Why Your Stomach Hurts

9 Reasons Why Your Stomach Hurts

Nearly everyone has had a stomachache at some point. But really, any organ in your abdomen (there are many!) could be to blame. Read more to find out about possible culprits. 

Stomach Pain?

Nearly everyone has had a stomachache at some point. But really, any organ in your abdomen (there are many) could be to blame.

Tummy trouble can be short-lived, come and go, or show up only after you eat—all clues to the cause. Doctors can also run a number of tests to narrow it down, says Vivek Kaul, MD, acting chief of the division of gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, N.Y.

Read more to find out about possible culprits.

Gallstones

Gallstones are stones that form in the gallbladder, a tiny sac that hangs out under the liver, disgorging bile as needed to digest fats.

These stones cause swelling and can block the duct into the intestine, resulting in pain. Gallstone pain tends to strike the right side of the upper abdomen, particularly after fatty meals.

Such meals trigger the gallbladder to contract. “If the gallbladder is inflamed, any contraction of that nature will be amplified and typically will cause pain to the patient,” says Dr. Kaul.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas can cause burning pain in the upper or middle abdomen. Some people even have shooting pain that drives right through to their back, says Dr. Kaul.

You may lean forward or lie on your back to try to relieve the pain, which may subside into a dull ache, nausea, and vomiting, says Osama Alaradi, MD, a gastroenterologist at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

Too much alcohol can be a culprit, says Dr. Kaul, as are gallstones (the gallbladder and pancreas deliver their digestive juices into the intestine via the same duct). It often requires hospitalization. 

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can cause pain in the upper stomach and lower chest, aka heartburn.

The cause? A valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus is weak, allowing food and acid from the stomach to splash upwards. Ouch!

Eating too much food or the wrong type of food (fatty, for instance) can make it worse. Losing weight, watching what you eat, and medication like antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors, can also help. 

Lactose intolerance

Millions of people around the world have lactose intolerance. In fact, in some areas of the world, the lactose intolerant outnumber those who can digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products.

This type of food intolerance causes milder abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, burping, gas, and indigestion.

The solution? Skip the dairy products, like milk and cheese.

Medication side effects
No drug is without side effects and sometimes that includes abdominal pain.

Oral bisphosphonates, a popular class of drugs that helps preserve bone density and prevent osteoporosis, can cause swelling—and therefore pain—in the lower esophagus, says Dr. Kaul.

Pain medications known as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin can also cause swelling in the stomach lining and may even lead to ulcers
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is an inflammation of “diverticula” or pockets that form in the lining of the intestine, usually the colon.

“These look like punched-out holes in the lining of the colon that tend to get inflamed or obstructed with stool or other foreign material,” says Dr. Kaul.

Symptoms can include cramping in the lower abdomen, which may respond to antibiotics. A high-fiber diet can help. In more severe cases, it can cause abscesses, bleeding, and even perforations, resulting in severe pain, or even the need for surgery or a hospitalization.

Gluten intolerance

Some people react badly to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. The most severe form of gluten intolerance is called celiac disease.

“The gluten causes damage in the small intestine,” explains Dr. Alaradi. “The small intestine doesn’t work normally, it doesn’t absorb nutrients.” Experts and patients are becoming more aware of gluten intolerance and celiac disease, which causes gas, bloating, mild-to-severe pain, and fatigue.

The small intestine’s inability to absorb nutrients may lead to chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and even malnutrition. 

Stress

Stress can cause headaches, high blood pressure, insomnia and, yes, tummy trouble. Depression has been linked with digestive problems (including loss of appetite and weight loss) as well as irritable bowel syndrome. The relationship seems to go both ways, according to a study published in 2012 in the journal Gut.

In other words, depression may be causing the stomach aches but constant abdominal pain may just as easily lead to depression and anxiety. 

Food poisoning

Food poisoning from viruses or bacteria can cause abdominal pain, along with diarrhea and vomiting. Many outbreaks of food poisoning have been seen in recent years in the U.S., including 20 people in 7 states who picked up Salmonella from contaminated beef in 2011.

In rare cases, food poisoning can be serious or fatal. In general, the symptoms from food poisoning usually last about 1-2 days, says Dr. Alaradi.

However if you have viral gastroenteritis, a stomach bug from food or another person, it may last a bit longer.

Breast Problems and Size

Question: My 15-year-old daughter has one breast that is larger than the other. She is concerned that they will not even out. What can we do to check into this?

Answer:
This is a very common concern among female adolescents-even adult women! But it is quite common for each breast to be slightly different in size, a condition called asymmetry. Breast asymmetry is defined as a difference of form, position or volume of the breast, and it affects more than half of all women, so your daughter shouldn't feel alone. In fact, one study of 100 women who wanted breast augmentation with implants found that 88 percent had natural asymmetries.

Today, doctors can measure the symmetry of a woman's breasts via mammogram or, in your daughter's case, a special type of three-dimensional laser scanning called SCAN-3D, though these tests are not routinely available at most breast imaging centers.

Any discussion of the size or shape of a woman's breasts requires some rudimentary understanding of the anatomy of the breast itself. The breasts are actually glands contained within the front of the chest wall. The average breast weighs between seven and 10 ounces and is primarily composed of 12 to 20 lobes that spread out from the nipple like the spokes in a bicycle tire. These triangular lobes each have one central duct that opens at the nipple, through which milk exits.

Your breast tissue changes according to your menstrual cycle. For instance, you may find that your breasts feel fuller and are more sensitive when you're ovulating; and, in fact, they actually do get bigger because of water retention and additional blood flow. This is also when they're most likely to be the same size, however; one study found that breasts have the least amount of asymmetry on the first day of ovulation. During menstruation, breasts shrink again.

No one really knows what causes breasts to develop differently from one another, but possible contributors include hormonal changes or traumatic injuries. For instance, one report in the medical literature describes two cases of breast asymmetry that developed as the result of injuries the girls received to their "breast bud" area during gymnastics when they were 10 and 11.

Occasionally, an underlying medical or skeletal condition may cause asymmetrical breasts. One such condition, called juvenile, or virginal, hypertrophy of the breast, is a very rare problem in which one breast grows significantly larger than the other, leading to physical and psychological problems. It is typically treated with surgery.

Sometimes, underlying fibroids-non-cancerous tumors-may be the cause of asymmetry. Sudden or recent differences in breast size due to underlying breast masses should be evaluated by a breast surgeon. Other possible causes include scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, and deformities in the chest wall.

One thing your daughter should be aware of is that some research suggests that breast asymmetry may be a marker for women who have an increased risk of breast cancer. This is nothing to worry about now, but it should provide even greater incentive for her to conduct regular self breast exams throughout her life and, when the time is appropriate, obtain regular screening mammograms. Her doctors should also be aware of this asymmetry if it doesn't disappear as she gets older.

Generally, however, slight differences in a woman's breasts are of no concern. If the differences are greater than one bra cup, size, however, they may cause some psychological distress, particularly during adolescence, when a young woman's body and psyche are already changing so rapidly.

In the rare instance that the asymmetry causes such distress that your doctor recommends surgery, talk to the surgeon about breast reduction, rather than implants. Studies find that women with asymmetry who undergo reduction are generally more satisfied than those who have implants.

Health Tips for Depression

42 Home Remedies for Depression

Do you easily become irritated or burst with anger just on small things? Does the daily errands become taxing for you? If you are experiencing such symptoms, then you are prone to depression. Depression is a state in which an individual feels low energy, insomnia, feelings of guilt, ignorant, indifferent and a sense of despair. Depressed people fail to maintain even normal relationships. Difficulty in taking the simplest decisions, lack of concentration, lethargic and sluggish movements, agitation, restlessness, loss of appetite, and mood swings are some other symptoms which indicate that you are feeling blue. The major causes of depression are hormonal changes, certain medications, harrowing events like death of a loved one, loss of a job, and monetary troubles etc. And in some other cases imbalance of chemicals in the brain like dopamine, selenium, norepinephrine and serotonin occurs.

Although men and women experience same symptoms, women may show some other signs like atypical depression in which they tend to eat more, sleep excessively and gain weight. Seasonal affective disorder (low sunlight in winters makes females depressed) is another symptom. Various biological, psychological and social factors are associated with the experience of melancholy in women, such as infertility, pregnancy, premenstrual problems, postpartum depression, menopause, focus on negative feelings, marital problems, discrimination at workplace etc.

There are several herbal and home remedies to overcome the bouts of mild depression. But in severe cases, when one experiences suicidal tendencies, it’s essential to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Home Remedies for Depression

Whenever you feel low or depressed, try your hand at the following home remedies.

1. Apple

“An apple a day keeps depression away.” Apple is considered to be the best fruit which prevents all sorts of ailments, for eons. It is equally effective for depression. Add finely chopped pieces of half an apple and 1-2 teaspoons of honey in a glass of milk. Consume it on a daily basis. If you don’t like milk, you can drink apple juice.

2. Saffron

Saffron boosts up the levels of serotonin in the brain, thereby cures mild depression. It’s a delicious seasoning for food. You can have a pinch of it regularly or add it to your food.

3. Rose Petals

Put 25-30 fresh rose petals in water. Boil it for 12-15 minutes. Let it cool and add sugar. Drink this mixture twice or thrice a day. This home remedy effectively relieves you from the bouts of depression.

4. Cardamom

The pleasing odor of cardamom soothes the nerves of our brain. Prepare tea by adding a few tea leaves. Add finely powdered cardamom seeds to it. Sip it slowly.

• Or else, add sugar and powder of 2 cardamoms to a cup of hot water. Boil it. Sip it warm.

5. Coffee

Give a refreshing start to your day with a cup of coffee. Caffeine present in the coffee is a good mood booster and makes you feel better. 1-2 cups of coffee per day relieve mild depression. But don’t consume more than 2 cups; otherwise, it may enhance depression.

Note – It is suggested only for coffee-lovers, others may choose to avoid it.

6. Turmeric

If you are suffering from depression caused due to seasonal changes, turmeric could be of great help. The curcumin present in the turmeric positively affects the pathways of serotonin in the brain, thus, mitigates the depression.

7. Green Tea

Sip 2-3 cups of green tea a day to reduce the symptoms of depression. Green tea has a soothing effect on the brain due to the presence of amino acids in it.

8. Ginger Tea

Boil 1 teaspoon of ginger powder in hot water for a few minutes. Allow the liquid to cool. Sip it two times a day. It’s an excellent cure for depression.

9. Garlic

Add garlic to your food as it wards off the symptoms related to depression, fatigue and insomnia.

10. Balanced Diet

A balanced diet prevents you from catching any/every disease. Have a diet rich in folate, Vitamin B (especially B6) and C.

• All dark leafy vegetables are rich in folate.
• B6 rich foods are spinach, asparagus, sunflower seeds, parsnips, citrus fruits and beets. Non vegetarian sources are lean pork, poultry, fish, chicken, lean beef, spinach, avocados and bananas.
• For Vitamin C consume tomatoes, oranges, fresh juice, brown rice, grams, green vegetables, Indian gooseberries etc.
• Magnesium containing foods are required to cope with suicidal tendencies. Ingest pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds. Nuts like almonds and cashews are also beneficial for the same. In addition, black beans, navy beans, soybeans, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, collard greens and whole grains.
• Eat selenium containing food such as tuna, swordfish, oysters, and sunflower seeds.

11. Oatmeal

Cook 4-5 tablespoons of oatmeal in 1 cup of soy milk or rice milk.  Add dried fruits, almonds, nuts, honey or maple syrup in it. It relaxes and keeps depression at bay, so, consume it on a regular basis

12. Cashew nuts

Cashew nuts keep your heart in the pink as it’s affluent in Vitamin B and B2. It also keeps your mind hale and hearty. You can also grind 5-8 cashew nuts into powder and have it with a glass of milk every day.

13. Pumpkin Seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds are not only yummy, but are also loaded with a number of nutritious elements, like glutamic acid, arginine, phosphorous, magnesium, copper, iron, fiber, protein, etc. The seeds has peanut-like flavor, and can be added to soups, salads, or can be consumed as a snack. Other magnesium rich foods are sesame and sunflower seeds.

14. Folic Acid

Cabbage is a great stress-buster as it’s an affluent source of Vitamin C and folic acid. You can prepare steamed cabbage curry, cabbage soup or can consume it in the form of salad.

• Spinach is another well-off source of folic acid, which works well against depression. One must intake ¾ cup of spinach per day in order to fulfill the daily requirement of folic acid.

Note – Folic acid may lead to cancer, as per a few researches. So, we recommend you to discuss with your doctor about this. It also damages central nervous system.

15. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids such as Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are essential for the optimal functioning of the brain and reducing the risk of depression. Fish like salmon or tuna, flaxseeds, cod, soy, pollock, flounder and walnuts are well-off in omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil also resists depression. So, you should include fish and fish oil in your diet.

16. Laughter

Laughter aids in offsetting the symptoms of depression by improving the mood and impacting social relationships favorably. After all, “Laughter is the best medicine.”

17. Exercise

To improve your mood, relax your mind, uplift your self-esteem, and keep your mental health, it’s very important to indulge yourself in some sort of moderate physical activities. Muscle relaxation and breathing exercises are considered to be great for the depressed people. Jogging and walking are equally effective.

18. Yoga and Meditation

Meditation and yoga efficiently alters the brain’s biochemistry. You send a message to the brain via spinal cord when you stretch during yoga. It stimulates the sensation of ‘feel good’. Daily practice of pranayamas and asanas keeps you from melancholy.

19. Sunbathe

The level of natural antidepressant in the brain increases in the sunlight. A research has revealed that our brain produces more serotonin, a mood-lifting chemical, on sunny days than it does on darker or cloudy days.  So, sunbathe for a minimum of 30 minutes whenever you require warmth.

20. Bathe

Since sunbathing is not possible at night or on an extremely hot day, have a shower, if you feel dejected. Surprised? Researchers discovered that bathing or a neutral immersion bath relaxes mind and uplifts mood.

21. Soak Feet in Hot Water

If bathing is not possible due to any reason, you can try this remedy. Fill a tub with hot water and add some soap, chlorine and rosemary leaves to it. Dip your feet in this tub for 15-20 minutes. It will calm down your dejected mind.

22. Massage

Massage the soles of your feet with sunflower or coconut oil before going to bed. It will revitalize your nerves making you feel unperturbed.

23. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is considered to be a natural way to do away with depression as it elevates one’s mood and calms the mind. Studies revealed the fact that acupuncture changes the release of neurohormones and neurotransmitters, thereby altering the chemistry of the brain favorably.

24. Guided Imagery

It is a method in which your mind and body communicates with each other via touch, taste, smell and vision. It involves imagination of things that bring positive thoughts to your mind like mountains, waterfall, sunrise and sunset on the beach etc. You endeavor to feel the breeze, smell the flowers and hear the sounds in nature. You can practice it during touch therapy and massage. The skills of visualization can’t be learnt overnight. One needs continuous practice, patience and time to master it.

25. Music Therapy

Music therapy is a non-medical way to overcome grief, anxiety, fear and stress. It tranquilizes your spirit naturally and is good for people of all ages. Put on your headphones and listen to classic old melodies or hit rocks depending on your taste and mood.

26. Light Therapy

In this therapy, depressed person is seated close to an intensely lit box. This box imitates light from outside. Initially, the patient is exposed to this box for 15 minutes, but depending upon the of severity of symptoms, the time limit may extend up to 2 hours each day. The intensity of the light is also determined according to the level of depression. This therapy only relieves the signs associated with melancholy; it does not completely cure depression.

27. Writing Therapy

Maintain a mood diary and pen down all the positive things that occur around you. Don’t write about any negative event. If you find it difficult to maintain it on a daily basis, write at least once-a-week. Whenever you feel dejected, come back to your dairy and read it. It will remind you of your good days and bring a smile on your face.

In general, pouring your heart out by the means of writing is considered to be healing, according to the researchers. So, we suggest you to write more often, it has no side effects.

28. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This therapy focuses on your thoughts. Depression can easily be resisted by developing an optimistic outlook and altering the way of your thinking. Pessimistic thoughts elicit the feeling of solitude and triviality, but you can overcome this condition by staying focused solely on positive side of everything that happens to you. It is a short-term therapy that lasts for 10-20 sessions and effectively treats mild to moderate depression.

Herbal Remedies for Depression

Here are some of the herbal remedies which really work wonders in fending off the depression.

29. Lemon Herb

Put 25 grams of lemon herb in cold water. Leave it for 12-15 hours. Use this ointment twice or thrice a day.

30. Asparagus (Shatavari)

Grind the dried roots of asparagus into the powdered form. Ingest 1-2 grams of this powder at least once a day.

31. Nardostachys or Spikenard (Jatamansi)

The extracts of rhizome and roots of this herb are said to have tranquilizing effect on the brain. It is a mild sedative that reduces aggression.

32. Indian Ginseng (Ashwagandha)

This herb has antidepressant properties. Have 2 tablespoons of powdered Indian ginseng with a glass of water to overcome melancholy.

33. Nutmeg

Extract juice of fresh Indian gooseberries. Add 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg powder to it. Drink it three times a day.

34. Licorice

1-3 cups of licorice tea a day alleviate depression. You can also take licorice powder with milk.

Note- Breast-feeding and pregnant women should not consume licorice in any form. Besides, people with renal, heart and liver diseases, high blood pressure and those take aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin) must abstain from having licorice.

35. Sage and Basil Leaves

Prepare a tea by adding ½ teaspoon of sage and ¼ teaspoon of basil leaves to a cup of hot water. Drink it twice a day to reduce depression.

36. Lavender Leaves

Boil 1 cup of water, then steep 1 teaspoon of lavender leaves. Strain the liquid and consume the resultant solution when it’s hot, thrice a day.

37. Sandalwood Powder

Apply sandalwood powder on the forehead on the daily basis. It calms and soothes the mind of depressed person.

38. Commiphora mukul (Guggul)

This herb strengthens the nervous system, apart from reducing weight. It is available in the form of various supplements and herbal capsules in medical stores. Alternatively, dry some guggul resins and spread it on burning coal. Inhale the smoke for a few minutes. Its smoke is said to be good for rejuvenating the mind.

39. Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi)

Consume 5 grams of Bacopa monnieri with a glass of milk on a regular basis. You can also add licorice to it.

• Massage your head with brahmi oil. It eases depression.
• Nasal drops of warm brahmi ghee or sesame oil (1-2 drops in each nose) also treat the symptoms of depression.

40. Ginkgo biloba

This herb stimulates the brain to produce neurotransmitters which in turn relieves depression. The supplements of Ginkgo biloba are made by its extract which is obtained by taking out the active ingredients of dried and crushed leaves of the herb. It relieves dementia and depression by increasing the flow of blood to the brain.

41. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Consume 300 mg of this herb thrice a day.

Note- While using St. John’s wort, remember the following points-

• Over doses of this herb for a longer period may result in sensitivity to sunlight, particularly in people with fair complexion.
• While using this herb, avoid the consumption of pickled herring, yeast, red wine and cheese.
• Pregnant women should not use St. John’s wort.
• It is not suggested for those who are taking any antidepressants prescribed by your doctor/physician.

42. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy helps treating some of the major symptoms of depression like insomnia and mental fatigue. The essential oils used in this therapy are lavender, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, basil, clary sage essential oil, angelica, geranium, juniper, mint, rosemary, chamomile, and jasmine essential oil. Use these oils in correct ratio for diffusers, baths and massages for excellent results.

• Infuse your room with perfume by lighting an aromatherapy lamp.
• Pour any of your favorite essential oil on a cloth or handkerchief and place it inside the pillowcase before you sleep at night.

Note- Those who are allergic to fragrance can avoid using this therapy. It’s better to consult an aroma therapist before starting it.

Do’s

• Sleep for a minimum of 7-8 hours.
• Whenever negative thoughts hover in your mind, divert yourself by reading a good book or listening cheerful music.
• Develop optimistic attitude. Try new endeavors everyday to keep your mind busy having fun.
• If workload is the reason behind your depression, try to delegate your responsibilities. If possible, take a break from your work.
• Remember talking about or sharing your emotions, feelings or problems with your friends and family members are not at all signs of weakness. In fact, it will help you reduce your stress.

Don’ts

• Abstain from consuming chemicals additives, sugar, junk foods, colas, alcohol, tea, strong condiments and food colorings.
• Refrain from overuse of psychosomatic or antidepressant drugs.
• Don’t set unrealistic goals. Instead, set small targets and try to achieve them wholeheartedly.
• Never hop a meal. A proper meal stabilizes your blood sugar, thereby decreasing mood swings.
• Don’t neglect the symptoms of depression as it may lead to heart diseases.

Daily Health Tips for Menstrual Cramps

Daily Health Tips for Menstrual Cramps

Are you afraid of your menstrual cycle due to those dreadful and aching cramps? Most of the women go through painful periods, uninformed of the useful natural home remedies that can make their menses more contented and comfortable. Menstrual cramps are also known as dysmenorrheal. It is a medical condition in which shooting or throbbing ache occurs in the abdominal and pelvic areas before or during the menstruation cycle. The pain may differ considerably from woman to woman, with some cramps being comparatively easygoing than others which are tremendously severe. Here is a list of all the useful home remedies for cramps that will reduce your pain.

Usually, the main cause of menstrual cramps is biological. The loosening and consequent shedding process of the internal lining of the uterus results in the production of prostaglandin, a chemical which leads to muscular contractions. Imbalance of hormones is another cause that can results in PMS, heavier periods, and pain. The pain can also occur due to nutritional deficiencies such as lack of iron, zinc, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids in our daily diet. The deficiency of omega-3 fatty acid releases Prostaglandin F2, a hormone that causes blood clotting, irritation, and pain. Other causes include distressed liver, insertion of intra uterine device (IUD), endometriosis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and uterine polyps and fibroids.

Generally, most of the women undergo intense pain especially on the first day of their periods, while others may perceive the pain as long as the period continues. In addition to this, it may be accompanied by nausea, loose motions, sweating, and vomiting.

1. Buckwheat

Buckwheat is highly rich in bioflavanoids and alleviates heavy bleeding when you consume it along with vitamin. You may try having pancakes of buckwheat. Other bioflavanoids foods are mangoes, citrus fruits like oranges and limes, Brussels sprouts, broccoli etc which you can include in your diet for healing your uterus.

2. Iron-rich Food

Intake iron-rich diet to minimizing the pain during menstruation. Dried apricots, legumes, liver, egg yolks, dark leafy veggies (like spinach and collards), dried fruits (raisins, prunes), turkey or chicken giblets, beans, lentils, chick peas and soybeans, fortified cereals and breads, and shellfish are some foods that are well-off in iron.

3. Hot Compress

Take a hot water bottle and put it on the abdomen or lower back in order to lessen the intensity of pain. Alternatively, you may immerse a towel in hot water, and then squeeze out the excess water. Place it on your abdomen. You may also have a hot shower bath, but make sure that water flows on/ around your abdomen and back.

4. Drink Water

Drink plenty of water daily. It is recommended to drink hot water to soothe the cramped muscles. You may also ingest water-based foods such as watermelon, lettuce, cucumbers, celery and berries like blueberries, raspberries, andstrawberries.

5. Cinnamon

Add cinnamon in your routine tea, or sprinkle it on your toast or sweet rolls. In case, you have a heavy period, drink cinnamon tea prior to the day or all through your periods to minimize the throbbing ache.

6. Fennel

This useful spice enhances blood circulation in the ovaries. Firstly, crush one teaspoon of fennel seeds into powdered form. Add this powder to one cup of boiled water, steep for 5 minutes, and drink lukewarm.

7. Ginger

Intake ginger if you want to regularize your periods. Utilize it in cake, cookies, candies, or as an additional spice in vegetable curries. Generally, tea with added ginger is one of the most effective treatments. Or else, add ½ teaspoon of crushed ginger in one cup of boiling water, and drink it thrice a day.

8. Mint

Wintergreen and peppermint are commonly used to heal menstruation cramps. Add any of them into your tea and drink a cup or two daily. Besides, you may try mint candies.

9. Mustard

Add 1-2 tablespoons of mustard powder in a broad vessel filled with warm water and immerse your feet in it for 30-45 minutes.

10. Light Exercise

A little bit of exercise eases your menstrual days, if, practiced on a daily basis. Workouts stimulate the production of endorphins which is a natural mood lifter and painkiller. Exercises, like walking, increase blood circulation to the abdomen.

Note- During menses, instead of practicing yoga and involving in strenuous activities, it’s better to perform restorative poses.

11. Aloe Vera Juice

Drink aloe vera juice along with honey to reduce the pain and ease the flow.

12. Ginger, Honey and Lemon Juice Tea

Prepare black tea and add half (½) teaspoon of crushed ginger, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon honey to it. Drink this tea at regular intervals all through the day.

13. Flaxseeds

Consume two tablespoon of flaxseeds during the cycle. This helps reduce prostaglandin levels in the body, thereby minimize the pain. You can also add 1 teaspoon of ground flaxseeds to a cup of yogurt and eat it. Another method is to intersperse ground flaxseeds on the salad.

14. Acupuncture

Press definite acupuncture points which relax the muscular contractions and calm the nervous system.

15. Fruits

Consumption of fruits particularly banana and papaya prove to be very helpful in treating menstrual cramps.

• Papaya is rich in carotene and vitamins C and A. Moreover, it also contains some amount of calcium and iron. This marvel fruit contains ‘papain,’ an enzyme that aids regulating and easing the blood flow during periods.
• Cook banana leaves in 1 tablespoon oil and mix them with curd. It is good for those women who are perceive excess back and stomach pain during menstruation. Banana honey milk shake is equally effective in relieving the pain associated with menses.

16. Parsley Juice

Parsley is one of the best remedies for throbbing menstruations. Cut cucumber, carrot, beet root, and parsley in small pieces. Put them in a blender to extract the juice. Drink 75 ml of this juice each day to make the blood flow normal and easy.

17. Sesame Seeds

If you are an anemic you could experience lots of problems during periods. To cure this, mix a teaspoon or two of sesame seeds in water and boil it. Let it cool down for a while and then strain it. Drink this solution two times a day. Alternatively, you can also consume sesame seeds with water, a couple of times throughout the menstruation days.

18. Coriander Seeds

Add 15-20 coriander seeds in one glass of boiling water and continue to boil it down till the quantity of water is reduced to half. Allow the mixture to stand for some time and subsequently drink it. This mixture may taste sour, and if you do not like that taste, add some sugar or honey to it. This will not only relieve rigorous pain, but also aids easy excess blood flow.

19. Carom seeds

If you perceive cramps and ache in the legs, this remedy is for you. Ingest carom seeds with a glass of boiled water. Alternatively, you can roast a few carom seeds and have them with milk when you experience intolerable pain. In addition to this, oil of carom seeds also works as an outstanding muscle relaxer. You can choose to apply it on stressed muscles during your menstrual cycle.

20. Aromatherapy Blend for Menstrual Cramps

Mix one ounce of carrier oil such as sweet almond (or any other oil of your choice), 15 drops of peppermint oil, 10 drops of cypress oil, and 5 drops of lavender oil in a clean, dark-colored glass container. Apply this mixture gently on the abdominal area.

21. Milk

Calcium deficiency is another cause of menstrual cramps. Thus, drink a glass full of milk every day.

22. Black Tea

Prepare a cup of black tea and sip it. It provides you the ability to cope with all the problems associated to menses and also treats the symptoms.

23. Carrots

Generally carrots are known for improving our eye sight, but they also prove to be excellent in regulating menstruation. Drink a glass full of carrot juice during your period days. You will certainly feel much better.

Herbal Remedies to Cure Menstrual Cramps

Herbal remedies such as Scutellaria spp., Viburnum prunifolium, and Cimicifuga raemosa suppress muscle spasms, which in turn lessens the intensity of menstrual cramps. Some other herbs which are commonly used to resolve the same problem are:

24. Raspberry Leaf or Green Tea

Tea prepared from raspberry leaf works as an effectual home remedy that calms the mind and body. You can also drink green tea for better results.

25. Margosa (Neem Leaves)

Crush about 8-10 neem leaves and add water to form a paste. Intake this paste along with a cup full of buttermilk.

26. Lemon Grass

Lemon is very beneficial for any kind of disease, but during menstrual time even a small amount of lemon grass would do.

27. Lavender Oil

Apply lavender oil around your stomach to mitigate pain in just 10 to 15 minutes.

28. Basil/Thyme

Basil contains a natural painkiller commonly called caffeic acid. Stir 2 tablespoons of basil leaves in 1 cup of boiling water. Steep it for 4-5 minutes. Allow it to cool at room temperature. Drink ½ to 1 cup per hour to get rid of cramps.

29. Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)

The oil obtained from the rhizome of this herb ensures smooth menstrual flow and relieves pain.

30. Cramp Bark and Black Haw

These are the most efficient herbs of all, these two provide relaxation to muscles and reduce cramps and uterine spasm. Consume it at least 4-5 days prior to onset of periods.

31. Black Cohosh

This plant is very useful in reducing spasm in skeletal muscles, hence, alleviates troublesome menses.

32. Dong Quai

This herb is generally used for females with absent menstruation, but it also has other wide-ranging valuable effects. It helps reduce cramps in women with a heavy feeling uterus due to poor circulation, stagnation, and negligible blood flow during menses periods.

Note- Women with heavy bleeding should not use this herb.

33. Motherwort

It is very effective in reducing cramps, uterine muscle spasm, stress, heart palpitations and nervousness related to pelvic pain.

34. Wild Yam

It works in an astonishing way by reducing muscle spasm of the uterus, smooth muscle tissue, aiding in painful menstruation, fallopian tubes and ovaries, and chronic pelvic pain. It also makes uterus work more smoothly throughout every menstruation cycle.

35. Chamomile

It is an extensively used herb to cure gynecologic complaints including menstrual cramps. Get two teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers and add it to a glass of boiling water. Allow it to steep for a minimum of five minutes. If you are making use of chamomile tea bags, then follow the directions mentioned on the packet. If you feel that the mixture is bitter in taste, you may add honey or sugar, as per your requirement. Have this chamomile tea for a couple of days prior to your expected period date, two cups a day would be sufficient.

36. Jamaican Dogwood

If you are considering this herb for pain, you must consult a qualified midwife, herbalist, or naturopathic doctor. Jamaican Dogwood is one of the best natural options for acute dysmenorrhea, and can prove out to be a good alternative for women who have given up on hope, or when all other remedies have failed to bring about any improvement.

37. White Willow Bark

This is one of the most efficient herbs that cure menstrual cramps efficiently. The bark of this tree is tattered and boiled to prepare oil, tea, or squashed into pills. For effective results, consume it on a regular basis for a week or more before your periods begin. White willow bark contains salicin which resists pain very effectively

Do’s

• Stress, nervousness and panicking can make cramps worst. Therefore, listen to music or read your favorite author’s book to divert your mind from pain, thereby, improve your mood.
• Inadequate sleep makes your cycles irregular and irritable. So, get adequate and sound sleep of 7-8 hours.
• If you are a non-vegetarian, eat fish as it is affluent in omega-3 fatty acids which in turn decrease the contractions during periods.
• If you are an anemic, increase the amount of iron-rich foods in your diet.
• Use better quality sanitary napkins, menstrual cups,and tampons to stay clean and healthy.
• Change your sanitary pads once in every six hours.
• Wash yourself regularly using warm water and bathe twice or thrice daily during menstruation.

Don’ts

• Avoid intake of refined flour, alcohol, caffeinated drinks, carbonated beverages, meat and poultry, dairy products, chocolates and junk food.
• Do not smoke on period days.
• Cut down on salt and sugar.
• Refrain from a painstaking work out, but you may stroll if you like.
• Abstain from certain vegetables such as eggplant, potato, and yellow pumpkin, but eat papaya, drumsticks, snake guard, white pumpkin, bitter guard and cucumber.
• Do not resort to pain killers when you have an empty stomach.