Should We Be Prioritizing Natural Period Pain Relief Options During Our Cycle?
Why looking to natural remedies is an ideal way to support our cycles in the long-term
You know the period-cramps-are-here routine: comfort food, soft loungewear, hot water bottle, a permanent state of bed (where possible, and we recognize the privilege that this requires). And for a lot of people with painful menstruation, they’re also reaching for over-the-counter pain relief like Aspirin or Ibuprofen, which is understandable.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) essentially work to stop the production of prostaglandins (the hormone-like compounds that regulate severe pain within our bodies).
The question is, how much should we be eliminating this cycle-related discomfort, and how should we be doing it? Obviously, painful menstrual cramps, period fatigue, and period anxiety that impact your ability to work or simply live comfortably day-to-day need to be managed with menstrual products, but should we be blocking our body’s natural pain relief process to do so?
There are more natural ways to relieve severe period pain and menstrual cycle discomfort, that don’t necessarily affect your body’s internal processes and don’t involve you ingesting unnatural substances. Not all natural period pain relief is instant or reactive. Some natural remedies for menstrual pain might not work straight away, but the longer-term solutions tend to be preventative, and require constant maintenance. Kind of like a healthy relationship. Or haircare.
#1: CBD
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive chemical compound found in the Cannabis Sativa-L (Hemp) that can be used to help with menstrual pain or discomfort. Here at Hummingway, we use Broad Spectrum CBD which is free from THC. You’ll find a blend of organic essential oils and hemp-derived CBD in our Cycle Soother set of patches.
Side note: Over the past few years, CBD has become widely recognized for many potential health benefits because of its effect on the body’s endocannabinoid system, which manages stress, the immune system, and period pain sensitivity, (plus other key functions). Currently, the FDA regulates hemp-derived CBD. Don’t worry, our products at Hummingway are compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill. Which means we’re free from THC.
At Hummingway, one of our main missions is to demystify CBD and uncover its hemp-derived positive properties. To patch up our relationship to severe period pain with CBD and other hemp-derived ingredients. But more on those over here.
#2: Movement
Generally, there’s a tendency to avoid exercise when we’re feeling painful menstruation discomfort, but gentle movements or stretches for period pain can help severe menstrual cramps. We’re not talking running marathons here; more chilled yoga, walking, a no-climbing-mountains cycle, or jogging. It can help to build a routine that works for you and your pain signals, as studies have shown that regular exercise can mean less menstrual cycle pain.
#3: Anti-inflammatory foods
There are a few certain foods that have anti-inflammatory properties that may help in the long-term with managing painful menstrual cramps. Think nuts, seeds, dark leafy greens like spinach or kale, tomatoes, olive oil. And if you eat fish, fatty ones like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines.
Remember, that although severe pain is traditionally considered negative, it’s also our body’s way of telling us that it’s working. Especially when it comes to our painful period cycles.
Your hormones can be complex and unpredictable. That’s why we’re here, on The Regular, to do what’s long overdue - to demystify what’s going on with our reproductive systems, our hormones and our whole cycle.
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