Herbal Remedies For Menstrual Cramps, Painful Menstruation Or Dysmeorrhea

By Author: Dr Andrew Napier
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Menstruation is the process of shedding of the uterus lining in the female body every month. Menstrual bleeding takes place for about 3 to 5 days normally. For many women this is light, normal and short whereas some may experience painful menstruation accompanied by menstrual cramps. A little discomfort and pain is normal but an excessively painful menstruation may be difficult and is termed as Dysmenorrhea.

Primary Dysmenorrhea is when the menstrual cramps start a couple of days before the periods and stay for around 3-4 days. This is the most common in women. Secondary Dysmenorrhea occurs when the cramps and pain are due to a medical issue like pelvic inflammatory disease. When the uterus contracts and relaxes for the blood flow, it causes tightening which causes the menstrual cramps. A substance called prostaglandins is released from the lining of the uterus which may increase the effect of the contractions. If the levels of prostaglandins are high, it may even result in lightheadedness and nausea. While it is normal to have mild menstrual cramps due to the uterine contractions, excessive pain and discomfort may ...
... need some attention.

Herbal remedies for painful menstruation and menstrual cramps are effective in reducing the discomfort. If the discomfort level is high enough to interfere with your daily functioning, it needs to be checked and cured. The symptoms of this condition are nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, lightheadedness and headaches.

Medications like anti prostaglandins are available to aid in reducing the cramps and pain. Herbal remedies for painful menstruation are also effective and are a natural way to help reduce menstrual cramps. Some of the herbal remedies are as below:

1. Cramp Bark: This is a uterine relaxant anti spasmodic. It aids in lowering the uterine pain and discomfort.

2. Kava Kava: Kava aids in reducing the pain.

3. Ginger Root: Ginger has pain relieving properties and is used to treat inflammation. Use ginger root to make tea by boiling it in hot water for a while. Drink this daily to experience relief from cramp pain.

4. Chamomile: Chamomile tea also helps in reducing the discomfort.

5. Chaste Berry: Chaste berry has been used as a woman's herb since a long time. It helps to ease the discomfort and menstrual cramps.

6. Angelica: This herb is beneficial in the treatment of painful cramps.

7. Black Cohosh: This herb also helps in reducing the spasms and contractions.

8. Bilberry: This is one of the effective herbal remedies for painful menstruation. This herb has chemicals that help in muscle relaxation.

9. Massage: Massaging the abdominal area with essential oils of herbs like lavender, sage, ginger and chamomile help to relax the muscles of the uterine which gives a relief from the cramps.

Other than following these herbal remedies for painful menstruation and menstrual cramps, one has to eat a healthy diet. Include fruits, vegetable, salads and food rich in calcium and magnesium. Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolates and junk food. Eat food which is easily digestible and drink plenty of water. Regular exercises and yoga can help reduce the painful condition during menstruation.

Read about Irregular Menstruation Treatment. Also know about Painful Menstruation Treatment. Read about Leucorrhoea Treatment.