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Natural Remedies for Period Pain

Period Pain

Ugh, we all know that feeling. Your period has just arrived, bringing with it unholy Day 1 cramping and period pain.

Of course, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen will help relieve period cramps quickly. But what if there are home remedies and natural ways to prevent and reduce period pain generally - without drugs?

Bamboo Reusable sanitary pads reduce period pain

'Love, love, love them! Purchased a reusable sanitary starter pack in bamboo & 3 pairs of period pants which were extremely reasonable with an offer. I’m now on month 4 and have had less period pain, no leaks and haven’t needed to buy anything additional. I rinse, then put in the mucky box and wash all together at the end of my cycle. There’s been no staining and they all look like new.' Vicki via Trustpilot

How can I stop period pains?

To stop period pains naturally:

1. Try Reusable Period Products 

We decided to write this article because of the amazing amount of feedback that we get from customers about how switching to reusable period protection has helped reduce their period pain and flow.

This is anecdotal feedback. We're not big pharma, we haven't done a clinical study and there's no control group. But it's what our customers have been telling us for years and years on Trustpilot. Here's a few examples of how switching to reusable sanitary products and period pants are helping our customers to reduce period pain during their menstrual cycle:

Sassy Period Pants

'I’m usually a menstrual cup user and have been for many years but I do sometimes find it a little uncomfortable or ill positioned. So I’d been thinking about trying cheeky period pants for a few months. I recently got a bargain 7 pairs from their reduced outlet to give them a go. They actually arrived the day before my period so I got to try them straight away. As I purchased from the outlet I wasn’t actually sure what sort of flow I bought I just picked a selection.

Firstly I didn’t leak, not once, for reference I have a moderate to heavy flow. The knickers are so comfortable and the absorbent section goes up to the waistband front and back so i instantly felt secure and knew I was well protected from leaks. I would wear these day and night!

They washed really well too (I rinsed each pair after initial use and washed them all together at a low temp at the end of my period).

Also, and this could absolutely be a coincidence, I didn’t suffer my usual excruciating cramps during this period… is there something about inserted products that can make periods more painful? Who knows, but I had a rather pleasant time of the month and I’m completely converted to cheeky pants. Will order a couple more pairs soon for those occasional longer cycles.' Candice via Trustpilot

Aside from helping with painful periods, switching to moisture wicking period underwear or reusable period pads is also eco friendly.

Period Pants

Period Pants are simply knickers with several layers which wick away moisture and trap it, meaning you don't leak through onto your clothes. They're available for all period types. From period thongs which are perfect for spotting or very light days, right through to period pants for heavy periods.  Unlike some other big brands, Cheeky Pants are affordably priced, starting from just £8 per pair in our outlet store, with absorbency from front to rear waistband as standard,

'The period knickers are amazing.! My daughter started her periods young (11yrs) and was having terrible problems and struggling with conventional sanitary wear. She would have heavy and long drawn out periods, cramps and would leak a lot. Since switching to these knickers the leaks have stopped and she's no longer having to struggle to change her sanitary wear.

Her periods don't seem to be as heavy, long or painful either. The fact the knickers are non toxic is an absolute bonus! We've been using these for nearly four years now, I highly recommend them.' Maria via Trustpilot

Cotton Reusable Sanitary Pads

Reusable Sanitary Pads

Reusable sanitary pads are also available in a choice of fabrics and absorbencies, with little poppers to popper under your knickers, or popper closed for discreet transport. Bamboo plush are our most absorbent reusable pads and are perfect for heavy periods and postpartum use.

In addition we have cotton period pads or organic cotton which are thinner and more discreet, but still absorbent.  If you're unsure which reusable period products would be most suitable for you, try our period questionnaire to receive tailored recommendations.

Wearable Heat Pack

 

Using a Heat Pack

Using a heat pack can reduce period pain at home. The modern, safe alternative to a hot water bottle, wheat filled heat packs are microwaveable and even come as a wearable heat pack, gently relieving menstrual cramps.

Have a warm bath

Having a warm bath is also a fantastic way to reduce pelvic pain and menstrual pain. Adding epsom salts to your bath may also help to relieve aches and pains.

'Love Cheeky Wipes, I’m a repeat buyer. Started off with a few cloth panty liners, now have a whole collection of reusable period pads and pants, along with reusable make-up removing pads and pads to take out as wet wipes when out with the kids. Everything is beautifully made and I feel better about minimising my impact on the planet. Additionally, since moving to reusable period products I’ve noticed a decrease in cramping and pain during my period.' PM via Trustpilot

Sporty Cotton Period Pants

Exercise for period pain relief

There's peer reviewed evidence to show that exercise can be a good form of pain relief for period cramping.

All exercise releases endorphins and it doesn't matter whether this is low-intensity exercise such as yoga or pilates, or high-intensity exercise such as HIIT classes. A large reduction in the intensity of period pain is reported compared with not exercising. In fact, exercise shows over twice the amount usually needed to show a ‘significant’ reduction in pain.

'Fantastic company, I've bought a few of their items now and every time it's quick and easy and items arrive quicker than I expect them to.
The period pants are a complete game changer, they're super comfortable and look better than a lot of my normal pants! Even on day 2 (my heaviest day) and at an exercise class I had no problems and no leaks...amazing!'
Kat, via Trustpilot

Eat Fibre Rich Foods to avoid menstrual cramps

According to the Texas Health Care Obstetrics & Gynaecology, eating fibre rich foods will keep your bowels moving regularly. This can help stop oestrogen and progesterone being reabsorbed into the body which may reduce pain.

'How have I only just found these at 30 years old! I wish these had existed when I first started my periods. Every month consisted of always being uncomfortable, sweaty, having the paper noise when moving, having to change a tampon every 5 minutes because I needed to pee or the cramps caused unsettled bowels. Leaks, leaks and more leaks.

Now I am so unbelievably comfortable, clean and dry. I have 6 pairs of period pants and 4 pads and my period is no longer an effort. I take my little pink wet bag out with me which has different compartments for clean and dirty and I have a mucky wipes box with the rose solution soak for dirty items. Highly recommended!' Debbie via Trustpilot

Please be assured that we aren't marketing reusable period products as a cure all for period pains, but simply sharing what our customers tell us, again and again.  If nothing else, switching to reusables will make you more comfortable during your period, plus you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you're doing your bit to protect our planet!

We're SO confident that you'll love your reusable period products that we offer a NO RISK money back trial period.  

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About the author: Helen Rankin is a Mum of 4, who founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up.  She went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants and reusable sanitary pads. Her customer services team pride themselves on providing relatable friendly advice and just LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods all day long! The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021.