Natural cramping relief?

[pai]

Sooo I am not going the birth control route anymore, so now I need to figure out a way to make my periods bearable. I typically bleed VERY heavy with random small to medium size clots, for 2 or 3 days, and then very light bleeding for another 2 or 3 days. During the heavy bleed I am useless. Migraines, nausea, back aches, cramps, sore vaginal area, just pure misery.

Are there any natural suppliments I could be taking to ease some of these issues? Painkillers dont work, or rather they do, but only in such high doses that I just dont give a fuck anymore, and thats not "functioning" either.

Thanks in advance

[Tacitascott]

If you have your period, you most likely have menstrual cramps. Almost every woman who menstruates will experience some type of menstrual cramp during her periods. They can range from very mild to debilitating. As many as one in four women experience such severe menstrual cramps that they need to call in sick for work or take the day off school.

[RedRoses]

Dear Pai,
I very much recognize your situation. Before, I used to be like this too Something that really helped me was to cuddle with my bf. Not even necessarily going down there, he was simply caressing and kissing me, putting his warm hands on my stomach. We built it up a little more every time. And especially after orgasm, my cramps would fade away We've even gotten to a point in which we actually have sex while I'm menstruating.

Nowadays, my bleeds are short; about 3 days. Those 3 days are strong bleeds, but it goes away more soon and I have hardly any cramps. Whenever my bf isn't able/willing to cuddle with me, I'll just masturbate

Although it may seem a bit odd to do this whenever you're feeling this ill, it really is worth a shot!

[pai]

Um thanks but I dont have a bf right now so no help there

[Feynman]

I will probably get a lot of s*** for even suggesting it. But i had a girl friend who had really bad cramps and birth control and other pharmaceuticals treatments really did not work for her body. She said that smoking a little marijuana during that time of the month relived a good portion of the symptoms. If you are in a part of the world that does not have such stupid laws and beliefs about this substance it could be an option. Of if you are in the US there are states that have medical Marijuana. However i am not condoning illegal activities on this site.

EDITED.

MODERATOR 3

My bad, did not think that s*** was profanity

[sensualGoddess]

Masturbation with a vibe.

Actually, on the first day, I have to do yoga postures that facilate blood flow downwards. So this would be a lot of forward bends and anything that opens up the hips.

Depending on how heavy I am, I'll usually masturbate with a vibrator or a hand held massager.

It shortens my menses by 2 days. I actually don't mind the pain. I'll also do some ab work-out and anything using a fitness ball to help me.

Dancing helps too.

I just have to keep a bit more active during this time.

[pai]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I am a bit overweight and out of shape in general so I guess heres one mroe reason to get off my fatass and be healthier lol

masterbation or any kind of sex is out of the question. I am in too much pain to even think about being aroused, and I dunno if Im unusual in the fact that I have to be turned on BEFORE I start, or it doesnt "work"

[RedRoses]

Heat
Maybe this one is too obvious, but still... Have you tried hot baths and warm pillows? Like the ones with cherrypips that you put in a microwave for about 2 minutes. I've read somewhere that this the only natural way to relieve cramps that is actually scientifically proven And I always sleep with a heated pillow whenever I'm feeling cramps (or when I'm cold off course ). They come in all shapes and sizes. Also with a little lavender in it.

Aromatherapy
Which brings me to aromatherapy. I guess it's so part of my routine, I forgot to mention it... Lavender helps you relax. Mixed with citrus it helps you relax, while freshening you up (iow: not the sleepy kind of relaxing). This is my favorite mix of scents. You could pick lavender and slice an orange every once in a while, but you could also buy ethereal oils, which may come of use in many ways:
-There are special candle holders with a little bin on top, where you mix water with a few drops of the oils. The candle burning below heats the water so that the scent comes into your house.
-Put some on a linen handkerchief whenever going outdoors so you'll have it with you.
-If you've got a bathtub, mix some a few drops of ethereal oil with bathsalt (else it won't mix properly with the water) and lay back and enjoy! A combination of heat and aromatherapy.

Massage
Whenever you'd like to put it on your skin, you could mix it with for example almond oil. Be very careful with the (brand of) ethereal oil you pick, cause not all are suitable for skin! You could massage it gently into your skin. A natural way of relieving cramp is by massaging. Specifically: massage in round circles around your bellybutton, going from little to larger circles. Stroke from your left hipbone towards the ending of your ribcage. And the other way around. This way of massaging is also used the relieve cramps in the intestines, yet also works with menstruation. Plus: the scent is left on your skin serving you through a few hours at least. If you don't have time for massaging, but would simply like to have the scent on your skin, you could also mix a few drops with a non-parfumated bodymilk (such as Neutral).

Drinks & diet
Another good one is hot drinks. There are several options, but I usually go for tea with freshly sliced ginger. Put 2 slices in a cup and wait 10 minutes before drinking. It's a very warming tea, works good on cramps and also helps for better/lighter digestion (I get "full" and feel "heavy" after eating, especially while on my period) Ginger could also be mixed with milk.
Chamomilla is also a very nice one; this helps to relieve anger, irritation and cramps. I usually mix it with honey for taste (btw: a natural antiseptic and to strengthen the immunesystem). Chamomilla and ginger could be mixed as well.

Women could be craving for chocolate while menstruating. This is in part because your body asks for magnesium. So try adding that to your diet by eating things as: brown rice, corn, figs, nuts, lime, etc. Magnesium is also supposed to relieve cramps. It could be bought as a supplement as well.

[sensualGoddess]

I also realize that I cannot have anything with caffeine in it...it makes my cramps hurt even more. A week before, I avoid caffeine at all costs.

Hot baths actually do work...and to my discovery,you will not bleed in the tub. You actually don't. the hot bath is a perfect way unwind, indulge and relax

[maupassant]

And to think I moan about having to shave every day! We blokes do not know we are born!!