Your period. It’s scary when it comes and terrifying when it doesn’t. We know what we get to look forward to every month: bloating, cravings, fatigue, homicidal rage, and perhaps worst of all, menstrual cramps. What if I told you there were simple, at home remedies that greatly reduce symptoms of PMS? Even better, they are risk free with no side effects!

Getting your monthly bleed is the one thing that connects you to every single woman who has ever lived. Let that sink in. For hundreds of thousands of years, women have gotten their periods and they did so together. Periods were celebrated as a symbol of youth, fertility and life! It wasn’t until recent times that menstruation was seen as something to dread. What has changed? So so much, but, alas, this isn’t a lesson on female disempowerment. I am simply here to give you a crash course on how to survive your next period. So, open up that bottle of Cab and lets get to it!

To reduce cramps, you have to start early. A week before your period is due increase your water intake. The uterus is mostly composed of smooth muscle, and what happens when muscles dehydrate? They cramp! This is the number 1 tip I give to my clients and it ALWAYS works. My second big tip is to get your Omega 3’s and Calcium. I call this winning combination Nature’s Midol. You get more Calcium by eating collard greens, broccoli, spinach, kale, and you-bet-I’m-gonna-say it, CHEESE! When I say CHEESE I’m talking about organic, grass fed CHEESE. Not Kraft’s American cheese, cheese. Reach for the unprocessed stuff if you can. You can opt to get your Omega 3’s and Calcium from a supplement, but be sure to consult your doctor first!

Some MONSTERS are blessed and don’t suffer from cramps, but perhaps their problem is bloating. To minimize bloating I suggest drinking dandelion tea as it has a diuretic effect (it makes you pee.) Reducing sodium intake also does wonders. Combine these two steps and voila! Stretchy pants are now a choice, not a requirement. Tip: Mix Bigelow Green Tea with Lemon and Red Rose Tea together. Not only will it help with bloating but it also helps with cramps. Drink it during your cycle and you’ll notice that the cramps aren’t there. I find that it is best to drink it 1 week before your next period so it can start being affective right away. Plus Green tea, Red Rose Tea and lemon are good for your health and skin, so that’s a bonus!

Now, I would be remiss if I didn’t touch upon tampons. Did you know that most tampons are hybrid cotton blends (aka not cotton) that are BLEACHED and sprayed with pesticides and God knows what else? I don’t know about you but I don’t want any harsh chemicals anywhere near my hoo-hah. That’s why I encourage every woman I know to find an organic, environmentally safe tampons and pads. Beauties, I am telling you that we can save our cervixes AND our planet!

I have been seeing a lot of articles stating their opinions about the Lena Cup, and to be honest I bought one because my curiosity got the best of me. For those of you who don’t know, the Lena Cup is a reusable bell shaped cup that sits inside your vaginal canal and collects your blood. It is by far the most environmentally friendly product I have read upon on, but it requires patience and it can be a little messy at first. Once you’re in touch with your body’s rhythm and you can determine when its time to remove the cup, it will be smooth sailing. If you’re interested in the Lena Cup, I applaud you, and I suggest using it at home first for a few days before venturing out to any important events.

Directions: To use the LenaCup, some people choose to boil their cup before first use and between periods. Fill a pan with plenty of clean water. Bring to boil and let your cup float for 5-7 minutes while ensuring that the cup does not touch the bottom of the pan. You can use a pair of tongs to keep your cup in place and to remove it from the boiling water. Let your LENA Cup cool down before using it. WASH – Using warm water and mild soap wash your cup. If in a public toilet, bring a bottle of water to rinse your cup – once convenient clean thoroughly.  As always, make sure to fully read the LenaCup User Guide before use.

To recap: drink plenty of water the week leading up to your period and during. Be mindful of getting enough Omega 3’s and Calcium. Drink dandelion tea, Bigelow Green Tea and Red Rose Tea to de-bloat, decrease cramps, and reduce sodium intake. Get your hands on some organic tampons and if you’re feeling brave check out the Lena Cup! Here’s to having a happy period!

Have you tried the Lena Cup? If so, what are your thoughts on it?

Name your favorite tea and let me know how you drink your tea? (cold, hot, & etc)

( Let me know in the comments)