August 31, 2020 5 min read

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    For many people, menstruating can mean a dreaded week of cramping and bleeding that can cause discomfort and irritation. It can be such an uncomfortable time that many of us would prefer to just curl up and stay in bed. When the week arrives, we pull out our pads or tampons and line them up on the bathroom counter. We can also relate to the cliches of chocolate cravings, sweatpants, and mood swings that we see portrayed on TV. Though period symptoms and experiences are different for each and every woman, it is important that we consider a few options to help ease the discomfort. It’s never one-size fits all. As a part of women's health and self-care practices, period management is front row and center in today’s article.

    What are Menstrual Cramps?

    Dysmenorrhea, commonly known as menstrual cramps, is the cramping and aching pains that occur just before the menstrual cycle and during the first few days of a menstrual period (however, some last longer). Many people experience cramping in the lower abdomen, lower back, or the thighs. The pain can range from non-existent or mild to severe and even debilitating.

    Boswellia Serrata

    The Cause of the Pain

    During your menstrual period, the uterus contracts to help expel its lining. The pain is caused by excess levels of prostaglandins, hormones linked to pain and inflammation. This substance triggers uterine muscle contractions. Those with higher levels of prostaglandins tend to have more *severe menstrual cramps. Other symptoms that some people experience include: loose stools, headaches, nausea or dizziness.

    *If you suffer from severe cramping and bleeding, we suggest talking with your health care provider and discuss any possible underlying health issues that may be increasing your symptoms.

    There are natural and safe alternatives to over-the-counter pain meds like ibuprofen and naproxen that can be just as effective. Incorporating Boswellia Serrata Extract into your dietary routine, especially around that time of the month, keeps you ahead of the game and can help relieve and manage the pain.

    Boswellia 

    At this point, you may be wondering what Boswellia is. Boswellia Serrata Extract, also referred to as Indian Frankincense, is a resin herbal extract from the Boswellia Serrata tree, native to India. The resin harvested from the Boswellia Serrata tree has a potent scent and flavor and provides many health benefits. Boswellia was used traditionally to treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic practices as plant-based healing.

    Indian Frankincense

    Boswellia for Pain

    Boswellia produces boswellic acids in resin, which are the specific active ingredients that treat inflammation by preventing leukotrienes from forming. Leukotrienes are molecules that trigger inflammation. Boswellic acids deter inflammatory white cells from infiltrating damaged tissue. Because boswellia reduces inflammation, it can be an effective painkiller, which is highly beneficial during a menstrual period.

    When cramps hit, most women aren’t in the mood to wait extensively for pain relief. This is why incorporating this dietary supplement into your daily routine will prepare you for managing the pain caused by menstrual cramps. Studies have shown that unlike other herb alternatives, boswellia serrata provides relief quickly. Additionally, unlike curcumin (turmeric), using boswellia long-term does not result in irritation or ulceration of the stomach, making it a safer and gentler, yet effective option.

    Advantages of Boswellia Extract over Traditional Painkillers 

    • Non-GMO
    • 100% Natural
    • Safe for long-term use
    • Does not irritate or cause ulceration of the stomach

    Other ways to Manage Menstrual Cramps Naturally

    • Exercising regularly: As you exercise, your heart pumps faster. This process releases endorphins that help counteract the cramp-producing chemicals that cause pain.
    • Using a heating pad on the pelvis or lower back: Heat relaxes the muscles of the uterus, increases the blood flow and eases the pain caused by contractions.
    • A hot bath:For the same reason a heating pad works, a hot bath helps relax the muscles and soothes the cramping
    • Orgasm: During an orgasm, the body releases dopamine and serotonin, two hormones that are natural pain relievers.
    • Vitamins and herbs:There are a plethora of vitamins and herbal medicines that can reduce inflammation and ease the pain, for example, turmeric.
    • Essential Oils:Essential oils that have shown to be relaxing and reduce inflammation can be massaged into the skin when mixed with a carrier oil such as almond oil.
       
      • Lavender
      • Cinnamon
      • Rose

    Boswellia and Ginger

    Sometimes it takes two to tango. Boswellia and Ginger are the perfect duo to ease and manage menstrual pain. In addition to Boswellia, Ginger root can also bring relief during that time of the month. Studies show that ginger not only reduces the severity of pain but also reduces the amount of menstrual bleeding. This limits blood flow and blood loss during a menstrual period.

    Boswellia and Ginger

    Other Benefits of Boswellia 

    • Manages pain, swelling and immobility
    • Manages inflammation
    • Supports a strong metabolism
    • Can act a mood booster
    • Has antiviral properties and helps manage bacterial infections
    • Can suppress pain and promote mobility for those who suffer from osteoarthritis 

    Boswellia does not carry many side effects and is safe to use for prolonged periods. However, some people report stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, itching, headache, swelling and general weakness. However, boswellia is safe for long term use. While it is advised not to combine antidepressants, the use of Boswellia on its own can elevate a person’s mood.

    Amandean Boswellia Serrata

    At Amandean, we use only the highest quality ingredients. Our Boswellia is long-lasting and standardized to a potent minimum of 65% boswellic acids. It is produced from premium 3rd harvest of gum resin, known to be the highest-grade of the active ingredient, and sourced from India. Boswellia is vegan-friendly, soy-free, and gluten-free, making it a healthy option for most!

    Try Amandean's vegan-friendly, Boswellia Serrata Extract today and relieve your period pains the natural way. Find it in our online shop.

    Summary Points:

    Menstrual pain is caused by excess levels of prostaglandins, hormones linked to pain and inflammation.

    There are natural and safe alternatives to over-the-counter pain meds like Boswellia Serrata to help manage period pains.

    Boswellia is also known as Indian Frankincense and has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic practices.

    Other remedies that help to relieve menstrual symptoms are hot baths, heating pads, vitamins, essential oils, and even orgasms.

    Article References:

    1. Menstrual Cycle: Dealing with Camps. Retrieved on June 27, 2020. From https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/aq0001
    2. 4 Herbs to Relieve Menstrual Cramps. Retrieved on June 27, 2020. From https://www.verywellhealth.com/hbs-for-menstrual-cramps-89901
    3. Menstrual Cramps. Retrieved on June 27, 2020. From https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/symptoms-causes/syc-20374938
    4. Boswellia (Indian Frankincense). Retrieved on June 27, 2020 From. https://www.healthline.com/health/boswellia#ibd
    5. Boswellia Serrata, A Potential Antiinflammatory Agent: An Overview. Retrieved on June 27, 2020. From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3309643/
    6. Exercise: SOS for Menstrual Cramps. Retrieved on June 27, 2020. Fromhttps://www.webmd.com/women/features/exercise-eases-menstrual-cramps
    7. Researchers Test Heating Pads as Home Remedy for Menstrual Pain. Retrieved on June 27, 2020 From https://www.webmd.com/women/news/20010326/researchers-test-heating-pads-as-home-remedy-for-menstrual-pain#1
    8. Period Symptoms? Why Masturbating Could Be the Cure-All You Need. Retrieved on June 27, 2020 From https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/masturbate-on-period
    9. Can Essential Oils Relieve My Menstrual Cramps? Retrieved on June 27, 2020 From https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/essential-oils-for-menstrual-cramps#research
    10. Boswellia Serrata. Retrieved on July 15, 2020. From https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gGGNqBaKVm1WyaQZYMwZxCybuYVfhWSkhG4FpY15P9A/edit



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