In case you haven’t noticed, here at TOM we talk a lot about periods, and while some people find this awkward, we firmly believe that we should all be talking about it a whole lot more!
After all, there aren’t many things in this world that ALL women share, that we ALL experience and that we ALL live with every single month! So, for us, we’re all about sharing our stories, our secrets and our tips on how to get through that ‘Time Of Month’.
This week we want to share with you some of our tried and tested natural remedies for dealing with pain and cramps – some of these we pluck fresh from the garden, and others from a jar on the spice rack. We work on the philosophy that fresh is better, but dried herbs and spices are ok too, whatever you have on hand. As always, we recommend choosing organic – it’s better for you, and the planet!
Natural Remedies from the Spice Rack
Fennel. A great cure for cramps for aniseed lovers, fennel can help circulate blood to the ovaries. Crush 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds into a powder, add to 1 cup of boiling water, steep for five minutes, strain, and drink hot.
Basil & Thyme. Basil and Thyme both contain caffeic acid, an effective natural painkiller. You can use it fresh or dried and add it to your meals. Or you can steep the herbs in boiling water to make a tea. Simply add 2 tablespoons thyme or basil leaves to 500ml of boiling water. Let the tea cool to room temperature. Drink 1/2 to 1 cup an hour to relieve menstrual pain.
Ginger. Ginger is a fantastic cramp reliever (this is one of our favourites and works well any time you have an upset stomach!). We’ve even heard that it can sometimes make irregular periods regular! Sweet or savoury, you can use it in baking cakes and cookies or as a spice with vegetables and meat. Once again, tea proves to be the most effective way to consume this spice: fresh or ground, steep in 1 cup boiling water, and drink three times a day – Mint also makes a great addition to this tea – and has soothing properties of it’s own!
Cinnamon. Cinnamon has great anti-inflammatory properties that help to relieve cramping. Again you make this as a tea (it’s yummy with warm milk!), use it in baking or simply sprinkle over yoghurt, onto your toast or in your breakfast cereal.
Mustard. A tablespoon or two of mustard powder (or crushed seeds) in a basin of warm water can help with cramps, but DON’T DRINK this one! Pop your feet in, sit back, relax and feel those cramps slip away!
Next ‘Time Of Month’ try some of these out, we’d love to know how you go!