Hello ladies and gentlemen, today we are going to talk about the infamous “time of the month” or as some of us like to call it, Shark Week, Aunt Flo, The Red Wedding…

That’s right, we are going to be discussing period problems and how to support them naturally.

Let’s face it, periods can be a real pain in the uterus. From cramps to bloating to mood swings, it can be a real struggle. But fear not, there are natural remedies that can help alleviate some of these issues.

Ah, the good old menstrual cramps, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, mood swings, boobs hurt, hating everyone but my cat, crying at cute puppies, yada yada, fart fest. The feeling of someone stabbing you repeatedly in the stomach while you pine for donuts, sleep, rom-coms, and a heating pad. Do all periods have to suck? No, but sometimes they do. Thankfully, there are some natural remedies that can help.

There are a few practical things to start off with.

One solution is to place a heating pad or hot water bottle on the lower abdomen to help relax the muscles and alleviate some of the pain. Alternatively, we can try doing some light exercise or yoga to get blood flowing and loosen up those muscles. Just be careful not to overdo it, or one might end up feeling worse.

Trying to avoid sugar, or at least only eating small amounts of it AFTER we’ve eaten vinegar, vegetables (pickle anyone?), protein, and fat, can be really super helpful for preventing some of the cravings from going haywire and causing more digestive problems.

Drinking plenty of water, sparkling or still, helps to replenish lost fluids and keep everything moving.

Digestive enzymes with Betaine HCL and Ox Bile, with every meal, can help to reduce a lot of gas, bloating, and undigested food, as well as soothe constipation or diarrhea that come with all the pelvic inflammation and hormone processing in our guts.

Getting rest and chilling out a bit is also important and self care routines with hot bathing in epsom salts or doing some sauna can also relieve cramping.

But what else is there? Let’s talk about some handy dandy herbs and supplements that work really well for most women who’ve gone through this struggle for millennia.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Dried or fresh, in a tea, glycerite (my favorite), extract, capsule, pickled, or in food, Ginger is an allstar for period problems. Ginger has natural pain relieving properties and can even calm stomach upset and nausea. It helps quickly with gas and bloating too!

Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex agnus-castus)

Chase tree berry, aka Vitex, is usually found in capsule form of dried herb or extract. Vitex balances hormones by enhancing dopamine, which then suppresses prolactin in the brain, which helps to heal ovarian problems that result in too much estrogen and too little progesterone. This will help lighten periods and reduce cramping. Vitex also helps normalize cycles after stopping oral birth control pills. With this herb, relief may not be immediate, so hang in there while you use this one longer term.

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)

Dong Quai is usually in capsules of dried herb or in tinctures or blends made for period problems. Dong Quai is a pain reliever that helps take down cramps and smooth out the circulatory flow so there aren’t as many clots. It is indicated for conditions including amenorrhea, irregular menses, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, infertility, anemia, fatigue, and menopausal symptoms. Dong Quai is also a liver protective herb that is safe for long term use. Not to mention it can help with the dreaded period constipation!

Magnesium Glycinate

This salt compound is found in a capsule or tablet, is a super-absorbable, gentle form of magnesium that has the added bonus of the calming amino acid glycine. Not only does this help with cramping, digestion, mood, sleep, and absorption of vitamin D3, but magnesium is involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions throughout the body! For PMS insomnia or perimenopause, one can even add pure Glycine (cap or powder) on top of their Magnesium Glycinate at bedtime for extra sleepy time goodness.

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)

Black Cohosh is often found in herbal blends but can be taken on its own in a capsule or tincture, and is often used in perimenopause when estrogen is fluctuating wildly. But, what is a bad period if not estrogen fluctuating wildly?? This herb is great at soothing spasm and pain in the uterine muscle and is also used for PMS with anxiety, irritability, nerve pain, and even neck aches, headaches, and postpartum depression. If a woman happens to have a cough or bronchitis during bad PMS, Black Cohosh helps with that too, soothing the cough and calming body aches. We could write a whole article about the many uses of this fantastic herb!

Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

Shepherd’s Purse is usually in blends of herbs for heavy menstrual flow. This herb is what is known as a styptic, which helps to slow or stop bleeding when applied topically, like to hemorrhoids or an open wound, for example. But with menstruation, Shepherd’s Purse is taken orally and works on the uterus by stimulating uterine contractions to increase tone and decrease bleeding. It is a mild diuretic to help relieve the swelling that can occur in the pelvic organs.

So there you have it, folks, some natural remedies to help address those pesky period problems. Just remember, every woman is different, so what works for one might not work for another. But hopefully, these tips will help make your period a little less scary and a little more manageable!

It is important to remember that while herbal or natural remedies can be beneficial for some women with period problems, they may not be appropriate or effective for everyone. It is always recommended to talk to your healthcare provider before trying any new supplements or herbal remedies, especially if you are currently taking medications or have underlying medical conditions.

Your doctor can help determine if anything mentioned here is safe and appropriate for you based on your individual health history and current medications. They can also provide guidance on proper dosing, potential side effects, and any interactions with other medications.

So, if you’re considering trying herbal remedies or natural supplements for menstrual issues, make sure to have an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider first. Your health is important, and working with your doctor can help ensure that you are receiving the most appropriate and effective treatment for your specific needs.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns about your health, including any issues related to female health and hormones. Your doctor can provide a comprehensive evaluation and personalized recommendations based on your individual needs and medical history. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment based on information provided here or elsewhere.