5 Natural Ways to Kick Nasty Cramps

You know what I hate more than that time of the month? Taking a bunch of drugs to get rid of cramps. I hate taking prescription drugs. I always try more holistic methods of treating pain first. If that doesn’t work, I’ll complain for hours before I eventually take Advil {Bryan knows this best}. So when Ms. Flo comes around, it’s no different. 

A few years ago, I did a post about natural remedies for cramps, but I figured it was about time to give that ol’ post a lil refresher. Especially since I’ve discovered new holistic methods that I want to share. 

1. Up the Magnesium

Magnesium is the bomb, and is SO important for your overall health. When you have insufficient magnesium, you could see a wide variety of symptoms: stress, trouble sleeping, anxiety, weakness, headaches, hormonal imbalances and cramps! So when Ms. Flo comes around, definitely eat foods rich in magnesium, like dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, salmon and avocados. {source}

If you have a magnesium deficiency, and your body can’t absorb the mineral from foods, another option is taking supplements {see a doctor first to determine your recommended daily intake!} Natural Calm is a great supplement to keep on-hand. Since I don’t have a deficiency, I bought a sample pack for extreme circumstances only. You mix the powder in hot or cold water, or even add it to a cup of tea. If you’re interested in trying out Natural Calm, go here to get $15 off. 

2. Get Your Booty Movin’

I know what you’re thinking. The last thing you want to do when you’re curled up in pain from cramps is exercise, but you need to get your booty out of bed! Yoga is one of my favorite ways to work out, so it’s no surprise that I love doing yoga even when I’m feeling bleh. It’s such a mood booster and also helps get rid of cramps! Some poses that are extremely helpful during that time of the month include camel, cobra, cat–cow, and fish. 

3. Massage with Lavender Oil

Lavender is one of my favorite essential oils. If you follow me on Snapchat, you already know this… but I spray a lavender oil mist on my sheets every night before I go to bed. Bryan hates it so much, but it relaxes me and puts me in a calmer mood for sleep. I also love using lavender during my period. I rub a little bit on my hands and just lay in bed and inhale. It’s not just a placebo effect either – research backs it up! 

I’m actually excited that I wrote this post because it reminded me that I need to get my hands on a diffuser asap. It’s just another great way to experience aromatherapy. 

4. Have a Cup of Ginger Tea

Drinking anything warm usually helps get rid of nasty cramps, but ginger in particular is a game changer since it reduces both pain and inflammation. 

Here’s what you do. Grate 2-3 teaspoons of fresh ginger and add it to 2 cups of boiling water. I love my drinks super potent, so I add a bit more. Then, if you want a little bit of sweetness to it, drop in a tad bit of honey. Please, DO NOT use artificial sweeteners. I’m not going all into that now, but you probably already know why they suck.

5. Soak in Epsom Salt 

My last fav way to get rid of nasty cramps is by taking an epsom salt bath. When you add epsom to your bath, it breaks down in to magnesium and sulfate, and can be really beneficial for relaxing muscles {goodbye cramps!} and loosening stiff joints. People also use it for fibromyalgia, ingrown toenails {gross, but epsom really helps}, sunburn pain and arthritis. I took Epsom salt baths a lot when I had dance classes five days a week in high school and college. The list can go on forever, because this stuff is a gem. 

What are your favorite natural ways to get rid of nasty cramps during that time of the month?