Menstrual Pain Relief
Herbal and Holistic Remedies

Natural and effective menstrual pain relief...

Learn how herbal and holistic remedies can help you with period pains and other menstrual problems...

Every woman knows the discomfort and agony of period pains…

• Herbal treatments and holistic remedies can have powerful effects on the body’s hormone levels. This can help balance out hormone levels, and hormonal symptoms associated with your period problems.
• Some excellent holistic remedies to try are:

Herbal Remedies

Agnus Castus (Vitex Agnus Castus)
Black Cohosh
Ginkgo Biloba
Feverfew
St John’s Wort
Valerian
Dang Gui
Raspberry Leaves
Yarrow
Hops
Camomile
Passion Flower
Peppermint
Dandelion
Ginger

Other Holistic Remedies

Herbal Remedies

• Agnus Castus is one of the best and most effective natural health remedies for menstrual pain relief and period problems.
• Capsules or tincture are excellent for:
  • bloating and fluid retention
  • skin problems and outbreaks
  • PMT and mood swings
  • food cravings
• Caution:
  • Do not take with oral contraceptives or other hormonal treatments
  • Do not take if you are pregnant or intending to become pregnant in the near future

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Black Cohosh

• This is another really powerful remedy for menstrual pain relief and period problems.
• This herb works to balance and regulate hormone levels in the body.
• Take capsules or tincture over a period of a few months, for the most effective results.
• Caution:
  • Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Do not exceed stated dose
  • May cause stomach upset or heavy menstrual bleeding, for some women

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Ginkgo Biloba

• Ginkgo Biloba is a very effective herb for improving circulation. This means it is great for menstrual pain relief, and soothing and relaxing period cramps.
• It can also help to relieve breast tenderness and even improve concentration
• Take capsules or tincture for a period of at least 2 months.
• Caution:
  • Do not take with antidepressants
  • Do not take with blood thinners as this does help to thin the blood too

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• Feverfew is one of the best herbs to help hormone related migraines, especially pre-menstrual and menstrual migraines.
• Take capsules or tincture every day, for the best effect – or chew 2 fresh feverfew leaves per day.
• Caution:
  • Do not take if pregnant
  • Do not take with blood thinning drugs
  • Chewing the leaves may cause stinging to the mouth

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St John’s Wort

• St John’s Wort is probably the best herb for depression and anxiety of any kind – including hormone related mood swings.
• Taking St John’s Wort can really help to balance your mood and emotions around the time of your periods.
• Take capsules or tincture everyday, for at least 3 months before expecting to see any improvement.
• Caution:
  • Do not take with anti-depressants or L-dopa
  • Do not take with hormonal contraceptives without your doctor’s approval
  • May cause increased sensitivity to the sun and alcohol
  • do not take with melatonin

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Valerian

• Valerian is one of the strongest relaxing herbs.
• It provides effective menstrual pain relief, soothes cramps and reduces anxiety.
• In a high dose it is very effective against insomnia. In lower doses it is good for just relaxing.
• Caution:
  • Do not take frequently. Save for occasional use only.
  • High dosed may cause drowsiness
  • For some people, valerian causes a stimulating effect – in this case, avoid!

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Dang Gui

• Dang Gui is a traditional Chinese remedy, which helps to regulate the menstrual cycle.
• Try capsules.
• Caution: Do not take if pregnant, or planning on becoming pregnant in the near future.

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Raspberry Leaves

• Raspberry Leaves are an excellent remedy for any condition of the womb.
• It helps to regulate menstrual bleeding, and provides very effective menstrual pain relief.
• You can buy tea bags, or make your own effective raspberry leaf tea:
  • Use 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in a cupful of hot water
  • Steep for 10 minutes
  • Strain and drink up to 4 cups per day
• Caution Do not use if pregnant

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Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

• Yarrow is a traditional holistic remedy for heavy periods and gives effective menstrual pain relief.
• Yarrow is a recognised and officially approved treatment for menstrual cramps, in Germany.
• Capsules or tincture are good.
• A tea is the most soothing menstrual pain relief treatment:
  • Use 1 teaspoon of dried yarrow flowers in a cupful of hot water
  • Steep for 10 minutes
  • Strain and drink up to 3 cups per day
• Caution: Do not use if pregnant, or intending to become pregnant in the near future

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Hops

• Hops are a very effective estrogen treatment, helping to balance the levels of estrogen in the body, and soothing hormone related period problems.
• Hops are also an excellent treatment for insomnia, or any kind of anxiety.
• Hops are very effective as a tea:
  • Use 1 teaspoon of whole, dried hops, in a cupful of hot water
  • Steep for 10 minutes
  • Strain and drink 1 cup before bed
• Caution: Avoid if you have any hormone-related cancers.

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Camomile

• Drink camomile tea for soothing menstrual pain relief, and relaxation of menstrual cramps:
  Use 1 teaspoon of camomile flower in a cupful of hot water
  • Steep for 10 minutes
  • Strain and drink up to 4 cups per day

• Caution: Do not use of you are allergic to other members of the daisy family

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Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata)

• Passion flower works in a similar way to Camomile - to:
  • relax the womb
  • relieve period pains
  • soothe menstrual cramps
• Passion flower is very relaxing and can help you to sleep.
  • Use ½ a teaspoon of the dried herb in a cupful of hot water
  • Steep for 10 minutes
  • Strain and drink before bedtime
• Caution: Do not take with monoamine oxidase-inhabiting antidepressants (MAOIs)

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Peppermint

• Peppermint tea is one of my favorites for virtually everything, and I find it very effective for cramps and menstrual pain relief too.
• Make your own tea:
  • Use 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint in a cupful of hot water
  • Steep for 10 minutes
  • Strain and drink 3-4 cups per day
• Caution: Do not take if you suffer from acid reflux or heartburn

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Dandelion

• Dandelion is a very effective diuretic. This means that it is great to help with:
  • bloating
  • water retention
  • breast tenderness
  before your period.

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Ginger

• Ginger is another of my all time favorite holistic remedies. I find it very effective and soothing for menstrual pain relief and against menstrual cramps.
• It is also especially good if you ever get feelings of nausea around your period.
  • Use 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger root, in a cupful of hot water
  • Steep for 10 minutes
  • Strain and drink up to 3 cups a day

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Other Holistic Remedies

Essential Oils

Mix 30 drops (total) of the following essential oils, in 100ml of almond oil, and use as follows:

• For PMS/PMT
  • Use essential oils of:
    • clary sage
    • geranium
    • lavender
  • Use the oil (mixed as above) as a body lotion every day.
  • Add a little of the mixed oil to the bath, for the last 2 weeks of your menstrual cycle (the 2 weeks just before your period starts).
  • Add a few drops of any of the essential oils to a handkerchief or tissue. Inhale deeply for a few moments every day, especially during the 2 weeks before your period starts
• For painful periods
  • Use essential oils of:
    • clary sage
    • camomile
    • aniseed
    • marjoram
    • cypress
  • Massage the oil (mixed as above) into the abdomen and the small of the back, morning and evening, for 2 weeks before your period starts
• For irregular or light periods
  • Use essential oils of:
    • clary sage
    • thyme
    • fennel
  • Massage the oil (mixed as above) into the abdomen, morning and evening, every day.

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Acupuncture

• Acupuncture is thought to be very useful for many different gynaecological problems.
• Acupuncture treats energy blockages within the reproductive system, and other parts of the body, as necessary.
• Always consult a qualified practitioner. Several visits will probably be necessary.
• The best time for acupuncture sessions for menstrual problems is 1 week before your period is due to start.

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Relaxation Remedies

• Various relaxation remedies can be very effective for treating period pains and other menstrual problems.
• This can help you:
  • during the week of your period
  • during the second half of your menstrual cycle
  • all the time
• Choose the relaxation remedy that is the most effective for you:
  • massage
  • yoga
  • light exercise
  • art
  • music
  • meditation
  • hypnotherapy
  • flower remedies
• If you need instant menstrual pain relief, when period pains are making your life miserable, try the simple, tried-and-tested favorite of a hot water bottle - very soothing!
• You can alternate this with cold compresses too, if you wish (although I never bother).
• Also try a lavender pillow warmed in the microwave, for extra relaxation and soothing!

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So, there are lots of holistic remedies and herbal natural health treatments that you can try for your period pains and menstrual problems.

They are all very effective, so I hope you find one that works particularly well for you!

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Get more information about the symptoms, causes and treatment options for menstrual problems and period pains.

What works for you?

Do you have any tips and experiences in treating yourself for menstrual pain relief, to share? Tell us about your experiences...

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