Jaded Issue #17

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It still blows my mind that as women we’ve basically been trained to believe our rite of passage is straight-up suffering every single month. Like, “Congrats, you’re a woman — enjoy your emotional breakdown, crippling cramps, and identity crisis that lasts a solid 10 days!”

And we just… accept it? As if it’s normal to want to crawl out of your body once a month for 30–35 years straight. You’d think after decades of this, we’d at least build up a tolerance, but nope — every cycle still hits like the first one. We’re out here crying in the bathroom, bleeding through our favorite pants, rage-texting our partners, and wondering why no one warned us that this is what “being in tune with your body” actually means.

If you’re currently curled up with a heating pad, convinced you might be dying, or questioning every life choice that led you here — you’re in the right place. Because there are ways to make it suck less.

Below are my go-to ways to calm your cramps, settle your body, and finally make peace with your period — without pretending to love it.

Step One: Lifestyle — The Basics You Can’t Skip

1. Heat, always.

Grab a heating pad or a hot towel and place it on your lower stomach or back. It sounds too simple to work, but it’s magic. Heat increases blood flow, relaxes your muscles, and eases cramps faster than most pain meds.

2. Scent your space.

I know — it sounds a little “woo-woo,” but aromatherapy actually works. Essential oils like lavender, clary sage, and rose promote relaxation and can ease uterine tension. Or honestly, go with any scent that calms you down. If that’s pumpkin spice, go for it.

3. Gentle abdominal massage.

You don’t need anything fancy. Just your hands. Place them over your lower belly and massage in a slow, clockwise motion. Certain pressure points can release cramping — the trick is finding the one your body responds to.

4. Go organic (for real).

When I switched to organic pads and tampons (only when absolutely necessary), my cramps dropped dramatically. A lot of women notice the same thing. Fewer chemicals = happier uterus.

5. Move (even a little).

I get it — you’d rather stay in bed wrapped like a burrito. But light yoga, stretching, or a short walk can increase blood flow and boost endorphins, which helps your body cope better with pain.

Step Two: Food, Supplements & Herbs

1. Fish Oil

Omega-3s reduce inflammation and have been shown to ease menstrual cramps.

2. Calcium

Low calcium levels are linked to more intense cramps. Check your intake and consider adding a supplement if needed.

3. Magnesium Glycinate

My personal holy grail. Take it five days before your period or nightly before bed. It relaxes muscles, supports hormone balance, and calms your nervous system. Since I started, I’ve basically forgotten what bad cramps feel like.

4. Ginger Root

Ginger is a powerhouse — it helps with cramps, bloating, headaches, and nausea. Sip it as tea or take a capsule.

5. Motherwort

A gentle, heart-opening herb that can be taken before or during your period to ease uterine tension and emotional intensity.

6. Peppermint Oil

Try three peppermint oil capsules daily during your flow to relieve cramping and nausea.

Step Three: Relax (Try to at least)

Look, I’m not gonna sit here and tell you this is your “shedding moment” to disappear into the woods and howl at the moon in your sacred woman era. I get it. We’ve got jobs, responsibilities, and lives to live. But I’m also very aware of how important it is to rest…to at least find some kind of inner peace with your cycle instead of fighting it every single month.

It doesn’t have to be all crystals and chanting (unless that’s your thing). It’s just about honoring what your body’s doing. Because as much as I roll my eyes at the word “sacred,” I do believe this time can be sacred — if you let it be.

And for the record, all of these tips and insights come from my studies under Dr. Aviva Romm, who is hands-down one of the most brilliant voices in women’s health. If you want to dive even deeper into understanding your body, hormones, and cycle — check her out. She’s the real deal.

Hope this helps…

xoxo, Olivia Jade