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Updated: Nov 30, 2024

11 Herbal Tinctures For Menstrual Cramps

herbal tinctures for menstrual cramps

Herbal tinctures can be a great way to manage menstrual cramps.

These tinctures are made by soaking herbs in a liquid, like vodka or glycerin, to extract their healing properties. Some herbs, like ginger (Zingiber officinale), have natural anti-inflammatory properties that help to ease cramps. Ginger tincture, for example, can be taken in small amounts to help reduce pain and discomfort. Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is another herb that's often used to relieve menstrual cramps. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe the uterus and ease cramps. Licorice root tincture can also help to balance hormones, which can be beneficial for women with hormonal imbalances.

Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is a natural relaxant that can help to calm the body and mind. It's often used to promote a good night's sleep, which is essential for managing menstrual cramps. Taking valerian root tincture before bed can help to reduce cramps and promote relaxation. Taking herbal tinctures can bring many benefits to your life. For one, they can help to reduce the need for over-the-counter pain relievers, which can have negative side effects when taken regularly. Herbal tinctures are also a natural and chemical-free way to manage menstrual cramps, making them a great option for women who prefer to avoid medication.

Additionally, herbal tinctures can promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can be beneficial for women who experience anxiety or depression related to their menstrual cycle.

This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for menstrual cramps and wh.

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1. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale herbal tinctures for menstrual cramps

Zingiber officinale tinctures contains compounds like gingerols and shogaols, which are responsible for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

These properties help to reduce pain and swelling, making ginger an effective natural remedy for menstrual cramps. Gingerols and shogaols also have a spasmolytic effect, which means they can relax the uterine muscles and reduce cramping. Additionally, ginger has a warming effect that can help increase blood flow and reduce menstrual congestion.

By combining these properties, Zingiber officinale tinctures can provide relief from menstrual cramps by addressing the root causes of the pain.

  1. Gather 1 cup of fresh Zingiber officinale (ginger) roots. Peel and chop them into small pieces.
  2. Combine the chopped ginger with 2 cups of 80% ethanol (or vodka) in a clean glass jar.
  3. Steep the mixture in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
  4. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another glass container, discarding the ginger solids.
  5. Bottle the tincture and store it in a cool, dark place. Use 20-30 drops, 2-3 times a day, as needed for menstrual cramp relief.

2. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra herbal tinctures for menstrual cramps

Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures contains active constituents like glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and triterpenoids.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain in the uterus, which can alleviate menstrual cramps. Glycyrrhizin also acts as a natural corticosteroid, which can help to reduce prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause the uterus to contract and lead to cramping. The flavonoids in Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures have antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

By reducing inflammation and prostaglandin levels, Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures may help to provide relief from menstrual cramps.

  1. Gather 250ml of 80% vodka and 50g of dried Glycyrrhiza glabra roots.
  2. Combine the vodka and roots in a clean glass jar. Seal the jar and shake well.
  3. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking it every day.
  4. After the 2-3 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean jar. Discard the solids.
  5. Label the jar with the date and the name of the tincture. Store it in a cool, dark place and use 10-20 drops as needed to relieve menstrual cramps.

3. Valeriana officinalis

Valeriana officinalis herbal tinctures for menstrual cramps

Valeriana officinalis tinctures contains valerenic acid, valeranone, and valeranone derivatives as its bioactive constituents.

These compounds have sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties, which help to relax the uterine muscles and reduce menstrual cramp pain. The antispasmodic properties of valerenic acid specifically help to block the nerve signals that cause muscle contractions, providing relief from cramps. Additionally, the sedative properties of valeranone derivatives help to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can exacerbate menstrual cramp symptoms.

By combining these properties, Valeriana officinalis tinctures can help to alleviate menstrual cramp discomfort and promote a sense of well-being.

  1. Gather 1 cup of fresh Valeriana officinalis roots. Clean and chop them into small pieces.
  2. Combine the chopped roots with 2 cups of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar. Make sure the roots are fully covered by the vodka.
  3. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking it every day. This is called 'steeping'.
  4. After 2-3 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
  5. Transfer the tincture to a dark glass bottle with a dropper lid. Store it in a cool, dark place. Use 20-30 drops, 2-3 times a day as needed to relieve menstrual cramps.

4. Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia herbal tinctures for menstrual cramps

Lavandula angustifolia tinctures contains the bioactive constituents linalool and linalyl acetate, which are responsible for its anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic properties.

These compounds help to relax the uterine muscles and reduce inflammation, providing relief from menstrual cramps. The tincture's antioxidant properties also help to combat oxidative stress, which can contribute to pain and discomfort during menstruation. The anti-anxiety and calming effects of linalool and linalyl acetate further reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.

By addressing the root causes of menstrual cramps, Lavandula angustifolia tinctures can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life during this time.

  1. Gather 1 cup of fresh Lavandula angustifolia flowers and 2 cups of 80-proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
  2. Combine the flowers and vodka in the jar, making sure the flowers are completely covered.
  3. Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
  4. After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids.
  5. Transfer the tincture to a dark glass bottle and store it in a cool, dark place. Take 20-30 drops, 3-4 times a day as needed for menstrual cramp relief.

5. Curcuma longa

Curcuma longa herbal tinctures for menstrual cramps

Curcuma longa tinctures contains bioactive constituents like curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause menstrual cramps. Curcumin also inhibits the production of prostaglandins by blocking the enzyme COX-2, which is involved in the production of these pain-causing substances. Furthermore, curcumin has a natural pain-relieving effect, which can help alleviate menstrual cramp symptoms.

By reducing inflammation and blocking pain pathways, curcuma longa tinctures may provide relief from menstrual cramps.

  1. Gather 1 cup of dried Turmeric root (Curcuma longa) and 2 cups of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon of dried Turmeric root to a coffee filter or cheesecloth, and squeeze out 2 tablespoons of liquid into the jar.
  3. Repeat step 2 with the remaining 7 tablespoons of dried Turmeric root to get a total of 10 tablespoons of liquid.
  4. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar daily to help the liquid infuse into the vodka.
  5. Strain the liquid through a coffee filter or cheesecloth into another clean glass jar, and discard the solids. Use 10-20 drops of the tincture as needed to relieve menstrual cramps.

6. Vitex agnus-castus

Vitex agnus-castus herbal tinctures for menstrual cramps

Vitex agnus-castus tinctures contains a unique combination of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and iridoid glycosides.

The flavonoids and alkaloids in Vitex agnus-castus have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and ease menstrual cramps. The iridoid glycosides, particularly aucubin and agnuside, have a relaxing effect on the uterus, which can help to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate cramping. Vitex agnus-castus also contains acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that can help to regulate hormonal balance and reduce the severity of menstrual cramps.

By addressing hormonal imbalances and reducing inflammation, Vitex agnus-castus tinctures can provide natural relief from menstrual cramps.

  1. Gather 100g of dried Vitex agnus-castus flowers and 1 cup of 80-proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
  2. Fill a measuring cup with 1 cup of filtered water and add the dried flowers. Steep for 2-3 hours, then strain.
  3. Combine the strained plant material with 1 cup of vodka in the glass jar. Stir well to mix.
  4. Label the jar with the date and contents, and store in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking daily.
  5. Strain the tincture through a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle. Store in a cool, dark place and use 20-30 drops in water as needed.

7. Angelica archangelica

Angelica archangelica herbal tinctures for menstrual cramps

Angelica archangelica tinctures contains bioactive constituents like ferulic acid, scopoletin, and sesquiterpenes.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help to reduce menstrual cramp pain. Ferulic acid relaxes muscles and decreases prostaglandin production, which are hormone-like substances that cause contractions and pain. Scopoletin has a sedative effect and can help to calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety and discomfort associated with menstrual cramps.

By reducing inflammation and relaxing the muscles, Angelica archangelica tinctures can help to alleviate menstrual cramp symptoms.

  1. Gather 1 cup of dried Angelica archangelica root and 2 cups of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar.
  2. Add 1 cup of vodka to the jar and shake well to mix.
  3. Let the jar sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
  4. Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids.
  5. Store the tincture in a cool, dark place and take 20-30 drops as needed to relieve menstrual cramps.

8. Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba herbal tinctures for menstrual cramps

Ginkgo biloba tinctures contains flavoglycosides, bilobalide, and ginkgolides, which are active constituents that help relieve menstrual cramps.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory properties, which can reduce pain and discomfort by improving blood flow to the uterus. The flavoglycosides in Ginkgo biloba tinctures also have a sedative effect, which can help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety associated with menstrual cramps. The ginkgolides have a strong anti-spasmodic effect, which can help relax the uterine muscles and reduce cramping.

By combining these properties, Ginkgo biloba tinctures can provide effective relief from menstrual cramps.

  1. Gather 1 cup of fresh or dried Ginkgo biloba leaves. Clean and dry them.
  2. Combine the Ginkgo biloba leaves with 2 cups of vodka in a clean glass jar. Stir well.
  3. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 2-6 weeks, shaking it daily. This helps the tincture to develop.
  4. After the infusion period, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
  5. Store the Ginkgo biloba tincture in a dark glass bottle with a dropper lid. Use 10-20 drops, 2-3 times a day, to help relieve menstrual cramps.

9. Foeniculum vulgare

Foeniculum vulgare herbal tinctures for menstrual cramps

Foeniculum vulgare tinctures contains the bioactive constituents anethole and fenchone, which have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.

These properties help to reduce inflammation and relax the uterine muscles that cause menstrual cramps. Anethole, in particular, has been shown to inhibit the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that contribute to cramping. Fenchone also has a sedative effect on the nervous system, which can help to calm the body and reduce pain.

By targeting both inflammation and nervous system activity, Foeniculum vulgare tinctures may provide relief from menstrual cramps.

  1. Gather 1 cup of dried Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel seeds) and 2 cups of 80-proof vodka or glycerin in a clean glass jar.
  2. Combine the dried Fennel seeds and vodka or glycerin in the jar. Make sure the seeds are covered by the liquid.
  3. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks. Shake the jar every day to help the mixture.
  4. After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
  5. Transfer the Fennel tincture to a dropper bottle and store it in a cool, dark place. Use 20-30 drops as needed to relieve menstrual cramps.

10. Paeonia lactiflora

Paeonia lactiflora herbal tinctures for menstrual cramps

Paeonia lactiflora tinctures contains bioactive constituents like paeoniflorin, paeonol, and ferulic acid.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can help ease menstrual cramps. Paeoniflorin, in particular, has been shown to relax the uterine muscle, reducing contractions that cause cramps. Ferulic acid has antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body, further alleviating pain.

By reducing inflammation and relaxing the uterine muscle, Paeonia lactiflora tinctures can provide relief from menstrual cramps.

  1. Gather 1 cup of fresh Paeonia lactiflora flowers and 2 cups of 80% vodka or glycerin in clean glass jars.
  2. Combine the Paeonia lactiflora flowers and vodka or glycerin in the glass jar. Stir gently to coat the flowers.
  3. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 2-6 weeks, shaking the jar every day. This is called maceration.
  4. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the flowers.
  5. Label the jar with the date and the name of the tincture. Store the tincture in a cool, dark place and use 20-30 drops as needed to relieve menstrual cramps.

11. Angelica sinensis

Angelica sinensis herbal tinctures for menstrual cramps

Angelica sinensis tinctures contains bioactive constituents like ferulic acid, ligustilide, and butylphthalide.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic properties, which help to relax uterine muscles and reduce menstrual cramp pain. Ferulic acid, in particular, has been shown to inhibit the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause uterine contractions. Ligustilide and butylphthalide have been found to have a sedative effect on the uterus, further reducing cramping.

By reducing inflammation and relaxing uterine muscles, Angelica sinensis tinctures can provide relief from menstrual cramps.

  1. Gather 1 cup of dried Angelica sinensis root, a glass jar with a lid, and a cup.
  2. Combine the dried Angelica sinensis root with 2 cups of 80% vodka in the glass jar.
  3. Steep the mixture for 2 weeks in a cool, dark place, shaking the jar every day.
  4. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another glass jar, discarding the solids.
  5. Label the jar with the date and contents, and store it in a cool, dark place. Use 20-30 drops, 3-4 times a day, as needed.

FAQ

Can drinking herbal tea prevent menstrual cramps from forming?

Drinking herbal tea may help ease menstrual cramps.

Some teas, like ginger tea, contain compounds that can help relax the muscles in the uterus and reduce pain. Peppermint tea can also help calm the body and mind, making cramps feel less intense.

This can provide relief for some women during their period.

Is it safe to consume herbal teas for menstrual cramps every day?

While herbal teas can help ease menstrual cramps, consuming them daily might not be necessary.

Some teas, like ginger and peppermint, have compounds that can cause stomach upset if taken in large amounts over time.

It's best to limit your daily intake and switch between teas to avoid any potential issues.

How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in menstrual cramps?

Herbal teas can start to ease menstrual cramps within a few days to a week.

Some people may notice relief after just one or two cups, while others may take a bit longer to feel the effects.

The good news is that herbal teas can be a natural and gentle way to manage cramps without any harsh side effects.

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