Menorrhagia is the medical term for heavy menstrual bleeding. Typically, your period will also last longer than seven days. Those who suffer from menorrhagia find themselves changing their tampon or sanitary pads every two to three hours continuously. Moreover, menstruation will consist of large blood clots, continuous cramping at lower abdomen, fatigue and nausea with headaches, shortness of breath, and mood swings.
There are a number of possible reasons for heavy menstrual bleeding including uterine polyps, use of blood thinners, miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, or a side effect of using an IUD (an intrauterine device) for birth control. This condition can affect your emotional state and your daily activities.
You can opt for any one, or combination of, the following simple natural remedies for heavy menstrual bleeding as well as some dietary changes to eliminate or at least minimize the problem.
Natural Remedies For Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
1. Blackstrap Molasses
Blackstrap molasses is loaded with iron, which helps to produce red blood cells and regulate the blood amount lost during menstruation. Moreover, it aids in reducing blood clots and soothing the muscles of the uterine walls in order to decrease pain.
Here’s what to do:
Take 1-2 tsp of blackstrap molasses and add it to 1 cup of warm milk or water. Consume this liquid once daily. Alternatively, you can add ½ tbsp of blackstrap molasses to 1 glass of lemongrass tea. Then, drink it twice a day (once in the morning & once at night before your bedtime). It’s suggested to repeat either of these solutions for several months to see improvement in your condition.
2. Red Raspberry
The leaf of red raspberry is a beneficial remedy for heavy menstrual bleeding. The red raspberry leaves are rich in tannin, which helps to strengthen the uterine muscles. Along with that, it is also good for reducing abdominal pain.
Here’s what to do:
Prepare 1 tbsp of dried red raspberry leaves and add it to 1 cup of hot water. Cover and steep for ten minutes. Then, strain and enjoy this tea up to three times daily.
3. Cayenne
Cayenne pepper is a magical remedy for excessive menstrual flow. It has the ability to balance the blood flow and hormones, thereby helping you alleviate the symptoms of heavy bleeding. Being a pepper, it is very hot though, so you’ll need to dilute it. For this purpose, take ½ tsp of cayenne powder and add it to 1 glass of warm water.
You can add some honey to the mixture and consume it twice or thrice daily during your cycle. Alternatively, you can take cayenne supplements, but before using them, we suggest that you consult your health practitioner for correct dosages that will suit you.
4. Cinnamon
Using cinnamon has the power to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding related to endometriosis, adenomyosis, and uterine fibroids. It also enhances blood flow from the uterus. Furthermore, this herb provides antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects, which help to relieve cramps.
Here’s what to do:
Add 1 tsp of cinnamon powder to 1 cup of hot water. Then, simmer for a couple of minutes and add some honey to it. Afterward, consume it twice per day. You can also dilute cinnamon essential oil (15 to 30 drops) in ¼ cup of water.
Do this up to three times each day. Alternatively, you can take three drops of the cinnamon bark tincture twice a day. You only need to do this during your period time.
5. Coriander Seeds
Coriander seeds are effective in stopping heavy menstrual cycles. In addition, it also helps to balance your hormones and improve uterine function. To enjoy the benefits of coriander seeds, add 1 tsp of coriander seeds to two cups of water. Then, boil the mixture until the amount reduces by half. Then strain and add a little honey. Drink it 2 to 3 times per day during your period.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can help you overcome heavy menstrual bleeding quickly. It acts as a tonic to remove toxins from the body and helps maintain hormonal balance. Apart from that, it can help you ease symptoms such as cramping, irritability, headaches, and fatigue. To alleviate menstrual bleeding, mix raw, unfiltered ACV (1-2 teaspoons) in 1 glass of water. Then, consume this mixture three times per day during your period for best results.
7. Comfrey
Comfrey is also one of the best home remedies for controlling heavy bleeding. It helps to reduce heavy bleeding by constricting the blood vessels. For treating heavy menstrual bleeding, take 2 tsp of comfrey tea and add it to 1 cup of hot water. Then cover it and steep for 20 minutes. Strain and consume this solution once each day during heavy bleeding.
8. Cold Compress
Using a cold compress is considered as one of the best home remedies for heavy menstrual bleeding. The cold temperature will help constrict the blood vessels, thus reducing the blood flow and pain in your lower abdomen.
Simply, take a thin towel and put several ice cubes in it. Tie it properly and place it over the abdomen for around 15-20 minutes. If you have a gel pack that you can keep in the freezer, even better. Then, lie down and try relaxing.
9. Magnesium
Magnesium is good for balancing female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. A lack of magnesium in the body can lead to heavy menstruation. Eating foods rich in magnesium is helpful for controlling the profuse bleeding during your menstruation. Foods rich in magnesium include oats, avocado, nuts and seeds, dark chocolate (just what you needed to hear, right?), squash, pumpkin and watermelon. You can also opt for a magnesium supplements but make sure you buy good quality.
10. Eat Foods Rich In Iron
Basically, iron is effective for combating heavy menstrual periods because it can help to inhibit iron-deficiency anemia. Foods rich in iron are dark green vegetables, legumes, egg yolks, raisins, red meat, prunes, as well as cereals fortified with iron. Alternatively, take an iron supplements – but you may wish to consult your health practitioner for quality and correct quantities.
Further Natural Remedies For Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Suggestions:
Try following some useful tips below to prevent and treat heavy menstrual bleeding:
- During menstruation, don’t lift heavy objects.
- Get at least seven to eight hours of sound sleep because a lack of sleep will worsen the problem.
- Have an extra supply of tampons and sanitary pads on hand.
- Drink several cups of sage, chamomile or green tea daily.
- Get regular moderate exercise during your period. Some good exercises are brisk walking, swimming, jogging and bicycling.
- Use warm olive or coconut oil to massage your lower back. That will help relieve pain.
- Relax muscles and ease tension and pain by enjoying a warm bath.
- Include supplements in your diet, such as calcium, zinc, as well as vitamins B6, C, and K. Make sure to consult your doctor before taking any supplement.
In fact, these natural remedies for heavy menstrual bleeding are easy for all of us to follow at home. Try them to help improve your condition. Seek consultation from a gynecologist immediately if your bleeding doesn’t stop after seven days.
Do you know other home remedies for heavy menstrual bleeding? Feel free to share your experience with us by adding your comments.
About the Author:
Emily Pham is a writer for Beauty Talk. She has many years of experience in searching the best natural home remedies for beauty and health issues.
