Period pain relief - herbal remedies
Natural remedies such as vitex, yarrow and raspberry leaf are a great alternative to the commonly used over the counter pain killers such as ibuprofen, paracetamol and aspirin. They can help to regulate hormones and stimulate body responses and by that, decrease the discomforts which majority of women experience during their period. In addition, herbs are much milder to our livers and stomachs and have less side effects then the drugs sold in pharmacies.
Vitex aka Chesteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)
Image source: Sten Porse, Wikimedia commons
Works for nearly all menstrual symptoms by regulating and balancing hormones. It also helps to bring hormonal balance to women who stopped taking birth control pills. It decreases mood swings and irritability. It has a positive effect on water retention and cramps. It was approved as treatment for various menstrual symptoms by the German Commission E Monographs.
Can be brewed but works best as alcohol based tincture. Tincture use a strong alcohol take it responsibly and never drive after consuming it. Decreases the effect of contraceptives.
Brew 1tbs of berries in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Drink no more than 3 times a day.
Tincture: 30-50 drops (1/3 -1/2 tsp) no more than 3 times a day.
Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Image source: Alberto Salguero, Wikimedia commons
In natural medicine, yarrow is often used as a remedy to decrease internal bleeding. It reliefs period discomforts such as menstrual pain and heavy bleeding. It was also approved as treatment that decreases menstrual cramping by the German Commission E Monographs.
Brew 1 tsp of yarrow flowers in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes and drink 1-3 times a day. I sometimes start to drink one cup of this brew 1-2 day before my period to avoid pain on the first day.
Raspberry leaf (Rubus ideaus)
Image source: Juhansen, Wikimedia commons
Raspberry leaves are another useful remedy against cramps, pain and bleeding, especially valued by women who suffer from endometriosis.
Brew 1 tsp in a cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Do not drink more than 3 times a day.
For the past 10 years I have made brews and tinctures of vitex, yarrow, raspberry leaves and a mixture of them to relieve all PMS and menstrual symptoms. Ever since I was introduced to this amazing herbs by a friend of mine, I haven’t taken pain killers as long as I was able to make these brews. Now I would like to introduce you to these remedies and hopefully help to bring more relief to women who suffer during the dreaded ‘time of the month’. As a warning I can say that these brews do not taste good but the flavor is something to get used to.
Be well!!
Suzanah
FYI
When you try to use any natural remedy, make sure to check if given herb doesn’t interact with any other medicine you have taken. It is also a good practice to start with smallest possible dosage and then increase it when needed.
Never pick herbs yourself unless you are sure what they are. There are many plants which look alike but have very different effect. To make sure you pick specific plant consult an herbalist or buy dried herbs or tinctures from a known source.
Interesting post! I've found that the only thing that ever works for me on the 1st day is 6 ibuprofen. (And yes, I know that's a lot, especially for my size.) Anything less, though and I'm doubled over in pain for hours. Do you know how long these take to go into effect? Do they need to be done prior to the period, or during?
I know what you mean, I used to eat ibuprofen like a candy. I usually drink these remedies before and during period. I have noticed that I don't get pain during the first days of my period if I start drinking these brews and tincture 2 days before. During the period I drink the yarrow and raspberry brew 3 times a day and the vitex tincture before I go to sleep, then I have no pain at all. As for the time from my experience it works as fast as the pain killers, but it might be a bit different from person to person.
Okay, great to know. I'll have to try incorporating these into my routine. It kills me to take so much ibuprofen -- I literally don't take any other pill or medication of any kind. Have you heard of using krill oil and Rhodiola Rosea? Those are other natural remedies I've heard, although at least for Rhodiola Rosea, it takes up to 6 months to start taking effect. It's more of a long-term investment.
Oh I need to check them out. I didn't hear of them before but maybe this is something which will also help. And yes there is a lot of herbs which work better in the long run.
PMS pain relief
http://whoopiandmaya.com/
7 Reasons Cannabis is Great for PMS
https://www.learngreenflower.com/articles/246/7-reasons-cannabis-is-great-for-pms
I heard of benefits of cannabis as a PMS pain relief. Unfortunately its usage is illegal in many places so I didn't include it in my list. There is another interesting product: http://foriapleasure.com/products/relief-4-pack