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There is nothing quite like a bad case of menstrual cramps. In recent years, medical researchers reported that they now understood the exact biochemical cause of menstrual cramps. This probably came as little consolation to the women who must endure menstrual cramping on a monthly basis. Still, it definitely helps to understand the nature of these nasty cramps. Understanding them can often help overcome them. It appears that menstrual cramps are the result of hormone-like chemicals that are known as series-2 prostaglandins. T hese chemicals are responsible for triggering the contractions in the muscular wall of the uterus, perhaps better known as the womb. Conventional medicine has also figured out how to treat menstrual cramps. Many over-the-counter or prescription nonsteroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are now available to treat even the worse case of menstrual cramping. These accessible medications work by cutting down on the formation of those pesky prostaglandins. However, many alternative medicine practitioners believe that there are certain nutritional factors that can help stimulate the production of series-2 prostaglandins. According to many alternative medicine practitioners, eliminating certain nutritional factors can significantly reduce the severity of menstrual cramps. Moreover, many herbalists and naturopathic doctors advise us, the severity of menstrual cramping can also be controlled through the use of several herbal remedies. Here is a brief overview of the most important herbal treatments for treating menstrual cramps.
An Interesting Herb FactCommon Herbal Remedies using Aloe VeraThe plant Aloe (scientific name Aloe vera) is originally from tropical Africa, but it can now be found all over the world. It is a very common ingredient in many herbal remedies. It is believed that related species were traditionally used as an antidote to treat poison arrow wounds. We know that the Greeks and Romans traditionally used the Aloe vera plant, making a gel to treat battle wounds. Aloe vera was also commonly used during the Middle Ages, where it was a popular purgative. Aloe vera is... Multiherb Formulas: There are many multiherb formulas out there that can help control menstrual cramping. Look for multiherb formulas that are made from pure tinctures of ginger, valerian, and motherwort. Most likely, multiherb formulas containing these ingredients are more likely to be effective. What can each of these herbs do for you during that period of menstrual cramping each month?
Valerian is thought of as a powerful and general relaxant, and black haw is known to be a relaxant that specifically relaxes the area around the uterus. The ginger is known as an important life-energy herb--what is known as chi in traditional Chinese medicine. Motherwort is another important herb that is used for any sort of gynelogical imbalance. If you can’t find a multiherb formula that contains all four herbs, you can create one yourself by purchasing pure tincture formulas of all herbs. Take equal parts of each tincture and combine. Take a teaspoon of your multiherb formula two times a day for every day that you experience menstrual cramps.
Motherwort: If you simply can’t find or make a multiherb formula, then you should at least make an effort to take motherwort tincture. Of all the herbs, this is the most important for stopping menstrual cramps. Start with a small dose, such as five drops or so. If you don’t notice relief within ten minutes of taking the first small dose, take another five drops. It is very easy to take too many doses of any tincture, so make sure you keep track of your doses. Do not take more than four doses in one day, but you can continue taking motherwort for each day that you experience menstrual cramps. |