As we mentioned in previous articles menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining. It is normal to the reproductive system of women and happens on a regular basis. Normal menstruation happens around 3 to 7 days. During the monthly menstrual cycle, female sex hormones prepare the uterus to support a pregnancy. If pregnancy happens menstruation will be suspended until giving birth of a child, abortion, or miscarriage. Otherwise the uterine lining sheds and menstrual blood, tissues, fluid and mucus leave the body through the vagina caused by natural reactions in the female reproductive system from low levels of certain growth hormones. Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) means that women have periodic pains during or prior to, or after menstrual periods in the lower abdomen. In this article, we will discuss how to treat dysmenorrhea with herbs.
1. Ginger
Ginger is most commonly used in western medicine in treating dysmenorrhea for a long period of time due to its stimulated function of anti- inflammation, spasmolytic, and circulation. Ginger helps to inhibit cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes that cause menstrual cramps.

2. Herbal tea
Herbal tea contains high amounts of phytochemicals that helps to relax stomach and uterus muscles resulting in reduced or no menstrual cramps. Drinking herbal tea until the cramping subsides is recommended.

3. Cramp Bark
Cramp bark is a a uterine tonic. It is used to relieve cramps and spasm of all kinds, to treat uterine and ovarian pain, dysmenorrhea as well as relaxing uterine muscle.

4. Raspberry leaf
Raspberry leaf has been used in traditional herbal therapy for a variety of conditions relating to the female reproductive tract, especially during pregnancy and to facilitate delivery. It is a uterine tonic that helps to relax the uterine muscles resulting in reduced menstrual cramps.

5. Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is a relaxant and stimulant. It has the same property of relaxing the uterine muscle like raspberry leaf, and has been used for treating menstrual cramps.

6. Mugwort
Mugwort has been used in Chinese medicine to relieve pain by promoting blood circulation, restoring depressed liver by invigorating the flow of qi , regulating menstruation and alleviating pain as well as irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea.

7. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a highly antioxidant and anti-inflammation herb enhancing inhibition of the metabolism of prostaglandins, intake of cinnamon tea will help to reduce menstrual cramps. Overdose of cinnamon is toxic to your kidney and liver.

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