Menstrual cramps are experienced by many women before or during their menstrual period. It usually affects the lower abdomen but may also spread to the lower back and thighs. The uterine contraction that occurs in response to prostaglandins is the primary cause behind menstrual cramping.
The pain may be severe or mild depending on a woman’s prostaglandin level and can last for several days. However, the good news is that there are many herbal remedies that can bring relief if you feel unbearable pain during this period.
Herbal Remedies For Menstrual Cramps
Natural herbs have been used for thousands of years to treat menstrual cramping and other symptoms of this dreaded premenstrual syndrome. Some particular herbs have been found beneficial for easing menstrual cramps. These are:
Ginger
Ginger, a warming herb that has anti-inflammatory properties, has been used to treat inflammation for years. Besides this, it contains pain relieving and anti-cramping compounds that can bring relief from pain and cramps associated with menstruation. Fresh ginger root is the best option for making tea; but if fresh ginger is not available, you can use premade tea bags. Drink 2-3 cups ginger tea a day to get relief from menstrual cramps as well as the fatigue associated with it. This warming herb will help to lower the level of prostagladins if you start taking ginger capsule thrice a day for three days from the start of your period, and will provide considerable relief from pain.
Raspberry Leaf Tea
Red raspberry leaves have been found useful in toning the uterus and preventing menstrual cramps. Sipping tea made using this soothing herb consistently for a period of time can help to relieve you from menstrual cramp by relaxing the uterus.
Peppermint
Peppermint has calming as well as numbing effect and can be used to treat painful menstrual cramps. Sipping peppermint tea several times a day will help to ease the pain and discomfort associated with menstrual cramps. Peppermint tea is available in the form of tea bags or loose leaves which can be used for preparing tea. Peppermint is also available in capsule form and can be taken three times a day during the periods to get relief from cramps and other symptoms.
Pycnogenol
A study reveals that pycnogenol, which is extracted from pine tree bark, can reduce the pain from menstrual cramp significantly. It works even better than pain medication to bring relief.
Bilberry
Bilberry contains a chemical known as anthocyanidins that has muscle-relaxing properties. For getting relief from menstrual cramps, you can either eat fruit of this plant or use extract for preparing tea. Consult an herbalist because an excessively high dose can lead to toxic side effects. 80 to 120 gm of extract is generally considered safe.
Chasteberry
Although no conclusive evidence has yet been found about the efficacy of this herb in treating menstrual cramping, yet it has been used for thousands of years to treat menstrual problems. Chasteberry extract can be taken in the morning before eating anything to get relief from menstrual cramps.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.