Menstrual-Cramps

Menstrual-Cramps
Natures Solution

Concern: Menstrual-Cramps

Remedy: Ginger Tea

Why it works:

Ginger contains two substances, gingerols and shagaols, that tone the muscles of the digestive tract, neutralize stomach acid and stimulate the production of digestive juices.

Ginger is often used as a general remedy to settle the stomach.

It also has numerous pain-reducing and anti-cramping compounds.

How to use it:

There are several ways to take ginger.

You can eat a piece of fresh, peeled ginger, up to a half-inch piece, four times a day, as needed.

Or you can steep a piece of fresh ginger in hot water to make tea.

Health food stores also carry crystallized ginger, where fresh ginger is infused with sugar to make a sweet yet pungent treat.

Ginger is available in powdered, tablet form as well.

What to watch out for:

Ginger can hinder your blood's ability to clot, so avoid it in the few days before and after any surgery or if you are on blood-thinning medication.

If you are suffering from morning sickness, check with your doctor before self-prescribing ginger.

Other remedies to consider:

Menstrual-Cramps Remedy: Peppermint

Why it works:

Peppermint is prized for antispasmodic and antigas properties, among other benefits.

It's also a mild stimulant, you'll often see it in tea that is labeled "refreshing" or "restorative."

This multitasking herb has a mild numbing effect as well.

How to use it:

Make tea out of one to two ounces of dried peppermint leaf and eight ounces of water.

It's also available in capsule form.

Make sure it's enteric-coated.

Buy it from a reputable health food store and read the package for dosage.

What to watch out for:

Don't use peppermint if you suffer from acid reflux.

Because peppermint relaxes the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach, it can encourage stomach acid to flow upward, making heartburn or indigestion caused by acid reflux worse.
Menstrual-Cramps Remedy: Evening primrose oil

Why it works:

Evening primrose oil is a good source of gamma-lineolic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that is often found to be lacking in women who are suffering from PMS.

The body converts GLA into prostaglandins, which act like hormones to regulate certain bodily functions such as inflammation and muscle contraction.

In Europe, evening primrose oil is often used to treat the bloating, cramping and breast tenderness associated with PMS.

How to use it:

Take up to two teaspoons of evening primrose oil a day, with food.

Menstrual-Cramps Remedy: Raspberry leaf tea

Why it works:

Raspberry leaf tea has been used for many years by women to ease menstrual cramps.

Researchers believe it could be the plant's pycnogenol that helps ease uterine muscle contractions.

Raspberry leaf tea is also a traditional remedy for the discomfort associated with the third trimester of pregnancy and is used to help prepare the uterus for birth.

How to use it:

Brew a tea using dried or fresh raspberry leaves.

Allow it to steep for up to 10 minutes.

Menstrual-Cramps Remedy:

Kava kava (Piper methyscticum)

Why it works:

Kava grows naturally on islands in the South Pacific.

There, it has traditionally been brewed into a beverage and served to promote a sense of calm and well-being.

It is a natural tranquilizer with none of the foggy side effects of other prescription calming agents.

It also has compounds that help relax uterine muscles.

How to use it:

Take a few drops of tincture under the tongue as needed.

What to watch out for:

There have been numerous reports of liver failure in people who take kava kava in Europe.

NOTE *** Do not use it for extended periods of time (more than one month), or at all if you have liver problems, regularly consume alcohol or are on any medication that also compromises liver function.