| Menstrual
cramps (or dysmenorrhea, as doctors call them) have long been an unrecognized women's
ailment—unrecognized, that is, by everyone but the women suffering from them. As
recently as the 1970s, 25 percent of U.S. doctors believed menstrual cramps to be
psychosomatic—all in a woman's head. I find this astonishing, considering how many
women experience cramps. Today, menstrual cramps are recognized as the single greatest
cause of lost school and working hours among women—estimated at 140 million hours
annually in the United States alone. Most
often, the pain is at least partly due to calcium that drops to low levels just before menstruation
and to the increase in a hormone like substance called prostaglandin 2 (PG2). Both are
affected by another promoter of menstrual cramps—stress. Endometriosis, uterine
infection and fibroids, a troublesome IUD and chronic constipation can all increase
cramping. Even drinking alcohol or eating lots of eggs, meat and dairy foods can worsen
menstrual cramps.
Some herbs can decrease PG2 levels and the resulting
cramping without the side effects that sometimes result from the use of painkillers such
as aspirin and ibuprofen. Among the most beneficial herbs are evening
primrose, vitex,
feverfew,
hops, ginger,
thyme, garlic and flaxseed. Many of these can be used to flavor foods.
Cereals containing flaxseed can be found in most grocery stores—just check the
labels.
Start taking these herbs about a week before
menstruation, since that is when PG2 levels begin to rise. It could be as long as three
months before you see results. At the same time, avoid fried foods such as potato chips
and corn chips, as well as crackers, baked goods and anything containing hydrogenated oils
(this includes most store-bought crackers and baked goods) because they increase PG2.
Cramp bark, false unicorn root, motherwort and Red Raspberry have been used by herbalists for
hundreds of years to ease uterine pain, reduce inflammation and stop cramps. They were all
highly recommended for these purposes by the Eclectic physicians, nineteenth century
doctors who used several natural treatments, including herbs. The Eclectic physician John
King, M.D., mentioned cramp bark's value as a uterine tonic in his American Family
Physician in 1878, and it eventually found its way into the physician's main drug
reference, the U.S. Pharmacopoeia. Dr. King called motherwort a "supenor
nervine and antispasmodic" and suggested it to relieve pelvic pain. So far, only
studies using laboratory animals give scientific support, but herbalists who use these
herbs know how successful they can be in stopping menstrual cramps.
Another Eclectic favorite for reducing cramps is a
tincture of fresh oats. You will even find a little medicinal dose of this relaxant in
your morning oatmeal. In addition to oat's other properties, it contains the
muscle-relaxing minerals calcium
and magnesium. |
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Product Recommendations |
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- Femaprim is a woman's dietary
supplement, traditionally used for menstrual difficulties. Vitex has been heavily
researched in Europe. It is widely used to promote overall health and balance in a woman's
life. 1 Capsules provides 225 mg Vitex extract, 100 mg Vitex fruit and 100
mg B-6.
- On Sale Now
 
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Decreases menstrual bleeding and menstrual cramps, relaxes
uterine and intestinal spasms, and strengthens the uterine walls. Also promotes healthy
nails, bones, teeth, and skin. 2 Capsules provides 640 mg. Red Raspberry, 2 mg vitamin C. |
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- For Woman Only provides nutrients to help
support and maintain the health of today’s active women.
vitamin-minerals plus essential herbal women factors. Because of the
changes in hormone levels throughout a woman’s lifetime, women may experience a
variety of symptoms: P.M.S, menstrual irregularities, anxiety, and menopause. Designed
specifically to help maintain good hormonal health.
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