Herbal Remedies for Menstrual Cramps
Women have been using herbal remedies to reduce the many symptoms associated with menstruation, including menstrual cramps, for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. There are many factors that act to either worsen or reduce menstrual cramps including stress, diet and associated health problems, all of which may vary from month to month.
Herbal remedies for the treatment of menstrual cramps can act in a variety of ways. Some may work to balance hormone levels, as there is a rise of progesterone prior to menstruation and then a sharp drop in progesterone and estrogen during menstruation. Some can be taken as uterine tonics, which work to strengthen and maintain a healthy uterus. Others are anti-spasmodic herbs, which help prevent and ease cramps. There are also nervine herbs, which have an overall relaxing effect on the nervous system. Most herbal remedies for menstrual cramps are most effective if taken prior to the onset and during menstruation. It often takes at least three menstrual cycles before the effects of some herbal treatments can be realized.
| Herbal Remedy for Menstrual Cramps
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 Femalite™ by Native Remedies
Natural remedy which helps to maintain stable mood and hormonal balance before menstruation, as well as provide a soothing effect during menstruation. It support healthy fluid balance and helps with minor cramps and aches commonly related to the premenstrual and menstrual period. | |
Natural Herbs Used for Menstrual Cramps
 Squaw Vine (Mitchella repens)
This medicinal herb is reported to have been a common cure among Cherokee women for menstrual cramps. It has anti-spasmodic properties.
Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum)
Lignans contained in flaxseed act in the same manner as estrogen and may act to modulate hormone levels, which helps alleviate symptoms of PMS as well as menopause.
Cramp Bark (Centella asiatica)
Cramp bark has anti-spasmodic properties and is a nervine which makes it an effective natural treatment for muscle cramps, including menstrual cramps.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Oregon grape can be very helpful in treating burns as it contains berberine, proven to protect against bacteria, viruses and fungi. Scientific research has shown that plants containing berberine stimulate the immune system and fight infection. Oregon grape root is a strong antioxidant and contains tannins that ease inflammation, irritation and itching of the skin.
Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium)
This spreading shrub is closely related to honeysuckle and elderberry. It contains the compounds aesculetin and scopoletin which are known to relieve muscle spasms, thus relaxing the uterus.
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
Meadowsweet contains salicin that can provide relief of pain from menstrual cramps.
Chinese Angelica (Angelica sinensis)
The root of this herb is widely used in Chinese medicine and is also known as dong quai. It acts as both an anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory and has also been used to treat fatigue.
Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)
Taken as a tea, raspberry leaf is frequently used to relax the uterus. It is sometimes taken during pregnancy to soothe uterine irritability.
Kava Kava (Piper methysticum)
The anti-spasmodic effects of kava kava make it a natural treatment for menstrual cramps. It also contains two chemicals considered to be as effective in relieving pain as aspirin. Some Europeans take kava kava for its anti-anxiety effects, which may also help reduce cramping.
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Clover is rich in phytoestrogens that, like lignans in flaxseed, act much like female estrogen. Red clover may be an effective herbal treatment for menstrual cramps by balancing hormone levels during menstruation.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is another herbal remedy with anti-spasmodic constituents for the treatment of menstrual cramps. It is also said to be a uterine tonic, improving blood flow and toning the uterus.
Chinese Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)
This common ornamental plant has been used for centuries as an anti-spasmodic. It is a traditional Chinese herb for the treatment of spasm, muscle cramps, irregular menstruation and menstrual cramps.
Other natural herbs that have been used to treat menstrual cramps.
Natural Treatment for Menstrual Cramps
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The Use of Herbal Remedies for
the Treatment of Menstrual Cramps
Reducing stress and relaxing can help to reduce menstrual cramps. There are a number of herbal treatments that can be taken to help relaxation. Chamomile, lavender, marjoram, ginger, and/or clary sage can be added to bath water or massage oil. Herbal teas with sedative properties include wild yam, peppermint, chamomile, hops, valerian, ginger, skullcap, motherwort and California poppy.
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