Menstrual pain and discomfort is a key area of treatment in my herbal medicine practice. If you have painful menstruation (“dysmenorrhea”) there are (at least) two herbal formulas I would consider recommending.
Important disclaimer
The herbs listed on this page are part of a larger formula. The complete formula, plus herb quantites, are not given. Even if you are experiencing the conditions outlined below, you should not take these herbs without consulting a professional first.
Identify your symptoms
If you have severe symptoms
For women with severe cramping and pain, often combined with lower back and abdomen pain, along with a cold feeling just prior to their period, sometimes with a presence of constipation and headache.
Based on these symptoms I would recommend a remedy that includes:
- Rhubarb
- Peach pit
- Mirabilite (glauber’s salt)
If you have milder symptoms
For women who experience lower abdominal pain on the first day of their period, along with sensations of heaviness in the head, dizziness, stiff achy shoulders, and cold feet.
Based on these symptoms I suggest a remedy that includes:
- Cinnamon twig
- Peony root
- Peach pit
How these herbal remedies work
Both of the formulas outlined above work to “invigorate” your blood flow. This means breaking up the stagnant accumulation of blood that occurs and which is heightened around the time of menstruation, causing pain and discomfort.
Initially this may cause a heavier menstrual flow. However, after some use, you should experience a noticeable decrease in menstrual pain and discomfort and a “soothing” of your menstrual cycle.
Experiencing menstrual pain?
If you are suffering from menstrual or period pain and are interested in trying a different approach to relief, consider working with a practitioner of traditional East Asian medicine.
Don’t let menstrual pain hold you back any longer. If you are in Toronto and wish to discuss herbal medicine further, please be in touch.
About Daniel
I am a practitioner of traditional East Asian medicine based in Toronto, Ontario. You can find more about me on my bio or learn more about the treatments I offer.
As always, thanks for reading!
– Daniel (T’agyol) Adler