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Seven Medicinal Herbs for Menstrual Health

Aunt Flo. On the Rag. Shark Week. Whatever you call menstruation, it can be an uncomfortable monthly event for women (and uterus owners)! According to Women’s Health Concern, an informative group that services women and their partners, “Around 80% of women experience period pain at some stage in their lifetime”.

Additionally, not all menstrual pain and discomfort is the same. Some women feel irritable PMS symptoms, while others receive practically unbearable uterine cramps. Other women may have extremely heavy periods, while some women may have unpredictable cycles. Whatever it may be, it can make that “time of the month” quite dreadful!

What if I told you that your moon cycle doesn’t have to be a painful or uncomfortable event? It’s true! For all the unique menstrual symptoms that women face, there are specific herbs that can alleviate the pain, discomfort, and unpredictability of one’s Moon Cycle*.

*Note: For this article I will be referring to menstruation as one’s Moon Cycle. A synchronous relationship has been found linking a women’s menstrual cycle to the lunar cycle. For example – I can track my period to arrive the days before and on the new moon. Isn’t that amazing?!

In this blog post, weโ€™ll explore seven medicinal herbs that are not only accessible but also effective in addressing common menstrual concerns. Whether youโ€™re looking for relief from cramps or seeking to stabilize your Moon Cycle, these herbs might just become your new plant allies.

โ€œIn some Native languages the term for plants translates to โ€œthose who take care of us.โ€
โ€• Robin Wall Kimmerer

Herbs for Menstrual Health in History

Herbal remedies have been used for centuries across different cultures to support menstrual health. From soothing teas to potent tinctures, these plants are rich in compounds that can help with pain relief, stress reduction, and hormonal regulation. Our ancestors knew of these benefits and have been practicing herbalism since the Neanderthal Period!

Historically, places such as Mexico, South Africa, China, India, and the Mediterranean (just to name a few) had knowledge of what native plants to use to help alleviate painful and uncomfortable menstrual symptoms. With the arrival of Modern Medicine in the 18th century, in addition to colonization (which suppressed herbal knowledge), many people across the world replaced their medicinal herbs with modern medicine.

Fortunately, the knowledge of native plant wisdom (herbalism) has survived extinction, and has been passed down to our generation. Nowadays, women can choose to relieve painful menstrual symptoms with modern medication, natural herbal medicine, or a combination of both. That’s wonderful news!

A Quick Guide of Menstrual Symptoms/Helpful Medicinal Herbs

  • Heavy Periods

Shepard’s Purse, Yarrow, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Ginger, Dong Quai, Red Raspberry Leaf, Chaste Tree, Ashwagandha, Maca, and Black Cohosh.

  • PMS Symptoms

Chaste Tree, Ginger, Chamomile, Gingko Biloba, Turmeric, Lemon Balm, Dandelion, Lavender, Peppermint, Evening Primrose, Nettle, and Fennel.

  • Painful Cramps

Crampbark, Blue Cohosh, Black Cohosh, Wild Yam, Dong Quai, Calendula, Linden and Ginger.

  • Unpredictable Cycle

Chaste Tree (Vitex), Maca, Dong Quai, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Dandelion, Yarrow and Feverfew.

Our apothecary, Tierra Libre Products, has a tincture called Cramp Be Gone that helps alleviate painful and uncomfortable symptoms of menstruation. With the pain reducing aid of Cramp Bark and calming benefits of Lemon Balm and Chamomile, Cramp Be Gone can be your greatest plant ally for your Moon Cycle.

Red Raspberry Leaf

Nourishing Herb

Benefits: Often referred to as “the woman’s herb,” raspberry leaf is rich in vitamins and minerals that tone the uterine muscles and regulate menstrual cycles.

Usage: Prepare a tea using dried raspberry leaves. Regular consumption can strengthen the reproductive system.

Angelica Root/Dong Quai

Warming Herb

  • Benefits: A staple in traditional Chinese medicine, dong quai is believed to improve blood circulation, reduce cramps, and regulate irregular periods.
  • Usage: It is often consumed as a tea or taken in capsule form. Consult with a healthcare professional before use, especially if youโ€™re on medication.

Lemon Balm

Calming Herb

Benefits: Lemon balm is a calming herb that helps reduce stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate menstrual symptoms. It also supports digestive health, which is often affected during menstruation.

Usage: Brew lemon balm tea or use it as a tincture to promote relaxation and relieve mild discomfort.

Yarrow

Anti-Inflammatory and Antispasmodic Herb

Benefits: Yarrow is known for its ability to regulate heavy bleeding and support overall uterine health. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful for reducing menstrual pain.

Usage: Make yarrow tea using dried flowers or leaves, or use it in tincture form. Regular use can help in balancing menstrual cycles.

Cramp Bark

Pain Relieving Herb

  • Benefits: Cramp bark is highly effective in reducing muscle spasms and easing menstrual cramps. It also helps in relaxing the uterine muscles, providing relief from heavy or painful periods.
  • Usage: Brew cramp bark tea or use it in tincture form. Itโ€™s best taken at the onset of cramps for quick relief.

Chaste Berry/Chaste Tree/Vitex

Hormone Regulator Herb

Benefits: Vitex is known to balance hormones by supporting the pituitary gland, which can reduce PMS symptoms like bloating, mood swings, and breast tenderness.

Usage: Take it as a tincture or capsule, typically over several months, to see the best results.

Calendula

Anti-Inflammatory and Antispasmodic Herb

Benefits: Calendula is renowned for its ability to soothe inflammation and regulate menstrual cycles. It can also help ease uterine discomfort and promote overall reproductive health.

Usage: Use dried calendula flowers to make tea, or apply calendula-infused oil externally to alleviate cramps.

Tips for Using Medicinal Herbs Safely

  • Consider consulting a healthcare provider before introducing new herbs, especially if youโ€™re pregnant, nursing, or on medication.
  • Use high-quality, organic herbs from trusted sources to ensure purity and effectiveness.
  • Monitor your body’s response, as each individual may react differently to herbal remedies.

Final Thoughts

These seven medicinal herbs offer a natural way to support menstrual health. While they canโ€™t replace professional medical care, they can complement your wellness routine and make your moon cycle more manageable. Remember, your menstrual health is a vital part of your overall healthโ€”it deserves attention and care. May the herbs be with you!

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