Menstrual cramps.

Newsgroups: alt.folklore.herbs
Subject: Re: Herbal Relief for Menstrual Cramps?
From: barbst.aol.com (BarbSt)
Date: 9 Jun 1995 21:48:11 -0400

> I was wondering if anyone knew an effective herbal/botanical relief for menstrual cramps? I want to help out my girlfriend who gets them really bad when she gets her period.

I have had much luck for myself, mydaughter, and many of her friends with a tea made of Raspberry leaf (about one tablespoon of leaves), adding lemon balm or peppermint for flavor and a touch of valerian root (if you can rest and do not need to drive anywhere right away). Boil water separately and add about one large mugful to the leaves. Steep at least 15 minutes, strain, and drink. Sweetening with honey does no harm.

From: Starminr.sky.net (Starminer)

>Does anyone know of a herbal combination that eases menstrual cramps. They knock my daughter out every month. Thanks.

I have been taking Dong Quai for about a year now. I have endometriosis and have truely suffered monthly. Tylenol. . Nothing. Advil.... about half the pain, but causes me terrible abdominal cramps. Now I take 2-4 DQ caps twice a day, with HALF as much advil as before....NIRVANA!!!!

From: Graham Sorenson <Graham.fragrant.demon.co.uk>

> Does anyone know of a herbal combination that eases menstrual cramps. They knock my daughter out every month. Thanks.

Massage the abdomem area with the essential oils of Clary Sage and lavender diluted into a base oil.

Suggestion of 10 drops Clary Sage, 10 drops of Lavender in 30ml of base oil. massage in a clockwise direction on the abdomem from about 5 days before the period is due. This should settle the cramps befor they get a start.

From: scjoseph.aol.com (Sister Carol Joseph)

Greetings --

The suggestion of Cramp Bark was a good one. I also liked the suggestion of Dong Quai -- I use both of those, as well as skullcap, valerian, or passionflower at night so I can sleep.

I used to get *terrible* cramps up until I had my daughter 7 years ago -- I'd have to leave school, leave work, whatever, and go curl up in a ball with the heating pad and a bottle of Motrin. It was the absolutely *worst* experience. I have one other piece of advice for your daughter -- don't let anyone tell you it's "all in your head". That's the biggest bunch of crap!

Also -- about a week before your period -- slow down on your salt, fat, and sugar intake. Take a little vitamin B for the mood swings, and avoid caffeine.

From: "Choli R. Lightfoot" <cl3x+.andrew.cmu.edu>

I have found that ginger tea works nicely for me. a few nickle shaped pieces put in to hot but not boiling water and steeped for ten minutes. I some times add mint which also helps.

From: jennifer.thayer.merlins-realm.com (Jennifer Thayer)

> Does anyone know of a herbal combination that eases menstrual cramps. They knock my daughter out every month. Thanks.

My naturopath got me started on crampbark tincture...It really helps me I take it as often as I need it, every hour when it's really bad on the first day...I like it much better than the tylenol I used to consume in LARGE quantities.

From: vonbrundz.aol.com (Von Brundz)

I just tried a valerian,passion flower extract and not only did it get rid of my cramps but I had no pms symptoms at all. Sure made my family happy!