How to Use Herbs to Relieve Menstrual Cramps

Contributor

By Katherine Huether
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating:

(11 Ratings)

It's very easy to believe that all you need to do to relieve your menstrual cramps is take your favorite pain killer. Trust me, I know. That's what I used to do.

But all those pills started to take a toll on my stomach. So, I started to explore my options. How can I relieve the pain of menstrual cramps using herbs? Here's the best of what I found.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Basil (tea)
Chamomile (tea)
Peppermint (tea)
Cramp Bark (tincture)
Ginger (tea)

My Favorite Herbs to Relieve Menstrual Cramps

Step 1

Choose one of the herbs listed above to try when you have menstrual cramps.
Step 2

If the herb calls for a tea, use one tea bag for one cup boiling water. You can substitute 1 teaspoon of the dried herb and 1 tablespoon of the fresh herb if you don't have a tea bag.
Step 3

Drink one cup of tea several times a day or as needed until your cramps subside.
Step 4

Cramp bark is an herb that seems to work better as a tincture. You can find cramp bark tincture online or at your local health food store.
Step 5

To take the tincture, add 30 to 40 drops into a small cup of warm water and drink quickly. Do this three times a day.

Tips & Warnings

It is best to try one herb at a time to see if it works.
Once you know if an herb works, you can take more than one a day.
Make sure you tell your doctor about the herbs you are taking, just in case.
Do research on your own about a new herb before you take it so you can determine if there are any side effects.

Who Can Help Sponsored