PART 2 :
Ayurveda has a cure for almost everything and painful menstrual cramps are no different. Here are Ayurvedic herbs that will help in relieving period cramps.
Selinum vaginatum (Bhutakesi):
Bhutakesi grows in the region of the Himalayas, especially around Kashmir. It is commonly prescribed to ease period cramps.
In Ayurveda, the fruits and roots of the herbal plants are used for medicinal purposes.
Other medicinal uses of Rhizome/roots :
Provides relief in Vedna or Pain.
Soothes all the three doshas
Nourishes and enhances hair condition.
Shields against diseases
Wound cleaning.
Benefits of consuming fruit powder :
Assists in the equilibrium of localized vitiated Vata-Pitta-Kapha.
Provides relief in pain.
Protecting against diseases.
Nourishes and promotes hair growth.
Improves skin complexion and glow.
Although both root and fruit, are potentially used for numerous health benefits, consumption of fruit powder is considered preferable for menses related bleeding problems and pain and cramps.
METHOD:
Boil 1 cup of water. Add 1 to 2 grams of the powder to it. Strain, add honey, and drink 2 times a day.
CAUTIONS! :
- Use of the herb is contraindicated throughout the pregnancy.
- Always use in the prescribed dosage given above. It has blood pressure lowering and central nervous system depressing qualities. Thus women suffering from low BP should avoid consuming this.
Fenugreek (Methi seeds)
Another popular kitchen herb with a confirmed track record of Relieving Period Cramps is Methi.
METHOD:
Soak a teaspoon of Methi in normal water. Keep it undisturbed overnight. Next morning, drink it all with the seeds if feasible, or you may prefer to strain the seeds out. Add a small pinch of black salt if you want.
CAUTION:
Fenugreek may influence uterine contractions and be unsafe for women suffering from hormone-sensitive cancers. Fenugreek is expected to be not safe for use during pregnancy as it may have abortifacient effects.
Some people are allergic to fenugreek,
How to know that you are allergic to fenugreek?
It is noticed that, if one possesses peanut or chickpea allergies, he/she is likely to be allergic to fenugreek seeds too. However, this is not a verified test and one should always keep track of one’s signs and symptoms.
Fenugreek seeds can cause abdominal distention diarrhea, dyspepsia, perspiration, flatulence, and a maple-like smell to sweat, breast milk or urine. There is a potential risk of low blood sugar especially in people with diabetes, and it may interfere with the activity of anti-diabetic drugs.
Aloe Vera (Ghritkumari ) :
It is a woman’s best friend. One of its wide range of health benefits is Relieving Period Cramps and pain.
METHOD:
Take a glass of aloe vera juice on an empty stomach each morning and you will see your health-enhancing drastically. If you can’t take it regularly, then consider consuming it 3-5 days prior to the cramps set it. You can continue taking it throughout your menses. But make sure you don’t drink it in huge quantities. Your daily consumption should be less than 1 gram.
CAUTION!
Despite its numerous health benefits, this plant can cause allergies or a wide range of adverse effects on chronic ingestion. Aloe vera consumed in high quantities may cause side effects, such as stomach ache, diarrhea, or hepatitis.
Chronic consumption of aloe Vera (dose of 1 gram per day) may cause adverse effects, such as weight loss, hematuria, and cardiac or kidney disorders.
HOW TO IDENTIFY WHETHER YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO ALOE-VERA :
For somebody with sensitivities to Aloe vera, skin reactions may comprise of contact dermatitis with mild itching and redness, trouble with breathing, or swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat.
Dill seeds (savaa) :
From research, it is evident that Dill seeds were more effective in Relieving Period Cramps and pain, compared to its other alternatives.
Read the research here : Clinical trial for the management dysmenorrhea using selected spices – PubMed (nih.gov)
METHOD:
Many households use dill seeds by roasting them adequately and consuming them after meals. You can continue consuming roasted seeds wile on periods.
However, one can also consume it by overnight soaking in water and drinking them with water the next morning.
Cumin seeds (Jeera) :
During one research regarding spices, cumin was showed to relieve menstrual cramps. Although cumin consumption did not effectively reduce pain, it showed a significant reduction in periods-related systemic responses like backache, cold sweats, cramps, and fatigue.
It is important to point out that cumin may have the ability to alter the prostaglandin F2α efficiently hence decreased symptoms while it did not show an analgesic effect.
However, some different studies suggested the consumption of cumin in relieving period-related pain as well.
Read a research here : Clinical trial for the management dysmenorrhea using selected spices (website60s.com)
METHOD:
Boil a cup of water. Add a spoonful of cumin seeds into it. Continue boiling for some time so that the medicinal benefits of it infuse into the water nicely. Strain, and consume hot.
Curcuma zedoaria (Kachur):
Termed as an ‘emmenagogue’, Kachur is very helpful in relieving period cramps.
METHOD :
Have 1 – 3 grams of the herb alongwith lukewarm water, or you can also buy capsules of 300-450 mg.
Or else, one can use Kachur by preparing a root immersion (drink) with a quarter-inch long piece of the root simmered in 50 ml water until it reduces to half.
Read our more articles on : How to get rid of menstrual pain?
