Ayurveda Guide To Ease Menstrual Cramps

Menstruation is a regular discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina. The typical length of menstruation from the first day of one cycle to the first day of another cycle is 21-31days and bleeding usually lasts for 2-7days. It starts after the onset of puberty and stops usually at the age of 45-50yrs.
But this cycle is not that as easy, they suffered from pain in the form of cramps whether on back, leg, and abdomen associated with bloating, fatigue, tiredness, headache, and many more. For each woman an intensity of pain differs, some of them suffered from pain on the only first day of the menstrual cycle or some suffered from pain to end of the cycle. In most cases, menstrual pain does not indicate serious problems although sometimes it is associated with some problems like uterine fibroids, PCOS. The medical term for menstrual pain is primary dysmenorrhea. It is caused due to strong contractions of the uterus during menstruation. 

In Ayurveda, excessive menstrual pain with a low amount of bleeding is termed as Vataj Artavadushti means because of Vata dosha predominance Artava i.e menses and Dushti means problem occurs.
Causes are mainly excessive stress, late-night sleep, low amount of food intake, irregular eating pattern, or if exercise above from individual limits.
The manifestation of this disease is mainly because of the predominance of Vata dosha due to which body felt weak, which ultimately leads to less bleeding associated with pain.

So if some changes will be made in daily routine to make an attempt to maintain the energy of the body, to boost the energy and to balance the Vata dosha with some specific food items then it helps in the reduction of excessive pain.

• Munakka (Raisins)- Raisins a dried fruit easily available in our surroundings. It balances the Vata and Pitta dosha. In texts, it is mentioned as a Shramhara drug means a drug beneficial in treating tiredness and provides the energy to the body. It is rich in calcium, iron, micronutrients, sucrose, and glucose. During menstruation, there is a loss of irons raisins help in maintaining the iron level in the body, and with other properties helps in giving strength to the body.

• Pomegranate- Helps in balancing Vata and Pitta dosha. It is refreshing, invigorating in nature, soothes the mind. It is rich in antioxidants. It provides energy to the body, is refreshing, and is invigorating in nature, improves strength recovery. One of the main reasons for menstrual cramps is increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacity therefore dietary intake of antioxidants helps in the reduction of menstrual cramps.

• Draksha (Grapes)- In Ayurveda Draksha is said to be the best fruit. It is good in providing strength to the body as it is rich in nutrients especially Vitamin Cand Vitamin K and has high antioxidant properties. Vitamin C has the mild inflammatory properties that help in easing menstrual cramp, strengthen body vessels, and helps in the absorption of iron. Vitamin K ensures the regulation of hormones which in turn reduces the menstrual cramps.

• Phalsa( Grewia asiatica)-  It is rich in Vitamin A and C, also contains sodium, potassium, and calcium. Vitamin C helps in easing menstrual cramps and helps in the absorption of Iron. Calcium also helps in the reduction of menstrual pain, alleviates PMS, fatigue, and weakness.

• Eggplant (Brinjal)- A great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, thiamine, and many more. Vitamin B6 helps to alleviate the emotional symptoms of PMS. It is high in iron and also contains phytonutrients that improve to mental health, increased blood flow throughout the body. 

• Parval (Pointed guard or Green potato) - It is Avatala means it does not imbalances the Vata dosha and good for the blood which helps in maintaining the normal menstrual cycle. It is a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin B complex. It works as a good source of energy and reduces menstrual pain with its properties.

• Imli (Tamarind) - Balances Vata and Kapha dosha. It works best on alleviating fatigue and tiredness. It has polyphenols that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which help in easing the menstrual cramps.

• Urad Dal(Black gram) - It pacifies Vata dosha, works like an energizer, and have nutritive properties. Its properties help in the reduction of pain and boost energy with a high level of iron, Vitamins, and Minerals. 

• Kulathi Dal(Horse gram)- It is a Kapha Vata Shamak and promotes the normal movement of Vata dosha in all directions. It is rich in Vitamin B complex, Iron, and Calcium with their properties to ensure relief in menstrual pain. [One suffering from hyperacidity should avoid this.]

• Lahsun(Garlic) - It is useful in balancing the Vata dosha, improves strength, relieves abdominal pain. A great source of Vitamin C, Iron, Magnesium, and Zinc. Zinc has an anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effect in the uterus which prevents the pain. Magnesium works as a natural muscle relaxer to help in treating bloating and encourages good sleep.

• Munga Dal(Green gram)- It nourishes and increases physical strength.  A good source of Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and Iron relieves the menstrual cramps.

• Coconut Water-  Iron, Magnesium, and Calcium with their respective properties dulls menstrual cramps. It also keeps the body hydrated and restores body energy. 

• Honey- It helps in balancing Vata, Pitta, and Kapha dosha, promotes strength, and immunity. It is rich in Antioxidants which alleviates the pain. Glucose and Fructose present in honey are the wonderful sources to boost the energy 

• Tila( Sesame Seeds)- Balances the Vata and Kapha dosha and promotes strength of the body. It is a good source of Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, and Vitamin B complex with their properties helps in the reduction of menstrual cramps.

The drugs which are balancing the Vata dosha are mainly effective in treating the menstrual cramps as pain occurs mainly due to the Vata dosha imbalance. 

Home remedy yet effective remedy to combat menstrual cramps-
Jeera, Ajwain, Saindhav Namak, Saunf all take 1 big spoon and fry them in ghee ( Ghee is one of the best medicine if taken in adequate amount and it doesn't increase fat so use this) after frying, grind it into a fine powder and its ready.
Take this powder once or twice a time, take 1/2 spoon of powder with warm water.

To subside the menstrual pain try to use above dietary guidelines in your daily routine as it makes the menstruation somehow tolerable.
I hope you find this blog useful.