Period Cramps: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Period cramps, medically known as dysmenorrhea, are severe abdominal pains experienced by women during their menstrual cycle.

Caused by the contraction of the uterus, these cramps are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The negative impacts of period cramps can be significant, with some women experiencing debilitating pain and anxiety.

To alleviate these symptoms, herbal remedies like ginger, peppermint, and chamomile can be effective. These herbs can be consumed as teas, capsules, or added to warm baths for relief.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have underlying medical conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of period 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 period cramps?

The main causes of period cramps are the contraction of the uterus, which is triggered by the hormone prostaglandin.

Prostaglandin levels surge during menstruation, causing the uterus to contract and relax in a rhythmic manner, leading to the characteristic pain and discomfort of period cramps. The contractions are strongest in the first 24 hours of menstruation and can be exacerbated by factors such as dehydration, stress, and a family history of severe menstrual pain. The prostaglandins also cause the blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow to the uterus and contributing to the pain.

Research has shown that the prostaglandin levels are higher in women who experience more severe menstrual pain, with studies suggesting that women with higher prostaglandin levels are more likely to experience debilitating cramps.

• Uterine Contractions: Uterine contractions, caused by the release of prostaglandins, are the most common cause of period cramps, as the uterus tightens and relaxes to shed its lining.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, particularly the drop in estrogen and progesterone levels, contribute to period cramps by causing the uterine muscles to contract and relax irregularly.
• Progesterone Withdrawal: Progesterone withdrawal, which occurs when the body's progesterone levels drop after ovulation, leads to the contraction of uterine muscles and the release of prostaglandins, causing period cramps.
• Prostaglandins: Prostaglandins, hormone-like substances produced by the uterus, stimulate uterine contractions and lead to period cramps by causing the smooth muscle of the uterus to contract and relax.
• Myometrial Hypertrophy: Myometrial hypertrophy, or the thickening of the uterine muscle, can cause period cramps due to the increased sensitivity and contractility of the uterine muscle.
• Anatomical Abnormalities: Anatomical abnormalities, such as a septate uterus or uterine fibroids, can cause period cramps by altering the shape and size of the uterus and leading to irregular uterine contractions.
• Inflammatory Response: The inflammatory response, which occurs in response to the shedding of the uterine lining, can cause period cramps by releasing prostaglandins and other chemical mediators that stimulate uterine contractions.
• Genetic Predisposition: Genetic predisposition, which can affect the regulation of uterine contractions and the production of prostaglandins, can contribute to period cramps in some individuals.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for period cramps?

The main medicinal herbs used for period cramps are Paeonia lactiflora, Zingiber officinale, Ginkgo biloba, Angelica sinensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitex agnus-castus, Curcuma longa, Cimicifuga racemosa, Lavandula angustifolia, Angelica archangelica.

Paeonia lactiflora, also known as peony, has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that help to relax the uterine muscles and reduce cramping. Zingiber officinale, or ginger, has anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerols and shogaols that inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which contribute to period pain. The bioflavonoids in Ginkgo biloba and the flavonoids and terpenoids in Angelica sinensis have been shown to reduce prostaglandin production and alleviate pain.

Additionally, Vitex agnus-castus may help regulate hormonal imbalances, while Curcuma longa, Angelica archangelica, Cimicifuga racemosa, and Glycyrrhiza glabra have also been traditionally used to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with period cramps.

• Paeonia lactiflora: Paeonia lactiflora contains paeonol, which has been shown to inhibit the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause pain and inflammation during menstruation.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale contains gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and inflammation associated with menstrual cramps.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba has been found to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, which may help alleviate menstrual cramps.
• Angelica sinensis: Angelica sinensis contains ferulic acid, which has been shown to inhibit the production of prostaglandins and reduce inflammation, providing relief from menstrual cramps.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra contains glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with menstrual cramps.
• Vitex agnus-castus: Vitex agnus-castus has been found to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome, including menstrual cramps.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa contains curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that may help alleviate menstrual cramps.
• Cimicifuga racemosa: Cimicifuga racemosa contains actinidine, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with menstrual cramps.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia has been found to have a calming effect and reduce anxiety, which may help alleviate menstrual cramps and associated symptoms.
• Angelica archangelica: Angelica archangelica contains apiol, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with menstrual cramps.

What are the main herbal preparations used for period cramps?

The main herbal preparations used for period cramps are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Cream, Suppository, Salve, Gel, Poultice, Oil, Tea.

Tincture of ginger and cramp bark are used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Decoction of chamomile and meadowsweet are used to soothe menstrual cramps and promote relaxation due to their anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects. Capsules of omega-3 fatty acids found in evening primrose oil and black cohosh are used to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of PMS.

Herbal creams and suppositories containing topical forms of salicylic acid, peppermint oil and lavender oil are applied directly to the lower abdomen to provide localized relief from menstrual cramps.

• Tincture: A tincture of Willow bark (Salix alba) helps with period cramps by providing salicin, a compound that is metabolized into salicylic acid, a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory that mimics the effects of aspirin.
• Decoction: A decoction of Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) helps with period cramps by providing gingerols and shogaols, compounds that have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, helping to alleviate menstrual cramp pain.
• Capsule: A capsule of Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis) helps with period cramps by providing gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that helps to reduce inflammation and promote relaxation, which can help to alleviate menstrual cramp pain.
• Cream: A cream of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) helps with period cramps by providing anti-inflammatory compounds that help to reduce pain and swelling, promoting relaxation and soothing irritated tissues.
• Suppository: A suppository of Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum) helps with period cramps by providing capsaicin, a compound that helps to reduce pain by blocking the production of a chemical called substance P, which transmits pain signals to the brain.
• Salve: A salve of Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) helps with period cramps by providing salicylic acid, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, helping to alleviate menstrual cramp pain.
• Gel: A gel of Willow bark (Salix alba) helps with period cramps by providing salicin, a compound that is metabolized into salicylic acid, a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory that mimics the effects of aspirin.
• Poultice: A poultice of Willow bark (Salix alba) helps with period cramps by providing salicin, a compound that is metabolized into salicylic acid, a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory that mimics the effects of aspirin.
• Oil: An oil of Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) helps with period cramps by providing linalool and linalyl acetate, compounds that promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and help to alleviate menstrual cramp pain.
• Tea: A tea of Peppermint (Mentha piperita) helps with period cramps by providing menthol, a compound that helps to relax the muscles, reduce pain, and alleviate menstrual cramp symptoms.