Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Becky (Queen Creek, AZ) on 05/16/2007
★★★★★

I tried the blackstrap molasses remedy last month for menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding. I started taking it right about when my period started. It helped a little bit, but I did still have some cramping. But I have been taking it every day for the past month and a half, and when I had my period this month, I had ABSOLUTELY NO CRAMPING! How wonderful! I think the bleeding was a normal level as well. Thanks for much for the info! I take 2 tablespoons of blackstrap molasses every morning in a glass of water along with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Caroline (Nairobi, Kenya) on 02/12/2007
★★★★★

Dear everybody, Thank you for your inspiring info about molasses. I have had fibroids for the last 3 years and all my life suffered from horrible period cramps. I was encouraged to drink 1' tsp of molasses daily with a cup of hot water day and night for the last 1 month and much to my amazement for the first time in my life i experienced no cramps whatsoever. I'm confident my fibroids will be a thing of the past soon...Keep up the good work guys. Ill keep you posted.

Hip and Knee Pain

Posted by Anita (NYC, NY) on 09/10/2014

I don't know why and haven't been able to find anything about the link between hip and knee aches during menses. Any links/remedies would be most appreciated.

Ginger

Posted by Jenianis (West Midlands ) on 07/10/2014
★★★★★

I had the most terrible cramps, I wasnt sure whether this was from overdosing on coconut oil (as it has done this to me previously) or just menstrual cramps (I only get them sometimes)

I put a thick slice of ginger, honey and sprinkle of cinnamon in hot water and sipped it. About an hour later, the cramps had completely gone. Will have to experiment again as I am a little sceptic and could well have been coincidence. Just wish I could heal my piriformis syndrome next lol

Love this site!!!!!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 04/07/2013

Mrs.kennedy0711, have you tried Blackstrap Molasses?

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Anon (Anon) on 04/07/2013

Hi, Quite a few of us can sympathise- this is all too common but not normal. If you have been bleeding for over a month you should ask your doctor or nurse to check your blood count for anemia - sometimes anemia makes the bleeding worse. As a desperate measure to stop or lighten the flow you can do either or all of the following- drink 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a half glass of water- whilst the flow is heavy drink this 3 times a day- it may well stop the flow altogether. The other cure is 1 tablespoon of black strap molasses 3 times a day- you will need to drink plenty of water with this. In England our doctors merrily prescribe a drug called transemic acid for this which also works well but there are side effects eg headaches so natural is better. Heavy periods are a sign of oestrogen dominance, this is a precancerous condition and should be taken seriously. You need to look at your diet.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Yolanda (Racine, Wisconsin) on 07/19/2016

Hello, I'm going through the same issues with my periods! Heavy bleeding, bad cramps, & about a whole month long being on my menstral! Its very uncomfortable, confusing, & most of all Scared & concerned about this! I have been to see my "OBGYN"!! I was put on a birth control shot! Its been over 18 yrs since I've been on birth control. I've started drinking the ACV with bottled water. Now I do take iron pills, & have been taking ibuprofen pills due to the pain I'm having. Is that safe.....

Red Raspberry Tea

Posted by Elsaeasterly (Elsewhere, Ca) on 08/28/2012

You drink only one cup per day? I tried two cups a day for quite a while and had some results but not nearly as outstanding as yours. Really, only one cup?

Red Raspberry Tea

Posted by Iluvshoes! (San Francisco, Ca) on 08/29/2012

I started out with 2 cups per day but now I just drink 1 cup every day and it works fine.

Red Raspberry Tea

Posted by Sandra (L.a., California) on 08/21/2012
★★★★★

I have been having menstrual cramps to a varying degree for the past few years and thought that I just had to live with them for the rest of my life. Fortunately I found this website and tried red raspberry tea. Wow, I could not believe that it worked. It seemed too easy. I drank one cup of tea in the morning and one in the evening 2 days before my period started until 2 days after it started and I had no cramps at all. I highly recommend giving this a try. I will keep doing this for the next few months and if anything changes I will let you know.

Red Raspberry Tea

Posted by Tim (Cincinnati, Oh) on 08/08/2012
★★★★☆

My girlfriend has been getting menstrual cramps for the past year and it has been annoying for both of us. I have tried a few different things like molasses, magnesium and crampbark, none of which helped. I finally tried red raspberry leaf tea, with a bit of licorice root for flavor, and this was the one that worked. I have her drink 2 cups of tea per day starting about 1 week before her period and 2 days after it starts and that seems to work well. She still gets a bit of gas and constipation, so if anyone has a suggestion for that then please let me know.

Calcium

Posted by Pam (Near Austin, Tx) on 06/24/2012

I have been told by my doc that it is more effective to keep your system at neutral ph as being acidic causes your body to leach out the calcium you have. Most of us get lots of calcium but we don't hang on to it. Here is an article that talks about it fyi http://www.naturalsolutionsmag.com/calcium/calcium-myth

Turmeric

Posted by L. G. (Minneapolis, Mn, Usa) on 07/06/2011
★★★★★

I have known for quite some time that my menstrual cramps are worse on an empty stomach/when my blood sugar is low. I also tend to have low-to-medium grade (I've never actually vomited from cramps) nausea, extremely low energy and a complete lack of appetite during the worst of my heavy bleeding/cramping. All of this is exacerbated by hot, humid weather (Hello July in Minnesota! ) which has sometimes made me completely unwilling to stand or sit upright as all of the muscles in my back and legs throb and tremble in sympathy with my contracting uterus. One memorable August morning 5 years ago I was making breakfast for guests when, in the middle of scrambling eggs, I was forced to go back to bed because the pressure of my HEELS AGAINST THE FLOOR, along with the above symptoms, caused such agony that I thought I was going to pass out. Explaining that was fun.

I usually try to "get on top" of my symptoms by forcing myself to eat something simple like toast or a banana when I first wake up so that I can take 3 ibuprofen, wait 45 minutes or more for blessed relief, and spend the rest of the day trying to keep enough painkiller in my system to function. And also remember to eat because I have no appetite and an empty stomach makes me nauseous and increases the cramping pain- even if I'm on painkillers. I'm not at all happy about all the pills I take just to cope, but who can afford to check out of their life for 2-3 days a month?

And now the important part of my story: Today is a typical hot and humid summer day in MN and it is the first day of my period (yay?) I wake up with cramps, nausea, headache, irritability and aching, trembling back and leg muscles. After staggering around for a while and whimpering, I remember that I have a new bottle of turmeric and didn't I read something about it getting rid of cramps? I quickly mix a heaping 1/2 tsp with a cup or so of warm water and drink it down. (It did not taste bad at all! It kind of tasted like how crushed dandelion stems smell. ) At this point I have not eaten yet or even had a glass of water. After TWO MINUTES, I feel a wave of well-being wash over my body and then, suddenly I realize that ALL OF MY SYMPTOMS ARE GONE. At this point, I am completely giddy with disbelief and relief.

The pain and other symptoms DO began to return again after about 40 minutes. I still hadn't eaten anything, so I quickly fix a little left-over spaghetti with some extra olive oil (turmeric is fat soluble), drink down another dose (1/2 tsp in warm water) as I'm eating and it's now been 4 hours with out any symptoms.

I'm impressed with how quickly this works (on an empty stomach) and the nausea relief is incredible! I wonder if turmeric would help women with morning sickness and anyone else who suffers with nausea and lack of appetite?

Turmeric

Posted by Sunny (South Gate, Ca) on 04/28/2013

OH AND YEA. I have def changed the way I eat to more alkaline( fruits and veggies mainly) only drink water, and less chemical ( colors, additive, artif. ) This will help with you over all health.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Bushra (Kwoolon, Hongkong) on 01/14/2012

Hey just saw your message regarding heavy blood flow my periods are very irregular got them today after almost 3 months and sometimes my periods doesn't stop without taking any medicine so I am really worried as I have just moved to hong kong and don't know any good dr here. Just read your message so can u tell me about ACV so can I get over the counter? Will really appreciated if you can reply me soon.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Rafia (Kowloon, Hong Kong) on 02/15/2012

Bushra I'm from Hong Kong. You get Apple Cider Vinegar in the vinegar section in the supermarket. It's not a medicine. It's vinegar u can use in salads etc but it is known to help with many things.

I had an awful period this mth and last mth I was in a detox had 6 day period but it was so easy no cramps everything so I was trying to figure out what it was. Now I realise it's the Apple Cider Vinegar pills I was taking and I also think the chia seeds which are higher in omega 3 and 6 than fish oils did the trick. I am going back to the Apple Cider Vinegar and chia :)

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by J (US) on 06/10/2014

I am 13 and started at 11...heavy flow, cramps get worse everytime...clots are huge and hard..i am just scared

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Courtney (Kailua, Hi) on 08/29/2013

Just an FYI that the estrogen in soy can also cause menstrual symptoms to be worse (this was certainly the case for me). I mention this since you said you were drinking soy milk. I drink almond milk now. :)

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Tori (Columbus) on 04/08/2018

Hi Christy,

I have really bad pms and cramps while m in periods. Can you please suggest me, how many days before I shud start taking it? Only ACV or ACV and Molasses both. When do I stop taking it after periods? Ur reply will be appreciated. Thanks.

Red Raspberry Tea

Posted by A (Smalltown, Bc Canada) on 02/04/2010
★★★★★

I agree with using raspberry tea for menstrual cramps. As soon as I feel any sort of cramping coming on, I make a very strong cup and drink it (with or without honey). Within half an hour, my cramping has eased.

Apparently it is the calcium/magnesium content in the leaves that helps, so if you have cramps, taking a regular supplement would probably also be beneficial.

If you have access to raspberry bushes, you can make your own tea by drying the leaves. Otherwise, any store-bought raspberry leaf tea will do.

Marigold Flowers

Posted by Jacques (Marshall, Nc) on 12/03/2009
★★★★★

Cramps

Hello, I must share a remedy for cramps, I found it years ago in a French herbal, I tried it on my lady and it work quickly, here it is: make a tea with 5 or 6 marigold flowers and drink the thing, soon you will experience much relief.....no more pain!

Be well

Dried Oregano Tea

Posted by Eve K (Houston, Tx) on 08/09/2009
★★★★★

For relief from menstrual cramps, steep dried oregano (any kind as you would normally have in your pantry) in boiling water for several minutes. Sip at least one cup, more if needed.

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Mariana (Ca) on 11/29/2016 11 posts

Hi, I wanted to update my post from 2009 about the blackstrap molasses because it ended up being un-maintainable for me to eat that much molasses every day... and I quit and I guess the results (having not super severe cramps verses. severe) were not worth the daily suffering of downing 2 Tbsp of molasses... Now I've gone back to just popping a couple of Tylenol right at the onset of my period and that seems to work well enough to make life livable. Maybe I'll try the molasses again sometime but taking it for those few months made me not really care if I never taste it again!

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Liberty (Eden, NC) on 05/06/2009
★☆☆☆☆

I'm a 35-year-old female. I've been diagnosed with PCOS, other than that I have no diagnosed illnesses although I suspect a thyroid disorder even though the test comes back normal. I do not take any precription medication. Ever since I started my period at age 12, I've had horrible cramps that I have to treat with a lot of pain medication and a heating pad. The cramps have lasted a day or two and my period has lasted 3-4 days. I started taking 1 tbsp. a day of Plantation blackstrap molasses about 2 months ago after reading what great experiences other women have had in curing cramps. My experience has been terrible. Since I started on the molasses, my period has extended to 5 days with more severe cramping each day. I know that treatments don't work the same for each person, but I'm very curious as to why the molasses caused this reaction. Any ideas?

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by LaToya (Chicago, IL) on 06/12/2009

Hi Liberty, have you tried using an organic brand of Blackstrap Molasses. I don't think I can mention brand name here, but the kind I use is organic and also unsulphered. I purchase it from a health food store. I don't think the grocery store molasses has the same health benefits. I hope the organic brand works for you.

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Liberty (Eden, NC) on 06/14/2009

Hi LaToya. Thanks for responding! The brand that I used said it was organic. I truly am baffled why my reaction to it was bad; however, I haven't given up. I'm trying other remedies I've found on this site.

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Zakiyaa (Northwestern, Pa, Usa) on 05/11/2010

was your molasses unsulphured?? if not, the sulfur in the molasses could be causing the cramps to get worse.

Black Tea

Posted by Mabel (Kampala, Uganda) on 03/05/2009
★★★★★

Hi, first and foremost i would like to thank EC, am so greatful for this website, it's such a blessing! Black tea has always been my remedy for stomachach and menstrual cramps. One just needs to boil a cup of water, add tea bag and take it hot (not very hot though) with no sugar (sour but helps) or add 1 tsp of honey if you cannot stand the taste. This will solve your stomach problems!

Black Tea

Posted by Lisa (Auburn Hills, Michigan) on 12/21/2010

This is for Jill in Chicago... I have been bleeding for 7 months straight and its so bad. I'm just in tears right now because I've been through 3 tampons tonight and in so much pain. Did you ever figure out what was causing your bleeding?

Black Tea

Posted by Pam (Wyoming, U.s.a.) on 12/21/2010

I hate to say it, but if you are bleeding that heavily and for that long, I think you should see a doctor asap. At least get a diagnosis and take it from there.

Black Tea

Posted by Dee (Melbourne , Australia) on 12/22/2010

Lisa if you look under the "Remedies for Menstrual Issues" section in this website you will see many people have used Apple Cider Vinegar (organic with the mother in it) to stop their menstrual flow. One person had been having the problem for six months and the ACV immediately stopped it. 1-2 tblspns in 8 oz water. Best of luck.

Black Tea

Posted by Self (Ny) on 12/22/2010

Lisa,

1) have you tried the remedy Jill used with success? She was drinking 2 tbspns of organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (ACV) in 1/2 cup of water 3 times a day. Drink plain water after to rinse the mouth. ACV has helped others with heavy periods too, perhaps because of its alkalizing effect and ACV may help emulsify fat which can disrupt hormones and cause menstrual troubles.

2) Diet is important too. Keep a diet of fresh vegetables, some legumes, whole grains, frutis and nuts. Limit hormone filled milk and meats. Limit sugar. Limit fatty, fired foods, including vegetable oils. Cook with modest amounts of extra virgin coconut oil. It is more stable at high temps and the body can burn it off more easily. The foods I lsited to avoid or at least limit, block the actions of the hormones and can cause menstrual troubles too. Drink dechlorinated and defluridated water too.

3) To help clear out vegetables oils that often stay trapped in the liver causing congrestion, take 1 tbspn of lecithin granules (a fat emulsifier) before a meal, several days a week, for a few months at least.

4) Some are also helped by regular exercise, but you may not feel you have the energy for it. Make sure to check your iron levels sicne you bleed a lot. For this level of bleeding, be sure to see a physician too (preferably a naturopath).

5) Have you also tried the Unsulphured Blackstrap Molasses (BSM) remedy? Mix one to two tablespoons of BSM in one cup of warm water and drink once a day for several days a week for a few months at least. This remedy is even more popular than the ACV for menstrual issues and has a lot of success.

Don Quai Tea

Posted by Briona (Los Angeles, CA) on 02/27/2009
★★★★★

For a few decades, I had the most painful cramps and horrible PMS. A few months ago, I started drinking a large cup of Dong Quai tea every afternoon - except during my period, and since then, no more cramps, no more PMS. My husband loves it - and me too.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 10/30/2008 490 posts

Hi Crista, Menstrual problems are another thing that good old magnesium supplements help. It is amazing what all this mineral does in our bodies.

Aloe Vera

Posted by Tehani (Los Angeles, California) on 08/12/2010

Mix 1 heaping size tablespoon of instant caffeinated coffee(any brand), using very little warm water to dissolve it, about (1/3 cup). The idea of this is to have a shot of coffee without being obligated to drinking a whole cup of it. I would recommend using a straw to drink your shot, so your teeth don't get stained. If your cramps are still there within 5-10 minutes later, by all means, drink another teaspoon of it using the same amount of water. When the effect fades off, repeat the same process as if your taking a cramp pill. Since I'm not a coffee drinker, I didn't feel any jitters or shaking at all, in fact it MAY encourage a bowel movement within a few minutes or so.

Aloe Vera

Posted by Faye 008 (Iloilo City, Philippines) on 01/13/2011

... 2 things---- 1> mix about 8tbsp of Milo or choco frink powder to half cup of warm water. Drink it while it's hot. Then... 2>hot compress... Fill bottle w/ warm water, wrap it with towel then leave it on top of abdomen.. It works better than any pain reliever.. works for me and my friends.

Aloe Vera

Posted by Bekah75 (Edmonton, Canada) on 11/29/2011

Been reading this thread and wanted to say that apples are loaded with magnesium... The comments about ACV and a magnesium supplement would both work? I have been really heavily bleeding for months... Will try this... Thanks!

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Barkhay (Dubai, Uae) on 12/25/2011

Hi I have a fibroid 2.2 in my uterus as well as polyps and endo thick wall since last two years I was bleeding heavily for around 10 days five months back this worsened and my periods would not stop. The doctor did a D&C on me in August and there was no malignant issue after five weeks of D&C. I got my menses which did not stop I was again bleeding heavily and getting big clots. The doctor put me on primolut N to regulate. When I stopped after 20 days I got my menses and I was back again to heavy bleeding. Again the doctor asked me to take primolut.

Two weeks back I came across this website and immediately went and bought ACV and soda bicarb and also unsulphured molasses and started having this along with primolut. When I stopped the pill and got my menses the first day was okay but the second day was the worst of my life I had HUGE clot of blood almost the length and breadth of my pad and when I went to the toilet it fell off on the potty I was scared seeing the size of that... But after that I felt as if my body has settled down I had no more clots but as always the bleeding did not stop until even the 6th day and I was told to take primolut again...

Can Ted or anyone tell me why this happened? I have been religiously having ACV twice a day and molasses once or twice a day but still am bleeding, can ACV and primolut be taken together? Thanks so much in advance for any response- appreciate it.

Mustard, Turmeric, Cayenne

Posted by Linds (Columbus, OH) on 07/02/2008
★★★★★

mustard, turmeric and cayenne for menstral cramps:

I make a mix of 1 T. mustard (any kind) 1 t. turmeric and 1 t. cayenne pepper and follow it with a glass of water and it keeps my cramps at bay. Turmeric and cayenne reduce inflammation which causes pain.

Turmeric

Posted by Tiffany (Watertown, New York) on 04/20/2008
★★★★★

I have really bad problems with menstrual cramps during my period. One day my sister suggested trying a spice called Tumeric to help relieve them. Saying she had read this on the internet somewhere. So I tried it. She was right. Mixing a teaspoon of Tumeric into a quarter cup of hot water and drinking it, followed by a small glass of milk (to help take the bitterness out of your mouth), relieves cramps in about ten minutes. I swear by it today and use it everytime I need relief.