Cart

Your cart is empty

Continue shopping now

Treating Period Pain Naturally

Sporty & Rich Wellness - Treating Period Pain Naturally

 

By: @curawellness.co

www.curawellness.co


Although common, period pain is not normal. Many people tend to assume that period pain (medically termed dysmenorrhea) is a normal part of a women’s menstrual cycle due to how common it is, however if you’re experiencing dysmenorrhea, this is a clear indication that there's underlying inflammation and/or an imbalance.


Primary dysmenorrhea is as a result of prostaglandins (pro-inflammatory mediators) being released in the uterus. If your oestrogen dominant, this increases the amount of prostaglandins released and causes period pain. Primary dysmenorrhea tends to linger for the first one to two days of your cycle, whereas secondary dysmenorrhea is characterized by more severe pain at various phases throughout a menstrual cycle and is typically mediated by underlying medical disturbances such as endometriosis.


As a naturopath, I aim to investigate the underlying cause of period pain and treat it holistically through nutritional, lifestyle and herbal medicine. However natural remedies for symptomatic relief can be explored on your own including the following:


- Optimize your intake of cruciferous vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables help to support oestrogen metabolism and excrete excess hormones via the liver. Focus on consuming broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, kale, rocket, bok choy, cauliflower, and silverbeet.
- Magnesium! Consuming magnesium-rich foods such as dark leafy greens, whole-grains, legumes, almonds, and dark chocolate help with muscle relaxation. Alternatively, you can soak in a magnesium-rich Epsom salt bath.
- Reduce your consumption of refined, processed and artificially sweetened foods. These types of foods are inflammatory which exacerbate inflammation and pain. Opt for anti-inflammatory nutrients instead such as turmeric, ginger, and berries.
- Stretching and yoga help to stimulate blood flow to move stagnant blood/energy.
- Castor oil compress! Castor oil, when applied topically, has been shown to reduce inflammation, sensitivity and pain.

 

How to Make a Castor Oil Compress

 

Ingredients:
- Castor oil
- Flannel fabric (enough to spread over your abdomen a few times)
- Bath towel
- Hot water bottle
- Glass roller container (to pour the castor oil into and apply directly onto the abdomen to minimize the mess!)

 

Directions:
- Change into some old clothes as you can get slightly oily/stained!
- Place towel on a flat surface where you’ll be able to comfortably lay down
- Fill your hot water bottle with boiling water
- Using the glass roller container, apply castor oil onto your skin on your abdomen region
- Once you’ve applied the castor oil onto your abdomen, place the flannel fabric on top by wrapping it around your waist a few times (not too tightly though)
- Apply a hot water bottle on top of the flannel and rest for 20 to 30 minutes.


Need individual support?

 

Contact Tayla via email hello@curawellness.co, Instagram @curawellness.co or book in for a naturopathic consultation (available to anyone in Australia).

 

References:
Briden, L. (2017). Period repair manual 2nd ed.
Kennedy, D. A., & Keaton, D. (2012). Evidence for the topical application of castor oil. International
Journal of Naturopathic Medicine, 5(1). Retrieved from
https://intjnm.com/evidence-for-the-topical-application-of-castor-oil/
Jo, J., & Lee, S. H. (2018). Heat therapy for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and
meta-analysis of its effects on pain relief and quality of life. Scientific reports, 8(1), 16252.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-34303-z
Trickey, R. (2011). Women, hormones & the menstrual cycle. Fairfield, VIC

Previous
Next

The Wellness Club

Sporty & Rich Wellness

Adverse Reactions to Food: Allergies versus Intolerances

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @dermahealthnutrition Many food-related symptoms are mistaken for "allergies" when in fact they may be food intolerances. Food allergy and food intolerance are two distinct reactions with unique characteristics in terms of their underlying mechanisms. Accurately distinguishing between the two conditions is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately for improving the wellbeing of those affected.

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness

5 Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @coreflexpilates Many of us know about the physical benefits of exercise, but what about the psychological benefits of exercise? Exercise can help ease anxiety and depression, improve your sleep and keep your memory in check. Here are five benefits your mental health will get from regular exercise. Better Sleep - E

Read more
Irregular Periods: What Do They Mean?

Irregular Periods: What Do They Mean?

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co A woman’s period is a vital sign. Just like your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and breath rate, a woman’s cycle is indicative of her health overall. An imbalanced period indicates suboptimal health.  The menstrual cycle is incredibly complex and requires a constellation of factors to align for it to occur at regular intervals. Factors that can delay a period or...

Read more
Micro-Needling with PRP for Facial Aging

Micro-Needling with PRP for Facial Aging

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co Facial treatments that slow and treat the signs of ageing have become increasingly popular as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, more invasive methods like injectables and surgery. Micro-needling is one I am frequently asked about, as it can benefit the skin’s appearance, soften fine lines and improve overall texture and plumpness — but

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness - A New Way to Navigate Break-Ups

A New Way to Navigate Break-Ups

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @ericabassotherapy As a society we have historically romanticized long-term relationships and marriages even if they are totally unhealthy. All of us have likely applauded the model grandparents who stuck it out in their marriage for fifty-plus years, without thinking to inquire about how they both truly experienced the relationship throughout that time. When it...

Read more
Sulforaphane: The Powerful Nutrient in Broccoli Sprouts

Sulforaphane: The Powerful Nutrient in Broccoli Sprouts

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @emma.walsh Broccoli sprouts might be small, but you likely know that this tiny green superfood is packed with health benefits. This is thanks to the high concentration of an antioxidant called sulforaphane. It’s a sulfur-rich phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables, but is most potent in broccoli sprouts. You might not have heard...

Read more
People Pleasing: What Causes It and Strategies To Stop

People Pleasing: What Causes It And Strategies To Stop

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @ericabassotherapy Do you often confuse ‘being nice’ with doing things out of fear of being disliked or rejected by others? In my therapy practice I commonly work with individuals who struggle with people pleasing tendencies. People pleasing is not a formal mental health condition, rather a set of behaviors that involve placing the needs of others above one’s own needs. This excessive wish...

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness - Treating Acne: which blood tests can be helpful

Treating Acne: Which Blood Tests Can Be Helpful

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co When one of my patients presents with skin concerns, a component of my plan is always testing, particularly when it comes to acne. Acne is a concern that can arise for a variety of reasons and bloodwork is a helpful tool in understanding its root cause. Without understanding the cause of breakouts,...

Read more
The Energetic Properties of Foods

The Energetic Properties of Foods

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

  By Dr. Natazia zu Stolberg, L.Ac, DACM Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Nutrition extends beyond just the nutritional content of a particular food by focusing on specific medicinal properties as well as the energetic properties each food holds, and how these energies interact with the body. Foods are categorized as cold, cool, neutral, warm or hot.  In TCM, maintaining a predominantly warm diet...

Read more
Microneedling with Exosomes: The Benefits and the Science Behind It

Microneedling With Exosomes: The Benefits And The Science Behind It

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @snatchedbh In recent years, microneedling has gained immense popularity as a non-invasive skincare treatment for a variety of skin concerns, including acne scars, fine lines, and overall skin rejuvenation. But what if we told you there's a way to enhance the benefits of microneedling even further? Enter "microneedling with exosomes" a cutting-edge skincare technique that's been making waves in...

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness - Why Cold Water and Smoothies are Making you Bloated

Why Cold Water and Smoothies are Making you Bloated

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

    By Dr. Natazia zu Stolberg, L.Ac, DACM In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the stomach is seen as a pot, with the fire under it being our metabolism. This digestive fire is crucial for the efficient breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients and smooth flow of Qi...

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness - 10 Ways To Calm Anxiety

10 Ways To Calm Anxiety

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @curanaturopathy Anxiety is a complex and multifaceted emotional and physiological response to perceived or anticipated threats, which we commonly refer to as stressors. This response is characterized by various cognitive, emotional, behavioural, and physical symptoms.  It’s no doubt that anxiety serves a true purpose as a natural and adaptive reaction to prepare us to deal with challenges...

Read more