I put some dill seeds or dried dill into a cup of boiled water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes and then drink it. Believe or not, it helps

• Use cold (ice water bottles) in day time and hot water bag at night.

• Drink lemon, ginger and herbal teas.

• Rest and exercise help to decrease the severity of cramps.

The cramps associated with the menstrual cycle come from the contraction of the uterus in response to fluctuations in the hormones flooding the body at this time. Normal menstrual cramps, known as primary dysmenorrhea, increase in intensity in line with increased levels of the hormone prostaglandins. Excessively painful periods and cramps, known as secondary dysmenorrhea, can be the symptom of a more serious problem and should be investigated by a medical professional.

Over the years I tried a number of different remedies in an effort to counter the distress of menstrual problems. My recommendations are:

Diet - cut down on sugars, salts and caffeine in the days leading up to menstruation. Avoid saturated fats and junk foods. Increase intake of omega3, vitamins B and E, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Treat yourself to fresh pineapple and pomegranate.

Drink - although the body can feel quite bloated, increasing hydration in the form of water and herbal teas can improve overall well-being. It also helps replace fluid loss possible through increased sweating, vomiting and diarrhoea. Pomegranate juice helps balance the female organs.

Exercise - yoga or any that stretch the muscles in the lower abdomen. This releases endorphins into the blood stream and endorphins are known as the body's own pain killers. Kneeling body curls, bringing the head down as close to the knee as possible with arms trailing behind and to the side can provide short term relief too. Avoid standing still.

Massage - lie on your back, draw your legs up and press your spine as flat as you can then make small circular movements with your fingertips, going in a clockwise direction over the uterus. Using one of the relaxation oils such as chamomile or lavender can help this.

Heat - a hot water bottle applied directly over the centre of pain and/or to the lower back can provide great relief. Saunas, hot (lavender) baths and heat pads can all be be of help too.

**Top Tip - Raspberry Leaf tea or failing that Red Sage tea. Both of these are effective but given a choice I would go for the Raspberry Leaf first time every time.

Another natural alternative for relief of menstrual cramps either of you might consider is orgasm. Orgasms cause the uterus to flex and contract helping ease the pain and heaviness by helping blood flow. As with the exercise suggestion, endorphins are released after an orgasm and in helping the body to relax give temporary relief from menstrual cramps.

You can also use acupressure or reflexology but these weren't something widely known of when I needed help so I don't know how effective they are. Something else that might help but that I haven't tried for this is a TENS machine. And another I never tried but that might help is Cramp Bark tea.