PMSing? Put Away the Pills!
Listen up, ladies, I want you to back away from that Midol. Monthly cramps and backaches may plague us from time to time, but they’re not a required part of the program. Over the years I’ve discovered some natural ways to help relieve period pains.
Diet: One summer I had vegan, semi-raw roommates and I adapted my diet to theirs. For the first time in my life, I had no cramps, backaches, or any other uncomfortable menstrual symptoms. Since then I’ve been paying close attention to my diet and notice that on months when I overindulge in cooked foods, and the big no-no’s (coffee, alcohol, chocolate, fatty and salty foods), my symptoms come on a lot stronger. It may sound cliché, but diet really matters.
Chinese Medicine: Dong Quai is a Chinese herb which strengthens the uterus. I buy it as a tincture and drink a weak formula (about 10 drops in a glass of water) every few days throughout the month. A few days before my period, I increase the strength. Follow the recommended dosage on the label and do not exceed it! (I overdid it once and suffered cramps that were far worse than normal. Ouch!)
Medicinal Herbs: A great topical pain reliever is cannabis oil, rubbed on the lower back and belly. Now, I’m not advocating illegal activity, but if you live in California and know someone with a medical marijuana prescription, ask them for a handful, put it in a small jar and pour olive oil over it. Let it sit for at least a few weeks and you’ll have a very potent medicinal oil. A little of this goes a long way.
Downtime: If you can manage it, take a day off. I’ve found that my energy is low on the first day of my little moon and I’m just not productive at all. Why force it? Take care of yourself. Our society works on arbitrary standards of time, while your body in is cycle with a giant celestial body, the moon. Heed nature’s call and give yourself a break, will ya?
You can also try Sara’s crampbark remedy.
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4 Comments
June 24th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Just another reason why the government should consider legalizing marijuana…
June 24th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Ok, gals, here’s my grad program (food science) paying off – eat a banana. Seriously, they’re loaded with potassium which can help untangle cramps like a charm.
June 25th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Drink mint tea, as well.
June 25th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Raspberry leaf tea is a common herbal remedy as well. But you’ve got to drink it regularly throughout the month, not just on the day you get cramps.
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