For many women, the premenstrual period is uncomfortable or painful. Cramps can begin two days before the onset of your period and may continue for a few days. Elevated levels of estrogen and prostaglandins account for the symptoms. Some herbal remedies may ease menstrual cramps, but talk to your doctor first. Herbal remedies are classified as dietary supplements and therefore are not stringently tested by the FDA for safety and effectiveness.
Cramp Bark
Cramp bark, as its folk name implies, is an herbal remedy that can help alleviate menstrual cramping. This herb, whose scientific name is Viburnum opulus, can be found growing in parts of the United States and Europe. The grayish-brown bark is harvested during the warm months and taken as an herbal tea. Cramp bark possesses both antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, which account for its effectiveness in relieving cramps. AltMD recommends 1/2 cup of tea every 3 hours up to three cups total daily. Do not use cramp bark if you suspect you are pregnant.
Raspberry Leaf
The raspberry shrub, which is related to the rose, grows in many parts of the world and is best known for its delicious berry. However, its leaves can be used to make an herbal tea. Raspberry leaf contains ferulic acid, a substance that acts to relax the uterus and relieve cramping. Raspberry leaf also strengthens the uterus, allowing for a less painful menstrual flow. Phyllis Balch in "Prescription for Herbal Healing" suggests taking 1 cup of raspberry leaf tea no more than twice a day or more than twice in a week.
Corn Silk
Corn silk, those threadlike strands surround an ear of corn, can be collected before the plant is pollinated for use in herbal preparations. Corn is a member of the grass family and grows in many places worldwide. Corn silk tea is most often used as a diuretic, to promote water loss and lessen premenstrual bloating, but it also acts to relieve cramping. AltMD recommends taking 1 cup of corn silk tea three times a day while symptomatic. If you opt to use fresh corn silk to make the tea, use silk from organically grown corn to avoid pesticide contamination.
Wild Yam
Wild yam, or Dioscorea opposita, is a tropical vine whose bulbs and underground stems, called rhizomes, are used medicinally. Wild yam contains the estrogen-like substance diosgenin, which accounts for its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, such as cramping. It is also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which help relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. You can make a tea from wild yam extract, but discuss the dosage and frequency of this treatment with your health care provider. Do not use wild yam if you have protein S deficiency or a hormone-sensitive condition, such as breast cancer, uterine fibroids or endometriosis.
References
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing" Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Menstrual Pain; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; 2009
- altMD: Cramp Bark
- altMD: Raspberry Leaf
- altMD: Corn Silk
- MedlinePlus: Wild Yam
