Homemade Treatments to Relieve Menstrual Cramps

Millions of premenopausal woman across the United States suffer from painful menstrual cramps. These cramps are caused by the uterus contracting, and then relaxing. It's normal for the uterus to contract during menstruation. Usually these aren't even felt. Sometimes, though, these muscle movements can cause painful cramping. These cramps usually are located in the lower abdominal area. However, they can also be felt in the back and down into the legs. Along with these mild-to-severe pains, other symptoms associated with Menstruation are headaches, neck pains, fatigue, nausea, and possibly even diarrhea. There are many prescription pain relievers on the market today. But they can produce harmful side effects. Instead, you should try these homemade treatments to relieve menstrual cramps.

1. Hot Toddies
You may be a "tee totaller", but drinking a little alcohol can effectively relieve the pain that's associated with menstrual cramps. An alcoholic drink that's known as a "Hot Toddy" will relax your muscles (your entire body, in fact)and bring you relief.

There are many variations to the recipe, but this is the one I'm familiar with: simply mix together one ounce of whiskey, a teaspoon of honey, and two teaspoons of lemon juice in an eight-ounce coffee cup. Fill the cup up with boiling water and stir well.

As you sip on this tasty Hot Toddy, you'll feel your menstrual cramps, (as well as any other aches and pains you may have) gently slip away.

2. Black Cohosh
The herb that's known as "Black Cohosh" has been in the spotlight for the last several years. It's shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of menopause. It's also is effective in treating menstrual cramps as well. You can find the Black Cohosh herb at your local healthfood store.

3. Portable Rice Heat
Heating pads and hot water bottles have long been helpful treatments for women who are menstruating. Heating pads with their electrical cords can be cumbersome. And hot water bottles can be leaky. They also lose their heating ability before too long. Have you ever tried a Rice Sock Bag instead? You can make your own homemade bag and use it over and over again to relieve menstrual cramps.

To make your own sock bag, use an old tube sock. Fill it up with a pound or two of cheap white rice. Tie the open end in a tight knot so the rice can't leak out. Then, spritz the sock -where the rice is located- with tap water. Spritzing the rice will help keep it moist so it doesn't dry out. Finally, place the filled sock in the microwave. A minute or so on the "High" setting should get the rice nice and hot.

Lay your homemade Rice Sock Bag over your abdominal area. You can also make two or three of these treatments so you can place them over separate, painful areas of your body.

And finally, true to its name, the herb that's known as Cramp Bark is an effective treatment to relieve menstrual cramps. Cramp Bark relaxes the muscles of the uterus. It can also help relieve lower back and leg pain.