Filed in archive Menstruation by Terah Shelton on October 25, 2007

How bad are your period cramps? Have you taken everything, but nothing seems to work? Then, maybe you should try Chinese Herbs.

That's right, herbs. A recent study reported that herbs could be more effective in eliminating and reducing menstrual cramps. Over 3,500 women in different countries participated in the study. I know this may sound a bit extreme, but if you're like me and suffer from exhausting and crippling cramps, you'll willing to try anything.

The article also states that 50 percent of women and 60-85 percent of teenage girls miss work or school because of pain.

Ouch!

"All available measures of effectiveness confirmed the overall superiority of Chinese herbal medicine to placebo, no treatment, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), OCPs (oral contraceptive pill), acupuncture and heat compression," said lead author Xiaoshu Zhu from the Centre for Complementary Medicine Research at the University of Western Sydney.

While the cause is still under debate, it is believed to be linked to an imbalance in ovarian hormones.

Chinese herbal medicine has been used to treat the condition for hundreds of years and women are increasingly looking for non-drug treatments.

The survey involved 39 trials - 36 in China, and one each in Taiwan, Japan and the Netherlands.

Participants given herbal concoctions were prescribed herbs that regulated their 'qi' (energy) and blood, warmed their bodies and boosted their kidney and liver functions.

Some of these include Chinese angelica root (danggui), Szechuan lovage root (chuanxiong), red peony root (chishao), white peony root (baishao), Chinese motherwort (yimucao), fennel fruit (huixiang), nut-grass rhizome (xiangfu), liquorice root (gancao) and cinnamon bark (rougui).

In one trial involving 36 women, 53 percent of those who took herbs reported less pain than usual compared with 26 percent in the placebo group.

Related Entries:

Preserving Fresh Herbs - 24 August 2006
Botox May Ease Writers' Cramps - 22 December 2006
Could Chinese Herbs Curb Elevated Blood Sugar? - 21 June 2007
Some Herbs Could Benefit Type 2 Diabetics - 20 August 2007

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Permalink: Herbs May Relieve PMS Cramps

Tags: Chinese Herbs Period Pain Cramps Well Woman Blog herbs relieve+cramps

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Vote for Herbs May Relieve PMS Cramps:

Currently 6.67/10
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Rating: 6.67 out of 3 vote(s) cast.

Response from: Jarret Morrow (11/15/07 4:31pm)

Hi, I've recently created a PMS research update blog site--I am a physician. The site has the latest research updates on herbal supplements for PMS. The link is:
http://pmsresearch.blogspot.com/

Response from: swapnakaj (04/11/09 1:42am)

A good and informative blog explaining different herbs used for treating PMS. Few of my friends suffer from ths syndrome. I would suggest them to read your blog.

Response from: Flora Butter (04/15/09 9:05am)

Came across a herb,Chinese Motherwort is a member of the mint family. The leaves of this herb is used to treat menstrual problems. It improves blood circulation and regulates the menstrual cycle. Herbalist also recommend it to treat anxiety and heart palpitations. The seed have also been found to benefit eyesight. Chinese Motherwort can be taken as a tea by infusing the dried herb with boiling water. If you find the taste too bitter and unpleasant, add honey or lemon to improve the flavor. this herb can also be found as a tincture. Do not use this herb during pregnancy or when bleeding is heavy.

Response from: jony rich (09/26/09 5:32am)

herbal medicine firms in good health. but It's important to know whether a particular medicine is suitable for your symptoms.This is very good blog on health. there is complete online health information. lot of people have this goal of having a toned and fit body

Please visit us - http://www.herbal-supplements-for-you.com/natural-cures/

Response from: Meghan (01/25/10 1:16pm)

I am 23 years old and since I started getting my period at the age of 14, I suffered severe cramping along with heavy bleeding. It was so severe that I was home- schooled because I was unable to function. I tried so many different things from birth control pills to the nuva ring, to the patch, to an IUD, I even had doctors suggest a hysterectomy (at the age of 16). A few years ago I found an herb called lady's mantle, you can buy it at the health food store in a liquid form (it tastes pretty gross so I also buy empty pill capsules so I don�t have to taste the herb) I use 30 drops 3 times a day when I have my period and it significantly reduces the bleeding and cramps. It was a life saver for me, and I recommend it to anyone who has painful periods. Good Luck!