Posted by Les Mauvaises Herbes
In this article, I am sharing with you my top 3 favorite plants for soothing menstrual discomforts: abdominal cramps (primary dysmenorrhea*), heavy bleeding, irregular periods, etc.
*Primary dysmenorrhea (not to be confused with secondary dysmenorrhea, which is often synonymous with a gynecological disorder that strongly necessitates consulting a healthcare professional) is a normal factor in the menstrual process. While not dangerous, it can nevertheless hinder our activities or slow down our pace of life during menstruation by manifesting as pain in the lower abdomen, hips/thighs, and the lower back region.
Being a "victim" myself of severe pain during my periods (yay...), it is truly a subject that is close to my heart, and in our plant friends, I have found solutions to soothe these few damned days that precede the arrival of our periods, as well as the said (approximate) week that follows.
Good old-fashioned heat
First of all, a trick that has absolutely nothing to do with our green allies: the heating pad! In my case, heat instantly soothes the nasty cramps that assail me and which, on their own, manage to almost ruin my days (flashbacks of my pre-delivery contractions during every cycle, you know the type!). This good old grandmother's trick is anything but archaic and definitely has its place in your care plan!
Precious plant allies
Now, here are my recommendations for medicinal plants that will undoubtedly be able to tame your discomforts. Note that most of the information below is based on the knowledge I have acquired and continue to acquire in my herbalism courses at Flora Medicina.
1. Yarrow
A great friend to women, this plant is primarily used for issues related to heavy bleeding (to be distinguished from hemorrhage: if you are changing pads every 30 minutes, see a doctor!). Its effectiveness is no longer in doubt; in a simple poultice of fresh plants, it knows how to calm bleeding (nosebleeds, for example) and stop it completely within a few minutes. To our pleasant surprise, you can even find yarrow on the side of the road! It not only helps to regulate the menstrual cycle (take it as an infusion!), but may also lower estrogen levels in cases where they are too high, causing conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids...
It also excels in issues of the urinary system (cystitis, inflammation of the bladder/urethra) and is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Therefore, a mild diuretic that acts very gently.
The other night, I was on the first day of my period and once my little one was in bed, I took a nice hot bath along with a yarrow infusion with a pinch of raspberry leaf... It was delicious! A bitter/sweet blend that managed to soothe the discomfort I had in my belly and allowed me to drift off comfortably into the arms of Morpheus. Don't know the Lunes herbal tea? Take a look at it!
*Note that yarrow should not be consumed during pregnancy.
2. Raspberry leaf
A magical plant for the uterus, it will tone the muscle to prepare it for childbirth and promote the efficiency of contractions as well as the expulsion of the placenta. It is also appreciated by those suffering from menstrual cramps because it contains a lot of magnesium, which acts on the painful discomforts of menstruation, aka those damn cramps! In addition, it enriches (thanks to all the minerals it contains) the breast milk of those who are breastfeeding (yay!).
Try raspberry leaf paired with hibiscus flower... A delight! Forget the store-bought lemonade and fill a pitcher with ice and an infusion of these two plants. Refreshment guaranteed, and what's more, your body will be delighted AND nourished!
3. Nettle
Nettle is, in my opinion, the queen of nutritious plants in herbalism! It works throughout the entire body, and a simple paragraph is clearly not enough to praise all its benefits. In fact, everyone would benefit from consuming this plant! It’s no exaggeration to say it’s often compared to a green vegetable.
First, the best way to include it in your daily routine is undoubtedly as an infusion. Hot water "extracts" all the minerals (among others: magnesium and calcium, which greatly help with menstrual pain and cramps) and vitamins that the leaves contain. Nettle also works wonders for chronic fatigue and lack of energy since the iron it contains increases the red blood cell count in the blood. So, for those suffering from great fatigue and irritability, nettle will be able to help you. In addition, it reduces excessive blood flow. As a little bonus, it enriches the mother's milk (galactagogue; therefore increases milk production!) and is excellent throughout pregnancy!
P.S. Have fun and give yourself a hair rinse with nettle infusion (cold for the hot summer days to come!). It is excellent for stimulating hair growth and will greatly help to enhance the natural color of our hair! You can even add apple cider vinegar to give a guaranteed shine boost (and it doesn't smell!).
NB: Although I study in the field, I am not currently a certified professional herbalist. I am therefore sharing my knowledge based on my studies to date, my readings on the subject, and my personal use. Despite what some people may believe, natural does not mean without risk, quite the contrary. Medicinal plants should be used with respect for their properties and with a good understanding of their effects on our bodies and our health status. The plants mentioned above are quite gentle and nutritious. However, if you have any doubts about their compatibility with your daily medications, during pregnancy, and/or have significant health issues, check with a healthcare professional before using them!
With that, happy infusing and... happy menstruation!
References
Flora Medicina, herbalism school
Passeport Santé
Santé Canoë
