Menstrual Cramps: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Menstrual cramps, medically known as dysmenorrhea, are severe abdominal pains experienced by women during their menstrual period due to the contraction of uterine muscles.

These cramps are often caused by hormonal changes, particularly the release of prostaglandins, which stimulate the uterine muscles to contract. If left untreated, menstrual cramps can lead to nausea, fatigue, and mood swings, negatively impacting daily life and overall health. Fortunately, herbal remedies such as ginger, turmeric, and cramp bark can provide relief when used in medicinal preparations like teas, capsules, or tinctures.

However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using these herbs, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or allergies.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of menstrual cramps, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of menstrual cramps?

The main causes of menstrual cramps are attributed to the contraction of the smooth muscle layer in the uterus, known as uterine contractions, which are triggered by the hormone prostaglandin.

Prostaglandin levels surge during menstruation, causing the uterus to contract and relax, leading to cramping. Other contributing factors include hormonal fluctuations, specifically the drop in estrogen and progesterone levels, and the release of the uterine lining. Additionally, the constriction of blood vessels in the uterus can reduce blood flow, exacerbating cramps.

Research suggests that individuals with a family history of menstrual cramps, as well as those with conditions such as endometriosis, are more likely to experience severe menstrual cramps.

• Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly the withdrawal of progesterone, cause the uterine lining to contract, leading to menstrual cramps.
• Prostaglandins: Prostaglandins, hormone-like substances produced by the uterus, stimulate uterine contractions, resulting in menstrual cramps.
• Uterine Contractions: Uterine contractions, caused by the contraction of smooth muscle cells in the uterine wall, lead to menstrual cramps.
• Uterine Spasms: Uterine spasms, involuntary contractions of the uterine muscles, cause menstrual cramps by compressing blood vessels and nerves.
• Uterine Enlargement: Uterine enlargement, or the stretching of the uterine wall, can cause menstrual cramps due to the increased pressure on the surrounding blood vessels and nerves.
• Uterine Inflammation: Uterine inflammation, or the presence of inflammatory cells in the uterine lining, can cause menstrual cramps due to the irritation of the uterine muscles and surrounding tissues.
• Endometriosis: Endometriosis, a condition in which endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, can cause menstrual cramps due to the formation of scar tissue and adhesions in the pelvic region.
• Adenomyosis: Adenomyosis, a condition in which endometrial tissue grows into the uterine wall, can cause menstrual cramps due to the formation of scar tissue and adhesions in the uterine wall.
• Pelvic Inflammation: Pelvic inflammation, or the presence of inflammatory cells in the pelvic region, can cause menstrual cramps due to the irritation of the uterine muscles and surrounding tissues.
• Anatomical Abnormalities: Anatomical abnormalities, such as a retroverted uterus or a septate uterus, can cause menstrual cramps due to the altered anatomy of the uterine cavity and surrounding tissues.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for menstrual cramps?

The main medicinal herbs used for menstrual cramps are Paeonia lactiflora, Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Angelica sinensis, Ginkgo biloba, Curcuma longa, Cimicifuga racemosa, Vitex agnus-castus, Cinnamomum verum, Urtica dioica.

Paeonia lactiflora, also known as Peony root, contains paeniflorin which inhibits uterine contractions and relaxes muscles, providing relief from menstrual cramps. Zingiber officinale, or Ginger, contains gingerols and shogaols that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, reducing pain and discomfort associated with menstrual cramps. Angelica sinensis, or Dong Quai, has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, helping to relax uterine muscles and reduce menstrual pain.

Additionally, Curcuma longa, or Turmeric, contains curcumin which reduces prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause menstrual cramps, while Urtica dioica, or Stinging Nettle, has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that ease menstrual symptoms.

• Paeonia lactiflora: Paeonia lactiflora helps with menstrual cramps due to its ability to inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that cause the smooth muscle in the uterus to contract and lead to pain during menstruation.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with menstrual cramps by reducing inflammation and relaxing the uterine muscles, which alleviates pain and discomfort during menstruation.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with menstrual cramps by acting as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, which reduces the severity of prostaglandin-induced pain and inflammation in the uterine muscles.
• Angelica sinensis: Angelica sinensis helps with menstrual cramps by its ability to inhibit the release of prostaglandins and reduce the intensity of menstrual pain, as well as its anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate inflammation and discomfort in the uterine muscles.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not have a direct effect on menstrual cramps, but its antioxidant properties may help alleviate symptoms associated with PMS, such as anxiety and fatigue.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa helps with menstrual cramps by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins and reducing inflammation in the uterine muscles, which alleviates pain and discomfort during menstruation.
• Cimicifuga racemosa: Cimicifuga racemosa helps with menstrual cramps by its ability to reduce the levels of prostaglandins and alleviate the symptoms of menstrual pain, as well as its anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and discomfort in the uterine muscles.
• Vitex agnus-castus: Vitex agnus-castus helps with menstrual cramps by regulating hormonal imbalances that can lead to menstrual pain and discomfort, and by its anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the uterine muscles.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum may help alleviate menstrual cramps by its ability to reduce inflammation and relax the uterine muscles, although more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
• Urtica dioica: Urtica dioica helps with menstrual cramps by its anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the uterine muscles, as well as its ability to relax the smooth muscle in the uterus and reduce the severity of menstrual pain.

What are the main herbal preparations used for menstrual cramps?

The main herbal preparations used for menstrual cramps are Decoction, Capsules, Tincture, Salve, Cream, Suppository, Gel, Tea, Poultice, Suppositories.

Decoction of cramp bark, black cohosh, and blue cohosh is used to relieve menstrual cramps by reducing uterine contractions and promoting relaxation. Capsules of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, and magnesium are used to reduce inflammation and relax muscles. Tincture of ginger and feverfew is used to reduce pain and inflammation, while Salve and Cream of arnica and chamomile are applied topically to reduce pain and inflammation.

Suppository, Gel, Tea, and Poultice of cramp bark, black cohosh, and blue cohosh are also used to relieve menstrual cramps by reducing uterine contractions and promoting relaxation.

• Decoction: A decoction of the roots of Angelica archangelica and the leaves of Aloysia citriodora helps with menstrual cramps by releasing their bioactive compounds, which then act as natural pain-relievers, anti-inflammatories and relaxants to ease uterine contractions and reduce prostaglandin levels.
• Capsules: Capsules containing a concentrated extract of the flowers of Vitex agnus-castus help with menstrual cramps by regulating hormonal imbalances, particularly the reduction of prostaglandins, which are involved in the contraction of the uterus.
• Tincture: A tincture of the roots of Zingiber officinale helps with menstrual cramps by releasing its bioactive compounds, which then act as natural pain-relievers and anti-inflammatories to ease uterine contractions and reduce prostaglandin levels.
• Salve: A salve containing a concentrated extract of the leaves of Plectranthus amboinicus helps with menstrual cramps by releasing its bioactive compounds, which then act as natural pain-relievers and anti-inflammatories to ease uterine contractions and reduce prostaglandin levels when applied topically to the lower abdomen.
• Cream: A cream containing a concentrated extract of the flowers of Melissa officinalis helps with menstrual cramps by releasing its bioactive compounds, which then act as natural relaxants and pain-relievers to ease uterine contractions and reduce prostaglandin levels when applied topically to the lower abdomen.
• Suppository: A suppository containing a concentrated extract of the roots of Valeriana officinalis helps with menstrual cramps by releasing its bioactive compounds, which then act as natural relaxants and pain-relievers to ease uterine contractions and reduce prostaglandin levels when inserted into the vagina.
• Gel: A gel containing a concentrated extract of the leaves of Aloe barbadensis helps with menstrual cramps by releasing its bioactive compounds, which then act as natural anti-inflammatories and pain-relievers to ease uterine contractions and reduce prostaglandin levels when applied topically to the lower abdomen.
• Tea: A tea of the leaves of Camellia sinensis helps with menstrual cramps by releasing its bioactive compounds, which then act as natural diuretics and relaxants to ease uterine contractions and reduce prostaglandin levels.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the leaves of Plantago major helps with menstrual cramps by releasing its bioactive compounds, which then act as natural anti-inflammatories and pain-relievers to ease uterine contractions and reduce prostaglandin levels when applied topically to the lower abdomen.
• Suppositories: Suppositories containing a concentrated extract of the roots of Paeonia lactiflora help with menstrual cramps by releasing their bioactive compounds, which then act as natural relaxants and pain-relievers to ease uterine contractions and reduce prostaglandin levels when inserted into the vagina.