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Cramps are such a pain in the abdomen, and we understand how it feels. More than 50% of menstruating females experience menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea, every month. For those who don’t experience them period cramps, pray that you’ll never ever get them. For those who do, here are some natural drug-free ways to relieve those irritating cramps.

1. Use heat patches

Heat patches or hot water bottles are clinically proven to help relieve menstrual cramps. The use of heat is also known to ease the pain more efficiently and effectively than medication. So instead of ingesting chemicals into your body, why not use a natural and more effective way of relieving your pain? Hot water bottles may also be a hassle to bring around and you can’t exactly use them if you are on-the-go. That is why heat patches like MenstruHeat will be more convenient to use as they can be stuck onto your abdomen and are hassle-free.

2. Keep track of your diet

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Control and take note of what you eat before and during your period cycle. Avoid eating fatty foods and increase your intake of vegetables too! Leafy vegetables help to ensure that you have enough Vitamin B, calcium, iron and many other nutrients. You can consume healthier fats by eating fish and nuts too. You may have cravings for ice cream and soft drinks during your period cycle but resist them to avoid the horrible menstrual cramps that you might experience later on.

3. Essential Oil Massage

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Essential oil massage is another method you can use to relieve your menstrual cramps. There are many kinds of essential oils out there and their benefits vary. Some of the common essential oils to be used for easing menstrual cramps include Lavender, Chamomile, Clove, Rose, Cinnamon, Marjoram, Peppermint, Ginger and more.

4. Exercise

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Surprisingly, exercises can actually help to reduce menstrual cramps. Of course, we don’t mean vigorous strenuous exercises, but gentle stress-relieving aerobic exercises instead. The improvement in blood circulation and release of endorphins will help to reduce those annoying cramps. Take some time off your daily schedule and do about 30 minutes of these exercises every day.

5. Sleep

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Sleep is not for the weak. Having ample amount of sleep is actually important for females by reducing the pain from cramps. Sleeping in the fetal position, where you curl yourself up like a ball or a foetus in a mother’s womb, is said to help relax your stomach muscles and relieve the pain. Get the rest that you need and recharge yourself! Start your day fresh and energised and do not let those cramps bother you!

If there are any other natural ways to relieve menstrual cramps that you use, feel free to comment and tell us about them below!

Also, do check out our other period hack & tips articles too:

• Dos and Don’ts When You Are Having Your Period on Valentine’s Day
• 5 Period Hacks You Must Know for Chinese New Year
• 10 Ways to Combat Period Cramps at Work
• Why Do You Need A Pantyliner?
• 5 Alternatives to Disposable Pads and Tampons