Ovulation Pain: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Ovulation pain, also known as mittelschmerz, is a sharp, stabbing, or dull ache in the lower abdomen that occurs when an ovum is released from the ovary, typically lasting a few hours.

It's often caused by the rupturing of the follicle and the release of blood and fluid. If left untreated, ovulation pain can lead to increased anxiety, reduced fertility, and even chronic pain. To alleviate this discomfort, herbal remedies such as ginger, turmeric, and cramp bark can be effective.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they can interact with other medications and exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of ovulation pain, 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 ovulation pain?

The main causes of ovulation pain are the release of an ovum from the ovary, which triggers the contraction of the uterine muscles, and the release of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances produced by the ovary that stimulate uterine contractions.

These contractions can cause a sharp, stabbing pain in the lower abdomen, which is often felt on one side. Other contributing factors include the twisting of the ovary's ligaments, called the ovarian ligaments, which can cause irritation and pain. The increase in estrogen levels before ovulation can also cause the uterine muscles to contract, leading to pain.

Additionally, some women may experience ovulation pain due to a condition called Mittelschmerz, characterized by the presence of blood in the fallopian tubes.

• Ovarian Cysts: Ovarian cysts can cause ovulation pain due to the release of enzymes that stimulate the ovary to rupture, leading to inflammation and pain.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: Ectopic pregnancy can cause ovulation pain due to the implantation of the fertilized egg outside the uterus, causing the fallopian tube to rupture and leading to severe pain.
• Ovarian Torsion: Ovarian torsion can cause ovulation pain due to the twisting of the ovary, cutting off blood supply and causing severe pain and potentially leading to ovarian necrosis.
• Endometriosis: Endometriosis can cause ovulation pain due to the growth of endometrial tissue on the ovaries, leading to inflammation and adhesions that cause pain during ovulation.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Pelvic inflammatory disease can cause ovulation pain due to the infection of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, leading to inflammation and scarring that cause pain during ovulation.
• Mittelschmerz: Mittelschmerz is a normal ovulation pain caused by the release of an egg from the ovary, leading to irritation of the fallopian tube and causing a sharp, stabbing pain on one side of the pelvis.
• Adhesions: Adhesions can cause ovulation pain due to the formation of scar tissue that adheres to the ovaries and fallopian tubes, leading to inflammation and pain during ovulation.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalance can cause ovulation pain due to the disruption of the normal ovulation process, leading to irregular ovulation and pain.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for ovulation pain?

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

Paeonia lactiflora has anti-inflammatory properties due to its flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Cimicifuga racemosa's actein content has been shown to inhibit prostaglandin production, thereby reducing prostaglandin-mediated pain. Zingiber officinale contains gingerols and shogaols that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, while Angelica sinensis and Angelica archangelica exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities due to their polysaccharides and flavonoids.

Additionally, Curcuma longa and Glycyrrhiza glabra have been found to inhibit lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase enzymes, respectively, which contribute to pain relief, while Vitex agnus-castus and Cinnamomum verum may help regulate hormonal imbalances that contribute to ovulation pain.

• Paeonia lactiflora: Paeonia lactiflora is believed to help with ovulation pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties, specifically the presence of paeoniflorin, which can reduce prostaglandins and alleviate menstrual cramps.
• Cimicifuga racemosa: Cimicifuga racemosa may help with ovulation pain as it contains actein, a triterpene saponin that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, which can help to relax the uterine muscles and reduce menstrual pain.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, is thought to help with ovulation pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties, including the presence of gingerols and shogaols, which can reduce prostaglandins and alleviate menstrual cramps.
• Angelica sinensis: Angelica sinensis, also known as dong quai, may help with ovulation pain as it contains ferulic acid, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, which can help to relax the uterine muscles and reduce menstrual pain.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not have a well-established mechanism for relieving ovulation pain, however it is believed to help with menstrual cramps by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation, although this is not a primary use for the plant.
• Vitex agnus-castus: Vitex agnus-castus, also known as chasteberry, may help with ovulation pain as it contains flavonoids and iridoid glycosides, which can help to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate menstrual cramps.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, is believed to help with ovulation pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties, specifically the presence of curcumin, which can reduce prostaglandins and alleviate menstrual cramps.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, may help with ovulation pain as it contains glycyrrhizin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, which can help to relax the uterine muscles and reduce menstrual pain.
• Angelica archangelica: Angelica archangelica, also known as garden angelica, may help with ovulation pain as it contains ferulic acid, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, which can help to relax the uterine muscles and reduce menstrual pain.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum, commonly known as cinnamon, does not have a well-established mechanism for relieving ovulation pain, however it is believed to help with menstrual cramps by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation, although this is not a primary use for the plant.

What are the main herbal preparations used for ovulation pain?

The main herbal preparations used for ovulation pain are Tincture, Decoction, Cream, Salve, Gel, Poultice, Capsule, Suppository, Ointments, Essential Oil.

Tincture of Dong Quai and Angelica root can help alleviate ovulation pain due to their antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. Decoctions of herbs like Turmeric, Ginger, and Cramp Bark can be effective in soothing menstrual cramps and reducing ovulation pain. Topical preparations such as Cream, Salve, Gel, Poultice, and Ointments containing herbal ingredients like Willow Bark, Arnica, and St. John's Wort can be applied directly to the lower abdomen to provide localized pain relief.

Essential Oil of Clary Sage and Lavender can also be used topically or inhaled to reduce stress and alleviate menstrual cramps.

• Tincture: A tincture of Tribulus terrestris can help alleviate ovulation pain due to its potential ability to stimulate progesterone production, which can reduce cramping caused by ovulation.
• Decoction: A decoction of Angelica archangelica root may help alleviate ovulation pain due to its potential anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can help reduce cramping and discomfort associated with ovulation.
• Cream: A topical cream containing Capsicum annuum extract may help alleviate ovulation pain due to its potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with ovulation.
• Salve: A salve containing Lavandula angustifolia oil may help alleviate ovulation pain due to its potential anxiolytic and analgesic properties, which can help reduce anxiety and discomfort associated with ovulation.
• Gel: A gel containing Chamomilla recutita extract may help alleviate ovulation pain due to its potential anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can help reduce cramping and discomfort associated with ovulation.
• Poultice: A poultice containing Vitis vinifera leaves may help alleviate ovulation pain due to its potential anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can help reduce cramping and discomfort associated with ovulation.
• Capsule: A capsule containing Cimicifuga racemosa extract may help alleviate ovulation pain due to its potential anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can help reduce cramping and discomfort associated with ovulation.
• Suppository: A suppository containing Pulsatilla nigricans extract may help alleviate ovulation pain due to its potential anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can help reduce cramping and discomfort associated with ovulation.
• Ointments: An ointment containing Hypericum perforatum extract may help alleviate ovulation pain due to its potential anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can help reduce cramping and discomfort associated with ovulation.
• Essential Oil: An essential oil containing Boswellia serrata oil may help alleviate ovulation pain due to its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with ovulation.