Can Turmeric Help with Period Pain?

Turmeric is a popular household spice found in almost every kitchen. This one spice adds a rich flavour and yellow colour to dishes, making meals tasty and appealing at every bite! But, did you know this common household spice does more than just improve your food texture and taste?

Turmeric contains medical compounds called curcuminoids which help enhance the medical properties of this ingredient. Curcumin is the main ingredient or compound in turmeric that gives it strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, beneficial to maintaining overall health, relieving period pain, and reducing inflammation. Continue reading to discover the benefits of turmeric for period pain, its uses, and the best ways to include them in your daily routine.

1. What are period cramps?
2. How does Turmeric provide relief from period pain?
3. How to consume turmeric the right way?
4. What more to do to avoid periodpains pains?

Period pain or cramps are medically known as dysmenorrhea which is a common and often painful part of the menstrual cycle for most women. Dysmenorrhea usually occurs in the lower abdomen and can extend to the inner thighs and back. However, every woman experiences period pain differently. Depending on the intensity and pain location the experience can vary from person to person.

Some of the common symptoms of period pain or menstrual cramps include throbbing pain in the lower abdomen, headache, dizziness, continuous aches, and sometimes loose stools. Dysmenorrhea is further classified as primary and secondary dysmenorrhea, experienced by women through stages of life.

Primary dysmenorrhea usually begins within two years after a girl’s first period or menarche or once the regular ovulation begins. The pain cycle may usually resolve within 72 hours of ongoing menses. Whereas secondary dysmenorrhea can be experienced due to underlying disease, disorder, or structural problems or abnormality of the uterus.

Now, let us look at how turmeric or curcumin for menstrual cramps can offer you relief during those days of the month.

1. Anti-inflammatory effects:

The presence of curcumin in turmeric gives it powerful anti-inflammatory properties4 to alleviate discomfort associated with menstrual cramps. It helps by reducing prostaglandin levels, which are responsible for uterine contraction and inflammation.

2. Uterine muscle relaxation:

One of the prominent benefits of curcumin for period pain is that it helps offer relief from pain by reducing uterine muscle contraction. By reducing inflammation and minimising muscle contraction, turmeric help reduce period pain or cramps, allowing your body to feel relaxed and enjoy a pain-free period cycle.

3. Hormonal balance:

Not many are aware of the fact that changes in oestrogen levels can cause hormonal imbalance, leading to menstrual cramps. Curcumin regulates oestrogen levels in the body that help improve hormonal balance and strengthen the reproductive system5.

4. Improves immune system:

Consuming turmeric through meals and drinks helps significantly improve your immune system6. Curcumin of one of the largest bioactive compounds present in Turmeric that helps boost the immune system by boosting anti-inflammatory properties and producing antibodies to keep your system fit and active.

5. Reduced PMS Symptoms:

Along with period pains, consuming turmeric regularly can reduce Premenstrual Syndrome7 (PMS) that occurs before you start your periods. Pairing turmeric and ginger for menstrual cramps can do wonders in reducing PMS symptoms and contribute in your overall well-being.

Here's how you can effectively introduce turmeric into your meals or daily consumption to help reduce period pains:

1. Herbal tea:

A popular method of consumption is through turmeric tea. Adding a teaspoon of turmeric powder to your homemade tea without milk, can be a great way to reap the maximum benefits of turmeric. You can also include ginger and honey, flavoured with lemon for a hot comforting drink during your period days.

2. Turmeric Milk:

If you are not a tea person, you can always opt for golden or turmeric milk to enjoy the benefits of turmeric. During heavy flow days, ensure to use quick absorbing Always Sanitary Menstrual Pads that fit you well. Check out Always Night XL for heavy flow protection.

3. Turmeric in meal:

Incorporating turmeric into your meals, whether that’s stews, soups, or curries ensures you receive its health benefits regularly. This approach suits women looking to naturally maintain consistent turmeric intake without fail.

4. Turmeric water:

Lastly, if you don’t have enough time to cook meals or prepare herbal tea, drink a glass of warm turmeric water daily to keep a check on your turmeric intake. To add more flavour, squeeze a few drops of lemon or add a pinch of black paper to enjoy a flavourous start to the day.

While incorporating turmeric into your routine is a promising approach to managing period pain, a comprehensive approach to making better lifestyle choices will help alleviate the pain:

1. Exercise regularly:

Engaging in even a few minutes of physical activities or exercise every day can benefit your body and help ease menstrual pain. You can start with easy or beginner-friendly exercises like walking, skipping, cycling, and squats to keep yourself active in some form.

2. Stay hydrated:

Most importantly, stay hydrated. Adequate hydration is important during your menstrual cycle as it helps reduce bloating and alleviate some symptoms of cramps.

3. Follow a balanced diet:

Keep a watch on your eating habits. Junk, processed, and fast food can do more harm to your body than you can imagine. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help regulate your menstrual cycle, promote blood flow, and reduce symptoms.

4. Get adequate sleep:

Improper sleeping habits can create an imbalance in your overall health and menstrual cycle. Get enough sleep, reduce screen time, and indulge in body exercises to keep your health at its best state and enjoy pain-free period days.

Periods are a natural part of life and shouldn’t have to be a painful process. While some discomfort is common, painful cramps and distress are something you should not endure. Don’t ignore the signs that your body gives you, rather understand the causes of period pain and explore natural remedies through a daily dosage for menstrual cramps and make your menstrual days more manageable and less painful!

Please note the date of the last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; pads prioritise safety, protection and comfort of its consumers.