Traditional and Contemporary Herbs Used to Treat Dysmenorrhea

Whenever women are having the time of the month, it is typical for them to be quite irritable. During the menstrual cycle, the sex hormones involved in the reproductive process jump to very high levels which affects the nervous system and bring about sporadic mood swings. Women affected by dysmenorrhea also have to deal with stomach pain, cramping, fatigue, and bloating that only worsens the gravity of the condition. So, rather than dallying over the discomforts of menstruation, we should instead, know about a few of the contemporary and traditional herbs that can help relieve the pain of dysmenorrhea and help ease the discomforts that come usually with the menstrual cycle.

1. Pasque Flower – This deciduous herb’s medicinal properties has been known and used for hundreds of years by the Native American Indians. Traditionally used for the inducement of childbirth, Pasque Flower has now been confirmed in clinical studies to help support the female reproductive system.

2. Chasteberry – Toning effects on the female reproductive system can be provided by the berries of this plant. Chasteberry is known to have properties that can help balance the hormones. The compounds derived from its extracts can be used to treat PMS, endometriosis, and dysmenorrhea.

3. Pot Marigold – This plant has pain killing and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help regulate the menstrual cycle which in turn promotes a relaxing effect during menstrual cramping.

4. Dong Quai – This herb is a very popular Chinese herb used as a tonic to treat both circulatory and gynecological ailments in traditional Chinese medicine. Because of its hormone-balancing, analgesic, and antispasmodic attributes, dong quai is often used for the normalization of the menstrual cycle.

These are just a few of the most commonly used herb to help alleviate the discomforts related to the menstrual cycle. There are actually a diverse portfolio of herbs and homeopathic treatments that have been used for centuries by different healthcare systems and cultures around the world for treating menstrual issues. However, the pharmaceutical industry has made it more difficult to physically seek out these herbs to obtain relief from pain.

Herbal medicine as it is currently practiced uses extracts from medicinal herbs that are then combined with other herbs to come up with a concentrated herbal infusion that provides relief from symptoms. These herbal supplements are readily available in local health food stores and are wonderful alternative treatments for dysmenorrhea.

Christina Prieto is an Orlando acupuncturist, a certified Yoga instructor and the founder of Harmony Wellness Center in Central Florida.