No matter how some may try to romanticize the spiritual meaning behind menstruation, the process itself will never be totally pleasant. Long from an affront to whatever Goddesses or energies one may or may not believe to be honored in the process, I think it is to honor the life path of anyone who menstruates to acknowledge this truth: being on your period can be unpleasant, painful and gross. We don’t have to pretend otherwise to still honor periods- we can accept and respect them for what they are. No matter your gender, if you bleed, this part of your life may carry positive and negative experiences for you, and that’s okay.
That being said, menstruation doesn’t have to be as painful as many experience it to be. When I was younger I suffered from PCOS and the heavy menses and heavy cramping that comes along with that. I tried midol, ibuprofen, and even birth control pills as the suggested treatment for the menstrual pain and nothing really worked.
Over time, incorporating things like CBD, stretching and hip opening regimens and high Vitamin C consumption just before my menstrual cycle really helped. But nothing eased the actual pain of the active cramping portion of my period like this cramp relief recipe I’ve adapted that was originally taught to me by my Herbalism professor in college.
While this recipe uses safe foods and herbs from the kitchen, unlike my food recipes it does of course come with the caution that it is only for adults and consumption of this or any alcoholic beverage should be done with discernment. For protective reasons and to honor the work and education required to offer it, this recipe is available on my Patreon for supporting Patrons only.