A Naturopath's guide to addressing period pain at home

It's always helpful to have a bit of a "first aid" kit when that time of the month hits.

I have said it before and I will say it again - period pain is NOT normal !

In fairness, it is normal to have a slight bit of discomfort, but it should absolutely NOT be necessary to take pain killers, be doubled over in pain, vomit, or not allow you to continue on with your life.

I get that we all have differing amounts of pain and that some can be debilitating. So if that is you, you absolutely need to have it investigated pronto! Hit me up for a chat about this HERE

Why do we have to suffer with period pain?

Period pain is caused by contractions within the uterus, enabling it to shed its lining each month if there isn't a pregnancy. The lining, and blood from arteries in the uterus are what make up your menstrual blood.

Inflammatory substances called Prostaglandins, are also involved, and trigger a response which results in the inflammation, pain and menstrual cramping. Prostaglandins are a necessary part of menstruation as they initiate the contractions to the uterus that initiate menstruation. They also help to control other reproductive processes such as ovulation and the induction of labour.

However, in some people, prostaglandins are at increased numbers, which can be due to a variety of factors such as stress, poor dietary choices and poor lifestyle choices.

The norm these days has become to reach for pain killers so you can just get on top of what you need to do that day. But pain killers can cause damage to your digestive system and over time may overburden your liver. So BEFORE reaching for the packet of pain killers, prepare yourself for your next cycle and try something new.

Home remedies

Here are some things that have helped me in the past and are worthwhile trying: • m a g n e s i u m b a t h s a l t s

Help to relax the muscles to stop muscle cramping by providing magnesium through dermal absorption

• g i n g e r / c h a i t e a

Can help with circulation and moving blood around and out - both ginger and the spices in a chai mix are stimulatory to blood flow

• p e p p e r m i n t / c h a m o m i l e t e a

If you also get digestive upsets with your monthly bleed, peppermint or chamomile tea can be calming to your tummy

• c i n n a m o n

This is great either as food, in chai, or as an essential oil - rub approx 6 drops on your lower abdomen or put in a bath to soak. Cinnamon stimulates circulation so keeps the blood moving

• f r a n k i n c e n s e e s s e n t i a l o i l

Frankincense contains anti-inflammatory properties. Put a few drops in a bath to soak. It's bliss!

• c o p a i b a e s s e n t i a l o i l

Contains anti-inflammatory and may help alleviate some pain. Again, try a few drops in a warm bath.

• c a s t o r o i l p a c k s

May alleviate some inflammation and pain when applied to the abdominal area. Make sure you choose a natural product - some contain chemicals.

• m a g n e s i u m s p r a y

These can be brought in many places and even made yourself using magnesium chloride. They are often oil-based and are sprayed locally to the affected area to relieve pain muscle tension

• t e n s m a c h i n e These machines used to be used predominantly by health practitioners, but have become popular enough that there are now some cheaper options available on the market. A tens machine helps to relax muscles by providing a very low voltage electrical pulses to the local area.

• e x e r c i s e I know this is likely the last thing on your mind when you are doubled-over, but hear me out. Exercise produces endorphins, which are natural pain killers. It also can help to improve the flow of blood, aiding congestion and inflammation in the abdominal area.

• h e a t p a c k s This is a suggestion you may have already tried and one that's worth trying if you haven't. Heat application using heat bags, hot water bottles or having a warm bath can relieve inflammation by increasing blood flow to the uterus, causing muscle relaxation and reduced congestion.

• d i e t a r y i n t e r v e n t i o n s

Omega 3 fatty acids are able to mediate prostaglandins and therefore reduce inflammatory mediators. There has actually been studies showing that omega 3 fatty acids are more effective than Ibuprofen in severe period pain.

Zinc is required for healthy hormone production and its adequate levels in the body can also help to regulate inflammatory mediators.

Of course, magnesium! It is a great idea to be including high amounts of magnesium in your diet as well as trying dermal applications such as magnesium salt baths and magnesium oil. Magnesium is involved in the relaxation and contraction all over the body, including the uterus. It is amazing how much pain can be reduced in as little as 1 menstrual cycle.

Vitamin B6

Disclaimer: these remedies are not for everyone. And in cases of severe pain, you should absolutely be speaking to a health care professional about the cause of the pain.

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There, of course, are also MANY liquid herbal preparations and nutritional supplements that can help tremendously with reducing or (in some cases) eradicating period pain altogether.

• Anti-inflammatory herbs - target the prostaglandins and inflammation

• Analgesic - aka pain killer herbs

• Anti-spasmodic herbs - help to relax muscle contractions

• Circulatory stimulants - some of these are already listed above. They are generally warming herbs.

• And then there are herbs targeted at hormonal pathways, if this happens to be the cause.

These products are available through a qualified Naturopathic practitioner, like myself, and are individualised to suit your personal needs. If this is of interest to you, click HERE and we can chat about how these can help you.

See, the thing is, period pain can happen for a bunch of reasons, so until you actually find out exactly what the cause of your pain is with a Naturopath, you are only going to be stabbing in dark when it comes to how you can help yourself for good.

Wouldn't it be nice to just be able to get on with life when that time of the month hits, and not have to go through a day (or two, or three) of agony and uncomfortableness each month?

I know your answer is yes! Which is why you need to see a Naturopath!

If you struggle with debilitating period pain that you would love to get on top of, click HERE to start your journey to finding out the cause and put it to bed for good.

🥑Bec