If you find every period you are welcomed with excruciating pain, that could be a sign from your body that something deeper is going on.

There are a lot of things we can do to prepare our bodies before our period comes to make it more comfortable, but how about when you're already deep in it, and you just want some relief without having to reach for ibuprofen or Motrin? Well, this blog is going to cover just that!

Now, it is essential to note that when looking at our health concerns holistically, we always want to get to the root cause. They do say our menstrual cycle is our 6th vital sign! It can tell us a lot about our current state of health. Looking at your lifestyle, diet, sleep patterns, etc, Can all be good starting points. If you are reading this saying that it is me and would like more support, consider seeing an herbalist, naturopath, or functional medicine practitioner. Let's chat about all things natural solutions for PMS cramps without further ado!

We can't talk about natural solutions for PMS without talking about heat. Baths, heating pads, and hot water bottles will all be your friend during your period, but let me introduce you to a new type of heat for your cramps- a ginger compress. Ginger is a warming root superior to any muscle pain and inflammatory issues. To make a ginger poultice, start by making strong ginger tea. Using ginger powder or tea bags is best so you don't have to wait an hour for your ginger root to decoct. Once your tea is done, grab a washcloth and soak it in the ginger tea, check the temperature to ensure you don't burn yourself, wring it out so it is damp but not soaked, and apply it to your pelvic area or affected area. I like to have a heating pad on my back simultaneously. You can also use a hot water bottle on the washcloth to keep it warm. Repeat as needed, and you should feel relief pretty fast!

Another easy way to get relief is a pelvic massage. Gentle, loving pressure can help break up stagnation, reduce tension, and allow the blood to flow better. You can use any oil on hand, but warming massage or herbal-infused oils like hops or mugwort could be great options for added benefits. Combining your pelvic massage with deep, full-belly breaths can be an extra way to ensure it's as restorative as possible.

Now, moving to internal support, let's talk about magnesium! I'm sure by now you have heard of all the great benefits of magnesium and how most of the population is deficient in it. Magnesium is responsible for about 80% of our bodies' metabolic processes; 3,700 enzymes require magnesium to function; it's essential for things like muscle and heart health, and that just scratches the surface. During your period, your body releases hormone-like substances called prostaglandins that cause uterine contractions. Higher levels of these can result in painful cramps.

Magnesium has been shown to lower the levels of prostaglandins, aiding in cramp relief. However, not all magnesium is made equal. The best type of magnesium for period cramps is magnesium glycinate. This type of magnesium won't have you running to the bathroom and has more of a calming effect than the others. You could also use a magnesium spray topically during your pelvic massage. You could also eat magnesium-rich foods like dark leafy greens, dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, and salmon;n however, I suggest taking magnesium glycinate in capsule form for faster relief. I recommend Pure Encapsulations for your magnesium supplement needs. 

When it comes to herbs for dysmenorrhea, nothing comes close to cramp bark. Cramp bark, Viburnum opulus, is an antispasmodic nervine specifically for the female reproductive system. This bark is astringent, helping to tighten up loose tissues and stop muscle spasms. It has a very sedative effect on the uterus, helping with muscle tension. This tranquilizing effect is helpful not just in PMS cramping but also in PMS irritability. Due to cramp bark astringency, it is a good herb of choice when there is heavy bleeding.

Cramp bark is the star of our one-stop product for pelvic cramping, our Cramp Relief Tincture. Another category of herbs to consider for pelvic cramps is herbal nervines. These herbs have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to relieve stress. When stressed, we create more tension in the body and cause muscle cramps and inflammation, which are part of the body's natural stress response. California poppy is one of my favorite herbal nervines to combine with cramp bark. California poppy is an excellent antispasmodic, anxiolytic (reduces anxiety), and analgesic (relieves pain). We add California poppy to our Cramp Relief Tincture to give you the most effective formula for painful PMS cramps.

Some quick suggestions to prepare your body before your period and prevent cramps are to drink calcium-rich teas like nettles, eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and GLAs, stay active and hydrated, limit exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals hidden in household cleansers, cosmetics, and pesticides, eat organic whole foods, and get plenty of rest.