Okay, lets just get right into it. I used to have the WORST cramps ever on the first day of my period. Not only that, but my periods were super heavy and just all around uncomfortable. Now, I definitely don’t have the “perfect” pain-free period now, but it’s so much better than it used to be. I owe it to these tools I’m about to share with you below along with being on a nutritional balancing program to address mineral deficiencies and imbalances (your body requires a ton of minerals to have a healthy period, or any period at all!) I call it my moon time because our periods are naturally synced with the 28-day waxing and waning of the moon. It shows just how connected to nature we are on all levels. Now onto the tips!

Mineral Rich Broths

Sipping on broth is an incredible way to support your body during your period by giving it all the extra nutrition it requires during this time. While I love bone broth because of the gut healing collagen and gelatin that’s so abundant due to the breakdown of the bones from the long cooking process, I also love making potassium broths from vegetable scraps. Potassium is one of the most abundant electrolytes in the body and it can be hard to meet the 4700 mg daily requirement that is required for optimal functioning and electrolyte balance. There is about 750 mg-1100 mg of potassium per cup of potassium broth (depending on produce quality, organic will have more), which is excellent. Here’s the recipe I use from Krispin Sullivan :

Ingredients

6 medium Russet potatoes
6 celery stalks
1 bunch parsley
1 med. parsnip
2 med. carrots
1 oz. kelp/kombu (rice in iodine which we need, especially during periods!)
12 C. water
ginger root, 5 1-in. slices
Italian seasonings blend (opt.)

1. Measure water into pot, then cover. Bring water to a boil.
2. While water heats up, wash produce gently. (Hard scrubbing removes minerals
found in the vegetables’ skins).
3. Peel potatoes to a depth of 1/8 in. Set potato bodies aside for other use, or discard
them.
4. Cut other vegables in half, so they will fit into the pot.
5. When water boils, put all veggies (except potato bodies) and seasoning into the
water.
6. Bring broth to a boil, with the lid on, again, then simmer, with the lid on, for 1.5 hrs.
7. Add the ginger slices; then continue simmering with the lid on, for 30 min.
8. Remove large vegetable matter, then allow small vegetable matter to settle for 5
minutes with the lid on.
9. Ladle into canning jars (fill to neck). This will allow you to use expose smaller
portions of the broth to airborne bacteria for less time, preventing premature
spoiling. To get the last of the broth, pour it through the mesh strainer.

Magnesium Packs

Got a horrible case of cramps? Rub some magnesium gel on your lower belly and lower back with a little bit of coconut oil. Cover the area with a towel and then place a heating pad over the towel and relax for 15-20 minutes. Magnesium is an excellent remedy for cramps because it is a natural muscle relaxant and helps to relax and de-stress the body. You can also take magnesium internally, I love this one.

Homeopathic Mag Phos

Homeopathy is one of my favorite ways to treat many acute ailments, but I have found it particularly helpful for PMS. There are many different homeopathic remedies one can use for PMS depending on symptoms, but the most common, catch-all one is Mag Phos. I’ve seen cramps disappear within 20 minutes of taking this remedy.

Retreat

Native Americans were known to have moon lodges right outside of their village where women would go to be alone during menstruation. It was well known to them that women naturally have more of an “inward” energy during their period and would experience a heightened sense of intuition. They honored this energy by spending time alone, instead of forcing themselves to carry on life as usual like we do today. I make it a point to spend time alone during my period and use it as a time to reflect, journal, or be creative. I say no to social situations around this time because I typically don’t feel like being social, especially for the first couple days. If you too feel pulled to retreat inward during your period, don’t feel guilty about it! Honor this time. Get in comfy clothes, sip on some broth, and just be.

I hope that these tips helped you in some way! I would love to hear what tips you have for happy periods below.