menstrual cramps

meedy8

help me my uterus hurts! 

what are some natural ways i can get relief without popping pills??  what has worked for you?

GRKaters

Going for a run helps me, then a hot shower.

 

smurfette2682

a heating pad works wonders for me!

Lisa78

Ditto the heating pad, or Tiger Balm.

Jen&Joe06

Heating pad and hot shower/bath.

jebuell

Working out.  I get horrendous cramps when I'm not on birth control and I always found that crunches combines with jumping jacks (if my boobs weren't too sore) and a quick jog really helped.  Heating pads and hot showers, too. 

Also there's a homeapathic pill you can take for cramps.  It never worked for me but I know others who swear it works.  I can't remember what it's called, but if you go to a place that has the homeopathic displays you can read the label and find the one for menstrual cramps or just ask someone.

Jeff & Em

Nothing.  : (

Exercise, sex, showers, heating pads, baths, balms, extra calcium . . . none of them do anything for me.  I stick to my trusty Tylenol and a muscle relaxer if things are incredibly bad, unless I'm on the pill.  Then I don't need anything. 

 

jmhaumann

I like a heating pad and eating some bananas. I think the potassium or something is a natural muscle relaxer.  Either way bananas are a nice comforting food

Tambcat

tmi, but for me, bananas + cramps = poo city. lol

A heating pad helps me. I have one of those bags you can stick in the microwave and heat up. Moderate exercise is also supposed to be good, but I remember when I used to have really bad cramps, just the idea of exercise made me want to vomit. 

smilingjb

I know this sounds weird, but drinking soda helps me!  I think it's the bubbles.  My mom would always tell me to drink soda when I started my period and I thought she was crazy.  Mom was right and my DH knows to be nice when I drink soda!

blue_elle

Nothing works for me but pain killers, sorry that's not helpful at all. I've been in so much pain I've vomited or even passed out (in public no-less - try explaining to the paramedics that you lost consciousness because you started your period )

Johlise

For myself I've found that taking calcium/magnesium works well. I do use a heat pack as well though!

greengirl09

Raspberry leaf tea is supposed to help.  You can get it at Trader Joe's (don't know if this is a store you have near you) or at Fred Meyer (again, don't know if this is a national chain)...otherwise, your local health store should have some.  If you are vigilant with the tea, it can help cramps.  Exercise helps me, even though the thought of adding sweat to the already ickyness feeling of a period is unpleasant...it's worth it.