Natural Remedy: Menstrual Cramps.

             Menstrual problems, most of us have them and we can spend days suffering through the pain, irritability, rapid mood swings that make us seem a little crazy at times and that darn fatigued feeling, leaving us groggy and feeling tremedously lazy. While some of us hardly notice a problem. Well I wish I was that lucky. We can spend years trying different medicines hoping to find a quick and long lasting relief from the troubles mother nature brings. This also costs quite a bit having to reup each month or so. So this got me thinking, "What if there is some kind of natural remedy that has the effects of mentrual related medicines or even aspirins but not the long term damaging effects of them?"

           Menstrual cramps can be the worst part of recieving this wonderful gift we get each month. But before we can treat them we need to understand what these are and why they happen. Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for Menstrual cramps. These cramps are defined by dull, throbbing pains in the lower abdomen or shooting, intense pains that last several minutes. Every woman's experience with cramps are different. Dysmenorrhea can range from mild, moderate to severe pain.

Some women only experience mild cramps with only slight discomfort while other women find their cramps to be incapacitating, stomach tearing pain which temporarily disrupt their daily lives. When cramps are this severe, it is very common for women or young girls to miss school or work.

                    There are usually two type of Dysmenorrhea- primary dysmenorrhea or secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea begins six months to a year following the very beginning of the menstraution cycle and there isn't really and underlying gynecological problem factoring to the pain. Cramps and the severity of the pain tend to lessen as you age or eventually disapper in primary dysmenorrhea.
Secondary dysmenorrhea involves and underlying stomach problem or conditions usually as Endometriosis or uterine fibroids that can cause cramps to be slighty or horribly intensified. This condition will develops years after beginning your cycle.

                  Now what exactly causes these menstrual cramps you ask? well during the menstrual cycle, the uterus contracts when blood leaves the uterus and sheds its lining. Within the uteruan lining is a substances called prostaglandins which trigger cramping. Some of us just have a higher level of these special little friends and can experience intense pain.

Treating cramps is easier than having them. Take a look at your diet mainly,

try cutting out greasy foods, which tend to leave oils left in our stomach which can be harder for some of us to digest. They are also high in salt which causes bloating. Greasy foods usually leaving us feeling even worse.

              Chocolate, a girl's best friend during this time of the month. Chocolate cravings can be one of the most prevalient desires a girl can have. Chocolate can be considered a necessary comfort food for us during this time of need. But to contrary belief what might seem like a perfect antidote can lead to feelings of discomfort, aggrativing symptoms which can leave cramps feeling worse. Instead of chocolate try something rich in Calcium. Chocolate cravings are considered an antidote to cramp pains because of its calcium content. Doctors say choosing something calcium packed has cause less to slim problems. Good sources of calcium are :Celery, broccoli, cabbage, green beans, peas, beans, oatmeal, english muffins, bran cereal, pancakes, fish, cheese, lowfat milk, yogurt even ice cream. So next time your craving a hershey bar just grab one of these!

                 Chamomile is widely used to treat menstrual cramps or discomfort. Chamomile is an excellent relaxation remedy. Chamomile tea is used as both a relaxant for the nerves as well as the muscles. This herb is also a antispasmodic agent which means that any part of your body that is haveing spasms or contracting will be relieved. But if you are allergic to ragweed you might also be allergic to chamomile

                   Ginger is another great natural remedy helping to cure cramps. Ginger has been classified as an herb which has been widely used as traditional medicine throughout the world. Ginger is known to have more than 12 types of antioxidants making it incredibly useful for treating every thing from menstrual cramps to stomach disorders. It is also an anit- inflammatory and also an anti-cancer.

                         Peppermint is prized for being an antispasmodic and antigas properties along with its other benefits. Its is a mild stimulant, you might often see it in tea labeled as "refreshing" or "restorative" This multitasking herb also has a mild numbing effect.

So the next time your little friend pops up think to yourself, "Should I pop some aspirin and wait 30 minutes or can I eat or drink something natural and have almost immediate effects?"