There’s a natural alternative to Midol, Pamprin and other “time of the month” drugs. If you suffer from painful menstrual cramps, I recommend brewing yourself a steaming mug of cramp bark tea.
It’s not actually the bark (or the berry) of the cramp bark plant that is used to treat cramps; rather, it’s the root of the Highbush Cranberry, harvested at special times of year and dried for future preparation. Fortunately, you can locate cramp bark at most natural health food stores.
Cramp bark contains potent antispasmodic volatile oils (including scopoletin) that are reliably effective against cramps. In fact, if you take a cramp bark decoction and find that you are still suffering from uterine discomfort, you may have an underlying infection or issue that warrants a trip to the doctor.
Because it is a powerful natural muscle relaxant, cramp bark is useful for soothing spasms and related pains in the skeletal muscles, the intestines, and the reproductive tract. As a warning, it should never be taken during pregnancy unless recommended by your physician (it is frequently used to halt early labor). If you suffer from stiffness, neck tension, high blood pressure, and restless leg syndrome, cramp bark may also offer you safe relief from associated discomfort.
You will typically find cramp bark available in tinctures, but the dried root can also be made into a hot decoction. I find the latter to be more soothing during menstruation. Large doses can cause nausea and vomiting; only take cramp bark on an occasional schedule rather than as part of your daily health regimen.
Image: CaroKattie