Periods can be a painful time for menstruating women of all ages. While seeking medical help seems to be the easiest way out, niggling problems can be effectively solved by adopting natural home remedies used by our grandmothers and their grandmothers.
What you can do
n Women who have always suffered painful menstrual cramps can make it go away by taking a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds soaked overnight in curd with a pinch of salt on an empty stomach for 45 consecutive days.
n Including plantain flower in the diet can do a world of good to young women. Cook it with dal and take it with meals to get adequate proteins for the day.
n If you happen to experience intermittent cramps or a dull continuous ache in the underbelly, rub a few drops castor oil in the area and the pain will subside. Repeat the process before your daily bath during the period to avoid further bouts of pain.
n It is normal to have a slightly bloated tummy before the period, but if the condition persists post-period, add a little salt to a teaspoon of coconut oil and rub it on to your belly before your bath and leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it off.
n Weakness, dizziness and low blood pressure during the period can be resolved
by taking a glass of pomegranate juice with a dash of lime.
n Inability to eat on time or loss of appetite during periods is usually temporary. Taking a couple of bananas and a glass of milk will act as a filling meal and keep acidity at bay.
n A full body oil massage followed by a hot bath post the period can rejuvenate the body and mind, while also making the skin moisturised and supple.
n Ahead of temple visits, festivals, fasts or functions, if you might want to advance or put off your period by a couple of days. Though one can use over-the-counter medication for the purpose, relying on natural home remedies will make sure you don’t suffer any painful side effects.
n If you want to advance your period by four to five days, start taking a spoonful of fried sesame seeds (til) along with a pinch of jaggery (til chikkis will also do the trick) after the 15th day of the menstrual cycle.
n If your period is due in a day or two and you are impatient to finish it off without it being an impediment to your schedule, two servings of papaya or pineapple will help advance the menstruation.
n There may be times when you would want to deter the period by a couple of days. If there is time to plan it in advance, make sure that you have an oil bath at least three times a week. Refrain from the aforementioned foods which stimulate the menstrual cycle.
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