I was wondering, is there a good way to calm down menstrual cramps until a pain reliever kicks in? Sometimes I get a few that are more than mild and have to wait until the pain relievers help.

Blessings,
friendlyhobbitt

Here is my two cents friendlyhobbit (comfort)

Along with using heating pads and baths there are a few changes you can make to your diet to help reduce menstrual cramps. A low-fat diet can aid in reducing the symptoms of menstrual cramps. Try eliminating meat or reducing meat intake, or replace meat with fish. Fish oil found in salmon and tuna is beneficial, and fish oil supplements taken in capsule form can reduce heavy bleeding.

Reducing your salt intake may help in cases of bloating. Salt is associated with water retention. Caffeine and sugar should also be restricted.

Vitamin B1, magnesium and vitamin E have all been found effective in reducing pain and cramps. You can consume these in either supplement-rich foods, or by taking over-the-counter supplements. Vitamin B1 can be found in pork, oatmeal and sunflower seeds; magnesium occurs naturally in almonds, raw asparagus, avocados and bananas; and vitamin E rich foods include wheat germ oil, safflower oil and corn oil.

One of the top herbal treatments of menstrual cramps is evening primrose oil. This oil contains a substance that prevents uterine contractions and cramps. It can be taken in the form of capsules and the usual dose is 3,000 to 6,000 mg a day.

Ginger tea is good for treating nausea, and valerian tea has sedative effects that aids in reducing cramps.

Heat is very useful in alleviating cramps of any kind, menstrual cramps included. Heat may be applied either with a heating pad, or as a warm bath.

Relaxation techniques such as yoga are also very effective treatments for menstrual cramps. Try gentle stretching movements.

Blessings Bright and Dark,

Greetings!

I hope it is not too late for me to jump in here with my experience.

The supplement I have used quite successfully is Cal-Mac. It is a combination of calcium and magnesium powder that you mix with boiling water, cool, and drink. It works quickly, within 20 minutes usually, and I normally don't have to repeat it during that day. It is important to remember not to drink more than 3 cups of it a day, the result will be diarrhea. Please remember this if you are taking extra magnesium supplements as this will require that you decrease the amount you will drink/day. The bottle says you can add an herbal tea bag to it, but I have not found one that improved the taste or where the taste of the tea was not altered by the cal-mag. I prefer to drink it a little warm. You may prefer to add ice to it to cool it down, as it is made with boiling water.

Good luck, I hope this works for you.

Faile

i take an omega 3-6-9 suppliment daly and do not notice cramps around my period. i am also on the nuvaring as well, but i have a feeling its a combination of both methods that help ease my cycle.