11 Natural Methods for Period Pain Relief That Actually Help

6. Cinnamon: a simple spice with clinical backing

Cinnamon has anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties and shows benefit in some trials for menstrual pain. In randomized studies, supplementing with about 1,000 mg of cinnamon in the early days of the period reduced pain intensity compared with placebo (Health.com). You can add cinnamon to warming drinks like chai or haldi milk, stir it into porridge, or take it as a standardized capsule if you prefer a measured dose. When using whole cinnamon, remember there are two common types: Ceylon (true) cinnamon and cassia. Cassia contains more coumarin, which at high amounts can affect the liver, so avoid very large regular intakes of cassia-based supplements. If you have diabetes or use medications that affect blood sugar, monitor levels closely when adding large amounts of cinnamon and consult your clinician about safe doses. Image suggestion: ground cinnamon. Alt text: "Spoonful of ground cinnamon with cinnamon sticks nearby."