Menstrual irregularity can be an enormous disability with heavy bleeding, extreme pain, irregular periods and emotional symptoms. It may also indicate additional medical complications that must be checked out by a qualified health professional. If you experience excessive bleeding, menstrual pain, long or irregular periods, some herbal remedies may help your condition. Herbal medications affecting the female reproductive system should not be taken if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant and you should talk to your doctor about your condition before starting any new regimen.
Excessive Bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, can be a disability. There are prescription medications available, but in some cases, women may benefit from herbal treatment. Agrimony is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used as a tea for heavy menstruation. Shepherds purse has also been used as an extract to reduce heavy bleeding. Cinnamon, the common household spice, has also been used to stop heavy periods and abnormal bleeding; however, it may affect the blood sugar and should likely not be taken by diabetics. Heavy bleeding may also indicate a number of more serious conditions such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis and should be checked by a physician before any herbal treatment is started.
Extreme Menstrual Pain
Amaranth given as a tea, known as niu xi in Chinese medicine, may relieve menstrual pain. Dong quai -- also a Chinese herbal medication given as an extract in tablet formation -- used for the first 14 days of the cycle may help to regulate menstrual function. Neither herb should be taken if you are pregnant. A Chinese medicine combination known as "augmented rambling powder" purportedly treats menstrual pain and reduces breast tenderness, irritability and digestive disturbance that often accompanies menstrual periods.
Normalize Period Length
Blue cohosh is an estrogen-like herbal medication that is sometimes given to women during menopause, but it may also help to shorten long periods and increase menstrual flow. Black cohosh is a much stronger medication that may act in a similar fashion but should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. Dan shen, a Chinese herb, may be taken as tea for up to three months to restore your period after a time of amenorrhea. An herb known as Morinda, also taken as a tea may, help to restore normal periods and correct urinary incontinence. Vitex, also known as verbena tablets, may be taken during the last 14 days of the cycle for up to three months to lengthen short periods and decrease menstrual flow and works by normalizing the activity of female sex hormones.
Premenstrual Syndrome
Dong quai, also used for other menstrual symptoms, has been used as Chinese and American herbal medicine to assist with the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome -- more commonly known as PMS -- such as cramps, bloating and moodiness. Chamomile may be taken to relax and relieve muscle pain and also aids in relaxation and sleep. Raspberry leaf has been given to relieve menstrual cramps because it is considered a uterine tonic, according to the book "Prescription for Herbal Healing" by certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, and it may also relieve diarrhea that can accompany menstrual cramping. Dandelion root may relieve bloating and breast tenderness that often occurs before the menstrual cycle starts.
References
- MedlinePlus: Menstruation
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dong Quai
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
