Shhh it’s a secret // Talking about what no one wants to talk about

Hi Guys!

Today I want to talk about one of the subjects that nobody wants to talk about. The menstrual cycle. For all the girls out there, you know how painful it is to deal with period cramps. They come once every month and cause many changes in our body.

Picture creds: google.com

I remember growing up this was one of the subjects that was never really talked about or taught in school. In the fifth grade, I remember having a “sex-education” assembly in the multi-purpose room at my elementary school where the teachers briefly talked about the male and female bodies, what puberty was, how babies were made, the menstrual cycle and that’s about it. The teachers quickly taught all of this information to us in one afternoon. Overwhelmed and embarrassed by all of this information, most of the kids, including myself, just giggled and laughed it off.

That summer after fifth grade is when I started my period for the first time. I remember being so confused, scared and embarrassed to tell my mom. This is so crazy to me! Our school system is so worried about meeting the curriculum standards that they deemphasize learning about the human body. Puberty usually occurs in girls between the ages of 10 and 15, with the average age being 12. It’s so important to know how our body functions so that we can be in-tune with all of the changes and reactions occurring.

Now that I’ve been dealing with my period for over a decade, I’ve come to know how my body reacts to all of the hormone changes that are occurring each month. I usually have extremely debilitating cramps, or also known as dysmenorrhea, that cause light-headedness, nausea, fatigue, and throwing up. A lot of times I’m lying on the bathroom floor or curled up in bed waiting for the suffering to end. Thankfully I’ve found a few home remedies that help with the pain control.

1. Staying Hydrated
   Our bodies are made up of around 60% water. It is very important to make sure that you are hydrating your body during all of the hormonal changes that are happening.

2. Ginger Turmeric Tea
   Ginger is known to be a herbal remedy that improves circulation, helps fatigue, relieves nausea, and reduces the pain of menstrual cramps, while turmeric helps with anti-inflammation. Leading up to and during my period, I grind up fresh turmeric and ginger, steep in hot water and drink this tea 1-2 times daily. I also like to add fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

3. Essential Oils
   One of my favorite essential oils that I use when on my period is Lavender. Lavender is known for its calming and relaxing effects on the mind and can help improve blood flow, which can in turn reduce cramps. I also like to use Eucalyptus because of its known abilities to reduce inflammation.

4. Get the blood flowing
   To increase blood flow to the pelvic area, get up and get moving! Even though I’m normally debilitated from the extreme pain of my menstrual cramps, I like to do a light exercise to increase the blood circulation in my body. Try going for a nice walk or doing yoga.

5. CBD
   CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a cannabis compound that has substantial health benefits and does not produce any psychoactive effects on the mind. CBD helps relieve pain and inflammation, reduces anxiety, alleviates nausea, helps fight cancer, and many more. CBD is legal worldwide and is safe to consume in any amount and concentration. CBD oil is available in concentrated oil extracts, capsules, sprays, edibles, or other forms. This is the most effective home remedy that I use. While on my period, I usually vaporize CBD oil to receive its benefits.

I hope my home remedies will help to bring you relief the next time you are in pain. If you enjoyed this post, please take a moment to follow me here at @briannaz to read more about home remedies, veganism, self-love and more.

With love and happiness,
Bri