2-Ingredient Anti-Inflammatory Remedy for Menstrual Pain (Works better than NSAIDs)

By Healthy Holistic Living

When that time of the month comes, one of the hardest things to deal with are the cramps. At times the pain can be mild or sometimes severe. Around half of women get menstrual cramps, and about 15% experience severe pain as part of their cramps. If you’re reading this article, you or someone you know are likely experiencing painful cramps. But before we get into this quick and simple recipe for cramp relief, let’s talk about what causes these cramps in the first place and why some people might feel more pain than others.

What Causes Menstrual Cramps?

We experience cramps because of contractions in the uterus. If no sperm fertilizes the egg, the uterus will contract to expel its lining. When you’re on your period, there are a number of things that can cause you pain. The majority of the pain you feel when you’re experiencing cramps are from these contractions which will slow the blood flow to the lining of the uterus. Another factor which affects the pain you experience is your levels of the hormone prostaglandins. When you’re menstruating, prostaglandins are released and in high levels will cause pain and inflammation.

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Even a number of medical conditions can cause and exaggerate your menstrual cramps. Some of these include:

• Noncancerous tumors and growths in the uterus
• Certain sexually transmitted infections
• Delayed sleep phase syndrome

The most commonly proposed treatment for menstrual cramps are over-the-counter anti-prostaglandins and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Anti-prostaglandins work to reduce the cramping, the period flow, and discomfort. To compliment these NSAIDs such as Advil are used to reduce menstrual cramp pain. As an alternative, some doctors may prescribe birth control pills which works to prevent ovulation and minimize the cramps you’ll experience when menstruating. The problem is, these medications are often damaging to the body. Don’t even get me started on the harmful effects of NSAIDs!

Treat your body right with a natural remedy. This recipe made by one of the world’s renowned Ayurvedic physicians, Vasant Lad, in his book “Science of Ayurveda” is one of my most recommended home remedies for cramps. It makes use of two versatile ingredients that can be applied to many parts of your daily life.

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

If you’ve been following Healthy Holistic Living, you would know we’re big fans of aloe vera. One of the most versatile plants you can grow in your home, aloe vera has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Among its many benefits, some notable ones include:

• Relief from acid reflux, constipation, and maintains the health of your digestive system
• Helps treat irregular periods
• Speeds up the healing of wounds and burns
• Treats canker sores

In this recipe, aloe vera helps relieve the pain and inflammation associated with uterine contractions. If that wasn’t enough, it also helps keep your blood flow regular when you’re menstruating.

Health Benefits of Black Pepper

When it comes to the health benefits of spices, one of the most overlooked spices is black pepper. Black pepper is an excellent source of manganese and vitamin K. Just 2 teaspoons of whole black peppercorns has 37% of your daily recommended intake of manganese! Like aloe vera, black pepper possesses antibacterial and antioxidant properties that work to promote your body’s health. In this recipe, black pepper helps provide further pain relief.

Rather than make your body feel worse with medications, try this all-natural aloe vera treatment for your cramps!

Aloe Vera and Black Pepper Cramp Relief

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• Pinch of black pepper powder

Directions:

1. Take 1 tablespoon, 3 times daily until cramps are reduced.

Sources

http://www.ayurvedhealthcare.com/natural-menstrual-difficulties-cure.html

https://google.com/article/295526-herbs-for-infertility-irregular-periods/

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-aloe-vera.html

http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/10/the-many-benefits-of-aloe-vera-the-medicine-plant.html

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=74

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157333.php

http://www.aasmnet.org/articles.aspx?id=899

Image Sources

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