Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is a well-known Chinese herb that can help to prevent menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) by regulating the menstrual cycle. It is considered to be the premier women’s tonic herb by Chinese herbalists and is prescribed to ease menstrual difficulties and maintain reproductive health. Dong quai has muscle relaxing and pain relieving properties and has an overall balancing effect on the reproductive system. Researchers have identified phytoestrogens (plant hormones) in dong quai that help to regulate hormones.
This popular herb is found in many herbal formulas for women. For best results, it should be taken over a long period of time-at least three to six months. Dong quai is non-toxic, but do not take it during menstruation, because it stimulates bleeding. Take the herb during the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle, discontinue the week before menstruation begins and during the week of menstruation, and then resume the dosage. Dong quai has an earthy, spicy-sweet flavor and is available in a variety of forms-as an extract, in capsules, and as a sliced root for making teas. Drink three cups of tea daily, or take one-half teaspoon of extract or two capsules three times a day. Dong quai can also be taken in the form of a delicious tonic soup, which is the traditional way of using the herb.
Herbs are excellent for relieving mild to moderate menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), but more severe menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) call for extra help. Hot compresses placed over the abdomen, massage with essential oils, and hot aromatherapy baths relax tense muscles and bring circulation to the pelvic area. Several essential oils are especially helpful for easing cramps.
Marjoram has sedative and pain relieving properties and also stimulates menstrual flow. It increases local circulation and relaxes the nervous system and the muscles. It has a warm, herbaceous, slightly sweet scent.
Lavender relieves nervous tension and is soothing and balancing. It also helps to regulate menstruation and has mild pain relieving properties. It has a floral, herbaceous fragrance.
Ginger has warming, stimulating properties that help to encourage sluggish menstrual flow. It is also an antispasmodic and helps to ease cramping. Ginger has a warm, spicy scent. Use ginger sparingly-no more than 3 drops to one ounce of carrier oil.
Cramp-Ease Massage Oil
3 drops marjoram essential oil
4 drops lavender essential oil 3 drops ginger essential oil
1 ounce almond oil
Combine oils in a dark glass bottle and shake well. Store tightly capped in a cool, dark place.
Massage approximately one teaspoon of this oil over your abdomen and lower back twice a day to relieve menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). You can intensify the action of the essential oils by placing a hot water bottle over your abdomen. Hot compresses made from the same essential oil blend are also helpful. Add 3 drops of marjoram, 4 drops of lavender, and 3 drops of ginger essential oils to a basin of hot water, soak a thin cotton dish-towel in the water, and wring it out. Place the hot, wet towel over your abdomen and cover with a thick, dry towel to retain the heat. Change the hot towel as soon as it begins to cool down, replacing it with a fresh hot towel. Continue placing hot compresses over the abdomen for 15 to 30 minutes.
Hot baths are wonderful for relaxing the body and mind and easing menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). Add 10 drops of lavender and 4 drops of marjoram essential oils to a bathtub of comfortably hot water and soak for 20 minutes.
For additional muscle relaxing properties, add two cups of Epsom salts, which are rich in magnesium, a natural muscle relaxing mineral. Hot sitz baths are also excellent for relieving uterine cramps. Add 5 drops of lavender essential oil and 2 drops of marjoram essential oil to the sitz bath if desired.
