DIY for PMS days: Never get menstrual cramps again!

This is something that should frighten all husbands, boyfriends and irritating co-workers out of their minds: PMS has been successfully used as a defense against murder in UK and Australia through the years. Seriously… not kidding. And I can surely empathise. There are times when I really fear for the life of people around me at that time of the month. One word or gesture and I am off like a canon ball.

But as all women here will attest, the pain, nausea and sheer overall misery of menstrual cramps is something that men will never understand. And don’t even start me off on what PMS does to our skin. And hair. And weight. Thankfully, though, Mother Nature is of the female gender and she offers up a bevy of teas and tisanes to soothe the agony. So, here are potent tried, tested and timeless pain-busting and mind-easing potions that women around the world turn to when even prescription-strength tablets fail to work.

PMS cure: Chinese ginger tea

Pour a cup of boiling water over one tablespoon of freshly grated ginger. Allow the ginger to steep for at least 5 minutes, then strain and drink as a tea.

PMS cure: Mexican oregano potion

Place one tablespoon of dried oregano in a tea ball or a small square of muslin cloth. Pour a cup of boiling water over the oregano and allow it to steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea ball and drink the tea while it is hot. Repeat if the menstrual cramps persist.

PMS cure: South American chamomile

Pour a cup of boiling water over one tablespoon of fresh chamomile flowers (or half a tablespoon of dried chamomile) and allow to steep for 5 minutes. Then strain out the flowers, add some honey and lemon (to taste) and drink while hot. Voila!

PMS cure: Guyanese ginger & clove blend

Put 2 teaspoons of powdered ginger, 5 whole cloves and one cup of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and allow to simmer for 5 minutes. Strain and drink while hot.

PMS cure: Jamaican wonder water

Place a quarter cup of white overproof rum (bonus points if you can get your hands on Wray & Nephew’s 151-Proof White Rum) and some ice cubes in a cocktail glass. Add a splash of water and a twist of lemon. Repeat judiciously! This really works… so well, in fact, that it’s my favourite period pain remedy of the lot!

Have you tried any of these potions? What was your experience with them? And what’s your go-to remedy for tackling the cruel menstrual cramps?