Natural herbs have have been used for thousands of years to treat menstrual cramping and other symptoms of the dreaded premenstrual syndrome. As pointed out by the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), the effectiveness of these herbs in relieving menstrual cramping has not been studied in people. They may have estrogen-like effects, so the UMMC advises you to contact your doctor before taking them if you've had a hormone-related cancer or bleeding disorder or if you're taking hormone replacement therapy or blood thinning medications.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry has been used by women for thousands of years to treat menstrual problems, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). It comes from the chaste tree, which purportedly was named because celibate clergy members used it to curb their libido. The UMMC states that 20 to 40 mg of standardized chasteberry extract may be taken in the morning before you eat. Although there are no conclusive findings on the efficacy of chasteberry in treating menstrual cramping, NCCAM-funded studies may determine its effects on menstrual problems. Chasteberry is also known as chaste tree berry, vitex and monk's pepper.
Black Cohosh
Native American women used black cohosh to treat mentrual cramps for more than 200 years, according to the UMMC. Women today continue to use it for the same reason, and in Germany, black cohosh is an approved remedy for symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and painful cramping. Between 20 and 40 mg of standardized extract is taken twice daily, reports the UMMC. Black cohosh can also be brewed as a tea, but it may not be as effective as other preparations. Stop using black cohosh if you develop signs of a liver disorder, such as dark urine, jaundice and back pain, cautions NCCAM. Black cohosh also goes by the names black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot and rattleweed.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose is a wildflower native to the U.S. The root was eaten by Native Americans. European settlers took the flower back to the homeland, where it was also consumed as a food. Medicinally, evening primrose oil is used for a variety of women's complaints, such as PMS, breast pain associated with menstruation and menopausal symptoms. Between 500 and 1000 mg of the standardized extract is taken daily, according to the UMMC. Evening primrose oil is often referred to as EPO, explains NCCAM.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a close relative to the ginger plant and is native to India, Africa and some parts of Asia, according to NCCAM. It's most closely associated with the peppery spice that gives curries and foods such as mustard a warm golden hue. It's also been used for medicinal purposes for more than 4,000 years, reports the UMMC. Its use to address menstrual complaints is borne out of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Three hundred milligrams of the standard extract are taken three times daily for menstrual pain, according to the UMMC. Turmeric can increase bleeding, so consult your physician before taking it for this purpose. Turmeric may also be called turmeric root and Indian saffron.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Menstrual Pain
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Chasteberry
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Black Cohosh
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Black Cohosh
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Evening Primrose Oil
