What herbs are good for period cramps

Updated on: 10 May 2021, 10:25 am IST

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Bleeding for those five days in a month is a reality of every woman’s life. During periods, your body uses up excess energy in cleansing the reproductive system of accumulated ama (toxins). New blood cells (Rakta Dhatu) are created to replenish the loss, and this is possible only when you allow your body to rest.

However, you can’t deny that crankiness, mood swings, and painful cramps make your body and mind work overtime. Many, in fact, find it extremely tough to carry out even the daily activities due to menstrual cramps. But, did you know that Ayurveda has remedies to soothe those as well?

Here are seven Ayurvedic herbs that will help you soothe your period cramps:

1. Bhutakesi (Corydalis govaniana)
A member of the bleeding-heart family, Bhutakesi grows in the Himalayas, particularly around Kashmir. It is commonly prescribed for relief in period cramps. Add 1 to 2 grams of the powder in a cup of boiling water, strain, add honey, and drink twice a day.

2. Kachur (Curcuma zedoaria)
Described as an ‘emmenagogue’, Kachur is very beneficial in easing period cramps. Take 1 to 3 grams of the herb with lukewarm water, or you can also get capsules of 300 to 450 mg. Another way to benefit from Kachur is to prepare a root infusion with a quarter-inch long piece of the root boiled in 50 ml water until it reduces to half.

3. Ajwain (Carom Seeds)
This simple kitchen herb is very effective in dealing with a range of muscular and abdominal cramps, either caused by menses or because of digestive distress. Take Ajwain Tea for relief in the muscular cramps. Add 2 generous pinches of Ajwain in 2 cups of water and boil it until it reduces to half. Strain add honey and drink two to three times a day.

4. Methi seeds (Fenugreek)
Another common kitchen herb with a proven track record of relieving period pain is Methi. Soak a teaspoon of Methi in a glass or normal water overnight. Next morning, drink it whole with the seeds if possible, or you may choose to strain the seeds out. Mix a small pinch of black salt if you wish.

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5. Gud (Jaggery)
Jaggery is a great Vata pacifier. Substitute sugar with jaggery at least 3 to 5 days before you anticipate your period cycle to begin. A great way to combine Methi-Ajwain and Gudd is to make small M&M sized balls with these three ingredients. You can take 2-3 of these on an empty stomach with a sip of warm water.

6. Ghritkumari (Aloe Vera)
Aloe is a woman’s best friend. One of its vast range of health applications is pain relief in period cramps. Drink a glass of aloe vera juice on an empty stomach every morning and you will see your health improving drastically. If you can’t take it daily, then consider drinking it 3 to 5 days before cramps set it. You can continue drinking it throughout your periods.

7. Till ka tel (Sesame Oil)
Massage your lower abdomen with sesame oil with gentle downward strokes. For best results, you may want to slightly warm the oil, and then apply a little warmth with a hot water bag over a light blanket.

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These remedies are generalized in nature. For the personalized treatment of irregular menses or other gynaecological problems, please consult a doctor instead of self-medicating.

NOTE: It is strongly recommended that you consult an Ayurvedic gynaecologist before using these herbs.

According to Hildegard of Bingen medicine, most ailments can be addressed using some combination of diet, herbs and spices.  Though many of her cures are preventative, or slow-working by nature, Hildegard had several herbal remedies to address painful menses.  Many of Hildegard’s herbs may be taken in the form of a soothing tea to resolve discomfort. Teas using herbal blends are especially effective to reduce menstrual cramps. Herbal teas can help with short-term, acute discomfort as well as long-term relief.

Hildegard’s 9 Herbal Remedies for Painful Menses

Natural herbal remedies can help to reduce the symptoms of painful menses.

(1) Vitex Agnus-Castus (Agnus, “Monk’s Pepper”)

The active ingredients in Monk’s Pepper, iridoids and diterpenes, are credited with lowering prolactin in the blood. Agnus-castus has been known since the middle ages for relieving painful menses and remains an active herbal remedy for women in Germany today. Clinical studies with extracts of agnus-castus confirm its use for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), breast pain (mastalgia), and other menstrual discomfort.

Agnus-castus extract is one of the most studied herbal remedies in gynecology. It is generally well-tolerated with very few side effects. Ideally, we find it best to use a professionally prepared product for consistency in dosage and for the benefit of all active ingredients. Directions for use, and intake vary based on each product recommendation.

(2) Yarrow

The yarrow plant uses have proven effective against cramps and abdominal discomfort. The essential oils and flavonoids contained in yarrow have a muscle-relaxing effect, which are particularly effective for cramps related to painful menses.

Yarrow, a healing herb with long tradition

Yarrow is effective in the form of tea or when used in a bath, as a topical solution.  For use in a bath, use a cup of yarrow (fresh or dried) along with a quart of boiling water, and allow to steep for approximately 10 minutes. Strain the mixture into bath water at 98-99 degrees Fahrenheit, and rest for a duration of 10 minutes in the bath.

(3) Chamomile

Chamomile has muscle-relaxing and soothing effects. This is an effective ingredient in several tea blends designed to reduce cramps and the treatment of menstruation difficulties.

(4) Silverweed (argentina anserine)

Silverweed

This medicinal plant has long history in women’s health because of its efficacy in relieving cramps and discomfort in the uterus and intestines. Prepare tea using 1 teaspoon of silverweed with 1 cup of hot water and boil for 10 minutes. Then strain. Drink 1-3 cups daily.

(5) Birch and nettle leaves

Birch and nettle leaves are mild diuretic and used as part of a blend to prevent water retention.

(6) Borage Seed Oil or Evening Primrose Oil

These oils contain high amounts of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 essential fatty acid that is also found in black currant. GLA supports the formation of anti-inflammatory substances in the body. Take two teaspoons of borage seed oil or evening primrose oil daily, either alone or as an ingredient in a salad dressing.

(7) Lavender and Lemon Balm (Melissa)

(8) Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma)

Cimicifuga is recommended for minor ailments related to painful menses, menstrual cramps, and discomfort.

Take 1 teaspoon with 1 cup of hot water, and allow ten minutes to steep. Take 3 cups per day. We recommend using a prepackaged product, which can be found online in tablet, liquid, or extract (alcohol extract) forms. Sheng Ma should not be taken by women with breast cancer.

(9) Lady’s mantle herb

Lady’s mantle

Lady’s mantle is traditionally also used for the treatment of menstrual cramps and painful menses. This herb has a relatively high proportion of tannins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. For a cup of tea, use 2 teaspoons of lady’s mantle with 1 cup of hot water and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Drink 1-3 cups, daily.

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