Menstruation which starts around the age of 12 or 14 years for most girls brings with it a host of problems due to the hormonal changes the body experiences at the start of menstruation and then each month with every menstrual cycle. Most women complain of pre-menstrual tension, discomfort and pain during menstruation, irregular and excessive menstruation. The menstrual cycle can be thrown off kilter and the menstrual problems can be aggravated due to any kind of emotional upheaval in your life, whether positive or negative. Marriage and pregnancy also have an effect on the cycle and the problems faced during menstruation. Since all problems related to menstruation can be directly linked to the overall health of the body, it is crucial to be fighting fit. You should maintain a healthy, balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and wholegrain cereals. Avoid processed, fried and spicy foods, pickles, refined cereals and refined sugar found in most desserts, tea and coffee since they can upset your digestion and cause digestion problems during menstruation. You should also avoid smoking and drinking alcohol since it can aggravate the menstrual problems.
Apart from this, there are several home remedies that are recommended for the various menstrual problems. You should consume parsley juice and use parsley in your food preparations if you have an irregular period. Parsley is also beneficial for cramps during menstruation. Other juices that are recommended for cramps and discomfort during menstruation are beet, carrot and cucumber juice. You should have around 75 ml of these juices daily. A ginger infusion with honey to sweeten it should be consumed thrice a day after each meal to reduce the discomfort and pain during menstruation and also if you have an irregular menstrual cycle. Sesame seeds are very helpful in reducing the spasmodic pain during menstruation, experienced by unmarried and anemic girls. You can consume ½ tsp of sesame seeds powder with hot water twice a day to reduce the discomfort. Papaya is also beneficial in reducing the discomfort and stress experienced by unmarried girls since it helps to regulate the contractions of the uterus and thus the menstrual flow. If you have excessive bleeding then you should cook 1 banana flower and eat it with a bowl of fresh curd. Coriander seeds also help to reduce the flow. You can boil around 4 gm of the seeds in 1 liter water till the water has reduced to half the quantity and drink this while it is still warm. Apart from all this, remember to take it easy during your period and get adequate rest.
answered by G M