Home Remedies and Herbs for Menstrual Problems

Menstrual problems involve a range of symptoms related to a woman’s menstrual cycle. Menstrual problems can occur at any time, including before, during, or after a woman’s monthly period. In most cases, menstrual pain does not indicate a serious issue. Symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, abdominal cramps, and nausea are common. However, severe menstrual pain can be an indicator of an underlying condition, such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or uterine infections.¹ Typical menstrual pain can be treated through a variety of techniques, including herbal home remedies or medications.

What Causes Menstrual Problems?

Menstrual problems are a natural part of the menstrual cycle. Each month, a woman’s body prepares for possible pregnancy by undergoing hormonal changes. These changes cause one of the woman’s ovaries to release an egg into her fallopian tube. If the egg doesn’t become fertilized, it will continue through the uterus and exit the body with the uterine lining through the vagina, which is what’s referred to as a woman’s menstrual period.² As these hormonal changes and uterine contractions occur, they bring with them symptoms like mood swings, abdominal cramping, and digestive issues.³ More serious conditions like ovarian cysts may cause intense menstrual pain. Another menstrual problem many women face is irregular periods. Talk to your doctor if your menstrual problems seem out of the ordinary.

Menstrual Problems Symptoms

Menstrual problem symptoms differ from woman to woman, but they can include:

• Mood swings
• Changes in appetite
• Insomnia
• Muscle and joint pain
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Bloating
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Acne flare-ups³
• Though rare, some women may also experience vomiting.¹

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Menstrual Problems

Some women take medications to help ease menstrual problem symptoms, but others find success in menstrual problem herbal remedies. Start with these suggested herbs for menstrual symptoms:

• Sesame Seeds - Crushing sesame seeds into water and drinking the mixture can have pain-relieving benefits. This menstrual problem home remedy can help reduce menstrual cramp pain, ease nausea, and prevent vomiting.
• Ginger - Ginger can help with menstrual pain and irregular cycles as well as treat headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
• Turmeric - Turmeric is an effective menstrual problem herb that helps in several ways. For one, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can assist in easing the pain of menstrual cramps. It also helps to balance hormones and your menstrual cycle.
• Chamomile - Chamomile is a natural muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce the pain associated with menstrual cramps. Drink it as a tea daily.
• Cinnamon - Cinnamon has many health benefits, including that it helps with irregular menstrual cycles. In fact, cinnamon bark - along with other Chinese herbs- is said to be more effective for menstrual pain than other techniques, including medications, acupuncture, and heat compression.⁴ You can drink it with a glass of milk, chew on cinnamon sticks, or add it to other dishes.
• Fennel - Fennel is a natural herb for menstrual problems that helps with the nausea and weakness associated with menstrual pain.3 You can take fennel orally or use it in aromatherapy.

References

1. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/menstrual-pain
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/menstrual-cycle/art-20047186
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/basics/symptoms/con-20020003
4. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/11/06/herbs-found-to-be-more-effective-than-drugs-to-relieve-menstrual-pain.aspx