Period Cramps? Treat Yourself to a Pain-Relieving Bath
Period cramps are surely one of the worst parts of your monthly menstrual cycle. Whether your pain is mild, or intense enough to impact your daily life, finding relief can help your body relax and get back to normal activities.
Caused by the contraction of muscles in your uterus, period cramps can take a toll. Soaking in a hot bath can provide the relief you’ve been waiting for by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow in your uterus.
Below, we’ll dive into tips for drawing the perfect hot bath for your period cramps and specific products that may give you the extra pain-relieving oomph you crave.
Why Baths are Good for Period Cramps
Baths can relax tense muscles, including those in your pelvic floor
A common partner in crime to period cramps is pelvic floor pain. When the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic floor become tightened and uncomfortable, hot baths can provide immediate relief. Soaking in warm water can help soothe period cramps and sore muscles while eliminating period pain by reducing inflammation throughout your body.
Baths provide heat to the lower abdomen and back
The tried-and-true method of heat therapy never gets old when it comes to period cramps. Applying localized heat using a heating pad, warm towels, or a bath’s hot water bottle can help relax your tense, cramping muscles. If you need pain relief on the go, try a heat patch that can discreetly fit under your clothes to provide cramp relief while out and about.
Baths relax your body and mind to assist with sleep
Pain of any sort can keep you up at night, period cramps included. Taking a hot bath an hour or so before bedtime can help relax your body and mind (and soothe those cramps), allowing you to fall asleep faster. It makes sense that hot baths are a proponent for sleep, but the reason it works is a bit counterintuitive. Hot water actually helps lower your body's inner core temperature, which is a circadian sleep signal that induces tiredness.
Tips for Taking a Bath While On Your Period
Stay hydrated throughout your bath
Keeping up with your water intake is highly important during your monthly cycle. Proper hydration can fight period cramps and bloating by flushing out your system. Staying hydrated can also combat bloating, which can make menstrual cramps worse. So bring a bottle of water or your favorite beverage with you to your bath.
A little tip…drinking hot water can increase blood flow throughout your entire body and help relax your stomach muscles, reducing cramping.
Use mild soaps and bath products with simple formulas to avoid irritation
It is always ideal to use gentle, natural soaps, and bath products, but this is even more important during your period. Harsh chemicals and fragrances can disrupt your natural pH balance, leading to irritation or infection, which is the last thing you need to worry about.
Yes, you can use tampons and menstrual cups while taking baths
It is perfectly safe to take a bath while wearing a tampon or menstrual cup. If inserted correctly, a menstrual cup will create a seal inside your vaginal canal, so water will not be able to get in. If tampons are your preference, they are also safe and effective while taking baths. Just be mindful that you may want to change them out shortly after.
Bath Product Ingredients That Can Help with Period Cramps
CBD (cannabidiol)
Elevate your period self-care by infusing your bath with CBD products. Instead of reaching for a bottle of over-the-counter pain meds, try soaking in a CBD-infused hot bath to ease your period cramps. When CBD bath bombs combine with hot bath water, the CBD is absorbed through your pores, penetrating the skin throughout your entire body.
Lavender
Since ancient times, lavender has been used to treat muscle pain and spasming. With soothing anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, lavender comforts and calms not only the skin but the muscles underneath.
During your period, your uterus sheds its inner lining, while contracting and expanding. This causes your uterus and the surrounding blood vessels to feel inflamed. Lavender oil, especially combined with CBD, is the perfect mixture of natural pain relief for these muscle spasms and inflammation. So reach for bath products infused with lavender next time you’re dealt with period cramps.
Rose
Rose essential oil can help deal with the nasty side effects of period-related pain. Cramps, fatigue, and nausea are all aspects of your monthly visitor making rose oil a menstruation must-have. Containing a blend of beneficial nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Magnesium, rose oil can be added to bath water to help prevent cramps and lessen period pain.
Epsom salts
Adding Epsom salts to your hot bath is one of the best solutions for reducing period pain. Epsom salts contain Magnesium Sulfate which can ease muscle cramps and body aches triggered by your period. Not only have Epsom salts been used for centuries to calm muscle pain, but they are also known for calming the mind, reducing stress, and anxiety which can be heightened during your menstrual cycle.
Shop for Quality Bath Bombs from Botanika Life
Adding CBD Bath Bombs to your daily soak can help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation in the uterus, therefore reducing the pain of period cramps. Allow the natural healing attributes of full-spectrum CBD to be absorbed through your skin’s pores while calming your nervous system and increasing muscle relaxation.
When adding anything to your arsenal of anti-PMS products, it is important to choose clean, pure, and natural ingredients, especially when it relates to period-pain issues. Backed by third-party verification, Botanika Life CBD products made from organically grown United States are safe and effective when your body needs it most.
By Emily Wegener
With a unique background as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Masters Degree in Teaching and experience in Psychology, Emily spends much of her time researching and trying out new holistic healing modalities.
