Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, affects most women at some point in their lives. MayoClinic.com states that, in some cases, heavy bleeding and cramping during your period may impair your ability to perform your usual and customary activities of daily living. Natural herbal treatments have long been used in treating heavy menstrual flow, although you should always understand the merits and drawbacks of herbs before using them for this health purpose.
Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia is classically defined as a loss of blood that exceeds 80 mL per cycle, states the American Academy of Family Physicians. However, most women state that the inability to perform daily activities is more important that the actual volume of blood lost. Possible signs and symptoms associated with heavy menstrual flow include menstrual periods that last longer than seven days, tiredness, fatigue, shortness of breath and the need to change your sanitary protection at night.
Natural Herbal Treatments
There are several natural herbal remedies that may be appropriate in treating your heavy menstrual flow, although few of these herbs have been subjected to extensive clinical research trials and their mechanisms of action may not be well understood. According to Ed Smith, an expert herbalist and author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," false unicorn rhizome, partridgeberry herb, cramp bark, shatavari root and ginger rhizome may be helpful in treating menorrhagia as well as amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea.
Featured Remedy
The rhizome of the false unicorn plant is a commonly prescribed herbal treatment for heavy menstrual flow. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," false unicorn has been used in treating menorrhagia and passive hemorrhage, vaginal laxity, and uterine or bladder prolapse. This herbal remedy may also be used to help treat dysmenorrhea, or pain during your menstrual period.
Disclaimer
Heavy menstrual flow is a common occurrence for many women. However, if you experience unusually heavy bleeding during your period, schedule an appointment with your family physician. Natural herbal treatments may best be used as an adjunct therapy in treating this health issue, and you should avoid using herbs in lieu of other more conventional treatment methods suggested by your doctor. Always ask your health care provider about the risks and benefits associated with herbal remedies.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Menorrhagia
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Treatment of Menorrhagia
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
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