by Daisy Peasblossom

Created on: April 18, 2010   Last Updated: April 20, 2010

Menstrual cramps occur slightly before and during a woman's monthly cycle, and are caused by contractions of the uterus as the un-needed endometrium is expelled from her body.   In women who have severe cramps, the naturally occurring chemical substance, prostaglandin, may rise to unusually high levels.

Menstrual cramps fall into two medical groupings:  Primary and Secondary.  Primary menstrual cramps occur in the normal course of a woman's cycle.  While they may be painful, they are not caused by any disease or unusual condition.  Secondary menstrual cramps occur when there is an infection, disease, or a malformation of the uterus or other sexual organs.

If a woman has visited her physician, and he has assured her that what she is experiencing is not caused by any unusual condition, there are some simple things that can help relieve menstrual cramping.

It should be noted here that I am not a physician, and have no medical background at all.  I am writing this as a woman who has experienced severe menstrual cramps.  This article should not be construed as medical advice, rather as a narrative of remedies I have tried and my personal response to them.

1.) Exercise.  Yep, that's right.  In spite of your maternal ancestors taking to their beds during "that time of the month", gentle exercise can ease menstrual pain.  One exercise in particular, a yoga position in which the woman lies down on her stomach, pulls her knees up under her abdomen till her weight is resting them, and her head is pillowed on her folded arms; from this position she will gently arch and relax her back.  The exercise called Asana of the Cat, in which the back is also alternately arched and relaxed is also useful.   If you are not in a place where you have enough privacy for these, a quiet walk will help.

2.) Teas that are traditionally abortifacients.  Be sure NOT to drink these when pregnant.  Although it has fallen out of use, due to the possibility of toxic over-dose, penny-royal (Mentha pulegium) is a menstrual remedy with a long-standing history.  A single cup per day, brewed to the point that it has a pleasant mint flavor, is sufficient.  Never use oil of penny-royal internally.

3.) Soothing warm drinks.  Chamomile is milder than penny royal, and is used traditionally as a pain reliever for stomach aches and headaches.  If the sufferer is allergic to the daisy family, they should not ingest

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>