22 Best Products For Period Cramps Because No One Ever Says “Yay, Pain!”
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Period cramps can literally be the worst. When Aunt Flow comes to visit, we all have our own experiences, many of which may be more painful than others. Studies show that one out of every ten women is unable to go about their everyday activities due to period pain.
However, even when our period arrives, we have to continue our daily lives as regularly as possible. Just because the symptoms and pain from your period might not be something that you often talk about openly—maybe only with close friends—it doesn’t change that we are feeling physically uncomfortable. So, what are some period products that can make our period feel easier?
Best Period Products for Cramps on Your Heaviest Days
Everyone has their own individual experience and relationship with their period, so finding menstrual products that work for you and your unique body can be tricky. While rest is always a good idea, it is not always possible for many of us, either. But there are period products that can make your cycle feel a little lighter and easier! (But, of course, always make sure to talk with your doctor before starting anything new!)
CBD Tampons
Wait, what … CBD tampons? This is certainly a newer period product entering the market, so don’t be shocked that you’ve never heard of them. Daye, a progressive company working to raise the standards in gynae health and bridge the gender gap in medical research, creates tampons with an optional CBD oil coating that can be delivered directly to your door.
A review on their website describes these unique tampons as “Truly amazing. They made me forget I was on my period.” We think that everyone everywhere would sincerely enjoy this feeling!
Since periods usually come every month (unless yours is irregular), Daye offers an option to sign up for a convenient subscription so you won’t have to worry about forgetting to buy your next round. Not sold? Consider trying out a CBD or Hemp oil to see if this natural period remedy is something your body likes. (Note: Definitely do not put this oil on your tampon yourself; however, one or two drops in the mouth can help reduce any cramping pain.)
Image: Daye
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Warm Cup of Tea
A warm cup of tea can have some magical effects, like uplifting your mood when you’re having a bad day or when you have the worst period cramps. Women’s health expert, Jacquelyn Kennedy, advises, “Drink raspberry leaf tea for three days leading up to your period and during your period to relieve cramps and other menstrual symptoms. Scientifically, the tea contains the alkaloid compound fragile, which is a potent uterine tonic. It eases menstrual cramping and discomfort.”
If you’re a tea lover, then this could be your new best friend when your period arrives. Other recommended tea options are chamomile, ginger, and even turmeric tea for its anti-inflammatory effects.
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Turmeric Ginger Herbal Tea
Organic India
Add a cup of turmeric tea into your day when you’re feeling extra bloated and to aid cramp relief.
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Organic Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Bags
FGO Store
This is an eco-friendly tea ideal to drink before your period arrives!
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Organic Chamomile Herbal Leaf Tea
Traditional Medicinals
Drinking this tea will help you feel calm and relaxed. Sometimes that’s all you need when you’re on your period!
Magnesium
If you don’t already take magnesium, it can be the secret ingredient to relieve pain on your heaviest period days. Wellness expert, Natalie Jurado, explains, “Magnesium can play a crucial role in period pain relief: it regulates muscle contraction and nerve transmissions, causing uterine muscles to relax and cramping to subside.”
There are multiple options available to consume magnesium, such as vitamins or even a warm Epsom salt bath. Whitney Stuart, a licensed nutritionist and dietician, shares, “You can also include more magnesium in your diet, such as in whole grains, nuts, dark chocolate, avocado, tofu, and legumes.” Therefore, being a little more mindful of what you eat on the days approaching your period can be another simple, natural remedy.
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Magnesium Citramate Capsules
Thorne Research
A large bottle of magnesium at a very good price point!
Hot Water Bottle
This is a classic remedy that is very useful in reducing period cramps; you may have learned this trick from your family like your mother, grandmother, or aunt. Hot water bottles are handy, portable, and easy to use. You can place it on the painful area while at home lying in bed, at your office desk, or maybe even on a road trip if you prepare it ahead of time. (It’s something to consider always adding to your travel bag, especially if you know how bad your cramps can get.) A hot water bottle can also be combined with other pain-relieving period products, such as over-the-counter ibuprofen.
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Hot Water Bottle with Cover
BICAREE
Maybe a little old-fashioned, but this extra-soft bottle is still very effective for menstrual cramps.
Disposable Heating Pads
Again, even though our periods come, we have to continue with our routines, work days, or even simple errands. Disposable heating pads can be just the trick, especially when you’re on the go. If your job requires you to be on your feet, sticking one of these on your back or your lower abdomen can give you the pain relief you need. Normally, disposable heating pads are used for injuries or any joint pains, but don’t exclude your period!
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Portable Menstrual Heating Pad
Thermacare
Portable, thin, and discreet, it is meant to last for 8 hours of pain relief.
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Herbal Heating Patches
Rael
Infused with three herbal ingredients–rose, lemon, and jasmine oil–for all-natural, calming relief.
PMS Gummies
If you prefer to take supplements and vitamins, consider PMS gummies. If you don’t want to take ibuprofen, trying these all-natural, berry-infused gummies can be your next favorite candy to help with your worst cramps. Don’t believe us? Check out all the glowing, positive reviews!
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Go with The Flow Hormone Balance
Healthy Happy Hippie
These gummies can help to remedy various period symptoms, such as hormonal acne, hot flashes, restlessness, mood swings, irritability, and lack of energy!
Hormonal Balance Gummies
Atlantis Nutrition
This gummy option regulates your period while also providing all-natural menstrual relief.
Heating Pad or Blanket
On Day 1 of your period, imagine yourself being curled up with a heated blanket beneath you and your favorite weighted blanket on top, all while binge-watching everything that’s on MAX or rewatching any of your favorite series. (Maybe even with a nice glass of red wine.) This is not only a cozy option on your heaviest period days–especially during the colder winters–but the warm heat can relieve pressure and reduce the pain of period cramps. This level of comfort might be the closest thing to heaven when it's that time of the month.
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Weighted Heated Pad
OCOOPA
A large heating pad that acts just like a weighted blanket, it applies gentle pressure while keeping the heat concentrated and exactly where your body feels the most achy!
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Extra Large Heating Pad
GENIANI
This extra large heating pad provides total body relief–from your neck, shoulders, back, and even your abdomen.
Muscle Relief Cream
Why not massage away your cramps with a topical muscle relief cream? We will take a nice massage just about any day, but it’s even better on your period. Also, if you’re not able to do a full cramp massage, consider taking the cream on the go, as it can easily be applied at work or an event!
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Joint & Muscle Relief Cream
Hemp Activ
A quality cream infused with menthol and hemp that can be used to provide relief to all types of muscles, not just achy period cramps.
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Arnicare Cream
Boiron
A topical cream infused with Arnica as a natural pain reliever for any muscle pain. Reviews share that it “uses all-natural, high-quality, organic ingredients to provide instant relief.” The ingredients are plant-based, resulting in a natural remedy for period cramps.
Essential Oils
Health experts share that essential oils can relieve pain from period cramps. Licensed nutritionist, Isaac Robertson, shares, “Period pains can sometimes be difficult and unbearable. But products like essential oils can be helpful to reduce pain. Especially lavender oil because its anti-inflammatory properties soothe the uterus’ contractions, relax the muscles, and reduce cramping.”
Not only will a lavender essential oil make your home smell good and feel relaxing, but it can also help relieve some of your worst cramps. Consider combining tea tree oil as well for an aromatherapeutic experience.
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Tea Tree Oil
Handcraft Blends
An aromatic tea tree oil that can be used for your period and other natural remedies, such as for cuts or pesky pimples
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Period Underwear
A pair of reusable period underwear is an underestimated period product and is also a sustainable option when compared to regular plastic tampons and pads. Even though they might not exactly reduce period cramps, they can certainly make you feel more comfortable, especially on days that are normally the heaviest during your cycle. Many brands now offer a wide array of different underwear styles that can be tailored to fit your personal menstrual and comfort needs. Whatever gives us the most comfort when Aunt Flow is in town is a remedy in itself!
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High Waisted Underwear
PULIOU
An affordable three-pack of underwear to wear during your time with Aunt Flow.
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Absorbent Hipster Underwear
Bambody
Highly-reviewed (and actually very cute) underwear to wear–period or not!
Pain Relief Devices
In addition to heating pads and blankets, there are newer and more modern devices to relieve menstrual cramps–if this better fits your vibe! Depending on how bad your cramps are, a pain relief device can work faster than disposable heating pads and is much easier to carry around than a plug-in heating pad, making it both portable and better suited to bring while traveling. Even though these period relief products are fairly new to the market, they are worth a try for your extra heavy days.
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Cordless Heating Pad
Simpal
A portable and cordless menstrual cramp device that you can wear as a fanny pack while relaxing.
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Menstrual Pain Relief Device
Livia
Relieves period pain in less than 60 seconds–like the flip of a switch!
We all have our own experiences with our periods—some may not be so bad, but for others, these days can be the absolute worst. Although the stores can be filled with a nearly endless variety of period products you can use to make your days less heavy, the best thing to do is listen to your body. Ironically, our periods allow us to check in with our bodies and learn how they communicate with us. Therefore, listen to it, let your whole self rest, give yourself that nap, or take that day off. No matter what your body says, or what period product you decide to use, just remember, like everything else on this planet—periods are temporary.