No. Drinking a shot of lemon juice won’t delay your period or make it stop. Show
Using a hormonal birth control method is the only way to lighten or control when you get your period:
Birth control also provides other benefits, like preventing unplanned pregnancy, PMS (premenstrual syndrome, cysts in your breasts and ovaries, endometrial and ovarian cancers, and serious infections in your ovaries or fallopian tubes. You can make an appointment with your nurse, doctor, or your local Planned Parenthood health center to find a birth control method that’s right for you. Want to track your period? We’ve got you. Download our Spot On app. Tags: delay, juice, lemon, menstruation, period If you suffer from painful menstrual cramps and want to give your pain killers a skip, there are a couple of home remedies for menstrual cramps you can try. Medically known as dysmenorrhea, menstrual cramps occur when the uterus sheds its lining every month. Many women experience severe pain in the abdomen, lower back, and thighs, sometimes accompanied by severe headaches and nausea. To help you out, in this article, we have listed a few home remedies you can use to alleviate the pain whenever your period comes knocking on the door. In This Article
1. Heating Pads
Shutterstock Applying heat to your lower abdomen may relieve cramps (1). Studies have shown that it is almost as effective as taking pain relievers like ibuprofen for reducing menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) (2). You Will Need A heating pad What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This Do this multiple times daily. 2. Essential Oilsa. Lavender OilLavender essential oil is quite effective in treating period cramps due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties (3). Inhaling the oil relaxes you instantly (4). You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This Do this 1-2 times daily. b. Peppermint OilPeppermint oil contains menthol, which is a popular decongestant and has pain and anxiety-relieving properties (5). The wonderful aroma of peppermint can also help in overcoming nausea and headache, which are symptoms of period cramps (6), (7). You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This Do this once daily 3. Chamomile TeaChamomile is popular for relieving period cramps. It contains flavonoids that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and inflammation. Chamomile is also a natural antispasmodic and can help in relaxing the uterine muscles (8). You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This Drink chamomile tea at least 2 times daily and a week before getting your periods. 4. Ginger
Shutterstock Ginger is a common ingredient used to relieve period cramps (9). The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help in reducing the pain associated with menstrual cramps (10). It also helps cure nausea and calms an upset stomach (11). You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This Drink ginger tea 2-3 times daily. 5. Vitamin DA single large dose of vitamin D was found to offer noticeable relief from menstrual pain and cramps (12). Vitamin D can reduce the production of prostaglandin, which causes period cramps. However, since studies are limited, it is better to limit the dosage of vitamin D supplements for this purpose. But you can go ahead and increase your intake of vitamin D via your diet by consuming foods like fish, cheese, egg yolks, orange juice, and cereals. 6. Green TeaGreen tea contains flavonoids called catechins that give it its medicinal properties. Green tea is a natural antioxidant and also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties (13), (14). This can help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with period cramps. You Will Need
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How Often You Should Do This Drink green tea 3-4 times daily. 7. Pickle JuicePickle juice, with its high sodium content, is an effective remedy for period cramps. It is known to relieve muscle cramps post-exercise quickly (15). Hence, it may be effective for menstrual cramps as well. You Will Need 1/2 cup of pickle juice What You Have To Do Drink half a cup of pickle juice. How Often You Should Do This Do this once daily, preferably right after you experience menstrual cramps. Caution: Avoid taking pickle juice on an empty stomach. 8. Yogurt
Shutterstock Yogurt is a rich source of calcium and contains trace amounts of vitamin D. The intake of both calcium and vitamin D helps reduce the symptoms of PMS and relieves period cramps (16), (17). You Will Need 1 cup of plain yogurt What You Have To Do Consume a bowl of plain yogurt. How Often You Should Do This Do this 3-4 times daily when you are on your period. 9. Epsom SaltEpsom salt has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties (18). Hence, it can help relieve period cramps and pain. You Will Need
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How Often You Should Do This Do this 2-3 days before your periods begin. 10. FenugreekFenugreek seeds contain compounds like lysine and tryptophan-rich proteins, which account for a majority of their therapeutic properties. Fenugreek also possesses analgesic and pain-relieving properties, which can help reduce period cramps (19). You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This Drink this mixture once every morning, a couple of days before your periods begin. 11. Foot Massage
Shutterstock Your feet have pressure points that can help in providing immediate relief from period cramps. These points are usually located about three finger widths above your ankle bones. Gently massaging these points with your thumbs and fingers may help relieve period cramps and their symptoms, like bloating, insomnia, and dizziness (20). This massage is known as reflexology or zone therapy. However, this alone won’t help you get rid of period cramps. It can only provide temporary relief. 12. Aloe Vera JuiceAloe vera has healing and anti-inflammatory properties and can help improve blood flow (21), (22). This can help in relieving painful period cramps. You Will Need 1/4 cup of aloe vera juice What You Have To Do Consume aloe vera juice daily. How Often You Should Do This Start drinking aloe vera juice once a day, a few days before your period begins. 13. Lemon JuiceLemon has anti-inflammatory properties (23). It is also rich in vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption (that is often lost during menstruation) and is good for your reproductive system (24), (25). Thus, lemon may help in providing relief from period cramps. You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This Have lemon juice once every morning on an empty stomach. Apart from using these home remedies for period cramps, you can also follow the tips mentioned below to address the symptoms. Preventive Tips
Despite using the home remedies for period cramps and following the tips, if you do not obtain relief, visit a doctor immediately. A few factors may also decide the severity of your muscle cramps, and they are discussed below. What Causes Period Cramps?
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Period cramps are most often associated with a dull ache or pain in your lower abdomen or back. The symptoms are discussed below. Symptoms Of Period CrampsThe common symptoms experienced during period cramps are:
Some women may also experience less common symptoms like
Listed below are a few scenarios that require medical attention. When To Visit A DoctorYou need to visit a doctor if
Types Of Period Pains With Health ConditionsNormal menstruation is a regular part of the reproductive system that involves the shedding of the uterine lining. But most women suffer from mild to excruciating cramps during this phase. While these cramps are usually normal, it is important to know if they are signs of an underlying medical condition. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the types of period pains and what they signify.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team Dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps can cause intense pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen and additional symptoms like bloating, nausea, dizziness, and lower back pain. It generally occurs as a result of sensitivity to prostaglandin or due to very heavy period flow. Home remedies for period cramps like fenugreek seed water, essential oils, pickle juice, foot massage, etc., can help bring relief and reduce the severity of the cramps. In addition, a healthy diet and regular exercise can help to lessen the severity of cramps. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if your menstrual cramps cause severe pain or lead to a fever. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are the best medicines for period cramps? If you have severe period cramps, your doctor may prescribe medicines like ibuprofen. Why am I having cramps but no period? Cramps usually begin a day or two before your period starts and last until the second day. However, in some cases, cramps can be a result of pregnancy, a ruptured cyst, or an underlying medical condition. How to stop period cramps at school? If you experience cramps at school or while you are out, you can reduce their intensity by doing the following:
Why do I have cramps even though I am not pregnant or on my period? Cramps can occur even if you do not have periods or aren’t pregnant. As mentioned earlier, medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, a ruptured ovarian cyst, etc. might cause cramps (26). Does chocolate help with period cramps? Yes, you will be thrilled to know that chocolate can help with period cramps in many ways. While the magnesium in chocolate can relieve the cramps and increase your energy, the endorphins or ‘happy hormones’ can make your mood better. Also, dark chocolates are rich in antioxidants and are hence great for your overall health. What is the difference between period cramps and pregnancy cramps? While period cramps usually last for just 3 or 4 days, pregnancy cramps can begin early in the pregnancy and often last from weeks to months. What are the best sleeping positions for period pain? The best sleeping position for period cramps is the fetal position. Sleeping in the fetal position not only reduces the blood flow but also relaxes the muscles around your abdomen, which results in lesser pain and cramps. SourcesArticles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Check out our editorial policy for further details.
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Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology,... more Katie Corazzo is a naturopathic doctor practicing family medicine. Women, men, and their children looking for integrative health care can... more Does lemon juice help with cramps?Because potassium is considered an electrolyte, drinking lemon water daily is an excellent way to avoid muscle cramps and beneficial for supporting healthy skeletal muscle function.
Can I drink lemon water while on my period?Drink lots of water, and eat fiber rich foods – this helps rid your body of excess estrogen which will make your period much easier to deal with. Hiding your Face? Stop. Drink some lemon water – this does wonders for your skin and will help clear up the annoying acne that accompanies your period each month.
Which juice is good for period cramps?Basil, carrot, lemon and peaches seems like a unique combination. This is a juice that would not only boost your health but most importantly relieve menstrual cramps. Carrots aid with the heavy or irregular flow of blood during menstruation. Naturally, this would reduce the cramps.
Does lemon juice end your period faster?Although not medically supported many claim that lemon juice can shorten the length of your period and lighten your bleeding. Many women also say that drinking raspberry leaf tea helps to shorten their period, as it is thought to tone the muscles of your womb (uterus).
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