A feeling of heaviness, bloating, and abdominal pain. These are some of the characteristic symptoms of this very common ailment. In the following article, we suggest different home remedies for cramps.
Whether gastrointestinal, infant, or renal, common causes include food intolerances, ulcers, and gastroenteritis. Other possible causes include menstruation, diverticulitis, indigestion, and appendicitis.
Symptoms can start without warning, and it’s common to look for ways to get rid of cramps in 5 minutes. However, before trying any remedy, it’s important to consult a doctor to determine the cause. Let’s get started!
1. Massage with olive oil and medicinal plants
This mixture is used externally when discomfort arises. Massaging with olive oil can help relieve constipation and its accompanying discomfort. It is also good for soothing colic in babies.
Olive oil alone can be helpful for menstrual cramps. Adding essential oils or herbs like lavender can also be beneficial. However, if you experience any skin irritation, it’s important to discontinue use.
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons of chamomile flowers (50 grams)
- 2 tablespoons of lavender flowers (20 grams)
- 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil (200 grams)
Preparation
- In an opaque jar, place the chamomile flowers and then the lavender flowers.
- Add the olive oil until the plants are covered.
- To apply, place a few drops in the palm of your hand and massage the stomach in circular motions for 15 minutes two or three times a day. If you use these tricks to soothe your baby’s colic, it’s recommended to massage with moderate pressure for 5 minutes three times a day.
- Finally, store the mixture for up to 6 months.
2. Ginger infusion to relieve colic
This root can be effective in relieving gastric ailments and aiding digestion. Ginger tea is even considered a good home remedy for menstrual cramps, according to the Journal of Health and Allied Sciences. It is readily available, and one cup can be consumed daily.
Ingredients for a cup of tea
- ½ teaspoon of fresh or powdered ginger root (2 grams)
- 1 cup of water (250 milliliters)
Preparation
- Wash the ginger root thoroughly and cut it into thin slices. You can skip this step if you’re using ground ginger.
- Place it in a saucepan with the water and heat.
- Once it boils, let the decoction take place for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5 more minutes.
- Strain and drink. If you wish, you can sweeten it with honey.
3. Rice water
It’s a very popular home remedy for cramps or abdominal pain. Basically, it’s the water left over after cooking rice. Among the benefits of rice water, its composition of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals is said to relieve gastritis and constipation, both of which can cause cramps.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of rice (100 grams)
- 2 cups of water (500 milliliters)
Preparation
- Place the rice and water in a saucepan.
- Cook over low heat and, if necessary, add more water.
- When the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat.
- Drain and keep the resulting water.
- Pour the liquid into a jar or container and put it in the refrigerator.
- Drink it throughout the day. If you wish, you can sweeten it with honey.
4. Lemon water
It’s one of those classic home remedies for colic that grandmothers used to tell us. When we had stomach aches as children, we were probably told to drink warm water with lemon.
This citrus fruit may aid digestion and stimulate the production of acids that break down food, according to the Journal of Science and Technology. It may also help with constipation.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water (250 milliliters)
- The juice of 1 lemon
Preparation
- Heat the water without letting it boil.
- Meanwhile, squeeze the lemon.
- In a glass, add the water and then the juice.
- Mix well and drink warm once a day.
5. Peppermint infusion
With its distinctive aroma, this plant, which grows easily in Europe, Asia, and Africa, has many medicinal properties. In fact, it has been suggested that it can help relieve gastrointestinal disorders such as indigestion or gastritis.
It’s also a plant popularly used as an infusion for menstrual cramps. If you don’t like the taste, try not to sweeten it with sugar. Instead, opt for honey.
Ingredients for one cup
- 1 cup of water (250 milliliters)
- 1 teaspoon of mint leaves (5 grams)
Preparation
- Place the water and mint leaves in a saucepan.
- Cook for 10 minutes.
- Then, remove from heat and cover for another 10 minutes.
- Filter and drink up to 3 cups a day.
6. Hot water bottle
Applying a hot water bottle or warm towel to the abdomen is helpful for cramps in adults. Whether for menstrual pain or other conditions, local heat helps reduce tension and relax muscles.
How to quickly relieve colic with heat?
If you have a hot water bottle, heat the water and fill it. Make sure it’s not boiling. Another option is to take a towel and soak it in water, wringing out the excess.
Then, place your chosen item on your abdomen for 20 minutes.
7. Physical exercise
Sometimes, physical activity can help with cramps. For example, in cases of menstrual cramps or inflammatory bowel disease. However, it’s important to consult a doctor first, as it may not be beneficial in other situations.
How to relieve cramps with exercise?
While there are no specific guidelines, you can do low- to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for 30 minutes. Warm up beforehand.
Walking or cycling is are good option. You can also include stretching, rotations, and elongation exercises for your arms or torso.
Repeat 3 times a week to prevent future ailments.
8. Yoga positions
In cases of abdominal cramps, yoga can reduce stress and promote relaxation. According to studies, this practice has the potential to lessen the intensity of the pain. There are also certain yoga positions that can soothe menstrual pain.
Take a pillow, place it on the floor or bed, and hug it upside down. Breathe slowly and hold this position for a few minutes.
Then, get on all fours, with your knees and palms on the floor. Inhale, and as you exhale, curl your body back toward your feet. Return to the starting position.
After a few minutes, sit with the soles of your feet together and place the pillow under your legs. Let your torso fall forward until it rests on the pillow.
Other yoga poses that relieve menstrual cramps include Child’s Pose, Lotus Pose, and Butterfly Pose.
9. Chamomile tea
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, according to the Journal of Herbal Medicine. Therefore, its oil is used to relieve colic in babies, while infusions can be helpful for gastrointestinal issues or severe menstrual cramps.
Ingredients for one cup
- 1 cup of water (250 milliliters)
- 1 teaspoon of chamomile flowers (5 grams)
Preparation
- First, heat the water, and add the chamomile flowers.
- Let it boil for 5 minutes and remove from the heat.
- Wait 5 more minutes before straining and serving. You can drink this tea for colic up to 3 times a day when you feel unwell.
Why do cramps occur, and when should you see a doctor?
The causes of cramps are varied, and a doctor needs to determine the cause. Even so, we’ll give you some clues to help you understand what might be happening.
Menstrual cramps occur during menstruation due to the excessive secretion of prostaglandin. The pain is located in the lower abdomen and disappears within 72 hours. If you experience them frequently, it’s important to consult a gynecologist.
In babies, colic is normal during the second or third week of life, usually at night. Consult your pediatrician if you notice frequent crying without an identifiable cause.
If you experience sudden abdominal pain that worsens over time or is accompanied by other symptoms, see a doctor. It could be a sign of an illness such as diverticulitis, appendicitis, or kidney stones.
If you experience fullness and heaviness after meals, it could be due to stomach upset or indigestion. However, if the symptoms are recurring or worsen, you should consult a doctor to rule out irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease, among other conditions.
Additional tips
In addition to using the home remedies we’ve mentioned for cramps, you can also try the following recommendations. However, remember that there are no quick fixes for cramps, and none of these tips should replace medical advice.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid fluid retention and increased inflammation.
- Take a bath to feel better. Among the reasons why a warm bath is healthy, it can help relieve pain.
- If you have menstrual cramps, you can lie on your side and bring your knees towards your chest to relieve back pain.
- Maintain a balanced and healthy diet, with plenty of vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes, unless the cause of the colic prevents it. If you think food is causing the discomfort, see a doctor.
- If the pain does not go away with these home remedies, it is best to visit the doctor.
Home remedies
If you have cramps, you can try any of these natural remedies. They’re quick to prepare and will likely provide relief if you have a mild case. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
However, keep in mind that some causes of cramps require urgent treatment. Therefore, if the pain worsens, persists, or is accompanied by other symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible.
While some may be helpful, they are not a substitute for professional medical care. It is always important to consult a doctor before using any home remedy for an illness or ailment.
