Natural Home Remedies Can Relieve Menstrual Cramps.

Conventional doctors know the biochemical cause of menstrual cramps.  Hormone like chemicals called series-2 prostaglandins trigger contractions in the muscular wall of the uterus, or womb.
They also know how to ease the problem with over-the-counter or prescription non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),  which  cut  down  on  the  formation  of  those prostaglandins.
According to alternative physicians, however, certain nutritional factors stimulate the production of series-2 prostaglandins. By eliminating those factors, says Susan Lark, M.D., a physician in Los Altos, California, you can reduce the severity of cramps by 30 to 50 percent and make painkillers a lot more effective (if you still need to take them).

Here are some non drug remedies recommended by natural healers for both symptomatic and long-term relief.

FOOD:
The kinds of fats you eat determine, in large part, your susceptibility
to cramps," Dr. Lark says. "If you take drugs to reduce the severity of
cramps, but you feed the biochemical pathways that cause the menstrual cramps, you're working at cross-purposes."The nutritional factor in fats that does the dirty work is arachidonic
acid, which is found in red meat, dairy products, and palm kernel oil (a common ingredient in processed foods). Cutting out those fats and emphasizing foods such as whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, seeds,nuts, certain oils, and fish are key strategies in easing menstrual cramps,
she says.

HERBS: A Relaxing and Balancing Formula
An herbal formula using tinctures of black haw, ginger, valerian, and motherwort is very effective for relieving menstrual cramps, says Jason Elias, a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in New Paltz, New York

"Valerian is a general relaxant, black haw specifically relaxes the uterus, and ginger moves the life-energy, or what in TCM is called chi. Motherwort helps restore health in almost any situation of gynecological imbalance," Elias says. He recommends combining equal parts of the four tinctures and taking a teaspoon of the formula twice a day, every day that you have cramps.

MOTHERWORT: Effective against Cramps
Motherwort tincture alone can also stop menstrual cramps, says Susun Weed, an herbalist and founder of the Wise Woman Center in Woodstock, New York.
"I like to start with a small dose, say, five drops," she says. "If that doesn't relieve the cramps in 10 minutes, I take another five drops. I keep taking the tincture until my cramps stop, and 1 keep track of the total number of drops it took to stop them."
If you follow this routine, take your total dose once or twice more the same day and at least once or twice on each subsequent day that you have cramps. During subsequent periods, start with the total dose as soon as cramps start and continue taking motherwort several times a day during your period. "By the third month, many women are cramp-free," says Weed.

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS: Control Cramp-Causing Chemicals
While the arachidonic acid in red meat and dairy products stimulates series-2 prostaglandins and causes cramps, a component of another type of fat—the omega-3 fatty acids found in certain tatty fish and oils— keeps those prostaglandins trapped in cells so they ain't get into muscle tissue and trigger spasms.
Flaxsced oil is rich in omega-3's, and Dr. Lark says that it is her favorite source. She recommends 2 tablespoons a day with meals.

VITAMIN B6: For Less Pain
This vitamin helps the body convert fatty acids to a form that helps produce pain-relieving chemicals, says Dr. Lark. She recommends taking a daily dose of 50 to 100 milligrams as part of a B-complex supplement, which can also help reduce cramping. Start taking the supplement 7 to 10 days prior to menstruation and continue throughout your period, she says.

NIACIN: Relief from Cramps
This B vitamin is extremely effective at relieving cramps, Dr. Lark says. It works by dilating the blood vessels, bringing more circulation and oxygen to the uterine wall. She recommends that women take 25 to 200 milligrams a day, beginning 7 to 10 days before menstruation begins.

VITAMIN C: Reduces Fatigue
Vitamin C helps move nutrients to the uterine muscle and waste products away from it, Dr. Lark says. It can also reduce the fatigue and lethargy that often accompany cramps. She recommends 500 to 3,000 milligrams daily, especially when you're having symptoms.

VITAMIN E: Crucial for Hormone Balance
Women with cramps should take a daily dose of 400 to 800 international units of this vitamin, which helps balance the hormonal system, says Dr. Lark.

CALCIUM: Tones the Muscles
Calcium helps muscles stay relaxed and toned, preventing all kinds of cramps, including uterine cramps. While Dr. Lark suggests that you increase your intake of calcium-rich foods such as leafy green vegetables, some beans and peas, seeds, nuts, blackstrap molasses, and seafood, she also recommends taking 800 milligrams of supplemental calcium a day.

MAGNESIUM: Lend Calcium a Helping Hand
Magnesium helps the body absorb calcium and also has its own calming effect on muscles. Dr. Lark recommends supplementing your diet with 400 milligrams of magnesium a day.