Many women are plagued month after month with painful periods. Days before or the first day of each cycle, symptoms like cramps, bloating and general body discomfort form what we call PMS. Others experience these symptoms occasionally or for a limited number of months.

There can be various underlying causes of your painful periods. It takes a visit to a knowledgeable health professional to help identify and narrow the root cause, especially if this is a chronic case or it’s if it’s been reoccurring for 3 months or more.

Digestive imbalance, stress and trauma, medications, or severe illness can all trigger painful periods and PMS symptoms.

If you have a rough week or even one BAD day, then when your monthly cycle comes around, you want to know about a few amazing herbs and supplements that can make an immediate difference for your body and mood.

1 // MAGNESIUM POWDER

This little goodie can relieve aches and muscle cramps in any area of your body. It aids digestion and elimination. Promotes restful sleep. It's not a sedative so don't worry about avoiding it if you want to stay awake, but it helps you ease into a relaxing sleep and stay there. Also, magnesium is wonderful for children who have sleep disturbances.

Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) baths have similar benefits. If you suffer from muscle fatigue or headaches around your cycle this is an added comfort measure you can take to replenish and support relaxation of your uterus at the same time.

Internal magnesium supplements are readily available for use in powder (my favorite brand is Natural CALM) or capsules. Start with a 250mg dose and gradually increase each day. High doses over 500mg may act as a laxative in some people.

If you have other symptoms, such as recurring headaches or migraines, insomnia or high blood pressure, you may benefit from the more easily absorbed form magnesium glycinate.

2 // CRAMP BARK (VIBURNUM OPULUS)

This is an herbal remedy from the bark of a tree. It is high in minerals and acts on the uterine muscles and surrounding pelvic muscles. It's particularly helpful for women who tend toward anger or depression around their cycles. A tincture is the most fast-acting and accessible form.

It’s easy to take and usually can be purchased from the local health food store (or come by Calyx Wellness Studio in Austin for all your scratch-made herbal products.)

Another go to herbal remedy for painful periods is Black Cohosh root (Cimicifuga racemosa). This herbs is helps when you tend to have pain radiating down your thighs with the cramping.

3 // HIGH QUALITY FISH OIL

This is one of the best remedies for reducing inflammation in your whole body. A couple options for fish oil include, cod liver oil, krill oil or combination of oils from sardines and anchovies.

My favorite brand is Rosita Cod Liver Oil. All there products are produced at the highest quality standards.

Other high quality brands include: Green Pasture Products Butter oil/Cod Liver oil (If you have a dairy allergy, just stick with the cod liver oil) or Nordic Natural Ultimate Omega.

Other brands are fine, but PLEASE do not use a cheap brand from the big-box pharmacies. You will end up spending your money on a diluted product and need 2-3 times more of it to see the benefits. Or you won’t see any benefits and curse me for having you waste your money!

4 // NURTURE YOURSELF

Self-massage. Mayan Abdominal Massage is a specifically helpful technique.

I know you hate to hear this…but add 20 minutes of walking or yoga daily one week before your cycle begins. The circulation in your hips and pelvis can make a huge difference in helping your body release the lining of the uterus. The pain that comes with cramps during your period is due to lack of blood flow to surrounding tissues.

There are also some very help relaxing and restorative yoga poses that can aid circulation.

WHAT WOULD I DO FOR PAINFUL PERIODS?

1. Start a fish oil supplement today.

2. Daily dose of Natural Calm, at least 1 week prior to menstruation.  Build up to 2 tsp a daily. Can also be taken daily for muscle fatigue with exercise, pregnancy and digestive healing. (Alternatively, use the magnesium oil over your abdomen every evening)

3. Acquire a cramp bark tincture. Start 1-2 days before suspected start date of your menses. Take 30 drops, 3 times a day. On the day of cramps/pain take 30 drops up to every 30 minutes for 2 hours, then every 2 hours until the pain subsides.

4. Find one self-care technique and START TONIGHT!

Not feeling better after these tips? Let's chat to see if you need more support. My clients have access to my personal line of herbal products, which include hand-made tinctures of the remedies in this article!