Learn how to make some easy 2-ingredient recipes to help alleviate any PMS symptoms or menstrual pain.
Painful periods also known as dysmenorrhea, which are caused by prostaglandins (chemicals that stimulate uterine contractions and contribute to pain and inflammation) can be so severe that it can affect your daily life, I personally have experienced this many times. When I started researching this, I came across a lot of websites advising taking medication such as paracetamol and NSAID’s such as Ibruprofen. I was alarmed at this and wondered why natural alternatives that have been proven to work were not being advised as well. After the ancient medicine woman in me started searching and reading, I found herbal remedies, some that have been used for thousands of years and want to share them with you!
I have made recipes that you can easily make yourself, otherwise most of them do come in teabag form. I like to drink most of these herbal teas all the time, but I make sure to drink one or two of these at least the week before I get my period. For any of them you can add a teaspoon of organic honey when it has cooled to taste if desired.
Tumeric and ginger tea
Tumeric has the ability to inhibit prostaglandins. It has blood thinning properties and can help break up blood clots, so this is especially beneficial for heavy periods. (This might not be helpful if you have anemia, so please do your research). Ginger has anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain relief) properties and has been used in India and China for thousands of years. All you will need is:
1. Tumeric root fresh or powdered (1tsp.)
2. Ginger root fresh or powdered (1tsp.)
3. Organic honey (to sweeten unless you do not mind the bitter taste)
Put water in a pot on the stove, add some finely sliced pieces or powder of turmeric and ginger. Once it has come to the boil remove from heat and pour into a cup.
Dandelion and red clover tea
Dandelion is an anti-inflammatory and has been known to relieve women from bloating and breast tenderness. Red clover has antispasmodic properties and its natural concentration of oestrogen can help balance the bodies needs. You will need:
1. 1-2 tbsp. fresh dandelion leaves
2. 1-3 tsp. of dried red clover flowers or 1-2 tbsp. fresh
Bring water to the boil, add the herbs and let them infuse for 10-15 minutes.
Chamomile and lavender tea
This is the perfect calming and relaxing tea! Chamomlie has been known for its healing and calming properties for thousands of years. It can increase levels of glycine which can relax the uterus and relieve menstrual cramps. Lavender has antispasmodic and analgesic properties which have a relaxing and pain relieving effect. You will need:
1. Chamomile flowers fresh (1-2 tsp.) or dried (1-3 tsp.)
2. Lavender flowers fresh (1-2 tsp.) or dried (1-3 tsp.)
Bring water to the boil and add the herbs, let them infuse for 10-15 minutes.
White willow bark tea
Of all the teas I have tried, this one worked the best for me in terms of managing the pain. All you need is dried white willow bark (I get mine in powder form from Indigo herbs). Be careful as you cannot take more than 6 tsp a day.
Put 1-2 tsp. in a pot with water and bring to the boil.
Enjoy!
Remember, all herbs should be used responsibly, and it is important to understand that people may react differently to a given substance, and some are known to interact with certain pharmaceuticals. Whenever sourcing your own herbs, ensure correct identification of the plant in question as many useful plants can be confused with harmful ones, sometimes causing deadly consequences. We encourage you to make your own health choices based in accordance to your doctor.
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