Painful menstrual period cramps are a nuisance for some and debilitating for others. Painful menstruation, in fact, is the top cause of lost time from work or school for females in their teens and early 20s, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). The pain can last for several days. Some women turn to the pharmacy for relief. Women who want a more natural remedy, however, have several herbal options.
Peppermint
Peppermint's calming and numbing effect makes it useful for treating menstrual cramps as well as headaches, diarrhea and flatulence, according to UMMC. These same qualities may make it useful for treating the irritable bowel syndrome symptoms that sometimes accompany menstrual cramps. However, study results for this use are mixed, reports the UMMC. Peppermint can be taken as tea, with 1 tsp. loose leaves or a tea bag steeped in 1 cup hot water for about 10 minutes. A person can drink four to five cups of this tea daily. Peppermint also comes in capsules that can be taken up to three times a day.
Bilberry
Bilberry is used to treat menstrual cramps, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Bilberry is effective thanks to its anthocyanidins, chemicals that have muscle-relaxing properties, according to James Duke's "The Green Pharmacy." The fruit of this plant can be eaten, taken as an extract or used to make tea. Although herbalists recommend this herb, scientific evidence is scanty, advises NCCAM. Using bilberry should be discussed with a health practitioner because too high of doses can have possibly toxic side effects. Generally, 80mg to 120mg twice a day of the standardized extract is considered safe, according to the UMMC.
Ginger
Use ginger to alleviate menstrual cramps because it has six pain-relieving compounds as well as six anti-cramping compounds, Duke recommends. Ginger frequently is used to treat inflammation, according to the UMMC. Duke recommends utilizing ginger tea. Fresh ginger root can be used to make the tea, or premade tea bags are available. Steep 2 tbsp. ginger root in hot water for at least 10 minutes to make a tea, which can be consumed up to three times daily, advises the UMMC.
