Menstrual pain troubles countless women around us. Survey results indicate that over 10% of women suffer from this condition caused by intense uterine contractions. Among the various causes of menstrual pain, "primary dysmenorrhea" and "pathological dysmenorrhea" are the two most common classifications. The former can be self-managed using natural therapies.
What causes menstrual cramps?
"Primary dysmenorrhea" typically affects unmarried women aged 13–25 who have not given birth. Before menstruation begins, persistent pain occurs in the lower abdomen. In severe cases, discomfort radiates to the buttocks, inner thighs, groin, and back. While the exact cause remains largely unknown, it's often linked to ovulation or excessive prostaglandins triggering intense uterine contractions.
"Pathological dysmenorrhea," however, stems from underlying conditions like endometriosis and is more common in married women over 25. Such pain may also indicate issues with other reproductive organs, necessitating prompt medical evaluation to address the root cause.
How Women Can Overcome Menstrual Pain
Many women believe that menstrual blood loss necessitates nutritional supplementation. While the concept of "tonifying" is valid, it must align with individual constitution to be effective. Otherwise, it may backfire. For instance, those experiencing internal heat should avoid consuming warming foods like chicken soup or durian, as these may aggravate liver fire and cause discomfort.
To prevent menstrual pain, those with excessive liver fire should first clear heat before promoting blood circulation and dispersing stasis. During menstruation, avoid cold foods like watermelon, bananas, bitter melon, mangosteen, and mung beans.
Dietary Remedies for Female Menstrual Pain
Ginger, Jujube, and Brown Sugar Decoction: 30g each of dried ginger, jujube, and brown sugar.Wash the first two ingredients. Slice the dried ginger and pit the dates. Simmer with brown sugar. Drink the broth and eat the dates. This warms the meridians and dispels cold, suitable for cold-type dysmenorrhea and melasma.Peel, wash, and slice ginger. Wash and pit dates. Place all ingredients in an earthenware pot with 1.5 bowls of water. Simmer over low heat until reduced to half a bowl. Strain liquid. Drink daily. Warms the middle burner and relieves pain. Suitable for cold-type dysmenorrhea and promotes skin radiance.
Leek Juice with Brown Sugar Drink: 300g fresh leeks,100g brown sugar. Wash fresh leeks, drain thoroughly, chop finely, then mash to extract juice. Place brown sugar in an aluminum pot with a small amount of water. Bring to a boil until sugar dissolves, then mix with leek juice. Drink immediately. This remedy warms the meridians and replenishes qi. Suitable for menstrual pain caused by deficiency of both qi and blood, it also promotes a rosy, smooth complexion.
Hawthorn Wine: 300g dried hawthorn berries, 500ml low-proof white liquor. Wash dried hawthorn berries, remove pits, chop finely, and pack into a large sealed bottle. Add white liquor, tightly seal the bottle, and steep for 7–10 days before consumption. Take 15ml per serving. Shake the bottle 1–2 times daily during steeping.It strengthens the spleen and regulates menstruation, suitable for women with dysmenorrhea.
Foods to Avoid During Female Dysmenorrhea
Dairy Desserts: Cheese, butter, cream, yogurt-based desserts, etc. The main issue is their impact on magnesium absorption. Dysmenorrhea is linked to magnesium deficiency, as magnesium activates enzymes and inhibits nerve excitability. Magnesium deficiency directly causes emotional tension.
Strong tea and persimmons: These hinder iron absorption. Tea contains tannic acid, which readily binds with iron ions, significantly impairing the body's ability to absorb iron—a detrimental effect during menstruation. Persimmons contain comparable levels of tannic acid.
Cold-natured seafood: Cold-natured foods like crabs and shellfish are considered cooling. If you already have a cold constitution, avoid these during your period to prevent worsening cramps.
Carbonated Beverages: These can interfere with nutrient absorption and lower your body's resistance. Some carbonated drinks contain phosphates, which also hinder iron absorption. Sodium bicarbonate reacts with stomach acid to neutralize it. Since menstruation often brings a poor appetite, if this further affects nutritional intake and weakens resistance, menstrual cramps can become more severe.