Photo: rimmabondarenko / Canva

I know why you’re here. You searched “how to reduce period pain” because you want the pain gone IMMEDIATELY. I wish I had a magic answer for you, but I don’t. Nothing works that quickly. Your uterus is contracting—it’s a muscle. Of course you’re going to feel it.

The usual advice is to lie down and apply heat. And yes, that can help. But I’ve found something else makes a bigger difference for me: stopping the fight. My worst cramps were always the ones I tried to overpower. I remember having a miserable time with my periods as a teenager, but looking back, I think a lot of that came from simply not understanding what my body was doing.

One important disclaimer before we go any further: if you’re a teenager, please don’t treat anything you read here—or anywhere else online—as medical advice. Talk to an adult you trust, preferably a doctor, before trying anything related to your health. Everything I share on this site comes from my own experience. Please read the full disclaimer on this page.

+ How Swapping Coffee for Ceremonial Cacao Changed My Routine

Ibuprofen was lying to me, so I went looking for ancient wisdom

Advil never made my pain disappear immediately. That was certainly not my experience. I took it for years, and the cramps were still there. Eventually, I started wondering what people did about menstrual pain before modern medicine. That’s what led me to the Red Tent.

I’m drawing on what I read in the first chapter of The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams, which discusses the “Red Tent.” I decided to create my own version, which I call the “Mako Island Protocol.” I spent nine months menstruating during the full moon in 2025, and I couldn’t resist the joke. IYKYK.

What helps with period cramps

On the days I’m bleeding, I let 3g of ceremonial-grade cacao melt under my tongue before bed. I find that this reduces the clots that form overnight and helps the blood flow more naturally. Cacao acts as a vasodilator, which can improve circulation.

And no, that doesn’t mean you’re going to wake up covered in blood. Cacao doesn’t make me bleed more. The idea is simply to help the blood move rather than allowing it to stagnate in the uterus.

But because cacao naturally releases serotonin and contains theobromine, a bit of care is required:

SSRIs & Antidepressants: Cacao acts as a mild, natural antidepressant. If you are taking high doses of SSRIs, please avoid ceremonial cacao, as combining chemical and natural serotonin stimulants can lead to serotonin syndrome. If you are on a low dose, start small (around 10g) and listen to your body.

Heart Conditions, High Blood Pressure & Pregnancy: If you are sensitive to stimulants, approach cacao with the same mindfulness you’d give coffee or strong black tea. If you ever experience headaches or dizziness, pause and consult your doctor.

Drinks that help with period cramps

I significantly cut back on liquid cacao during my period because I’m already taking a small amount sublingually before bed, where it enters the bloodstream directly. If I want cacao for comfort the next morning or afternoon, I keep it to 10–15g.

This is also when I like to pair cacao with a tea suited to the menstrual phase. My favorite is lemon balm.

I like making a tea that feels comforting and nurturing while also offering some physiological support. Lemon balm fits that perfectly. Cacao is rich, earthy, bitter, and full-bodied. Lemon balm is light, fresh, and floral, with a subtle citrus note that cuts through the richness of cacao and refreshes the palate.

Cacao provides theobromine, a cardiac and vascular stimulant, while lemon balm is a wonderful relaxant for both the central nervous system and the digestive tract. Together, they create a balance that I love: cacao warms and stimulates circulation, while lemon balm calms and soothes.

For me, it’s the perfect combination during menstruation: something warm and stimulating alongside something relaxing and comforting, without adding to the contractions.

Start by brewing a strong lemon balm infusion. Once it’s strained and still warm, use it to melt the cacao, then blend or stir everything until completely combined.

The result is rich, aromatic, balanced, and deeply comforting—the kind of drink I want when my body is asking me to slow down.

+ Simple Golden Milk for Better Sleep

End note: What makes period cramps worse?

If you don’t have PCOS, endometriosis, or another diagnosed condition, I have a different answer: capitalism. If you can lie down in the middle of the afternoon because you’re on your period, you’re rich. And I don’t mean financially.

I spent years working on my feet in a mall store. Some of the worst periods of my life were the result of that combination: a standard 9-to-5 spent standing all day, Advil, and birth control.