7 Ingredients To Keep You Calm On Your Period

Wondering if there was a magic potion hidden somewhere that could take away your agonizing period pain? Well, you're not alone. The trying combination of period cramps, the emotional highs caused by imbalanced hormones, the mood swings, cramping, stress, and the unrelenting stomach and body ache can often make us end up in tears.

But we know, we are stronger than these struggles coming at us every month, and so we do what we do best: find a solution to them and look for things to help with period cramps.
Fortunately, some PMS-soothing ingredients can make menstruation easier and calmer for women.

Read on to find ways to calm period cramps:

1. Turmeric

We are all aware that turmeric is a superfood. However, its benefits on menstrual health are worth noting and adopting. The chemical components of curcumin are termed curcuminoids. These have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that can help better menstrual health.

Periods can cause serious discomfort. Research has shown that women who consumed curcumin supplements or incorporated curcumin in their diets experienced an improvement in PMS symptoms, dysmenorrhea, and mood.

The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin combat inflammation in the body. They work on a micro-level and bring about a balance in the hormones.

How to consume: The easy way of consuming turmeric is in the form of supplements. But those who prefer a more natural way can try to incorporate it into their diet in the form of warm turmeric milk or by adding turmeric powder to their broths or curries. New fads such as turmeric lattes are also a good way of choosing your health over sugary caffeinated drinks.

2. Chamomile

Chamomile is a herb that comes from the daisy family. It is known for its antioxidant properties. The chemical constituents of chamomile are chamazulene, apigenin, and bisabolol. These are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties of chamomile.

Chamomile has been used to alleviate menstrual pain and painful period cramps since ancient times. It is also a component of many herbal medicines. Chamomile also acts as a mild sedative by calming the nerves and reducing anxiety. This property along with the others can be very helpful during periods.

How to consume: Brewing a cup of fresh chamomile tea can do wonders for dysmenorrhea, provide sound sleep and calm the body. The easiest way to consume chamomile is by making chamomile tea. Some people also prefer chamomile oil as dressings for salads and vegetables.

No matter what you choose, including chamomile in your diet in some form can prove to be a great boon for your menstrual health.

3. Fennel

Fennel is an aromatic, sweet-smelling herb that is often used in cooking and herbal medicines. Fennel is known for its properties of reducing menstrual pain, balancing out hormones, regularizing periods, and easing out cramps.

The chemical components of fennel are anethole, 2-pentanone, and fenchone. These chemicals are responsible for soothing the intense uterine contractions caused by prostaglandins in the uterus. The prostaglandins cause uterine contractions to shed the endometrial lining during periods. Fennel can soothe this and ease out period pain.

Fennel seeds are also known to aid menstruation and regularize it in women who have irregular periods. They can be consumed as they are, or added while cooking.

How to consume: Fennel supplements are also a big hit in the nutraceutical markets. Adding fennel to your curries or chewing on the seeds are both perfectly fine ways of consuming fennel seeds. So, you can choose what works for you and start your pain-free and calm menstrual journey.

4. Ginger

The ginger root is widely used as an aromatic spice and in ancient folk medicine. Ginger has calming properties that can calm the mind and body. The chemical constituents of ginger are zingiberene, gingerol, parasols, and shogaol. These are responsible for their therapeutic properties.

Ginger is an emmenagogue, that is, it can help in regularizing periods if consumed regularly. Research has also shown that consuming ginger or ginger supplements during periods can reduce cramping, dysmenorrhea, and heavy flow. It is a herbal medicine since ancient times and is of great value even today.

How to consume: The best way to relieve period cramps is to include ginger in your diet. You can consume ginger every day in the form of supplements, using ginger powder, or making use of fresh ginger are all good enough to see a difference. Ginger tea is an excellent way to feel calm and soothe your insides during periods. So, don't forget to use this magic root during that time of the month!

5. Peppermint

Peppermint is the strongest of the mint herbs. It is widely used as a natural traditional medicine for centuries. The chemical components of peppermint are Menthol and Menthone. These are responsible for the therapeutic and cooling effects of mint.

Mint is used for an array of conditions but menstrual health, peppermint has emmenagogic properties. That is, it can increase the blood flow to the pelvis and kick start menstruation in women who have irregular periods or haven't got their periods for a long time. It is also known to reduce period pain. Peppermint can soothe menstrual cramps and help you to calm down.

How to consume: Consuming peppermint in the form of fresh peppermint tea is the best option during menses. You can use to make fresh coolers all over the world. You can also use fresh mint leaves as a garnish for soups, main courses and desserts. Choose your favorite way to consume the minty goodness and reap the benefits of its therapeutic components.

6. Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds are considered to have medicinal properties and used in alternative medicine since ancient times. The major chemical constituents of fenugreek are trigonelline and diosgenin. These are responsible for the many therapeutic benefits of fenugreek seeds.

Research has shown that consuming fenugreek seed powder regularly can ease severe dysmenorrhea and provide relief during periods. It is also considered to be an emmenagogue that can help women with irregular periods. Fenugreek seeds are rich in iron and magnesium, the two components that are a necessity to fight menstrual pain and cramps.

Eating fenugreek seeds by adding them to your food while cooking or consuming the powder as a mixture with water, either way, can help during periods.

7. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is an aromatic spice obtained from the bark of the cinnamon tree. It is packed with various health benefits. The active chemical constituents of cinnamon are cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and cinnamate.

Cinnamon has proven to be effective for women during their periods. It works by reducing period pain, pelvic cramps, increased bleeding and overall symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea.

Many women prefer to take regular capsules with cinnamon supplements. However, including cinnamon in your diet is also recommended and easy. Drinking cinnamon tea, or adding cinnamon to your hot chocolate can help you in getting the benefits of cinnamon.

Add powdered cinnamon to your cooking or sprinkling it on top of your deserts can make its food more aromatic and boost its therapeutic value. Sipping on flavorful cinnamon tea can surely help you calm down and relax during your period.

Conclusion

Periods are a stressful time - the PMS mood swings, period pain, discomfort, and general anxiety make it a time not to look forward to. It's a relief to know that there are PMS-soothing ingredients that can change the way your body and brain activity during periods. All it takes is incorporating food with health benefits into your diet or routine to help with period cramps to improve your menstrual health.