Menstrual Cramps Home Remedies & Natural Remedies

Chinese Medicine

Below is a list of traditional Chinese herbs that can provide significant relief from menstrual pain.

Dong Quai (Chinese Angelica Root)

This herb is often referred to as “female ginseng.” It is typically prescribed to help regulate the menstrual cycle and to provide relief from menstrual cramps. It is also useful in giving relief from symptoms of menopause. It will reduce PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) symptoms while correcting hormone imbalances and improving anemia. This can be drunk as a tea. It has a strong bitter flavor.

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Chuan Xiong (Szechwan Lovage Rhisome)

This is a standard herb for treating menstrual cramps and disorders. It increases circulation of the blood and stimulates the flow of “qi” or bio-energy. In Chinese medical parlance, it expels wind to remove pain (wind is a metaphor for a state of organic balance and a quality of matter). This herb is also used to treat heart disease, arthritis, headache, boils and carbuncles. The taste is punent and it has a very strong aroma. Chinese women from ancient times going back to the Song Dynasty, would take this herb as a soup called Four Substance Decoction (Si Wu Tang) and the soup also contained other herbs such as dong quai, Chinese foxglove root and peony root. They would take the soup as a tonic to prevent PMS, relieve menstrual cramps and pain, to make the body stronger and to look more attractive.

Bai Shao (White Peony Root)

This herb invigorates the blood and stimulates circulation. It is also prescribed for a large variety of female problems such as threat of miscarriage, vaginal discharges, menstrual cramps and excessive menstrual bleeding. White Peony Root is also found in a formula from Japan called toki-shakuyaku-san along with five additional herbs. The formula which contains atractylodes rhizome, alisma rhizome, dong quai, chuan ziong and white peony root is prescribed for relieving the pain of menstruation.

Yi Mu Cao (Chinese motherwort)

This is a member of the mint family. The leaves are prescribed to treat menstrual difficulties. Chinese motherwort increases blood circulation and helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. It can be taken as a tea by soaking the dried leaves in boiling hot water. Add a little lemon or honey if the taste needs improvement. One can also purchase this as a tincture. This should not be used during pregnancy or if heavy menstrual bleeding is present.

Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis Rhizome)

This herb has two primary functions: relieve pain and improve circulation of the blood. Corydalis is related to the opium poppy. While it is only 1% as strong as opium, it is a good pain reliever and relaxant. The alkaloids, namely tetrhydropalmatine (THP) are a superior natural remedy for menstrual cramps. It is often blended with additional herbs such as bulrush and pteropus. Corydalis can be taken as a tincture, decoction, extract or infusion. It is often sold in Asian stores. This should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women.

With the exception of Chinese motherwort, Chinese herbal remedies normally mix several herbs that are provided in specific doses to address an individual person’s needs. For each person the formula will be unique. It is an art and a science to diagnose and prescribe these herbs so they will fit the idiosyncrasies of each person. Because of this, it is best to consult with a licensed practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine before using any of these herbs.

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Menstrual Cramps Home Remedies & Natural Remedies

Chinese Medicine

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