Menstrual cramps, medically referred to as dysmenorrhea, is a condition which women all over the world encounter. Pains and disenabling feeling linked to menstrual cramps can interrupt the daily life of females, and make their life less enjoyable. Although people always opt for over-the-counter drugs to ease these symptoms, the popularity of the use of natural healing for period cramps still reaches new grounds, more so with Ayurvedic remedies that strive to get rid of these cramps in a comprehensive and effective way.
Understanding Menstrual Cramps.
Menstrual cramps are a result of the uterus’ contraction during menstruation. The uterus’ contractions are natural processes that are triggered by the hormone-like substance prostaglandins. These substances cause the uterine muscles to contract. Pain coming from menstrual cramps can have varying degrees of light or moderate types, and also, they may be accompanied by such symptoms as lower back pain, nausea, or headaches.
The Role of Ayurvedic Herbs.
The Ayurvedic system, a traditional practice of holistic treatment that first appeared in India, has been a treasure trove of natural remedies for manifold diseases and conditions, with menstrual cramps being one of them. Ayurvedic herbs are considered as the most effective natural resources that help in balancing the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). They are also helpful in promoting overall health. As far as treating menstrual cramps is concerned, there are quite a few Ayurvedic herbs that work wonders for painkilling, anti-inflammatory, and muscle relaxation purposes.
1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).
Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng is a herb that has been used in Ayurveda medicine to help the body fight stress for centuries now. The herb can also lower inflammation, hormonal balance, and that’s how menstrual cramps are managed. The herbal extract of Ashwagandha is packed into the form of the capsules, or it can be taken in the form of powder, or even as a tea.
Related Stories
What is the Uvea of the Eye?
Why Do Smoothies Make Me Bloated? Understanding the Causes and Solutions
2. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus).
Shatavari, the ‘queen of herbs’ in Ayurveda, is a powerful herb that is traditionally used to treat the various demanding needs of a woman’s body. This core aspect of rejuvenation and nourishment is the glory of the supreme herb, Shatavari. This is a rich source in supplement form or a soothing herbal tea again.
3. Ginger (Zingiber officinale).
Ginger, which is a pungent spice used in various forms like fresh, dried as a powder, or thinly sliced in the form of a tea infusion, is renowned for its robust anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The herb doesn’t only reduce one’s discomfort but also treats muscle contractions that cause the pain of the period. The way ginger is served includes fresh, dried, or as a tea infusion.
4. Turmeric (Curcuma longa).
One of the natural supplements renowned for its yellow color and multiple health benefits is turmeric which has curcumin in it and is a powerful antioxidant. Usually, when a person takes turmeric, it reduces the prostaglandin levels and therefore the inflammation is not there resulting in a relief of period pain. Consuming turmeric in the form of curries, smoothies other than as a supplement is suitable for reclaiming one’s vibrant health.
5. Triphala.
Triphala is a mix of three fruits – Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). It works for the digestive system, body detoxification, and the harmonization of the endocrine system. Accordingly, it can be said that it is effective for menstrual cramps management. Triphala can be taken as a powder or as a tablet, as desired.
Using Ayurvedic Herbs for Menstrual Cramps.
Ayurvedic herbs incorporated into your daily health routine not only alleviate period pain but also help improve overall health and well-being. Below are the most common ways to use these herbs in your routine:
- Herbal Teas: You can get the relaxing and top-working effect by preparing herbal teas using Ashwagandha, Shatavari, ginger, or turmeric.
- Supplements: Take Ayurvedic herb supplements in capsule or tablet form for convenient and consistent dosing.
- Topical Applications: Revive the abdomen’s comfort center with ginger or turmeric paste under localized application for menstrual cramps.
- Dietary Additions: Give your dishes an Ayurvedic flavor by using ginger and turmeric in food preparation or taking Triphala powder as a cleanse.
Personal Interview with Ayurvedic Expert, Dr. Maya Sharma.
We were lucky to have a chat with Dr. Maya Sharma, an Ayurvedic practitioner with more than 20 years experience, and found out about the wonders of Ayurvedic herbs for menstrual cramps by ourselves.
Doctor Sharma minted the term “holistic approach” that is used to refer to the Ayurveda concept in which all aspects of the individual are taken into account and understand that “Ayurvedic herbs are not only landing symptoms but also rebuilding the body, making healthy those organs that have been the cause of the pain of menstrual cramps”.
According to her, the best way to go about it would be with the help of a specialist who meets you to know where the imbalances are and come out with herbal remedies that suit you. We are all different and the Ayurveda approach knows that a constitution and health issue-specific treatment plan derived from that one is the most effective,” she said.
Scientific Evidence.
Various studies show that the use of Ayurvedic herbal medicine can be effective in managing menstrual cramps. For instance, the published article in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine states that ginger extract has really made a quick and sharp reduction in menstrual pain in comparison to a dummy pill that in turn has decreased the severity of the pain highly and the time too.(1) A systematic review study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology indicates that turmeric is anti-inflammatory and analgesic, and it has been significant in preventing the period pain throughout the different stages of menstruation as it has a very fast effect without the side effects of other analgesics.(2)
Bottom Line.
Ayurvedic Herbs is the most reliable and the least harmful, natural solution for the cure of menstrual cramps, they are also good for the rest of the body by taking Ashwagandha, Shatavari, ginger, turmeric, and Triphala as part of your daily diet, you can get the relief of pain and discomfort while you raise your overall health level. Remember that you don’t have to forget to consult with a qualified healthcare provider if you are going to be starting a new herbal regimen, as you can understand the needs of your body by working with a skilled individual, and your effectiveness will increase. Only by understanding the Ayurveda philosophy of health can a person be healthy throughout the menstruation period, and this becomes a natural journey.
+2 Sources
Freaktofit has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, educational research institutes, and medical organizations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and up-to-date by reading our editorial policy.
- Efficacy of Oral Ginger (Zingiber officinale) for Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4871956/
- Comparative antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of [6]-gingerol, [8]-gingerol, [10]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19833188/
