostaglandins. Apart from causing pain, prostaglandins can also cause several other menstrual complaints, such as nausea, weakness, and migraines.
Various Natural Menstrual Pain Medications
Abdominal pain during menstruation can be relieved with some natural menstrual pain remedies that are easy to find at home. The following are some natural menstrual pain medications that you can try:
1. Warm water
Compressing the stomach with warm water during menstruation can relax the uterine muscles that contract during menstruation. Not only that, warm water compresses can also relax the uterine muscles which are tense during menstruation and increase blood flow, so that the feeling of discomfort during menstruation is reduced.
2. Herbal teas
Several studies have shown that drinking herbal teas, such as chamomile tea and ginger tea, can relieve period pain. Chamomile tea contains apigenin compounds, which are compounds that can relieve menstrual pain by relaxing tense uterine muscles.
Meanwhile, the variety of nutrients in ginger tea can reduce the levels of prostaglandin chemicals in the body, so that various menstrual complaints, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and headaches, will subside.
3. Aromatherapy oil
Aromatherapy oils have long been believed to have a number of health benefits, including relieving menstrual pain.
Applying aromatherapy oils based on lavender oil, cinnamon, or a mixture of rose and clove oils to the stomach area can significantly relieve menstrual cramps.
Not only smeared, you can also use aromatherapy oil to gently massage your stomach and lower back in a circular motion.
4. Nutritious food
Healthy foods, especially those containing nutrients in the form of fiber, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, vitamin E, and iron, are good for consumption to reduce pain due to menstruation.
These nutrients can be obtained from several types of food, such as papaya, bananas, green vegetables, nuts, lean chicken meat, fish, and flax seeds.
In addition to some of the natural menstrual pain medications above, you are also advised to maintain regular exercise during menstruation. The reason is, when exercising, the body will release endorphins which work as pain relievers, including pain due to menstruation.
So that exercise doesn't feel burdensome during menstruation, you can choose light sports, such as leisurely walks, yoga and jogging. In fact, cleaning the house can be a light exercise that is useful for relieving menstrual pain.
If necessary, you can also take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, to relieve stomach pain and cramps during menstruation. However, make sure you follow the instructions for using the drug listed on the package to stay safe.
The various natural menstrual pain medications above can indeed help you feel more comfortable during your menstrual period. However, you are advised to consult a doctor if complaints of menstrual pain do not subside or interfere with activities.