Menstrual cramps – suffer no more!

To reduce the intensity of menstrual symptoms, you can change your diet:

• Less sugar, and slightly more protein.
• Diuretic foods such as eggplant, cucumbers and parsley can help diminish water retention.
• Calcium supplements (1 gram per day) and magnesium (500 milligrams) can help reduce anxiety (always take both).
• Vitamin B-6 (not more than 50 milligrams per day) can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and tension.
• Vitamins E and C also help reduce the intensity of cramps.
• Aspirin has a mildly soothing effect.
• And once again you can turn to plants to relieve your pains:
• ANGELICA in infusion: 3 1/2 tablespoons of root per quart of water.
• MATRIX (derived from the Latin for womb): 2 teaspoons of flowers per quart of water.
• MILFOI OR YARROW which soothes and reduces overly abundant menstruation: about 5 1/2 tablespoons of flower tops per quart of water.
• SAGE in infusion: I 1/2 tablespoons of dried leaves per quart of water. In extreme cases, ask your doctor for medication to alleviate pain.