Herbal Treatments For The Menstral Cycle

Menstrual irregularities can arise, such as severe cramping before or during menses, excessive bleeding, bleeding between periods, absence of menses or irregular cycles. Any of these symptoms may be a sign of an underlying disorder. Certain herbs may be helpful for menstrual difficulties when part of a well-rounded treatment that addresses the root cause. Before taking herbs for menstrual problems, consult a botanically-trained health care professional for a diagnosis and personalized advice on herbal forms, dosage and safety.

Dong Quai

Dong quai, also known by the Latin name Angelica sinensis, is a plant in the celery family that grows in the mountains of east Asia. It has a long history of use as a spice, tonic and medicine in China, Korea and Japan. The root is used for medicine, and its taste is sweet, bitter and slightly pungent. Traditional Chinese medicine employs dong quai to improve circulation and treat painful menstruation. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, dong quai may also relieve irregular menstrual cycles, infrequent periods, pain or mood swings prior to menses and menopausal symptoms.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa, also known as buffalo herb and by its Latin name Medicago sativa, is a member of the legume family. Alfalfa's purported medicinal uses include treatment of allergies, asthma, diabetes, digestive problems, atherosclerosis, breastfeeding difficulties and menstrual disorders. The plant's above-ground parts and seeds are used for medicine, and they have a bland taste and cooling and moistening tendencies. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that alfalfa is rich in minerals, vitamins and protein, such as carotene, calcium, vitamin E, vitamin K and trace minerals, and it is therefore a useful tonic for overall health. Alfalfa also contains coumestans and isoflavones, which have weak estrogenic activity and may be helpful for menstrual problems that are secondary to estrogen imbalance.

Chaste Tree

Chaste tree, also called Vitex agnus castus, is a member of the verbena family. The plant's fruit is used for medicine and it has a pungent flavor. Tilgner reports that chaste tree berry regulates the female reproductive tract. It can be helpful for premenstrual syndrome -- PMS, menstrual cramps, endometriosis, acne that's related to the menstrual cycle, bleeding between periods, absence of periods and menopausal symptoms. Chaste tree seems to work by increasing luteinizing hormone and inhibiting follicle stimulating hormone, which balances the ratio of estrogens to progestagens.