Herbal Remedies For Period Pain and other Menstrual Symptoms

Period pains vary across women, which can present a challenge to find the right solutions to alleviate the symptoms. 

Symptoms may range from menstrual cramps to nausea to heavy bleeding – Luckily, herbs can provide all-natural aid almost immediately!

In this post, we’ll dive into 4 herbal remedies that can provide relief for your period pains, their benefits and their side effects. Namely:

• Dog Blood Bush
• Jamaican Blue Vervain
• Cerasee
• Dandelion

Image of Jamaican Dog Blood Bush

Jamaican Dog Blood Bush

Also known as Rivinia Humilis, the Jamaican Dog Blood Bush is recognized for its fertility properties. It is commonly referred to as “a girl’s best friend”, because it mainly improves female reproductive health!

Dog Blood Bush and Menstruation

Inflammation worsens symptoms of PMS, especially cramps and irregularity. Jamaican Dog Blood Bush has very potent anti-inflammation properties -- Which helps to relieve menstrual cramps and minimises the frequency of irregular periods.

The recommended dosage is 1 cup of Dog Blood Bush per day for at least 1 month. Start 3 days before your next period is due, then continue taking daily for 7 days.

 

Dog Blood Bush Benefits

One of the main benefits of using the Dog Blood Bush involves its anti-inflammatory properties – Due to this, the herb reduces inflammation by actively unblocking the fallopian tubes.

It can also:

• Treat fibroids and cysts
• Improve fertility in women
• Reduces infection in cuts, wounds and bruises (when used topically)
• Treats multiple forms of pain – Headaches, muscle spasms and joint pains

Who Should Not Take Dog Blood Bush?

Women who are pregnant are not recommended to take the Dog Blood Bush. This also applies to children and breastfeeding women.

Image of packaged Jamaican Dog Blood Bush - Yaga Lifestyle

Where To Buy

You can purchase your own Dog Blood Bush here – Where it is harvested by hand in the wild Jamaican forest, then air-dried in the shade. Yaga Lifestyle ensures that it retains its healing properties. 

 

BLUE VERVAIN ROOT

Image of Blue Vervain root

Reaped from the foothills of Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, the Blue Vervain plant is one of the most popular herbs on the island. It is considered a ‘super-herb’, as all parts of the plant can be reaped for added benefits.

Blue Vervain And Menstruation

Low estrogen is a significant reason why menstrual symptoms occur every month. These symptoms include breast tenderness, irregular periods, fatigue, mood swings and irritability.

The Blue Vervain plant promotes estrogen by acting as a hormone balancer. Because of its dopamine count, the Blue Vervain also minimizes mood swings and calms the nerves too!

Like Dog Blood Bush, the Blue Vervain also reduces inflammation.

 

Blue Vervain Benefits

Due to its potent nature, the Blue Vervain roots can improve health across the entire body because it:

• Provides additional zinc
• Treats bladder infections
• Eliminates intestinal parasites
• Stimulates the production of breast milk
• Lowers blood sugar and cholesterol

Blue Vervain Side Effects

While this may vary, the most notable side effects of blue vervain are gas and indigestion. These side effects can be avoided by ingesting smaller amounts of the herb.

Who Should Not Take Blue Vervain?

Studies have shown that those with kidney issues are more likely to experience irritated kidneys and inflammation. They are urged to avoid it.

Image of packaged Blue Vervain Root - Yaga Lifestyle

Where To Buy Blue Vervain

Blue Vervain can be purchased directly through Yaga Lifestyle here – Guaranteed to be pure and all-natural!

 

 

CERASEE

Also known as Bitter Melon, Cerasee is the most common herbal remedy used locally!

Its versatility makes it the go-to treatment for lifestyle diseases, stomach issues and some skin deformities. Cerasee is traditionally used for common cold and flu symptoms, like fevers, constipation and upset stomach.

However, it is recommended that cerasee (or cerasee tea) should be consumed no more than 2-3 times per month.

Cerasee And Menstruation

Periods are especially frustrating when progesterone levels are low -- This results in irregular and absent periods.

Cerasee has significant amounts of Vitamin C, which increases progesterone levels when ingested. During menstruation, we lose iron during bleeding, but Vitamin C helps to absorb additional iron.

Cerasee tea is also known for relieving menstrual cramps!

 

Cerasee and Skin Issues

When used externally or topically, Cerasee can minimize the appearance and feeling of rashes, sores, chicken pox, liver spots and skin ulcers. It is also an anti-itch agent.

Cerasee and Autoimmune Diseases

Persons who suffer from rheumatism, high blood pressure and diabetes have reportedly had improved health after taking Cerasee. This herb contains about 3 substances with anti-diabetic properties (like charantin).

Cerasee also purges and purifies the blood, as well as treats parasites and cleanses the colon.

Cerasee Side Effects

Some of the more common side effects of Cerasee affect those who consume too much at a time, specifically:

• Liver damage
• Headache and stomach pains
• Diarrhea and intestinal issues
• Contractions and abortion, in pregnant women
• Low blood sugar levels, especially taken with insulin

Cerasee is also known to cause infertility by dropping the hormone levels and sperm production in women and men respectively.

Who Should Not Take Cerasee?

Pregnant women should avoid taking cerasee, as its properties may induce abortion. It has reportedly caused bleeding, contractions and pregnancy loss.

We strongly advise nursing mothers against taking the herb.

Those who take insulin should also avoid frequent Cerasee use, as it can significantly lower the blood sugar.

Image of Bitter Purge package

Where To Buy Cerasee

While we do not offer Cerasee on its own, we do have a detox fitted with 3 purifying herbs – Bitter Melon (Cerasee), Bitter Wood (Quassia) and Rice Bitters! You can order our all natural detox here.

 

 

DANDELION

The Dandelion is called “Piss-a-bed” locally in Jamaica, and with good reason! This herb is best known for alleviating bladder issues and supporting kidney health. It is also anti-inflammatory.

Dandelion and Menstruation

Studies have shown that chemicals like prostaglandins cause painful period cramps and bleeding, as it triggers uterine spasms.

The Jamaican Dandelion Root contains Vitamin E -- Nature's very own ibuprofen. This effectively blocks the production of prostaglandins and lessens bleeding during menstruation.

A British study found that ingesting Vitamin E supplements (eg: Dandelion) 2 days before a period siginificantly impacts PMS symptoms like cramping and heavy flow.

Dandelion Benefits

The Jamaican Dandelion is also known to:

• Lower high blood pressure
• Lower high cholesterol
• Relieves chronic inflammation
• Supports healthy prostate
• Treats acne, eczema and rashes
• Supports kidney and liver health
• Balances mind and brain – Specifically in the mentally ill.

Dandelion Side Effects

No matter how you choose to consume it, there are some common side effects of Dandelion to look out for.

• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn

Who Should Not Take Dandelion?

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children, should avoid taking Dandelion root, tea or supplements.

If you are scheduled for surgery in two weeks or less, do not consume any Dandelion during the time leading up to it.

Image of Jamaican Dandelion package

WHERE TO BUY

Your best bet is to order Dandelion through Yaga Lifestyle here – We promise that your Dandelion will be 100% all natural, just how your body needs it!

 

 

Which Herb Is Best For My Period Pain?

Menstrual cramps are one of the most frequent and painful period symptoms. Roughly 4 in 5 women have reportedly experienced period pains each year, where the pain severely impacts their lifestyle.

Using all natural remedies like the Dog Blood Bush, Blue Vervain, Cerasee and Dandelion can ease period symptoms and provide pain relief.

Where Cerasee and Dandelion mainly relieve menstrual cramp pains, the Blue Vervain also offers additional benefits – This includes minimizing mood swings and reducing other PMS symptoms. On the other hand, the Dog Blood Bush reduces irregular periods and relieves period cramps too.

Each herb has its own benefits, but the side effects should also be considered. Some can range from minor headaches to liver failure (when used in great quantities). However, taking these herbs in small doses can minimize the risk of their side effects.

If in doubt, our best recommendation is to contact your doctor.

Be sure to grab your preferred herb before next month – Your period will not be the same after your first use!