Menstrual Cramps
Natural Ways to Bring Relief
Trying to keep to your regular routine can be daunting if not impossible with cramping pain that often comes right after the irritation of premenstrual syndrome. PMS – including bloating, mood swings, nervousness and insomnia – can precede the actual menstrual flow by one to two weeks. Choosing natural remedies for pain instead of mainstream medicines cut down on gastric upsets and other side effects.
Pycnogenol Brings Dysmenorrhea Release
Most experts believe the natural hormone prostaglandin inflames the uterus and causes period pain. Pycnogenol is a natural plant that works against the inflammation. It is derived from the pine bark tree that grows in the southwest of France. As with most natural plants, pycnogenol improves with use, cutting days and intensity of pain. There have been numerous studies of the efficacy of pycnogenol and one of the latest studies in the May 2008 issue of the Journal of Reproductive Medicine, reaffirms its value in fighting pain.
Cramp Bark Traditionally Soothes
Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus), sometimes called the guilder rose, is an herb popularized by the Native Americans. The bark of the plant is anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory and has been used traditionally for uterine cramps although it has not been subjected to intense scientific research. Herbalist Michael Tierra, in his book The Way of Herbs (p. 125) notes that cramp bark has a “…general tonic effect upon the uterus and the regulation of the menstrual cycle…” Another herb, black haw (Viburnum prunifolium), is related to cramp bark and considered more powerful.
Omega-3 Fish Oil and Vitamin E for Pain
Omega-3 fish oil contains powerful substances, EPA and DHA, that work to subdue inflammatory prostaglandins. University of Cincinnati Medical Center researchers conducted a clinical trial of 42 teen girls who had painful periods. After just two months, those who received a combined 1800 mg of fish oil had noticeable improvement of their pain.
A 2005 Iranian study, reported in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, of 278 teens with a history of period problems found that those who took 200 IU of vitamin E twice a day two days before and three days during their periods significantly reduced cramps. Experts think the vitamin E may deter creation of prostaglandins.
A Low-Fat Vegetarian Diet Relieves Pain
A February 2000 study reported in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology found that most women who stopped eating saturated fat in foods like cheese, whole milk and red meat had significant relief from menstrual cramps, even after just one month. Researcher Neal Barnard, M.D., believes too many fatty foods cause estrogen levels to rise leading to prostaglandin manufacture and period pain. Most women cut the number of painful days and their intensity. The study recommends a low-fat vegetarian diet.
Choose Natural Remedies Over Conventional
Strong medicine abounds – ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory), birth control pills, and physicians’ prescriptions – but many women prefer to use a natural health solution for alleviating menstrual period pain: pycnogenol, cramp bark, fish oil, vitamin E and a low-fat vegetarian diet.
This is an educational article only. Any medical advice should come from your health care professional.
Reference
Goldman, Leslie. “Make Over My Period!” Health Magazine, September 2007.
Tierra, Michael. The Way of Herbs. New York: Pocket Books, 1998.
Cramp bark soothes cramps.
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