Herbs have played a starring role for centuries in remedies for menstrual cramps, but the University of Maryland Medical Center points out that the effectiveness of herbal remedies hasn't been confirmed by medical testing. Still, the Mayo Clinic says that some women who use herbal remedies report relief from menstrual cramps. Since the Mayo Clinic estimates that three out of four women experience some form of menstrual discomfort during their periods, you may want to experiment with a few different herbal remedies to see if one of them gives you relief.
Step 1
Simmer 2 tsp. of dried cramp bark in 1 cup of water and drink the mixture three times a day. Cramp bark, which comes from the root of the cranberry bush, is a natural muscle relaxant that works especially well on uterine muscles.
Step 2
Drink 20 to 40 mg of chasteberry extract every morning before breakfast. Chasteberry plants grow throughout the Mediterranean and central Asia, and their ripe berries are dried to make a liquid extract that increases the brain's production of dopamine, easing discomfort.
Step 3
Take 20 to 40 mg of black cohosh extract twice a day. Side effects of black cohosh include gastrointestinal issues and headaches, and the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that black cohosh not be taken for longer than a period of six months. Black cohosh is a native American plant whose roots and underground stems have traditionally been used to treat muscle and joint pain, as well as menstrual cramps.
Step 4
Imbibe a 500- to 1,000-mg dose of evening primrose oil extract once a day. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some studies have shown that the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in evening primrose oil may relieve menstrual symptoms, including cramping. Evening primrose is a North American flowering plant that now also grows in Europe. The flower's seeds are the source of the oil, which is extracted for capsules and liquid preparations.
Step 5
Rub sage, lavender or rose oil onto your stomach in the area where you are feeling crampy. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that some small studies have shown this treatment to be effective for easing cramps. Sage, lavender and rose are all common garden plants, and their essential oils can be extracted from their leaves and petals.
Tips and Warnings
- These herbs are available at health food stores or natural health shops. Many are available online, too.
- Always use caution when you're considering herbal remedies. Since herbal treatments don't fall under the purview of the Food and Drug Administration, they aren't regulated and tested the way other medications are. The ingredients on the label may be misleading or incomplete. If you have or are in remission from a hormone-related cancer, if you take medication to thin your blood or if you have a blood disorder, check with your doctor before using any herbal remedy.
Things You'll Need
- 2 tsp. cramp bark
- 1 cup water
- 20 to 40 mg chasteberry extract
- 20 to 40 mg black cohosh
- 500 to 1,000 mg evening primrose oil extract
- Sage, lavender or rose oil
